Stepping up to the South West Coast Path Challenge 2016.

Following the inaugural South West Coast Path Challenge in 2015, the next great stomp for charity kicks off on Saturday for a month-long series of events to raise funds to help protect this National Trail.

Organised by the South West Coast Path Association in partnership with the National Trust, registered participants are invited to set their own challenge or take part in one of the organised walks taking place throughout October.

Beginning with a 10-mile walk from Minehead to Porlock on Saturday (1^st October), around 70 people are taking part, completing the first leg of the 630-mile route that provides continuous coastal access around the entire south west peninsula.

Among the participants are 14 school children from Wellington School. Their teacher, Mr Nigel Smith said:

“Wellington School are proud to support the Association’s Challenge as the students use the path for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and believe that it is vital to protect and preserve the path for future generations to enjoy.”

A husband and wife team have joined forces with their friends as part of their own challenge to eventually walk the entire 630-mile length of the South West Coast Path.

Keith Bailey said:

“I started my journey walking from South Haven Point in Dorset, the official end point of the Coast Path. The Minehead Challenge gives my wife Wendy and I the opportunity to walk the first section and so our future walks will now fill in the gaps in between.”

“Fundraising to enable the volunteers and teams to continue their amazing work is essential - particularly as government and local authority budgets come under increasing strain. I and my fellow team members are looking forward to contributing, albeit in a small way, to the continued funding needs whilst having an enjoyable day together on the Somerset coastline.”

Setting off from the start marker in Minehead, the route takes in the rugged moorland countryside and the highest coastline in England. Highlights include the stunning Exmoor scenery and a chance to spot rare plants and animals, including red deer.

You’ll witness the evidence of coastal erosion, where the 6000 year old shingle ridge across Porlock Bay was breached, resulting in dramatic flooding of the fields behind at each high tide to form Porlock Weir, where the walk ends.

If that gives you a taste for this coastal odyssey, you can join another 10-mile walk from Durlston to South Haven Point at the end of the month on Saturday 29^th October.

Last year’s event saw more than 700 people clocking up around 9,000 miles and raising thousands of pounds in sponsorship. It is hoped that this record will be beaten and with more than 300 people taking place this weekend alone, it’s on track for success.

Money raised will go towards Path improvement projects to help protect the coastline for future generations. It costs at least £1,000 to maintain just 1 mile of Coast Path, plus an additional £2,000 for the Trust to take care of the land the surrounds it.

Funding for the trail has been in sharp decline for the past five years and it’s this motivating factor, to help plug the funding gap, that has inspired many of its rangers and National Trust staff to step up to the Challenge and organise their own events on the land that they care for on a daily basis. 

 South West Coast Path Challenge 2016 -  Photo Porlock Weir copyright Andreas Byrne (All Rights Reserved)

For further information and to take part visit the Association’s website at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/challenge 

or call 01752 896237. 

Registration costs from £10 per person and you’ll receive a fundraising pack and a Challenge 2016 t-shirt.  

Follow news of the Challenge @SWCoastPath #630challenge and on Facebook/southwestcoastpath

Are you up for a South West Coast Path Challenge?

Take part in the South West Coast Path Challenge this October to break the world record for the number of times we can walk or run the Path in one month! CREATE your own Challenge or JOIN an organised Challenge to raise funds for Path repairs and improvements. 

South West Coast Path Challenge 1st October-29th October 2016
Organised Event Locations and dates:

• Minehead – Saturday 1st October
• East Portlemouth – Sunday 2nd October
• Kingswear – Friday 14th October
• Swanage – Saturday 29th October 

Event Size: 30 and up (this refers to number on organised walks)

Price: £10 Organised Challenge
or Self-led Challenge, £40 Organised 17.5 Mile Trail Running Challenge

South West Coast Path Challenge

to raise funds for Path repairs and improvements

1st October-29th October 2016

Contact 
Telephone: 01752 896237  
Email: challenge@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Please check the website for further details and updates: www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge

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South West Coast Path Association

7 Bowker House, Lee Mill Bridge, Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9EF, England

Coast Path Challenge gets underway on the Exmoor coast from Minehead to Porlock Weir

The South West Coast Path Challenge in October 2015 is a new fundraising event, which aims to set a new record for the number of times people can walk or run the Coast Path in one month. Participants can create their own challenge or join one of four organised 10 mile challenge walks – every miles counts!
 

