News

Nick (or Nicholas) reports: Great literature contains insights that are timeless - they speak to us down the ages. Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens and the rest are as relevant to our own, twenty-first century as they were to their own.

When I was at University, I studied Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, which were written over 600 years ago. There is a line in the Miller's Tale which is as relevant to my life today as it was when I first read it more than thirty years ago. In the original English, it reads:

Last Thursday night, after our very enjoyable drinks at Tony's beach heat, the boat ride to the restaurant, and the dinner to celebrate Roy's magnificent achievement, I took a taxi back to the Pines Hotel, got undressed and went to bed. I understand from Adrian that some of you got a bit wet going back from the restaurant in the boat, but I was dry and comfortable.

At about two o'clock in the morning, the relevance of Chaucer's oeuvre was brought home to me again. I got out of bed, opened the door, went through it, and closed it behind me. As the Yale lock clicked I realised, a split second too late, that I was not in the lavatory: I was standing in the corridor, locked out of my room, stark bollock naked, and badly in need of a piss (or pisse, if you want to stick with Chaucer's spelling).

Well, I found a loo, down the corridor. Then I wandered round the corridors a bit, and found a laundry room, so I wrapped myself in a sheet - I sort of wore it like a Roman toga. Then I went down to reception, and rooted around hoping to find a drawer full of keys, but of course didn't. I sat there for a while, thinking about Chaucer, and thinking about you lot and how you were going to take the piss (sorry, pisse) out of me, and wondering what I was going to do about sleeping. I had, after all, booked myself into this hotel, in preference to staying in Tony's hut, because I needed a good night's sleep before a client meeting the next morning. I really didn't want to be found in the morning asleep on a sofa in reception, in my sheet.

Then I found a piece of paper headed 'Useful Phone Numbers' (in letters big enough for me to read without my specs). I worked out how to dial out from the phone in Reception, and tried the first number. No reply. I tried the second, a mobile number. A sleepy male voice answered. I explained my predicament. He said he would come and rescue me - which he did, about 15 minutes later. He hardly sniggered at all.

John reports: The FINAL DAY of Roy's mammoth exercise. The day dawned as I think most of us, and Roy, had dreamed of when he planned this adventure - bright, warm, sunny with gentle zephyrs of a breeze! He has had very few summer days like this to walk in.

We had to stay in Lulworth Cove again last night as there were no rooms in Worth Maltravers. So I drove Roy out to where he had finished yesterday's walk (down some very rough cart tracks and narrow lanes) and he was off along the final stretch in good humour on a lovely morning. There was a spring in the old man's step.

I parked the car up in Swanage and joined him for the final 8 miles. A mainly level run through to Studland and Poole Harbour. The final 4 mile stretch over the sand is a real killer after over 600 miles but by now Roy could have walked on the water!

A good day's walk with good weather and views through to the Isle of Wight - just reward for a fine effort through all the elements could throw over the last eight weeks.

Adrian walked out to meet Roy from Poole and when, at 15:40, Roy reached Poole Ferry the official end of the walk, a few glasses of champagne were drunk to celebrate the completion of a fantastic effort.

Further celebrations were held at Tony's chalet where Nick was waiting before a dinner in Christchurch. (Hope to get pictures of this event later from Nick)

John reports: Today dawned with heavy rain and more very high winds. However, over breakfast the rain abated and the day was one of sun, clouds and the continuous wind.

The first 13 miles had to be a diversion for Roy around the Lulworth Ranges - all walking on tarmac roads with no escape path from cars and lorries. Roy made good time over the roads and when I found him after 3 hours, to deliver his sandwiches for lunch, he had progressed over 9 miles and was an hour from reaching the coast path and starting his real walking of a further 9 miles along to Worth Maltravers. His progress along cliff paths averages a pretty constant 2 miles per hour.

He reported that he had been entertained by the Army who provided tanks careering across the country shooting shells and machine guns. He enjoyed the thump of shells shot from the tanks and the whistle as they hurried on their way.

Tomorrow is the LAST DAY ..... I will get News updated as soon as possible .....

John reports: A good walking day to Lulworth Cove; not perfect as the wind was again very strong and difficult on cliff edges. However the rain held off until we had finished the walk, had a pint and Roy had checked into his hotel.

