Day 50 – Launceston to Helland Bridge
Actual distance 46.39Km or 28.83miles (or the length of 14,496.9 camels!)
Total Ascent 601m (or the height of 546.4 highland cows!)
Staying at Nine Ashes Scout Activity Centre
After packing up some very awesome tents, we had a very awesome breakfast and were loaded with baked goodies (both courtesy of Immy and Adam from Dartmoors Edge, Foxcombe Bakehouse and 1st Lifton Sea Scouts) we said a sad goodby to our hosts and headed back to our start point for the day in Launceston.
We made a quick stop to buy lunch then headed off straight into a slow and steady climb which definitely tested tired legs. We were buoyed with the knowledge that only half the day was a climb and after 25km it was ‘generally’ downhill. We ascended steadily and had completed approximately 20k by the time we stopped for our lunch. Whilst we were munching on our rolls James appeared puffing up the hill to join us (having had a slightly later start after driving back to join us).
Back as a six again we set off and conveniently noticed a shortcut on the map that took out a rather large hill and as the rain had just started (and James had forgotten his raincoat) we thought it sensible. However, despite cutting a large hill we continued to ascend, toiling away as the rain got heavier and the views disappeared.
We made it to the moors (which reminded us of a cross between the New Forest and the Scottish Highlands) and hit a strong headwind blowing the rain into our faces and making what should have been an easy flat straight run very challenging. The pain was lessened temporarily as we passed a heard of highland cows who tried to block the road. We finally turned the corner and the wind stopped like a switch had been flicked off, but the promised descent definitely felt like a fallacy as the moor continued to undulate up and down.
Finally we found a downhill stretch through then out of St Breward leading to the start of the Camel Trail. Despite the temptation of a cafe at the start of the trail we ploughed on as we were all cold and wet (especially James!). We completed our final 8km very quickly and reached our amended finish point were Emma and Niall were waiting.
We loaded the wet, muddy bikes and equally wet muddy people and drove the very short distance round to Nine Ashes campsite where the team took pity on us and let us camp in their barn. We very much appreciate the opportunity to dry ourselves, our kit and our tents inside. At the campsite we were joined by both James and Bethan’s families for dinner (prepared by Emma and containing loads of her very tasty homegrown veg- thank you!). We are totally spoiled to have such a huge team supporting us for the last week.
We can’t quite believe we only have one week to go!
