Jennie Evans

Day 53 – Porth to Newquay/ Beach day!!!

Actual distance 4.69Km or 2.86miles (or the length of 1488.9 Swallow No. 91001 trains at Little Western Railway, Newquay)

Total Ascent 108m (or the height of 830.8 standard toy buckets for making

sandcastles!)

Hosted by 1st Newquay Scout Group

Today was a little different. Having done the double yesterday we could afford a relaxed approach to packing up at Karen and Bryans. The lack of urgency was lovely, with the only pressure being the demands of the children to get to the beach.

We headed back to Treyarnon where the kids wasted no time running straight up the sand dunes, then into the sea! The adults (and kids) sadly didn’t have time to go for a surf – we will have to do that another time. Sadly the fun on the beach was over all too quick as we had people to meet.

We had a quick picnic lunch then headed over to Porth to restart our journey. In Porth we were joined by John (District Chair for Mid Cornwall), Jacob (a Cub), and Bear (Johns dog). We set off towards Newquay, stopping at the home of the 1st Newquay president- Pete and his wife Mo to say hello, before heading to meet some of the Beavers, Cubs and Leaders from the 1st Newquay at the park.

The kids had a quick play in the excellent playground before being treated to a ride on ‘Swallow No. 91001’ at Little Western Railway. We then heading off with the group to the 1st Newquays HQ. Arriving at their base we were greeted with warm pasties whilst the kids played in yet another playground!

Once we had set up camp for the night we then popped down into Newquay to see the sights. The evening was then filled with games for the kids and a planning session for the adults (spoiler alert- we are finishing on Sunday, not Monday as originally planned!). A fantastic, relaxed day.

Fun on the beach!

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Day 52- Treyarnon to Porth

Actual distance 17.22km or 10.7 miles (or the length of 8,922.3 short surf boards)

Total Ascent 521.16m (or the height of 269.3 VW Transporters)

Having done a sneaky extra walk yesterday, we were able to treat ourselves to a lie-in this morning, resorting in us having to wake up some of the younger team members after 9am! However, we quickly realised we had totally forgotten to think about breakfast, and had no milk or bread meaning everyone had to resort to using Jennies oat milk on their cereal!

Emma and Niall arrived with some food shopping, so the core team, Abi and Moby (the dog) left the support team making lunch and headed back off to Treyarnon. We had promised the children a morning on the beach, but it was definitely not beach weather so we had a change of plan and decided to continue on our journey instead.

We headed off along the coastal path through persistent wet drizzle. The path was clearly signed and very easy to follow even with rain-covered glasses on! The views along the coast wavered from being hidden by the wet mist, and being utterly stunning. The path turned off the immediate coast and headed through National Trust land where we found a random abandoned boat far too far away from any water.

After about 10km we reached Mawgan Porth where Dan and Sarah met us with lunch. We sheltered in the camper van to eat and dry off a little. Feeling slightly drier we headed back along the coastal path for a further 7.5km. As we approached Porth we were joined by all of our support team for the last 1.5km which was really lovely. We wandered down into the village and headed to a pub on the beach right next to our finishing point. We headed in for a drink whilst the kids headed to the beach to play.

Excitingly we have reached Porth a full 24 hours ahead of schedule! We have therefore promised the kids a beach morning tomorrow when the weather is due to be nice which they are very much looking forward to!

Back at Karen and Bryan’s the team all pulled together to cook a sweet potato and chicken curry. We then settled into an evening of entertainment courtesy of the fantastic joke, riddle and game bag that our Cubs gave us before we left for this journey – a treat we have dipped in and out of throughout the last 52 days!

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Day 51- Helland Bridge to Treyarnon

Actual distance 32.97km or 20.49miles- 20.21km cycling/ 12.76km walking (or the length of 109,900 lobsters)

Total Ascent 324m (or the height of 2,025 standard Cornish pasties)

Staying with Bryan and Karen

Today was a really nice, easy, and very sociable day.

After packing up we headed back to the Camel Trail with Sarah and Abi (Bethan’s Mum and sister) and the 8 of us set off along the pleasant, beautifully smooth cycle path. After about 5km we were joined by Jennie’s parents and her cousin Emma, and a little further along the path at Wadebridge we were also joined by Immy and Adam from Dartmoors Edge Campsite/ 1st Lifton SeaScouts. The 13 of us rode together towards Padstow, weaving along the very busy (Bank Holiday Monday) traffic free route.

We planned to walk onwards from Padstow, so met with Emma, Niall and Dan to drop off the bikes a couple of miles outside of Padstow, then all walked into town, completing the Camel trail on foot as an even larger group of 16 (plus Moby the dog!). The journey flew, and soon we were tucking into our first authentic Cornish Pasties for lunch from Chough bakery– very yummy!

We spent some time sitting and chatting with the group until, reluctantly, we parted ways so the Woggle JOGLE team could set off again, keen(ish) to get a bit further with the hope of a half day tomorrow on the beach! Heading for the costal path and our first proper sea views since day 2 and the North coast of Scotland, we ascended through Padstow then through farmland, crossing fields filled with kale, turnips and corn. Then we reached the coastal path, winding along awesome cliffs and past countless rock pools and sandy beaches.