Today's walk got us onto high chalk cliffs with open views on the downland path. The cliffs were over 500ft high in places so we were up 400ft, down 400ft, up again, etc. - Roy is fit, I have to really work to keep up now - I was OK on North Devon coast!

Now tomorrow is a real problem. We are up against the MOD tank ranges immediately at the start of tomorrow's walk - the ranges cover a large land area and several miles out to sea so when firing and training is under way the Coast Path is closed; it will be closed tomorrow. Roy is seriously walking this path so my suggestion that I would give him a lift to where the path emerges from the range was not acceptable. He will walk the whole SWCP and that means walking any enforced diversions. The length of the Coast Path which is closed is 6.5 miles - Roy has to walk 13miles round the back of the ranges to return to the Path and that is what he plans to do tomorrow and then he has to walk another 9 miles along the coast to get to the day's scheduled end at Worth Maltravers! The 13 miles will be all on tarmac roads - not kind to old men's legs.

He has promised to let me take his heavy rucksack in the car and will glide along with just a day bag around the Lulworth Ranges. If that makes you ache - Roy is then into his final day of 17 miles the next day.

Apologies for not being able to post updates to the site for a couple of days but mobile phones do not work in Lulworth Cove where I am staying and we have been very active planning the logistics for tomorrow and driving the actual route Roy will walk.

John reports: I met Roy being blown along by high winds to Weymouth. Mostly a dry day with few heavy showers. A cold wind which demanded a wind-cheater to keep warm - and this is July! The walk from Abbotsbury to Weymouth was not too strenuous, if over 15 miles, as the walking was good, as was the visibily. The size of the dockyard at Portland was particularly impressive.

Off to the Tourist Information Centre on arrival in Weymouth to get them to find him a B&B for the night and Roy was nearly set for the evening.... however, no water from the hot tap in the bathroom so cleanliness will have to wait till he reaches Lulworth Cove tomorrow!

A superb dinner overlooking Weymouth Old Harbour and off to the usual walker's early night to bed (9.00 p.m.). On the march at 9.00 a.m. in the morning.

We are a group of Roy's friends (including his wife) who would like you to pass on to Roy that we are immensely proud of his a bipedal achievements!! We would all love to be there in the flesh at the finish but commitments do not allow. However, we will all be there in spirit and there will be a warm welcome in the hillsides and valleys of Crundale on Friday. It's been so long , tell him he might need his 'Pete'!

John reports: Sue and I had a day out at the seaside on Friday to meet Roy on his day's walk from Beer to Lyme Regis. We walked out from Lyme Regis around noon and met Roy after two hours walking through mainly woodland at the clifftop. The walking was very poor with the path covered with tree roots which made it hard work on our untrained legs!

However the sun was shining, the weather dry, and, on the rare occasions when we could see it through the trees, the sea glinted calmly on the sun. Peace; with the far-off wash of waves on the beach.

Then ("after a long time": Sue) into view came Roy - not walking but talking to other walkers, giving out the web address, and soliciting a small contribution to the charities. As was to be expected he was not too enamoured with the woodland path but brightened up when we found the only bench in six miles of woodland, with a small view of the sea, and cracked open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the start of his last week of walking and the border crossing into Dorset.

Yesterday was the day of the annual CAV BBQ; Roy spent a couple of sessions on the mobile phone talking to a large band of friends who were rapidly growing incoherent.

A beer or two sitting out in the sunshine at the front of the Cobb Arms settled the nerves, joints, and muscles before a walk around the Cobb and dinner up in the town.

You only have a week left to get down to see Roy and help him through the final week - set off tomorrow! Forget work, the gardening, the stock market - get out into the fresh air; you will feel better for it.

Roy is feeling the strain of seven weeks of walking but now has his sights set on reaching the end on Thursday afternoon. Rumour has it the the Lulworth Ranges are in action when Roy needs to walk that path of the Coast Path so he may be in for a diversion of several miles along tarmac inland roads to avoid the range.

Roy reports: Reached Teignmouth. A day of walking in hot, if humid, sunshine.

Roy is looking to book most of the B&Bs for the rest of his walk - he has problems finding accommodation in Lyme Regis so will get to the Tourist Information Centre tomorrow and get them to search and book ahead for him - if not it will be a night's camping! Sue and John are meeting Roy in Lyme Regis on Friday - so maybe we shall get you pictures of Roy's tent at last!

