Our RVP for today's walk was from the centre of the sleepy South Hams village of Kingston and we had the perfect start with a cup of coffee and a slice of homemade cake from the village hall - that only sells such delights on a Tuesday! We needed this boost as the weather was 'challenging' for the whole route.
Strangely the roads leading to Kingston were dry, however, this was to change dramatically as we crossed open fields, with wind and rain soon our blustering companions for the rest of the day. Wildflowers, grasses, and growing crops were fighting to stay upright in the wind, or maybe practicing for the village Coronation Bow as we progressed to Ringmore where unfortunately the local pub was shut today - at least we had already had a cuppa to keep us going.
From Ringmore we had a little upward road to traverse before taking a long downward National Trust gravel path down to Ayrmer Cove where the wild westerly wind hit us side-on. No chance to stop on the coast for another cuppa along this stretch as pored liquids crablike only moved sideways.
We were now on the coastal path proper, heading to the mouth of the Erme and Wonwell Beach which seemed like the only possible point of salvation from the ever-increasing wind/rain that was determined to knock us down. Still, we were determined too, conquering some seriously steep up and down sections of path to make it to Wonwell, to be on the leeward side of the wind where we tucked into our belated food goodies and cuppas whilst watching a distant windsurfer moving like xxxx off a shovel across the foaming water and soaring seabirds over the estuary sands.
Suitably fuelled up, we crossed the beach and followed the shoreline until we reached a boat access ramp and up to the beach access road and another steep path that took us up through woods just waiting to show off this spring's bluebell flowers and pungent wild garlic. Crossing further fields at the top of the woods, we were soon on the road leading back to the village to take off our wet kit in the only bus shelter that only has one bus a week on, again, a Tuesday!
Special thanks to Colin for kindly chauffeuring us all today, to Mike for getting us all a 'frothy coffee', to Jane for the lovely cakes, to photographer Jon for spotting that cakes were available, and to Brenda for inspiring determination.
Charlie