Padstow to Chygarkye Woods

 

Cornwall II – Stage 1

• Padstow 18th May 2014

This journey is more about finishing something I started two years ago: Cornwall

Always nice to set off in fine weather. At times, I spend too much time analysing the forthcoming weather patterns. I sit around expecting the forecasted rain, only to be standing in the garden with glorious blue skies.

I try to just get on with it now, but generally, fail miserably … far too much procrastination!

Padstow rests on the mouth of the Camel estuary and the fishing grounds of the Atlantic. In the medieval period Padstow was commonly called Aldestowe (meaning ‘old place’).

As with many journeys I’ve undertaken from here, it all generally starts with the descent onto the Camel Trail.

The Weekend

Bike rebuilt Rebuild – Part II. New tent MSR Hubba Hubba. Playtime!

I head off once more towards Bodmin Moor and Brown Willy Tor. Brown Willy being the highest point in Cornwall. The object is to cycle to the base, then hike up to the summit.

As previous journeys, I descend onto the Camel Trail. This guides me the 17 miles to the base of Bodmin Moor.

Sheepstor to Constantine Bay

I wake to Dartmoor ponies passing through.

The route back I join the train at Bere Ferres railway station.

Train change at Plymouth, with a final arrival back at Bodmin Parkway station. Cycle into Bodmin, and visit the ‘old’ Bodmin Railway station. Pleasant surprise, a working steam engine on the platform.

From Bodmin, I once again join the Camel Trail.

This weaves me back to Padstow. Final five miles to Constantine Bay, and home.

• 33 miles

• Total 207 miles, 28 hrs 4 mins in the saddle

Summary 

The original plan was to tour Dartmoor and Exmoor but after advice from Geoff & Penny, I leave Exmoor to another itinerary. Their words, “if you think Dartmoor is hilly, wait until you hit Exmoor”  Considering I like to take things easy, and not rush, I might just be pushing it, literately! Exmoor another time then.

The best parts of Dartmoor for me being the eastern and southern areas. They tend to be more accessible for wild camping, and yes and it is very hilly, particularly these areas, but worth it.

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New Kit

Exped Synmat really proved to be a very good buy.  It takes a few minutes to inflate, and is a comfortable nights sleep. It certainly keeps the warmth with you. If it is really cold, the Exped Down mat would be a must buy.

Endura waterproof/breathable jacket has been used extensively for my commutes, and has proven to be a valuable apparel.

Sealskinz waterproof/breathable socks and gloves work well, along with been warm.

The Hebie kickstand is an outstanding addition, very well-built and strong. A must for any tourer.

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“It is better to travel well than to arrive” Buddha

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Constantine Bay to Sheepstor

The bike is loaded. Weather is looking promising, once more into the breech.

Departing from Constantine Bay, a short 25-minute cycle to join the Camel Trail at Padstow.

Lower Pennycrocker Farm to Constantine Bay

I wake to the Atlantic rain hitting the south-western shores.

Camp packed away, and onto the back roads for the A39. Great to be on the bike.  The rain gets really heavy as I trundle along the A39. So make a detour again, to the war museum, and a welcome pot of tea!

Once on the trail, the rain slightly subsides and we are out of the wind. When I say ‘we’; its bike and I!