Roy reports: Reached Torquay today - rain seems to have abandoned South Devon and Roy is even looking forward to some sun this week .

Progress is good and Roy can now see the 'finishing line' in his plans - this has lifted his spirits. Even more; he arrived in Torquay early enough to get some washing done so is now marching forward in clean clothes!

Plans are also underway for a reception committee at Poole in the afternoon of 4th July to greet Roy at the end of the South West Coastal Path. Party numbers up to five already - plans look towards meeting at the car park in Ferry Road on the west bank of the ferry at the Poole Harbour mouth.... more details on this site in a week's time.

Roy plans to spent the night of 4th July in Bournemouth where a party will no doubt be held.

Roy reports: Another day of fog, mist and low cloud. Walked through to Noss Mayo today which, he reports, is a beautiful place. (Have you heard of it before? Doesn't sound like an English resort !)

While the rest of us were basking in a day of some sun and certainly hot weather, Roy was walking in the dark - well mist - and couldn't see the views around him or from the several ferries he took today, including through Plymouth. He is somewhat 'pissed of' with the weather which is certainly not what he dreamt of when in the planning phase. Much cursing after hearing how the rest of us fared with our weather today.

Tomorrow Roy is heading for Cockleridge (Bigbury-on-Sea) - the challenge he has for tomorrow is crossing the river at Wonwell where it is advised that this is executed at low tide which is at 6.00pm. So you can picture him arriving there early in the afternoon and waiting for the tide to retreat - perhaps he will have more luck than King Canute. After the wading across the river he has 6 miles to his overnight B&B.

The man in the B&B said for him not to turn up there at 9.00pm expecting food as there is no restaurant in area for miles! Seems it will be the chocy bars and dreams of breakfast that will get him through tomorrow evening.

John reports: Another day of fog, mist and low cloud. Walked from Carlyon Bay through to Fowey in not very pleasant conditions - every time we thought the visibility was improving, within minutes we could not see further than 200 yards......and the hot chocolate shop in Polkerris was closed when we came down onto the beach.

Roy is cursing the weather and looking for at least a few days of sun - seems his hopes are not on the plan from the Met Office. Walking each day in rain, low cloud etc. is depressing and not designed to make him leap up and over the stiles.

Still a pint or so in pub on the wharf in Fowey with the newspaper and he was looking forward to dinner in the Ship Inn.

Tomorrow Roy is off to Looe; first job is to get the ferry from Fowey across the river. He is planning to reach Polperro for lunchtime and to take time out there for the England v Denmark match in the hostelry.

I am back to Birmingham tomorrow after five good days - I can recommend chasing Roy along the coast path!

John reports: Off to the launderette for Roy's wash day! Not sure what was more exciting - yesterday morning watching Sven's boys 'play' with Nigeria on TV or Roy's washing going round and round in the washing machine. Still the result of both was the same: we can continue to move forward into new territory.

Then off to Fowey in the car (by foot tomorrow by the SWCP) and the local Tourist Information Centre who provide a booking service for B&Bs along the coast - now Roy is OK for accomodation through Looe. A pint for lunch before back to Carlyon Bay for a sort out and snooze before dinner at local Italian restaurant. Rest Day's seem more tiring than actually walking. Low cloud and mist here means the sea and beaches are not visible from the clifftop so certainly not a good day for walking. Bring back the normal summer weather of rain, wind and improved visibilty.

John reports: I walked out from Mevagissey at lunchtime on Tuesday after driving down from the Midlands. Started dry but soon got very wet and grey. Met Roy emerging from the rain after three or four miles. Still plodding his way along the cliff path but now heading east; the last time I had seen him he was heading west from Bude. Seems he has run around Cornwall and through Land's End.

After we reached Mevagissey and had a wallow in hot baths, we found a super fish restaurant in Mevagissey and settled down with a couple of bottles of wine for a pleasant evening before an early morning settled in front of TV for England v Nigeria.

Then off for the day's walk to Carlyon Bay. Mostly dry with only an hour in our wet gear. So different from the north coast of two week's ago - no gales! The path was not too good and narrow and overgrown - but we pushed on. Roy reckons after all these weeks and miles it is taking longer to get his body started each day - up to two hours walking before all settles down. He thinks he is slowing down but I do not - I only have a light day bag and just keep up with him - he has his house on his back! At least on this stretch of the coast we can find a pub near to the end of the walk for a celebration pint before checking into the B&B or hotel.

