Day 13: Abbotsham to Barnstable

My time on the South West Coast Path comes to an end as I arrive in Barnstable for a well needed rest day. 

• Date: 2 April 2024
• Start: Abbotsham
• End: Barnstaple
• Miles: 13.4
• Total miles: 177.8
• Accommodation: Travelodge Barnstable

I decided to go by road for the first part of the day rather than getting back on the South West Coast Path, due to mud, obviously. It was a rather pleasant morning, and the sun was shining. I headed through Bideford and grabbed some breakfast on the way through. 

I then rejoined the South West Coast Path for the final time, which follows the Tarka Trail, a cycle path, meaning it was paved and of course, no mud. 

It was a rather dull 10 miles of walking, and hard on the feet, but I eventually arrived in Barnstable and checked into my hotel for the next two nights. My first job was to get my laundry done, including washing my boots, which were carrying all the mud in Cornwall. 

My time on the South West Coast Path is now over. It is a beautiful national trail, but probably not one I’d want to do in full. Not because it’s pretty hard in places, but because I prefer the more inland trails. 

A well needed rest day is planned for tomorrow, where I’m going to do some shopping, including buying some walking poles, as I feel the mud isn’t over, and it’ll stop me from falling over 10 times a day.