Well we did it.

There were three of us at the start and it was pitch black when we set off down the Camel trail from Padstow at six in the morning. Dodging puddles in the dark was a challenge but the sun was finally up when we reached Wadebridge where we had to say goodbye to Dora. She turned around and walked back on her own to Padstow.

After a short break we carried on down the trail. It was still early so there weren’t many other people on the trail but we did pass three bemused sheep. Eventually we reached Bodmin- our halfway point and time for lunch. The rain had set in with a strong wind but we had the good sense to book a table in a five star bus shelter where we tucked in to lunch. We were joined by two ladies waiting for the bus to St Austell They wanted to know which bus we were waiting for. Their eyes widened when I told them we were going to walk to StAustell and nearly popped out of their heads when I said we had started in Padstow.

Leaving Bodmin and the Camel trail behind us the going got a lot tougher. After enjoying a short downhill stretch we slogged up a long steep climb to the top of another hill. And then another. A pattern that continued to the end. But our spirits remained high despite the incessant wind and rain.

Luxullyan seemed to be the home of record breaking giants. We saw Europe’s largest granite boulders, had to cross Cornwalls largest puddle and were startled by the worlds biggest dog.

From here it was a case of just putting one foot in front of another -mile after mile Our legs were aching and our energy reserves were nearly empty but gradually our surroundings became more familiar. Then finally we were home. We did it !Twenty five miles from Padstow to St Austell in eight hours.

Now it is my turn to thank all of you who have kindly given a donation. Your generosity is amazing

The twenty five mile challenge continues until the end of November so if you haven’t given yet there is still time to contribute

Thank you all for your support!