What an achievement to have got this far on schedule - Roy reckons very few ever complete the SWCP walk in a single attempt; they do 2 week sessions and then come back later for more. Seems Roy will make it now unless something very unforeseen occurs. Get down here and support him for a day or two. See new pictures from the Pictures page.

Tomorrow, Thursday, Roy is taking as his Rest Day - off to Fowey, on schedule, on Friday.

Fiona & Martin report: Met Roy crossing the Helford River Sunday 9th June.He looked fit and tanned.Very motivated and doing a good PR job for the charities.Good Luck to him.

Roy reports: Reached Portloe tonight. Did not recognise the village - how it has grown... then I discovered that a film crew had built many additions to the village, including a Post Office for filming that started today - starring Dawn French and maybe Roy Casement?

It took Roy one and a half hours to take to two ferries at the start of today's walk: Falmouth to St Mawes and then St Mawes to Place. So it was near 5.00pm before the B&B in Portloe was reached.

Roy reports: Reached Falmouth tonight - will get the ferry to St Mawes in the morning. Progressing well.

Roy has moved this week's Rest Day from Tuesday to Thursday - thus Tuesday night will be spent in Mevagissey, Wednesday and Thursday nights at Carlyon Bay where Roy will rest on Thursday.

John reports: I am off to Cornwall tomorrow to have a few days walking with Roy so hope to get some photographs up on the site later in the week. It took me two hours on the telephone and Internet tonight to get rooms in Mevagissey and Carylon Bay! This part of Cornwall is full till October most hotels said - some just had answer machines saying no rooms for weeks! Roy is near the Eden Project this week so that is no doubt the reason for high occupancy. Good job he is carrying the tent.

Roy reports: Camping was not too bad with some rain on the last night - now back to B&B stays for a while.

Roy has now passed around Land's End and is heading East on his way back for Canterbury! Friday sees him passing the halfway mark!

For any of you thinking of getting down to Cornwall next week please check on this site over the weekend as Roy will move his Rest Day from next Tuesday to a later day in next week. Expect a posting on Sunday evening or Monday - by the following weekend he will be back on the published schedule (i.e. around 15/6/2002).

My husband and I have just returned from walking from St Ives to Penzance, not that far when you think about it.

We met Roy yesterday - Tuesday 4th June at Porthcurno and walked to Penzance, passing each other on the way and stopping for lunch at a lovely cafe in Lamorna.

Roy reports: Roy reached Zennor today - a small place out in the wilds with walk of half a mile to nearest telephone! A dry day with sunshine; not too hot as the wind kept the walker cool.

Body holding up reasonably well. Roy says he has been having trouble with left leg - some pain in left shin - tendonitis, but today much less pain so hopefully it is on the mend.

Cornwall is so full this weekend and next week that Roy has been unable to get into a B&B tonight nor at his next two night's stopping places (Cape Cornwall and Porthcurno). The grumpy landlady at the pub in Zennor did not want the TV turned up so he could not hear the concert from Buckingham Palace! So as you fall into your warm comfy beds think of Roy out in a field with rain forecast for the next few days. He plans to set alarm for soon after dawn in the morning to get tent packed up before the rain arrives. No doubt he will be looking forward to a bath and bed in Penzance on Tuesday night. He will certainly remember the Jubilee weekend.

Roy met Don Murfitt, from his golf club, in St Ives at lunchtime today and downed a pint to celebrate his progress.

The landladies from his past two night's stays in Portreath and Hayle both returned his payment for B&B to him for the Charities (Note: Treat this as a reminder if you have not yet sent your pledge in, Do So Now - Roy will acknowledge all pledges when he gets home and we will then be able to update the grand total on the front page of this site.)

Steve Durdant-Hollamby has arranged to meet Roy towards the end of the walk in Weymouth - Roy is so confident of finishing on schedule he has told Steve to go ahead and book the B&B rooms.

Roy reached Portreath today and is now over a third of the way through his walk. Maybe tomorrow will be the only dry sunny day for two weeks!

Adrian reports with SMS text message: "All. Discharged, humbled and homeward. Thanks for all the support. Adrian."

