Day 4 Blisland to Altarnun - 15.9 miles

It was a misty damp start to the morning as I headed up steep lanes leading to the edge of Bodmin moor.I had been warned not to attempt the crossing if it was very wet or foggy. I eventually found the foot path I needed at Penwood house that leads onto the remote part of the moor. Fairly soon a rustic looking farmhouse was reached at Lower Candra where the landscape is littered with large granite stones. An open stretch of moorland then leads to  King Arthur's Downs where the ancient rectangular compound of standing stones known as King Arthur's Hall is located. Onward I travelled now too far onto the moor to turn back as I headed on a compass bearing to Garrow farm. Located at the foot of Garrow Tor it is  a remote and spooky place. I have rarely felt so much alone. From the deserted Garrow farm the path now crosses a stream and follows the base of Butter's Tor before crossing another stream and climbing the flank of Brown Willy . From part way up and with the aid of binoculars I could see the old stone wall I needed to follow that would lead me to Tolborough Tor and the old footpath back to Jamaica Inn where I could have a lunch stop. I made my way across boggy moorland, crossed a stream and clambered over a fence and soon I was heading towards civilisation for a while.After lunch it was back to the moors again and I headed northwards to pick up a small road at Westmoorgate that would eventually take me to Altarnun where I would stay at the pub.
I  arrived safely after what had been a bit of an adventure and had a bath to soak off the days mud.

Day 3 Indian Queens to Blisland - 20.3 miles

It was time to say goodbye to Jon and we parted company at the Iron age hill fort of Castle-an -Dinas a few miles out of Indian Queens. Jon was catching the train back to Suffolk and I was heading to Blisland on the edge of Bodmin moor.As we reached the top of the old fort we saw two Cuckoos take off and I later heard them calling as I headed away down the hill. It was strange to be alone again and the footpath crossed farmland and eventually a moorland area. I eventually reached St Wenn and via Nanstallon to join the Camel trail at Boscarne junction where the old steam railway still runs.From then on my route followed the river Camel along the cycleway know as the Camel Trail. This passes through quiet valleys with primrose banks and wood Anemones carpeting the forest

floor. Eventually the trail comes to an end and you start to climb into the hills at Merry Meeting and Blisland. I found my B and B and befriended the resident cat, had a shower and headed back to the pub at Blisland for my evening meal. What a friendly pub it was, great food and excellent beer. After eating I headed back and had an early night as tomorrow was going to be a testing day and one that filled me with some apprehension.

Day 2 Truro to Indian Queens -16 miles

I thought I was an early riser till I met Jon. He had been up with the crack of dawn to explore the river Allen long before we gathered for breakfast at 8.30. Over breakfast we planned our route, talked about the local wildlife and our cycling heroes before we hit the road. We headed out of Truro along the river Allen looking for brown trout on our way. Eventually we reached St Clement's wood the site of an old gunpowder works and a haven for wildlife. Heading onwards into the Cornish lanes we stopped at Trispen for lunch and then onwards to Mitchell and St Enoder. The afternoon was warm and my under ware was giving me a bit of trouble. It was  then that I learned from Jon of the benefits of pure cotton as under ware product and have never looked back since! Eventually after what seemed like ages we reached our B and B at Indian Queens. Jon was beginning to flag but as he reminded me I had eaten all his luxury cereal bars and left him with a bag of nuts. Indian Queens is not only a strange name but a strange place! A place of bland buildings with very little to commend it apart from the fish and chip shop. I decided to have a soak in the bath when I heard  raised voices, Jon had been told off for having his TV too loud. We never did see the master of the house again but from that point in time Jon took a  instant

dislike to him. Morning came and we were both glad to leave the charms of Indian Queens for a quick visit too Gnome world on its outskirts. Apparently Jon is a big fan of Gnomes so at least that cheered him up!

Day 1 Helston to Truro -15.5 miles

Monday started overcast as Alison dropped me off in the car park near the pub at Wendron. I sorted out my back pack and headed out into the Cornish lanes .After I had travelled two miles  it started to rain. That sort of rain that is just heavy enough to need waterproofs yet you feel somewhat overdressed for the occasion. My route was a mixture of minor roads and public footpaths that would take me eventually to the cathedral city of Truro. I crossed many Cornish stone stiles careful not to fall off them has I had  previously done in Somerset's Mendip hills. Cows rushed to greet me as I walked next to them, half excited and yet afraid. As I neared Truro the rain eased and I descended into town centre  had a coffee  and  some chocolate cake. I sorted my self out and checked out how to get to my B and B. Have you ever noticed when you find somewhere quiet to sit somebody always joins you and moves in on your space. I found my B and B and tried to use the shower but could not get it to work.Moving down the hallway I found another shower  which I managed to get working

with all sorts of wonderful shower gels. All was well with the world and the first day was over. Jon had travelled down from Suffolk to walk with me to Indian Queens the next day so we had a meal and explored the local area. The weather forecast for tomorrow promised a brighter day so it was time for an early night. 

Only 2 Weeks to my Big walk Begins

Just a reminder that my Big Walk from Helston to Crediton a distance of 112 miles begins on  Monday the 21st April 2013.

You can follow my progress  each day on this Blog . If you would like to donate to the charity I am supporting on my walk please click on the following link.http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-Harris11