On Saturday 3rd October, the first 10 mile Challenge kicks off on the Exmoor coast – the official start of the South West Coast Path. Setting off from the start marker in Minehead, the route takes in the rugged moorland countryside and the highest coastline in England. Highlights include the stunning Exmoor scenery and a chance to spot rare plants and animals, including red deer. Hear the call of the stag during the mating season and see the evidence of coastal erosion, where the 6000 year old shingle ridge across Porlock Bay was breached, resulting in dramatic flooding of the fields behind at each high tide to form Porlock Weir, where the walk ends.
 

Hayley Partridge, South West Coast Path Events Officer says;
“I am really looking forward to what is gearing up to be an exciting month-long event full of inspirational challenges that people have pledged to help protect the Coast Path. The Minehead to Porlock Weir stretch is a great way to kick start the challenge month, taking in the highest point on the Coast Path at Great Hangman.”

Money raised will go towards Path improvement projects to help protect the coastline for future generations. It costs at least £1,000 to maintain just 1 mile of Coast Path and it needs help. The South West Coast Path Challenge is organised by the South West Coast Path Association, with the National Trust as a charity partner as part of its coastal celebrations in 2015.

Subsequent 10 mile Challenges take place on the 10th October along the south Cornwall coast, from Gunwalloe to Lizard Point; on the 17th October, a Barefoot run will take place in South Devon; on the 24th in Plymouth from Admiral’s Hard to Mount Batten Centre and on 31st October from Durlston Head to South Haven Point.
 

All of the organised walking routes include parking at the finish and transportation to the start of the walk. It costs £20 to register for the organised walks and £10 for an individual challenge. Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge and share your challenge on social networks using #Challenge630

Fundraising tip: Aim to raise at least £10 through sponsorship. Walk 10 miles and get 10 friends to sponsor you 10p a mile!

WIN! - Entrants to the Challenge can take part in a competition to win a Go Pro Camera. All you have to do is pledge your support on social media using the event hashtag #Challenge630 Find out more via the event registration page.

For inspiration about how to create your own Challenge, visit the event registration page as above. It can be anything from 1 mile to 100 miles or the entire 630 mile route if you see fit. Here’s a couple of short walks on the Coast Path in Somerset:

• The Hangmen Hills, Exmoor (4.7 miles) A challenging but inspiring walk on the highest point on the Exmoor coast that amply rewards the effort involved, with far-reaching views over coast and hills, through an area rich in history.·
•  Heddon's Mouth, Somerset (2.1 miles) A challenge for those with limited mobility – made easier with a Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter which can be hired from the National Trust at Heddon Valley and used to explore many of the paths in the area.

To be inspired to step out on the Coast Path, take a moment and enjoy the National Trust South West Coast film: http://bit.ly/coastfilm

Autumn on North Hill Photo copyright Bob Small (All rights reserved)

Follow in the footsteps of Monty Halls on a Coast Path Adventure and win a GoPro Hero4 camera

Fancy a challenge? Join Monty Halls for an adventure as part of the South West Coast Path Challenge this October and get creative by making a pledge on social media for a chance to win a Go Pro Hero4 camera - the ultimate tool for recording your adventures.

As Patron of the month-long fundraising event, TV adventurer Monty Halls has created a video blog that sets out his challenge and nominates three friends to join him.

The South West Coast Path Association is leading on the event alongside the National Trust with the aim to raise vital funds for improvements on the Coast Path. Both charities are encouraging the millions of people that visit the coast every year, to challenge their friends and families to take part and share their experience on social media by tagging their posts with #Challenge630.

All posts using words, pictures or video along with the hashtag, will be in with a chance to win a prize at the end of the month with the winner chosen by Monty. The more creative the post the better the chances of winning and this can be on Twitter, Facebook or Youtube.

Alongside video blogs, picture entries can include a selfie beside a beautiful view, footprints in the sand or a simple pair of boot clad feet, anything that represents people enjoying the Coast Path's access to the sea and reinforcing the idea of the old adage; ‘take only pictures, leave only footprints…’

How to create your own video blog

To create a simple video using your smartphone, which can be anything from a 6 second Vine loop to a 30-second video on Youtube, Facebook or Twitter, here’s a quick start guide to what to include:

Step 1: Introduce yourself and let us know what your challenge is going to be.

