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Spring 1996 - South Devon Coast, Bigbury to Maypool (Maypool, Salcombe, Slapton B&B, Maypool)
Those present on the walk Andy Capp, Pat Jennings, Norman Hart, Barry Clen-Murphy, Wayne Clen-Murphy, Alan Wilson, Dick McKay, Graham Busch, Paul Keech, Jack Relph, Dick Grundy, Pete Thompson and son of Pete, Dave Worsley and his dog. Roland arrived on Friday night.
Thursday 6th June
All groups made an early start with a rendezvous at Ye Olde Churston Inn for lunch, fine ales and food were sampled but pockets were relieved of some weight.
The weather was glorious, so a gentle stroll eastward along the coast to Broadsands to loosen the limbs was undertaken. At Broad sands ice creams/tea were consumed before heading back to Churston for a quick pint and cars to get to Maypool Hostel for the first nights accommodation.
When all ablutions had been undertaken we walked to the Manor Inn at Galmpton for evening meal and refreshment, suitably refreshed we returned to the hostel for a quiet night's rest. However this proved to be impossible, as even before the light was out a droning could be detected this proceeded to get worse into full heavy snore and despite many prods at whatever position he slept in it continued throughout the night. Where did it come from? What creature could make this unearthly call? Was it animal, vegetable or mineral, none of these- it was Dave Worsley.
Friday 7th June
The weather started fine although it was to change later in the day with storms developing.
After breakfast cars and people went to Bantham for Todays walk along the coast to Salcombe. The walk started well enough in fine sunny weather although those in the same room as Dave felt somewhat tired. As the walk progressed storms started to build up and as you walked along the coastal path lightning could at times be seen striking out to sea and another storm hitting land, although there was much lightning to start with not much rain fell. This was to change later, with some getting wetter than others.
Whilst the heavens opened up the cars were fetched and a quick run into Salcombe undertaken, here we managed to obtain refreshment from a hand pump during a power cut. It was the day of the festival so we decided to go back, get changed and have fun. When we got back to the hostel a late pass was arranged, also a message for Roland to say where we were, this was not needed however as Dick contacted him on his mobile and we met in Salcombe. All, the partaking of food, copious beers, an open-air concert had a great night, dancing and fine warm evening. All this fun caused us a somewhat late start to the hostel Roland took some with him and the rest walked, as we walked back a familiar car appeared Roland to the rescue again could we all get into a Cable Tel Astra? No problem, just like snow white found out seven up is not just a drink.
The night seemed more restful either because everybody was tired or the beer took over Dave though still won the snoring contest.
The view from the Salcombe hostel dormitory was superb!! The hostel was also an N T museum called Overbecks overlooking the estuary at Sharpitor.
Salcombe Youth Hostel.
Saturday 8th June
Todays walk was from Salcombe to Slapton, quite a long walk but relatively easy. The weather started off dull but brightened up.
Allan, Norman and Roland went to Slapton with two cars and the rest walked meeting the others at Start Point. There was not much to say about the walk apart that a reminder of the sea's power could be seen by a wreck on the shore at . Some walkers stayed at Hallsands in the hotel to watch football, Euro 96, the others carried on. This caused some problems later as some of drivers with people's bags in their cars were part of the drinkers. Words were spoken and things sorted out later.
At Slapton we stayed at bed and breakfasts and after a wash and brush up returned to the evening's business food and beer, satisfactory all round.
The Tower Inn, Slapton.
Sunday 9th June
Slapton to Dartmouth then Maypool.
Cars were transferred first those not driving walked straight from Slapton to Dartmouth the rest walked back from Maypool to Dartmouth were we met for lunch, several people taking advantage of the pasties shop then the pubs, several being visited including the Cherub which was not the same as no free beer this year, then on to watch the football, a quick pint before the ferry and back to the hostel in time for a quick wash and out for tea.
Disaster! The Manor Inn at Galmpton did not serve food on Sunday night so a taxi to Brixham, fish and chips followed by ale and back to the hostel. Dave thought he needed some more practice at snoring so he had crashed out when we got back from Dartmouth and stayed there all night.
The Cherub, Dartmouth.
Monday 10th June
It had been hoped to walk along the coast path from Kingswear to Brixham, but the cloud was very low and visibility poor. A final decision on the days plans to be made after breakfast. By the time breakfast was finished it was raining as well so all plans were abandoned and we all went home with the exception of Roland who stayed down for the week, everybody getting back safely.
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