Arriving in Treyarnon we met up with Niall and Emma in the YHA cafe for a well deserved drink (and an ice cream for the younger team despite it not being the warmest of days!) and to wait for the rest of the extended support team to arrive. Then we wandered down to play on the beach. Hattie and Ollie went with Granddad to ‘paddle’ in the sea and came back significantly wetter than planned, and then continued to play in the sand and sand dunes until it was time to head to our base for the next two nights (with the luxury of not having to strike camp in the morning!)

Tonight we have been hosted and treated to an amazing BBQ (including langoustines!) by friends of Emma (Jennie’s cousin), Karen and Bryan who are kindly letting us stay for the next few nights. After dinner Bryan set up a movie on a projector in the barn for the kids to watch and they were very happily transfixed by moving pictures for an hour and a half before heading to bed!

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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!)

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!

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D49 – Okehampton to Launceston

Actual distance 39.64Km or 24.63miles (or 243.2 lengths of Meldon Viaduct)

Total Ascent 647.87m (or 14.1 abseils off Meldon Viaduct)

What a busy day!

We started out and headed directly up to the station in Okehampton (a very, very steep hill) to meet up with Linda and some of the 1st Okehampton group who joined us along the Granite Way. The Granite Way was a lovely easy ride which took us over two viaducts through picturesque countryside. The Leaders and younger members from 1st Okehampton left us after a few kilometres to head back home, but Zeak (one of the Scouts) happily joined us all the way to the end of the Granite Way then turned around to go back home!

At the end of the Granite Way we met up with a Scouting family from 47th Coventry who are here on holiday. They had hoped to join us when we were in the Midlands, but sadly the dates didn’t work. It was lovely to welcome the Ots today instead! We headed off and instantly hit a fairly steep down, followed by some fairly massive climbs which was quite an introduction to our adventure!

The kids liked the idea of a little off road cycling, so we chose to turn on to a path leading through farm land (still on the national cycle route!). Unfortunately this may not have been the best of plans as we rapidly found some serious off-road with some very technical riding (especially for Phil on his slick tyres). Hattie came a cropper and fell into a stoney puddle causing some grazes and very wet, muddy clothes. Impressively she got up and kept on going despite this!

We continued onwards up another couple of hills until we found a bench where we stopped for lunch. We continued, with the promise to stop in the next pub for a drink and a rest! Following a fairly fun descent we stopped in the Lifton Hall Hotel. We were then fortified enough to push for Cornwall, our final county of the JOGLE!

As we approached Launceston we realised our planned finishing point and the point where our support car had be dropped were in slightly different locations, each on opposite sides of a very large hill! As we were running out of time to make it the car at Tescos (where there was a 3 hour free parking window), Phil was dispatched up the road (it was definitely very up) to try and make it in time whilst the rest of the group continued to the planned finish point.

Day successfully completed, we had ice lollies courtesy of the Ots then we said our goodbyes and headed back to Okehampton to collect the vehicles before driving to Dartmoor’s Edge campsite where Immy and Adam invited us in for a delicious meal, warmth and internet to write our blog!

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Day 48 – Westpoint Arena, Exeter to Okehampton

Actual distance 50.26km or 31.23miles (or 1,005.2 lengths of an Olympic swimming pool (as we were that wet!))

Total Ascent 679m (or the height of 1,697.5 ducks (it was nice weather for them today!))

It was tough today.. really tough.

We started bright and early in traditional Devon ScoutEx style with ‘Wakey Shakey’ to get us going- after Ollie, Bethan and Jennie had done some dancercise to some classic cheesy music we headed for breakfast courtesy of Taff and the Ice House team (pancakes and for the GF pair mushroom omelettes!)

Our plan for an early get away was slightly scuppered by us moving the vehicles to Okehampton fist thing in order save time later. The drive to Okehampton was fine but the on returning we got stuck at a roundabout 2km from Westpoint for 30mins! Once we finally got back we realised it was lunch time and wouldn’t get very far without feeding the younger team and so we went back to see Taff again! Once full there was a quick round of goodbyes and off we headed under dark skies for Okehampton.

However, we didn’t get too far before we had to stop as we found the security gate to exit the Westpoint Arena didn’t recognise bikes- even 5 of them together, so we were trapped! Ollie managed to squeeze through a little gap in the gate to call one of the businesses on the site who kindly opened the gate and we were off. We flew into Exeter via some lovely cycle paths. After about 10km we stopped to say hello to Kate and family, one of Jennies old Uni friends. Following a warm welcome we had soup, drinks, crisps and sweets to fortify us for the next leg. We even managed to avoid a very heavy shower leaving us feeling smug, but did head off again under very, very grey skies.

On we went, with the gradient going up, and up and then up a little more which was quite an assault on tired legs! Then the showers started. Linda, from the 1st Okehampton had warned us that it was a wet area but we were hoping that the rain gods were going to remain on our side.