Why are you doing this particular challenge? e.g., - it brings back memories of family walks or this is my favourite beach and I’ve never set foot along this particular stretch of coastline.

Step 2: Remind people what it's for, e.g., - to help protect the coastline. You can fundraise for your own nominated charity if you wish but you still need to register your challenge for just £10 and we will share your post if it includes #Challenge630

Step 3: Nominate three friends to join you - if they're on Facebook, Twitter or Youtube, tag them into your post. If not, let them know by other means.

Step 4: Sign off by asking your nominated friends: What will your challenge be?

If you're not using social media, you can still take part in the competition. Simply create your video or picture story and send it to us via email at hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Don’t forget to put #Challenge630 in the subject line. We'll add it to our Youtube Playlist and share it on our Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages.

Monty at home in Dartmouth pledging his support for the Coast Path. 
 

Deadline to enter the competition: Midnight 31st October – a pledge can be made right up until the last minute – so if you decide to do something on October 31st you can create your pledge and fulfil your challenge in the same day.

It costs at least £1,000 to look after just 1-mile of Coast Path and it needs your help.

Full terms and conditions can be viewed on the #Challenge630 competition page at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge/challenge-630

Step up to the South West Coast Path Challenge

The countdown has begun with just one month to go before the South West Coast Path Challenge kicks off in October. The event, backed by TV adventurer Monty Halls, aims to set a new world record for the number of times the Coast Path can be covered in one month while raising funds to protect the coastline for future generations.

Monty said:

"My pledge as part of the South West Coast Path Challenge month is to sea kayak to Scabbacombe and run the 5 miles of Coast Path back to Dartmouth." 

“I am a huge fan of the South West Coast Path - some of my happiest memories have been running and walking it, and it snakes right past my house in Dartmouth. I feel it’s one of the most miraculous trails in Europe.”

Taking part in the South West Coast Path Challenge month is a great way of spending time with the family in the great outdoors, keeping fit and healthy, while getting a sense of achievement at the same time. Whether you want to tackle a short but demanding section, or take on the whole 630 miles, there’s a walk out there for all ages and levels of ability, and unlike the gym, you won’t have to pay a penny. Be warned, though – it is seriously addictive!

Create your own Challenge from 1 mile to 100 miles or take in the entire 630-mile route - every mile counts! For inspiration visit the website where you can find out what other people have pledged and choose from a tailor-made itinerary, or you can join one of four organised 10 mile Challenge events taking place throughout October including:

• 3rd October - Minehead to Porlock Weir, North Devon and Exmoor
• 10th October - Gunwalloe to Lizard Point, Cornwall
• 24th October - Admiral’s Hard to Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth
• 31st October - Durlston Country Park and Castle to South Haven Point, Dorset

All of the organised walking routes include parking at the finish and transportation to the start of the walk. Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge

The South West Coast Path Association is leading on the Challenge event in partnership with the National Trust as part of its coastal celebrations and to help raise much needed funds to maintain the coastal scenery enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. It costs at least £1,000 to look after just 1-mile of Coast Path and it needs your help.

Mark Harold, Regional Director of the National Trust says;

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Association on their flagship event as part of our coastal festival celebrations this year and look forward to seeing how many miles we can clock up in one month.”

 Photo copyright Richard Taylor (All rights reserved)

Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/swcp-challenge and share your challenge on social networks using #Challenge630

Fundraising tip: Aim to raise at least £10 through sponsorship. Walk 10 miles and get 10 friends to sponsor you 10p a mile!

WIN! - Entrants to the Challenge can take part in a competition to win a Go Pro Camera. All you have to do is pledge your support on social media using the event hashtag #Challenge630

For more chances to win, get creative by posting a short video of your pledge on Youtube, Twitter or Facebook and nominate three of your friends to step up to the challenge. To see what other challenges people have pledged and find out more about how to enter the competition, visit the Challenge event registrationpage.

Click here to check out Monty's video pledge on Youtube 

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For more information about the South West Coast Path Association visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

To be inspired to step out on the Coast Path, take a moment and enjoy the National Trust South West Coast film: http://bit.ly/coastfilm

May Flowers bring some late Spring Zing.

