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Monday 27th March 2006
Start: Home, Mileage 0000
For a while I felt I'd been round the whole country.. except the South-East and South-West. Yes I'd been to Bristol and Bath, but that wasn't South-West enough for me! It was time to take my tent on a whistle-stop tour of the areas I'd never been to before. And yes, I've always wanted to go to Torquay!!
As always, I had a rough idea where I wanted to go to, and even when (for once!) So I started off going the wrong way round the M25 (until I realised after 2 junctions - oops!) as I headed for Canterbury and it's famous cathedral. I was surprisingly disappointed.
Next stop was Dover and the White-cliffs. I really enjoyed sitting above the ferry terminal listening to the hustle and bustle below as I ate my lunch! I even went for a little walk! (Was a bit blustery and I had an agenda to stick to!!!) I had intended to go to Dover Castle whilst there, but decided it was out of my budget when I saw the price. My sister assures me it would have been worth it.
I headed for Hastings the long way, by-passing Folkestone amongst other places in the South-East. When I got to the beach, the wind was still blowing strong, so I decided to fore-go the climb to even dizzier heights for the sake of an old ruin! So I headed for Battle instead.
I reached Battle just after the grounds had closed. Slightly disappointing in that respect, but I still really enjoyed my hour or so there. Some very nice souvenir shops caught my eye before I felt it was time to move on and find somewhere to pitch my tent for the night.
I finally found somewhere to pitch my tent in the form of Bat & Ball Camping and Caravans around 9pm. The ground was sodden due to recent floods, and I pitched on a stoney area. I was shattered and so went to bed pretty much soon as my tent was up. (This was no easy chore since the resident cat decided to 'help' me out with this!!)
Tuesday 28th March 2006
Start: Wisborough Green (Billinghurst), Mileage 284
After a good nights sleep, I arose and prepared to go to Winchester via Petworth Park (which was closed!). I'd chosen Winchester as my mid-South destination as I'd never been before and it looked like there was a lot to see and do (from past leaflets I'd picked up for the area). I was far from disappointed!
Winchester was impressive from the start. I'd picked up a couple more tourist leaflets whilst I waited for the park and ride bus and decided to do King Arthur's Walk. As this started at the tourist information office, I managed to pick up a nice glossy brochure on Winchester (which reminded me of countless University Prospectuses in layout and size!) whilst there, plus a few more leaflets - all completely free!
During my walk of this fine city I visited Winchester Cathedral with which I was suitably impressed. I also went above the Kingsgate to the church of St Swithun. Another sight not to miss should you go to Winchester! I also walked amongst the castle ruins and went into the Great Hall. My time in Winchester finished with a walk up St Giles' Hill from where I could see the whole of my new-found favourite city.
From Winchester, I headed across the Salisbury Plains and down to Torquay. I felt a little shrill of excitment as I neared it! Unfortunately for me, there was no-where to pitch my tent for the night en-route, so I indulged in a night at Fairmount House Hotel, a Bed and Breakfast, instead. I finally checked in around 9pm after exploring every possible camping avenue I could find. I then picked up some tourist leaflets and made my way to the harbour (via Torre Abbey) in the dark and managed to loose my way back!
Wednesday 29th March 2006
Start: Torquay, Mileage 560
The Bed and Breakfast was 5 minutes walk from Cockington Crafts, so after a good feed, I made it my first port of call for the day. I enjoyed walking around the crafts, but my favourite bit has to have been the church at Cockington. It's so lovely and peaceful to look around.
I walked straight from Cockington to the harbour in search of souvenirs. Not all the shops were open, but I didn't mind.
Once I made it back to the Bed and Breakfast, I collected my car and headed for Babbacombe Model Village, going the scenic route as recommended by Wendy at the Bed and Breakfast. It was well worth the journey and I thoroughly enjoyed the vast array of items on display.
From Torquay, I made my way through Torbay in order to catch the ferry to Dartmouth. This involved a gorgeous scenic route followed by a short crossing which made me think I was going to Balamory! Once I got to Dartmouth, I made my way to the castle. I didn't stop long due to a lack of parking spaces!
After Dartmouth, was Plymouth. I'd hit rush hour by now and so stopped by the port to consider my next course of action and have something to eat before moving on. I crossed the border into Cornwall and made my search for a campsite as I neared St Austell. I was far from disappointed when, in the pouring rain, I discovered Pine Green Caravan and Camping Park,a fantastic site just off Bodmin Moor! Yes it was raining, and yes I could hear the night animals (plus sheep!) all night, but I wasn't confronted by the Beast of Bodmin Moor and so slept safely in my tent at night!
Thursday 30th March 2006
Start: Doublebois (Liskeard), Mileage 606
I made my way to the Eden Project with the aim of getting there for the opening at 10am. I got there a bit later but somehow managed to avoid any queues there may have been!
I was slightly disappointed with what I'd paid for. I had a marvoulous time outside the domes looking at the 'local' displays.. but there were still a fair few bare patches amongst this. The tropical biodome was good and had some fun displays. Then I went in the temperate biodome which felt pretty pointless to me! I ended my time in "The Core" which is an information point, but not even that lifted my spirits. Having said this, I would definately go again but at a different time of year, dragging someone else along with whom to share the experience!
My next stop was a very brief stop at Truro in order to see the Cathedral. It was pleasant enough, but by this point I felt one Norman Cathedral was much like another.
I had intended to go by ferry to St Michael's Mount, but arrived 10 minutes after the last ferry left! Marazion offered some wonderful sun-set views of the island so I hadn't totally wasted my time by stopping there.
Naturally I went to Lands End. I'd have been foolish not to considering the miles I'd travelled thus far! It was very blustery so I kept to the pathways as I searched in vain for the infamous Lands End to John O'Groats signpost. I finally spotted it (as I was preparing to leave) in the window of one of the shops there!
By this time I was quite touristed out. I made my way North and far up the Atlantic Highway in search of a campsite once more. I found one less plush than the one from the previous night, pitched my tent, and slept. I was shattered!
Friday 1st April 2006
Start: near Wadebridge, Mileage 771
I woke much later than planned(!) and made my way to Tintagel Castle. It's another place I'd recommend going to... unless you don't like walking! I had immense fun walking amongst the ruins in the wind and the rain. I even walked to the church and back whilst up there!
I didn't plan to go anywhere else that day, opting instead to enjoy the scenery, as I was due to make my way to a night of luxury (curtesy of a friend) in Cirencester. Having never been to the Cotswolds, I was looking forward to it.
Saturday 2nd April 2006
Start: Cirencester, Mileage 996
Having walked around Cirencester, I can vouch that it's another wonderful city to visit with a gorgeous little church to match.
We only visited one Cotswold village: Bibury. It was as scenic as you'd expect from the Cotswolds. We almost had a cream tea there, but I opted instead for coffee and walnut cake with a mug of hot chocolate. Delicious!!
I made my way to my parents that evening for a well deserved day of rest before heading back to Ipswich for work on Monday. I now feel like I've glanced at every corner of the country, but there are parts I would like to go back and re-visit.
End Mileage: 1186
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