Log No 249. Tue 18th Feb 2014 - Watchet to Minehead, 7 miles (3785 miles walked)

Catching the same bus as yesterday allowed us to have a lie in for 30 mins but Dave still managed to leave today's map behind! When we arrived at Watchet the sun came out so it was waterproofs off and we were on our way.

The lovely sea views didn't last long as the footpath entered woodland and the recent heavy rain meant tricky conditions underfoot. We were then diverted onto the road due to erosion of the coastal path ahead.

After a short walk along the shorefront road we were able to drop down onto the beach. We just missed catching a glimpse of the steam train on the West Somerset Railway-originally set up to transport iron ore from the Somerset hills to Watchet.

The next mile and a half along the beach was an avenue of beach huts and wooden cabins. Many were boarded up but some were clearly well looked after. The sand bags placed across their front porches clear evidence of the strength of the sea.

The path now followed the links golf course. Signs warned of the directions to look for straying golf balls depending on whether you were travelling to Minehead or to Dunster. Rounding a corner the huge white domed structure we had seen from afar revealed itself-Butlins!Brought back childhood memories.

The good weather had brought out the dog walkers and holiday makers. We left them to it and followed the promenade into town.A quick call in to the local CO-OP (where else) to get a tax disc for the van and we were done for the day. A steady 7 miles with no rain!

We have now left our comfortable base in Minehead for a place with no neighbours and splendid views.To get here we endured the usual flood diversion and tomorrow also promises transport problems-becoming the norm. Hopefully by then Dave will have recovered from his writer's block and normal service will be resumed.

PS The signal here is hit and miss so this instalment may have been delayed. Apologies to all our readers.

PPS Notice there are no mentions of breaks or food.