Sue reports: "Don't know whether you've heard but the hospital found that Adrian had a stomach ulcer.....he is able to leave as soon as the doctors give him the go ahead later today. He has had lots of offers of lifts home but true to form he is not waiting until someone can go and pick him up,,,the last report is that he is planning to get the train from Truro to Reading and then get picked up from there. It may all change later..............................."

Roy reports: "Reached Newquay - still strong winds and poor weather but progressing well. Relieved to hear that Adrian is on the mend.

Cornwall is full next week - so full that Roy cannot find rooms for two nights so it will be out with the tent and some camping; a new adventure for the man but one he is not looking forward to with too much glee. Let's hope the weather improves and the sun shines on him! Makes carrying the camping gear this far worthwhile."

Roy will be back on schedule tomorrow, Wednesday, when he reaches Perranporth. From there, around Lands End and through the next week he must keep to schedule as he is then meeting Hilary and two other young ladies for a couple of days."

Roy reports: "Arrived Treyarnon Bay. Roy is taking Monday 27th May as Rest Day instead of Wednesday 29th May - he will thus be one day behind the planned schedule until Wednesday this week."

Paul reports: "No real news on Adrian as yet - he's had an endoscopy this morning but hadn't yet managed to speak to the doctor....I'll let you know when I hear. We saw him yesterday in the hospital & thankfully he looked a lot better than he had been.

We had great fun with Roy - akin to the hare and the tortoise or the eager puppy - e.g., enthusiastically (and naively) bounding ahead then flaking out for a well earned rest, while Roy chuckling to himself passed by, sure & steady paced.

Colin & I parted company with Roy (on schedule) at Polzeath. We didn't manage to accompany him to the planned departure at Rock as the allure of the pub at the top of the hill was much too much for us two fair-weather walkers to resist. Three pints and a bellyful of food later I had a look at a few of the snaps we'd taken, take your pick!

Arthur didn't make the trip - he got delayed in Spain due to all sort of bad luck, shame. We're sending him to evening school - Motor Mechanics for Beginners & Spanish language (specialist subject - how to negotiate getting a car fixed with no form of payment)"

Colin Hayward reports: "We (Adrian, Paul, Arthur and Colin) joined Roy on Thursday evening in Boscastle. Friday's walk was hard - My Gosh, Roy does keep up a good pace (and note that Roy has a very heavy backpack with all his gear aboard)."

Unfortunately the weekend for Roy, Colin, Arthur and Paul was spoilt by Adrian falling ill and ending up in Truro Hospital with severe stomach problems. Colin reports that Adrian is brighter today - Adrian back to making a joke or two! Adrian is still in hospital where further examinations are to take place tomorrow. [Further update here when I get it - John]

Roy has taken a Rest Day today whilst the others are returning to Birmingham for work tomorrow. [I will update Roy's future schedule when I hear from him, I suspect that he has just brought forward his rest day from Wednesday - John]

John Cuckney reports: "Thursday dawned a much better day with sunshine and a few bright fluffy clouds - best of all with a much weaker wind.

A long walk for Roy who had 16.5 miles to complete. The first six miles past Wide Mouth Bay were completed in good time: two hours - this part of today's walk was on mainly cliff-top heath land with no precipitous descents and no rain or gales. An early breakfast had been had in our hotels and I met Roy on the seafront at 9.00 am ready for the march.

Such a pleasant morning compared with our battles of yesterday. We later met Jane who reported that she and the two Americans whom we had seen over the last three days had found yesterday's conditions too frightening on the cliff top out of Hartland Quay and had abandoned walking for the day in terms of safety subsequently had travelled by road to Bude.

I left Roy after six miles for the far harder part of the day's walk and walked back to Bude and hence to the A30 and M5 back to the Midlands - he had telephoned Adrian before I left him to arrange a meeting in Boscastle tonight - Adrian, Colin, Paul and Arthur should have a couple of days with Roy from tonight. However Arthur seems stuck in Spain with a broken car and is uncertain to hit UK let alone Cornwall. Sue had also brightened our trudge up a steep climb on the only part of the walk on metalled roadway for three days - your clotted cream is in the post, Sue!

HOWEVER ... note that there is a severe weather warning for tomorrow in the SW - Roy will make a decision on whether it is safe to walk in the morning - when I left him earlier today there was a good chance that he would be forced to make a delay in Boscastle on Friday as it could be far to dangerous to proceed on a difficult stretch of the walk... I will post News of any delay as soon as I hear."

