Following directions from a couple of locals I find the narrow opening which leads to the beginning of the coast path – right bang smack next to the entrance to the caravan site. 

As is so often the case the coast path has crumbled at Polkerris so I head out of town on a narrow road with no pavements. Fortunately I soon discover a footpath sign peeping up above the hedge and a stile which I cross over into rolling fields. The stile is marked with a Celtic cross, a sign used for the “Saints Way”, a 27 mile path from Padstow to Fowey.

I have left London very early this morning to get to Fowey in time to walk to Polkerris before sunset. My legs take a while to shake off the stiffness of a long train journey but I soon fall into the regular pace of road walking, through Readymoney Cove and up onto the cliffs –  bypassing St. Catherine’s Castle as I am conscious of the late start.

My taxi drops me at Talland Bay where I finished yesterday and I head up the path which rises steeply up onto the cliffs. Both my boots and I are praying that it will not rain today as the cracks in the leather are now widening – it is misty at the moment but will clear up later I hope.

The walk up and out of Portwrinkle is very steep and there is a slight drizzle – I stop to ask directions of an old lady who looks a lot like my Welsh grandmother and we have a little moan about the weather. 

Right outside my window the Cawsand ferry awaits in the morning mist – I walk down the ramp in a gentle drizzle.