As we head towards the end of May I look back on the glorious weather during the middle of the month. I am always out taking photos, recording the seasons, whatever the weather, and it was fantastic to see the sun bringing a little late Spring zing to the North Devon Coast and Countryside. It’s my favourite time of year when the Hawthorn blossoms and the wild flowers fight for the light in leafy woodland glades. This is the time when white rules. Cow Parsley stands stall above the Ramsons, Greater Stitchwort and Woodruff. Large White butterflies flirt and flutter from flower to flower. Today a little hint of colour is added from the first spurt of fresh green leaves on the old gnarled trees, unfurling Fronds, teeny Speedwell, Early Purple Orchid, Red Campion, Tufted Vetch and of course Bluebells and that’s just on the verges on track down through the Valley. Below,  on the meadows, beside the South West Coast Path, there are Cuckoo Flowers, Clover and creeping Buttercup while spiky Bugle, Ribwart Plaintain and Common Sorrel race to keep their  heads above the rising Bracken.

Queen Anne's Lace

Hawthorne Blossom, Cuckoo Flower, Ramsons, Red Campion, Bluebells, Early Purple Orchid

 Bugle, Common Sorrel and Plaintain heralding the start of Summer

New vista over Bideford Bay

• Cow Parsley a member of the Carrot family otherwise known as Queen Anne’s Lace
• Common Sorrel is an important larval food plant of the Small Copper Butterfly.
• Cuckoo Flower  otherwise known as Lady’s Smock food plant of the Orange Tip Butterfly

Pebble Dash and Rainbow over the Ridge, Westward Ho!

February roared in like a lion as the UK, the South West and the North Devon Coast in particular was pounded once again by gale-force winds and thundering seas which coincided with high Spring Tides on Saturday the 1st February. The waves were so huge that sea walls cracked on the promenade at Westward Ho! and the Pebble Ridge was breached for the second time. The area behind the Pebble Ridge, known as the Northam Burrows Country Park was therefore flooded and this included the links course of the Royal North Devon Golf Club. The Slipway withstood the pounding, not so lucky was the Adventure Play Ground and Go-Kart Track which was decimated, splattered once again with marine debris and pebbles. Such was the power of the waves that the pebbles and boulders were tossed high and wide also filling in the passageway to the Southwest Coast Path section of the Burrows itself. Sunday the wind had dropped and the sun came out briefly enabling people to venture on the beach at last. Rain squalls were followed by a rainbow. It was a race against time and tide as the diggers dashed up and down the beach, scooping pebbles up from one of the Pebble Ridge and dumping them back down to repack the area which was breached just beyond the slipway. The car park and toilets were closed again but the Slipway Takeaway thankfully remained unscathed and was open for business as usual. Here is a slide show of pictures taken on the Sunday 2nd February, you can also view them on FLICKR .Article and photos 2nd February copyright Pat Adams

Crash, Bang, Wallop. Surging into the New Year

I'm hunkered down writing this while the wind is howling outside, the birds have nipped off to the safety of the hedges and the trees so it’s a good job I did the Big Garden Birdwatch Survey this morning. Crash bang wallop, what a start to the New Year. The interminable rain caused rivers to break their banks, rainbows followed the rain, there were giant hailstones and lightning strikes, landslips and land-slides and that was before the storm Hercules arrived. According to news reports there were "twenty-one severe flood warnings, the highest level, issued in the South and West with 500 alerts in total across the UK" The great Atlantic surge began at the end of December when these photos were taken down at Westward Ho! a few days later the coast was bombarded with monster waves up to 10 metres high. The huge swell wreaked havoc along the coast, thundering waves "towering" over the Renish Tower at Lynmouth, breaching sea walls at Ilfracombe and Instow and even the mighty Pebble Ridge succumbed as the pebbles were flung up off the ridge and over the car park and Go-Cart Track by the slipway at Westward Ho! Diggers were brought in to repair the damage, the car park was still closed last week. As the swirling Atlantic waves surged and unrelenting high tides crashed onto our North Devon Coast, residents, local authorities, highways agencies and emergency services have been left counting the cost. In the aftermath tons of marine debris and litter were deposited on beaches in the area and the SAS (Surfers Against Sewage) community worked together as over 400 volunteers helped at BEACH CLEAN events including Croyde and Woolacombe. It’s amazing that we never tire of watching a raging sea, people stand in wonder, children delight in racing away from the surf, photographers will risk all for that one definitive shot, even surfers are not deterred by the possibility of being caught in a rip tide. However, it’s definitely a dangerous game as you’re never quite ready for that extra big wave so quite rightly the Police and the Environment Agency have urged people to stay away from the sea and rivers at such times. Great care must still be taken while walking on coastal paths, the ground is sodden making it more possible for cliff falls. The Southwest Coast Path Association urge people to “Stay safe and away from the shoreline and cliff edges if you're out on the Coast Path!” Click here for the latest news on cliff falls and Path diversions. Article 25th January 2014 and Pictures Westward Ho! 29th December 2013 PM Adams North Devon Focus

