Tim's page
Tim Goodman is raising money for Help for Heroes
Participants: Tim Goodman
Story
Hi! I've decided to take some time away from work and do something constructive with my time. On the 8th of August I begin a trek from Penzance in Cornwall, to Poole Dorset, a distance of approximately 356 miles over 27 days.
I've decided to try and raise some money for Help for Hero's. This really is a fantastic charity that gives tremendous assistance to our service men and women who are in need of help when they return from conflict.
I do hope some of you can join me for some of the legs and my itinerary is shown below.....Moral support on the mobile would also be much appreciated. My number is 0770 944 2566
Please give generously!!!
Fri 7th August
Sleeper to Penzance 11.45 from Paddington
Sat 8th August - 13 miles
Porthleven, The Harbour Inn, Commercial Road, Porthleven, Cornwall TR13
ww.staustellbrewery.co.uk/content/view/298/231
Just completed the first day which turned out to be a bit a bit longer than expected, Penzance being two miles from Marizion...It's very up and down, but indescribably beautiful. Unfortunately the cameras playing up at the moment, so I've not been able to post any photo's, but hopefully I'll resolve this soon. Weather was fantastic and the forecast is for more of the same for the next two days so fingers crossed. Feasted guilt free on the most fantastic fish and chips for dinner and am writing this in the bar of the Harbour Inn with a well deserved pint of Tinners before an early night. Thanks for the messages of support and Al I was most certainly not still in bed when you called!....Not sure of wireless coverage on the Lizard, but will write more as soon as I can
Sun 9th August - 14 miles
The Lizard, Cazillion, Lizard Village, TR12 7NQ
http://www.thecaerthillian.co.uk
Unbelievably hard work today, up and down cliffs all day, Beautiful weather and got quite sunburned, which was not sensible. With the finishing line in sight I was held up by a herd of cows with a particularly aggressive looking bull at its centre. As soon as I entered their field he that started pawing his hoof! With a 500 ft drop to my right I was stranded for half an hour before they moved on. Excellent stay at the Caerthillian and dinner in the pub, but was just too tired to join in the locals and their renditions of various sea shanties and Cornish nationalist songs...In bed by 9, I think this will be a common theme!
Mon 10th August - 10 miles
Coverack The Paris Hotel, Coverack, Helston, Cornwall, TR1 26S
Aaargh really was sunburned. Smothered myself in Aloe Vera and covered up. Quite drizzly all day and more relentless cliffs to climb, but mercifully flat on way into Coverack. Made good time and was able to get some washing done before dinner. Treated myself to lamb steak and dauphenoise potatoes before another early night.
Tue 11th August - 13 miles
Helford Landrivick Farm, Manaccan, Cornwall, TR12 6HX
No Website
Sunburn feeling a lot better, and think feet are getting used to all the walking at last. Another gorgeous day, but have learnt my lesson and am now resplendent in a pair of blue leggings, sleeved wicking top and bobble hat. Look completely ridiculous, but am at least surviving the sun. Reached Mannacan, only to find that farm was another 2 miles away! Mercifully managed to grab a lift with a local resident who delivered me to the farm. On arrival presented with pot of tea and scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream! Fantastic dinner in Helford of seared Tuna and courtesy of Dick Thomas taxis, tucked up in bed at the farm by 10.
Wed 12th August - 10 miles
Falmouth Gyllyngvase Hotel, Gyllyngvase Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4GH
Was woken up at 5.30 by sound of distressed cow being loaded up for journey to slaughter house. Managed to grab a few more winks before Linda presented me with the most enormous farm breakfast I think I've ever seen. The reliable Dick Thomas deposited me at the ferry and I picked up the path again just over the river. A lot flatter today and made Falmouth in time for the red arrows display and another delicious sea food dinner in town
Thu 13th August - 14 miles
Portloe, The Ship Inn, Portloe, Truro, Cornwall TR2 5RA
http://www.shipinnportloe.co.uk
Two more ferries, which made me quite late starting off, but another gorgeous day. Back to more cliffs, but starting to find it a bit easier than the first couple of days. Made Portloe about 5 and am writing this from the beer garden on yet another sun drenched Cornish evening. Very tired, but this is one of the best things I've ever done. Looks like Fish again for tea!!
Fri 14th August - 12 miles
Mevagissey, Tregoney House, 19 Tregoney Hill, Mevagissey, Cornwall, PL26 6RD
http://www.tregoneyhouse.co.uk
Hard day, the cliffs seem endless! However feet are starting to feel a lot better and am definitely feeling.Tummy has taken on a pleasingly reduced silhouette in the mirror. Was given freshly baked cake by two small girls during a break in a little fishing village which cheered me up no end. Fantastic b&b which washed all my clothes for free (It's amazing what makes you happy on a trip like this!) and the retired to the Fountain for a few ciders where I stayed later than I should. Porridge for breakfast as I am getting sick of the full English experience every morning..