John Cuckney reports: "After 15 miles battling against a southerly gale with rain, and occasional glimpses of the sun, Roy hed entered Cornwall this afternoon and reached Bude for the night.

The current stretch of the walk is probably the most challenging - now made even more of an 'opportunity' by the 'British Summer' weather. The initial part of today's walk from Hartland Quay was along high cliffs with staggering scenery. However, the views are to be paid for by the 300' descents and ascents of yesterday.

The final 5 miles after entering Cornwall are somewhat different; here the surfer's beaches and bays offer a different vista with one bay even offering a hot chocolate and hot sausage roll to our intrepid traveller. You might, however, have the full picture - we had just been beaten head-on by a vicious storm with the rain horizontal and with such force that it caused pain on our faces and legs. Despite waterproofs on top of our bodies our shorts ended up soaked through - even so the waitress welcomed us like lost wanderers - not much custom in isolated bays at this time of year. Still another stretch of walking in the gale with a little sun and we were dry again!"

John Cuckney reports: "A full days walking with Roy from Clovelly to Hartland Quay. A really stunning day with amazing scenery - enormous 300 feet cliffs falling sheer into the raging white sea. The coast path inches from the edge.

We set of from Clovelly at 9:15am under sunny skies and warm breeze. First miles were through a wooded cliff path high above the sea. At 11.30am Roy achieved 100 mile mark. Soon we were in top gear and making a fast speed having come across a farmer spreading slurry on the large field we were crossing. This proved to be the fastest half mile of the day - the smell lived with us for another hour despite a developing gale.

At noon the promised gale and rain arrived - wet weather gear was rushed from packs to body - after an hour water had seeped everywhere - but, who cares - this is fun!

Each stream that reached the coast had worn down a ravine 300 feet deep for us to descend and then climb - plus walk inland each time till we could find a bridge to cross the torrent. Many glorious waterfalls. The highlight along this whole walk is the geology of rock formations as the bedding planes are seen twisted, domed, vertical, broken - in all possible forms....and with sheer cliffs of 300 feet where the rock had been perfectly cleaved as if by a single strike. Wonderful.

The last two hours were headlong into a southerly gale straight from the Atlantic. Not a pleasant game - with gusts strong enough to halt you in mid-stride.

Over an hour out Roy had promised a beer as soon as we finished - a picture I could clearly dream of .... and dream was all I got. Three more enormous ravines; 300' down, 300' up, but, no there is yet a another ravine, and onother, and the rain and gale blew on - then we arrived at Hartland Quay Hotel at 2:40pm - bar closed till 6:30pm this time of year, Sir!

Still hot baths and comfort session for the feet and the world was perfect - I had a great day - Roy has more great days and weeks ahead - go and join him for at least a day.

There is camaraderie on the walk - there are two blokes (one from Cannock and another from 'up-north') doing the SWCP in fortnight sessions on a similar daily schedule to Roy - these are sighted during the walk and banter and experiences exchanged. Jane, who has managed to get eight weeks leave from her work is also walking the same direction - Jane's supporters click camera for proof . The books about the SWCP give details of B&B places en-route so we see these people in the bars and at dinner at night as well. All the walkers are moving the hostelries' breakfast times forward an hour to get their early starts."

John Cuckney reports: "I arrived at Clovelly soon after lunch and set out to walk 'back' along the SWCP to meet Roy who was heading from Appledore to Clovelly. After 4 miles I found him walking through a sunny glade on the cliff top. With a 'Dr. Casement, I presume!' I fell in step and we headed back to Clovelly.

Roy is in good form with legs, feet and most of the rest of his body seem to be operating as well as usual. He has now completed a week's walking and tomorrow will reach 100 miles. He has also left Somerset, passed along all of North Devon Coast and is about to start on Cornwall.

He is talking of thinking of buying postcards ..... so the lucky ones might look for the postie coming up their paths one morning in June."

Note: email from Rooie passed to Roy who also listened to the 'heavy breathing' voice mail from his lady followers.

Roy reports: "Arrived Appledore on Sunday afternoon. On schedule. 18 miles required on Sunday as the Bideford ferry was not running! Feet very tired but still 'made for walking'."