UK STORM NEWS REPORTS FROM

• Western Morning News
• Daily Mail
• North Devon Journal
• North Devon Gazette

USEFUL LINKS

• Southwest Coast Path Association
• North Devon National Trust
• Devon County Council - REPORT A POTHOLE

Natural bright spots amongst the gloom!

I caught sight of these vibrant fungi clingling to the lifeless gorse bushes high above Hartland Quay on the the South West Coast Path proving that Snowdrops aren't the only highlight on these gloomy February Days.If you nature lovers can identify them let me know.

Yellow Brain/Yellow Jelly?

Common Rustgill?

Clinging On!

Click here to view more North Devon Coast Fungi Pics

First Footing! - Spring breaks at Welcombe

20th February. A trip down to Welcombe Mouth, one of my favourite secluded coves on the wild North Devon Heritage Coast. Stong winds, good light, heavy ocean spray above high rolling surf. The first sighting of a number of Coltsfoot peeking through the undergrowth, sure sign that Spring is on the way. The flower heads, similar to a Dandelion, appear before the leaves on this hardy little plant which was once used as a remedy for coughs and colds. Coltsfoot is prevalent on the boggy grassland above the beach. Looks like it is also the first flight for an orange tailed bumble bee and two caterpillars are out for a walk. I am hoping that the motionless bumble bee hiding in the grass is just enjoying an afternoon siesta. Welcombe Mouth is located on the outer limits of the North Devon Area of Natural Beauty. A quiet spot, popular with surfers, photographers and walkers. The secluded beach has good sand at low tide and is surrounded by high cliffs. There is a superb panorama from high on the Southwest Coast Path. Welcombe Mouth is accessed by car from the A39, the road winds down to the scattered village of Welcombe which is home to the Yarner Trust, Welcombe Pottery and the Old Smithy Inn. The last part of the road is not surfaced so great care must be taken.

Welcombe Bytes: Spectacular rugged rock formations, big stepping stones across the mouth of the fast running stream linking one side of the South West Coast Path to the other. The water cascades down over the rocks. Waterfall visible from the beach and from the coast path. Site of Special Scientific interest.  In 1970, at the height of their fame, the band Deep Purple stayed at the Hermitage while writing their second album "Fireball". St. Nectan's Church St. Nectan was the first Devon Saint and Martyr. He was venerated in the Hartland area and the churches at Welcombe and Stoke are dedicated to him. Across the road from the Church is St. Nectan's Well. If you know what type of butterflies these will become leave a comment!

Peppercombe - Barely Spring

Barely Spring Greens. Peppercombe Valley 27th March. Bee, beetle and a buzzard and that’s about all. The long, long March into April and at last Peppercombe is juddering to life as spring greens begin to emerge. Spring greens include the fresh leafy spikes of Alexanders, wild Bluebells, Lesser Celandine, Primroses, Foxgloves, Dogs Mercury, Ransoms and Spring Beauty. There are swathes of yellow flowering, creeping  pimpernel (?), a low growing plant which loves the damp ground where the winter rains spill down the gutter at the side of the track creating a mini stream. I saw one bee and the resident buzzard did a fly-by, the busy beetle, pictured, was doing a circuit of its own mini arena as I approached then scurried down the bolthole. Still only a couple of posies of primroses on the way down and very low growth on the Alexanders which at this time last year were tall and in flower as were the daffodils by the Pink cottage and under the red beech. Most noticeable is the emptiness on the cliff bank beside the bungalow, only five groups of primroses in bloom today. I miss the golden gorse which was once very prevalent here, only a couple of bushes remain. The gorse made the perfect frame for the picture of the bungalow which was taken on 21st April last year. The catkins are now in abundance, there are new leaves on the honeysuckle and pussy willow is in various stages of growth