Sat 15th August - 11 miles
Par Cornish Arms, St Blazey, Cornwall, PL24 2NG
http://www.cornisharmsstblazey.co.uk
By far and away hardest day so far. Starting to realise that its not the miles covered but the terrain involved. Rounded some corners and seeing some of the descents / ascents wanted to cry! Fitness though has definitely improved and managed to finish by 5.30. Hotel is appalling and expensive, but too tired to care. Have uploaded some photos but seems that JG will only let you publish 10 at a time. Will delete and renew in a few days. Nearly broken 100 miles!!!
Sun 16th August - 14 miles
Polperro Old Mill House Inn, Mill Hill, Polpero, PL13 2RP
http://www.oldmillhouseinn.co.uk
The Cornish Arms is the most revolting hotel I've ever stayed in and was glad to leave! Straight back down on to the path and another day of ups and downs, but finding it much easier. Am told by other walkers that Devon will be much flatter....Lets Hope so
Mon 17th August - 13 miles
Portwrinkle Finnygook Inn, Crafthole, Cornwall, PL11 3BQ
Early start and really knocked out the miles today ...In Plymouth by 4.30. Path seems to be in much better condition, and it was an absolute joy to be walking on flatter ground. Very boring but managed to get laundry done with beer towels in the morning, so smelling less like a polecat!
Tue 18th August - 13 miles
Plymouth Bowling Green Hotel, 9-10 Osborne Place, Lockyer Street, Plymouth, PL1 2PU
http://www.thebowlinggreenplymouth.com
Best day yet! Great walking conditions, quite flat and remembered I had 84 back episodes of 'from our own correspondent' on my Ipod.....Today genuinely flew by, and arrived at probably the best place I've stayed at so far...Langdon Court, which for £45 a night is an absolute bargain! Have uploaded some new photo's, so have a look
Wed 19th August - 15 miles
Wembury Point Langdon Court Hotel, Adams Lane, Down Thomas, Devon PL9 0DY
Absolute joy to reach this hotel, with a hard walk behind me. Lots of flattish bits early in the morning but a steep climb to the finish. What a place! Fantastic value with great restaurant and bar and cash donations to the cause from two lovely couples. No laundry available so snuck out in the morning smelly
Thu 20th August - 14 miles
Bigbury-on-Sea The Royal Oak, Bigbury, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 4A
http://www.theroyaloakbigbury.com
Good undulating day, made all the easier with start of the Test match which is about the only thing I can pick up on my radio down here. God bless R4 LW and the fact that 'Blowers' had been replaced by CMJ so I didn't have to endure a day of bus / aeroplane / pigeon nonsense. Royal Oak habitable with fantastic owner who kindly dropped me down to the start of the path in the morning
Fri 21st August - 13 miles
Salcombe Tides Reach Hotel, South Sands, Salcombe, Devon,TQ8 8LJ
Well I said the owner of the Royal Oak dropped me down to the start of the path, and in fairness he did. However I was heavily reliant on a local ferry which runs between 9 -10 a.m. At 10.15 a.m furiously waving arms I gave up the ghost after half an hour. This presented with me with a two mile trek back up to Bigbury on Sea and a bus around the estuary. Gloriously flat and high into Salcombe with some of the best views yet .
Sat 22nd August - 13 miles
Torcross The Cricket Inn, Beesands, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2EN
Salcombe is like Chelsea on holiday! very twee with more 4 x 4's gunning up and down the little lanes than you could shake a stick at. Was billeted at the strictest b&b yet (for close friends I shall let you know more later!) Walk today was a little up and down but then gloriously flat, albeit some on sand which is not easy walking. Stopped off to watch half an hour of the local football team on the most ridiculous pitch I think I've ever seen ( ie corner flag about level with crossbar on one side) Enjoyed TMS tremendously!
Sun 23rd August - 10 miles
Dartmouth The Royal Castle Hotel, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9PS
Easy, easy! a little climb and then a slow descent into Dartmouth and only ten miles. Dartmouth is by far and away the prettiest / smartest town yet visited and I arrived right at the start of regatta week. Incredibly misty and cold which are tremendous walking conditions. Arrived at hotel to see us clinch the Ashes! A very good day
Mon 24th August - 11 miles
Brixham The Quayside Hotel, King Street, Brixham, Devon TQ5 9TJ
http://www.quaysidehotel.co.uk
Unfortunately, had to return to London for job interviews.....200 miles covered so far but will update revised itinerary for completion soon.... Thank you all so much for donations to date