I’m so glad we decided to take today off. Not only are my poor, battered legs a bit stiff today but my arms are bloody killing me, probably from where I was using my poles to drag my unwilling carcass up hills and clinging onto various fences for dear, sweet life.

I think I have underestimated this trail, and I’ve also overestimated how under control I have my fear of heights. I’ve spent over fifteen years trying to shake this fear. I’ve done sky walks and bungy jumps and sky dives but apparently just because you can fling yourself off a bridge with a bit of elastic tied to your ankles it doesn’t mean you can walk down a fucking hill.

So the South West Coast Path will take longer than anticipated. Not only because I might have to be coaxed over ridges whilst crying a lot, but also because I’m compelled to point my camera at every damn sliver of eyehole fodder, and there’s a lot of it.

I’ve done precious little today and enjoyed every minute of it. We strolled down to the Cove in flip flops and drank tea by the water. Well, I drank tea. Tarrant is a coffee fiend, she very rarely drinks tea. Obviously she’s not as classy as I am.

We chatted to two older women who asked if they could share our table for a while, and I stared at dogs because I am absolutely that creep that will wave at your dog across a room whilst completely disregarding you. We’ve taken full advantage of the hostel kitchen to consume Food That Isn’t Noodles and even some vegetables, and we’ve met some really interesting people in the common room. Yes, today has been needed.

STATS
Day: 13
Day on South West Coast Path: 3
Distance walked today: 0 miles
Total walked so far: 197.62 miles
Weather: Mostly lovely with sporadic clouds.
Coldest temp last night: 7.69°C inside / 4.50°C outside
Trigs bagged: 0
Trigs to date: 22
“Have you read ‘The Salt Path?'” (Running Total): 3

---

West Lulworth, Dorset, England

Stayed at: YHA Lulworth (camping)

BUDGET for one person (based on two sharing)
Accommodation, camping at YHA: £7.50
Tea/coffee at The Boat Shed: £4.95
Tea at YHA: £1.95
Beers at YHA: £10.50
Groceries: £16.39
Souvenir: £1.25
Grand Total: £42.54