Day 3 - St Ives to Elm Farm 20 miles

St Ives in the early morning sun from Ayr campsite

 Knowing I didn't really fancy wild camping tonight I decided to forge on past my original destination, Portreath, and camp at Elm Farm Campsite nearer Redruth instead. This would mean that the day might be closer 20 miles that 17. That in mind I woke at 5:30, leaving camp at 7.

Looking back towards St Ives on Porthminster Beach

  The guide book described this section as ugly, and I daresay it's far from glorious but I was loving it. With cement or dirt paths underfoot I was chopping away the miles with no effort at all. I reached Hayle by half nine, six miles already done.
  From there I forged further inland, forced to walk on a lot of roads but enjoying the ease of it for a day. Then over the fields along the Red River Valley Nature Reserve and through Tehidy woods. Both were pleasant walks if unspectacular.
  I decided it was time for a change in author and turned on a Lee Child's novel, never having tried him before. Quickly engrossed I happily marched the next three or do hours away till a reached Elm Campsite.

Elm Farm campsite

  Elm campsite is a gem ran by a cheerful looking couple who also rent out bikes. It's an eco campsite with composting loos. No cars, showers in outdoors sheds and a flat sheltered lawn. I think it's fabulous.
  Today was forgettable in many ways but I'm starting to feel strong and relax more into the walk. Things are aching but less than I thought they would. I'll head back to the coast tomorrow but will be less afraid of finding alternatively routes along the way.