Day 14- Exmoor to Bridgewater 25 miles

   I woke early to rain, packed and left before half seven. Today I'd be heading to Bridgewater, but first up into the    Quantock Hills. I've been told these are

Climbing up to the hills in the rain

beautiful but since I could only see a meter or so in front I can not attest to this. It poured it down continually and it's not an easy climb up those hills. You don't stay there too long either and once back on the planes your finally on the promised Somerset flats.

Quantock Hills

  I think today was ruined by a mixture of things. Partly my fault for bad planning: I'd not bought enough food for today and went without dinner last night, breakfast and lunch. There were no towns for the first six hours. When your body is used to receiving food every hour or so of walking you really feel it. Same problem with water. Secondly the weather was truly horrible. But another large part was that farmers made no effort at all to guard the paths or styles, perhaps it's not their duty but whomever it was today was rubbish. Then there was also Bridgewater which made me feel afraid in daylight. Lastly my 20 odd long mile walk turned until 25 by the time I reached camp.

  The last hour was the worst since I was chased out of one field of cows into a dead end with cow fields all around me and all the fences were so broken to be unclimbable. The final path around someones house was about a foot wide and overgrown with nettles and brambles, the fences in the other side collapsed in sections over the path. I disliked the place quite intently.

Bridge just after Bridgewater

  Fairways campsite was a smart affair, mainly for caravans but had a lovely flat patch for campers right by the toilets block. The gentleman who saw to me was also incredible friendly and warm, giving me tokens for the shower as well as a free pitch. I collapsed and tried to regroup my spirits, I sorely needed a day off.