Now into week two with some support from John Cuckney early in the week and Adrian, Arthur, Colin and Paul at the end of the week. Try mobile 07775 560513 after 3.00pm on Monday and daytimes through to Thursday 23 May 11.00am to talk to Roy.

Roy reports: "First two days walking completed with little problem - on time, on schedule. Feet a little sore and somewhat tired." Good progress and he seems happy with himself.

Roy has not taken his mobile phone with him but will report progress every few days. If you have any message or meeting points to get to him please e-mail me and I will pass on the information next time he calls in!

Roy reports:

"Ok, the backpack is loaded and I'll hit the coach station at 05.40 am tomorrow morning.

I think the pack is just about light enough but might have to jettison something on the way!!

Hil got it up onto her shoulders and staggered around the kitchen.

Final score on donations are 94 contributions and £1,736. [NOTE from webmaster - Sponsorship is NOT closed - please send your sponsorship pledges whilst Roy is walking - give him a surprise when he gets home and sees how much additional sponsorship we have raised whilst he walked!!]

Look forward to seeing you along the way.

Kind regards, Roy"

Make sure you take these contact details with you, my mobile 07803 234230, alternatively Arthur on 07774 137909. Details of the hotel in Port Isaac are below. We aim to leave after lunch on Thursday 23 May and will take two cars, if we manage to get away in good time and you are on schedule we could stop by for a couple of pints in Boscastle before checking in to the hotel, try ringing around 4pm for an ETA. There's a pub called the Cobwebs near the main car park and harbour.
I think Tintagel would be a good rendezvous on the Friday, it will take you two hours from Boscastle and would save us that long climb out of Boscastle as well as avoiding a crack of dawn start ( Colin is a bit slow in the mornings, especially so if he's been on the JD the night before). You just need to give us an ETA for Tintagel and we can meet at the Castle (King Arthur's not the hotel).

Castle Rock Hotel, 4 New Road, Port Isaac, North Cornwall. PL29 3SB UK Tel: +44 (0)1208 880300

Roy reports: "have just done a couple of days walk training in the wilds of east Kent. Blisters on both heels, 16.5 miles first day, 11 miles second day. Now recovering.

No pain, no gain. Better now than in a few weeks time. Resorting to surgical spirit on the feet

Training is not as advanced as last year, in fact it hasn't started! But I'm playing golf at least three times a week and carrying my clubs. Just come back from seven days in Portugal (south of Lisbon), where we played all seven days and I didn't hire a buggy at all. Blue skies and temperatures over eighty. Fish restaurants and bottles of dry white to the fore.

I've also been nobbled by the male and female captains of my golf club to collect contributions for their charities in conjunction with the walk. The two charities are Demelza House (local respite care home for terminally ill children and their parents) and Riding for the Disabled. So I'm afraid I'll be tapping up people for a contribution.

I cannot make the weekend that Adrian has planned. I shall go sometime later (weekend or week) - not too much in diary so far. Let me know if anyone wants lift.

If anyone is interested in joining Roy on his walk of the SW coastal path let me know by the end of next week, I intend to drive down mid afternoon on Thursday 23 May and stay 3 nights in Port Gaverne or Port Isaac returning on Sunday 26th.

This is my postponed early retirement present to myself which would have happened last year except for the Foot & Mouth outbreak. To the people who have expressed an interest in maybe joining me for a few days then you are more than welcome. I will need an idea of when/where you will join me and a mobile phone number so that I can contact you. I will not be taking my phone or my portable PC!!!

To those individuals who I have not spoken too for a while or who hate walking, then the spreadsheet will show you that I'm still as mad as ever.

I will leave Canterbury on Monday, 13th May and catch the coach down to Minehead on the North Devon Coast and start walking on Tuesday. Nearly eight weeks later (4th July), I will end up in Poole/Bournemouth on the South Dorset coast (via Land's End). Providing that my rather ancient body will hold out for that length of time and distance (approx. 610 miles).

I'll be staying in Bed & Breakfast accommodation initially, but if the weather is good then I'll be in a tent under the stars.

Believe it or not, it has been quite difficult to schedule this length of time away without having to forego other arrangements. Also I will not be carrying my golf clubs!!

Roy was last sighted at the commencement of his training in a bar in Greenwich. See Pictures