Mon 3rd May - Day 17, Porlock to Watchet (19 miles)

It's a change from yesterday with a cold, miserable morning, setting off in my waterproofs at 07:10.

It was a short distance to Bossington then to the coast before turning back inland for this last stretch to Minehead.

The route went uphill into the low cloud and mist on Bossington Hill and then kept to the high ground for 3 miles before dropping back down towards the coast.


The final approach into Minehead was along a track through trees and at 10:30 I arrived at the monument, on the sea front, marking the official start/end of the South West Coastal Path.

I spent an hour here before continuing west along the coast, stopping at Dunster Beach to have my sandwiches, the sun was finally starting to shine through.

At Blue Anchor there was a steam train just come into the station, this was the West Somerset Railway Line.

The footpath continued just inland of the shore as far as Watchet then I had 2 miles on the minor road to get to the campsite at Home Farm Holiday Park, arriving at 16:30.

This marks the end of my first stage and will be my last campsite near the coast until I get to John o' Groats.

Though it has been a tough start to my walk the way has been well marked & easy to follow and I have enjoyed it so far.

263 miles completed.