Peppercombe Chronicles

Peppercombe Valley - 1st January 2010 
Photographs and articles copyright Pat Adams (all rights reserved)
A stroll down to the old stables and back to see what’s new in Peppercombe Valley. It’s dark, cold and lifeless, or is it? (Note to myself not to wear fingerless gloves.) There is quite a bit of ground frost but hidden underneath are definite signs of plant growth including the huge pale green leaves of a Foxglove, fresh green moss, lichens, algae and fungus. The frost covered ivy makes an interesting winter picture. The only sounds are the cackle of a pheasant and the fast running stream. The birds are particularly active and it’s good to see a robin, blackbird and willow tit flitting back and forth across the track. I am passed by several groups of walkers and families offering friendly New Year Greetings. Easy to see which direction one party had come from as they were covered from toe to knee in the thick red Portledge mud. Water cascades down and under the bridge by the Pink Cottage and by the old beech trees. Spring Beauty leaves are frost bitten but visible on the grass verge opposite the old stables. Down by the meadows the first yellow buds of a lone common gorse bush make an early outing and two buzzards swirl and swoop on the wind aloft. It’s quite muddy on the track beside the meadows by the South West Coast Path steps. Looking back up from here the tree tops are bathed in golden sunlight in stark contrast to the gloomy valley below. My attention is drawn to the colourful ivy clad branch covered in grey and rusty lichens. As I make my way back a tiny Robin is tree hopping ahead of me, always keeping tantalisingly out of focus. Took picture anyway but its amazing how small a robin looks in a woodland setting as opposed to the garden. Back at the top blue skies as the sun emerges at last bathing the knarled branches of the old leafless trees in umber hues. Finally caught sight of another Robin and three blue tits in the hedgerows as I reach the final stretch of the trail.

Peppercombe Light & Shade

24th June 2009
Midsummer and the swifts are soaring above the lane by the Coach and Horses.The vegetation either side of the Peppercombe trail is now at its fullest. At the start of the track the hedge is at least seven foot high with black bryony, flowering dog roses and honeysuckle climbing upwards through the leafy hedgerow. The verges now crammed with massive hogweed, thistle, red campion, foxgloves and sorrel spiking up from low lying buttercups and clover. The leaves on the ancient trees are now fully formed creating a canopy over the valley. Compared to Springtime the trail down is now in shade except for the occasional sunlit patches where wonky foxgloves bend over instead of upwards probing for the light. The massive fungus, pictured, was high up in an ivy clad tree. By the pink cottage rhododendrons are in flower but the stream by the bridge has all but dried up. Further on down past the old stables, the huge bank by the wooden bungalow is now full of ferns. This area was carpeted by primroses in March and April followed by bluebells in May. In the past donkeys and ponies have grazed in the upper and lower meadows and this year’s summer visitors, the Belted Galloway cattle, have settled into Peppercombe Meadows, under the coast path. Pathways and glades are opened up as a result of them grazing allowing a much greater range of grasses and wild flowers to emerge in Spring and Summer. The dung left behind benefits beetles and other insects which in turn provides a source of food for birds. The cattle were chosen because they are extremely hardy and have a “generally docile nature”. While I was there they didn’t lift their heads up and continued grazing quietly so keep to the path and they won’t even notice you. Read the sign, keep dogs on the lead and shut the gate. Ferns seem to be in abundance at the further end by the steps but the rest as usual full of wild flowers and grasses. In earlier years this site had a large number of big old gorse bushes which were home to many spiders. I arrived down at the beach in glorious sunshine and was greeted by a couple of blokes sitting on the cobbles who, on seeing the camera, pointed out a seal bobbing off-shore. The black blob didn’t hang around. The only other life forms were three gulls and the elderly couple I had spoken to earlier who were on their way to Portledge the hard way. After a very slow descent down the steep cliff path they now began to traverse the cobbles, explorer style, with walking poles. In contrast a more nimble pair scampered down with nets aloft ready for shrimping. Clear blue sky and still blue sea so there was excellent light over Clovelly and Hartland Point to the left and Portledge meadows above the red cliffs to the right. Beyond Portledge the South West Coastal Path leads to Abbotsham Cliffs and Westward Ho!. Below the path, the lower cliff is clad in heather with new shoots so this will make for a colourful August. I have been taken photographs of Peppercombe Beach, Peppercombe Valley and its wild flowers for many years so please visit my web site to see more Peppercombe Seasons. There is a good hike along the South West Coast Path from Peppercombe to Bucks Mills. The most colourful time for this in May when the woods are full of bluebells. Photos copyright Pat Adams