Day 17: Simonsbath to Wimbleball Lake

Something magical happened today. I arrived at camp with dry feet. Today has been very pleasant, with good varied paths. 

• Date: 6 April 2024
• Start: Simonsbath
• End: Wimbleball Lake
• Miles: 15.7
• Total miles: 217.1
• Accommodation: Wimbleball Lake

Another magical thing happened this morning as well. I put away a dry tent. The ground was also dry. Hopefully we’re turning a corner!

I set off from Simonsbath along the Two Moors Way which links Dartmoor to Exmoor. This was a great path following a river through a valley. The ground was good and it was very scenic. I eventually arrived in the village of Withypool, where I had a breakfast bap and coffee in thee tea house, and then restocked at the shop. 

I then followed a path out of Withypool which turns out ran right alongside a main road. I was now pretty high up, so Storm Kathleen’s winds gave me an absolute battering. The road path ended and I went over a moor before descending into Bridgetown. 

Little mud makes a huge difference, and my pace today has been the quickest since Day 1. I arrived in Brompton Regis, which is less than a mile from tonight’s camp, at 2:30pm, far too early to go and set up the tent. So I made use of the village pub for a bit. 

I then headed to the camp one mile down the road, situated next to a lake. Compared to yesterday, I have barely seen anyone today. No one at all on any footpaths. Given it’s a Saturday, I was surprised. Maybe everyone is sheltering from the storm.

 Once pitched up, I could tell it was going to be a windy night. Hopefully the tent stays down!