On and on we went, getting wetter and wetter. A quick pub stop helped with fuel but we were all struggling, particularly with a cold wind that made us feel cold to the core. With about 16km left of the day we called in the cavalry and Hattie finished the day in the support car. The rest of us continued, but so did the rain. We got as wet as it is possible to get, but we made it to Okehampton by19:00 to be greeted by our support team (Elaine and Phil) and Hattie in a warm, dry HQ with food ready prepared!

We all had a quick shower to warm up (one of Phil’s highlights of the trip as he was so wet and cold!) and then tucked in to fajitas followed by home made Rocky Road or Bara Brieth- just what was needed after a tough, wet day!

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Day 47- Halberton to ScoutEx- Westpoint Arena

Actual distance 32.28Km or 20.0 miles (or 1,176.8 laps of the caving complex at ScoutEx)

Total Ascent 312m (or 31.2 climbs up the climbing wall at ScoutEx)

Staying with the Devon County Scout team at ScoutEx in Westpoint Arena

What at day! We had an early start keen to get to ScoutEx- The Devon County Camp just east of Exeter in good time to relax and enjoy the fun. Jen and Phil headed off first thing to drop off the vehicles and were back to start by 10am which was phenomenal.

We jumped on the bikes and knowing we only had a 30km ride to complete (we have got to the point where the kids don’t worry at anything less than 60km on a bike!) we hoped to be done by lunch time. Whilst this was entirely possible we thought it might be a little optimistic. However, we quickly got into our groove and started moving. We had a few moderate climbs to start but dealt with them easily enough, and managed to keep going for a good 10km without pausing for a drink- unheard of for us!

By 11am we had managed 17km and were absolutely flying along despite some relatively busy roads. With 10km left Phil needed to stop for a call of nature and remarkably there was a portaloo 2 minutes down the road which Steve was happy for him to use- it was obviously a day with everything going our way!

We made it to our ScoutEx in under 2 hours which was a real boost for us all and was a real demonstration that we have got fitter and faster during the past few weeks (hopefully this will continue for the final days!)

Almost as soon as we arrived at Westpoint Arena we met Steve Donahue, Devon County Commissioner, who made up feel really welcome, showed us around the ScoutEx site and arranged for us to participate in the activities. A fun-packed afternoon followed with climbing, caving, a Harry Potter escape room, inflatables and archery!

We met Taff and the Ice House team who are a catering dream, supplying brilliant food including a wild stew from the ‘fruits’ of the survival base- pigeon, rabbit and venison (there were also pizzas)!

We listened to an amazing talk by Jamie Gane who was both funny and inspirational and again embodied core values of self motivation, determination and never giving up- all things we are finding on our adventure.

As if things couldn’t get better Ollie became a Scout during the evening disco! He was invested by Steve on the stage in front of the camp (totally apt for Ollie) and has been made an honorary Devon Scout!! He did correct the County Commissioner on the monarch in the promise- again typical Ollie!!!

Truly fantastic day!

The team caving!

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D46 – Taunton to Halberton (Tiverton)

Actual distance 36.26Km or 23.2miles (or the equivalent of 250,069 pairs of men’s sunglasses)

Total Ascent 330.93m (or the height of 6.2 Wellington’s Obelisk’s)

Staying with Halberton Scout Group

We were up early keen to get off to avoid some of the heat. It was a well practiced display of packing, tidying and cleaning and we were off on time arriving at yesterday’s finish point around 10.

We followed the rainbow road out of Taunton (“It’s just like Mario Kart” said Ollie!) and hit some hills almost immediately slowing our progress slightly. However, our trip has definitely made us stronger than we realised, so despite the gradients we ploughed up them fairly quickly.

We stopped for leisurely drinks (and ice creams with ‘edible’ flowers on top- Ollie tried them all but the big yellow one wasn’t too good!) and refilled our water bottles at the White Post Cafe in Langford Budville then headed to a convenient park for our picnic lunch. Olly- always a mind of information, pointed out Wellington’s Monument- still the tallest 3-sided obelisk in the world!

Full and keen to finish so we could get out of the heat we were back on the road tackling one of the bigger hills of the day (which was a surprisingly busy stretch of single track road!)

Hill done we joined up with the canal for the final 10km along a nicely maintained gravel track (with only one detour for a toilet which kindly resulted in a donation!). Olly dropped his sunglasses as we flew along the track and they nearly fell in the water!

We reached the endpoint for today within 10 minutes of our eta (a first- previously we have been very early or over 2hours past our estimate!). Julie, Tiverton DC, let us in to the Scout HQ in Halberton and showed us around their lovely building, making us feel very welcome. She had left the County RBG camp to let us in (and have a sneaky shower) before heading back to ScoutEx camp where we will be joining her after our cycle tomorrow!

Sadly we had to say goodbye to yesterdays guest blog writer Olly and his son Ethan from our Scout troop who had come up to join us for a few days. They covered a distance of over 100km with us which is no mean feat! We waved them off along with James, who has to go back to do some essential face to face administration in order for him to be able to start his new job. He’ll be back by the weekend!

We rounded the day off with a campfire and toasting marshmallows before sprucing up ready for ScoutEx tomorrow in Exeter!

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