Most of my relatives come from Cornwall. My mother and father were born there. Although they were from the south coast, we spent some holidays around Hayle. When I was growing up, Cornwall was a lot quieter and less commercialised than it is now. There’s something magical about the place. Nowadays, I avoid going down in the school holidays, although this year I was down in July as we spread my uncle’s ashes on Charlestown beach, where he played as a boy. The best time to go is May when the rhododendrons and camelias are flowering, but that clashes with the Challenge. Best wishes for the rest of your LEJOG.

Thank you Robin. It is a lovely part of the country.

I knew the school holidays would produce the crowds, but the time of year was fixed due to work commitments.

Well done Lindy! Enjoyed your write-up. I did the first half (SW Coastal path Penzance to Padstow) some years ago early in April when it was all nice and quiet. I remember Zennor to St Ives for all its hilly bits! When's the next stage going to be?

That was a wonderful read Lindy! I felt all the highs and lows, you write so beautifully.
I was born in Barnstaple, but we moved north when I was around six months old and I've never been back.
Thank you for sharing :blush:

My first proper backpacking trip was from Barnstaple. Around the coast to Lynmouth and then inland to Exford and Dulverton. Lovely part of the country.

Perhaps I'll 'back' sometime :wink: