Wednesday 10th June 2015 – 23/52 – Pleinmont to Pembroke Bay

I approached Pleinmont with some trepidation this morning as it was likely I would be doing the leg on my own and there was a very strong headwind to contend with. 10 o’clock came, and, as expected, I was going solo this morning.

Already as I approached Fort Grey I had a good feel for just how difficult the conditions would be. There were few people around the beaches due to the strong winds and even the regular dog walkers appeared to be missing. Fortunately I was able to get into a good walking rhythm despite the wind pushing me back, and before I knew it I had cleared L’Eree and Richmond Corner and was off the public road and onto the established coastal path. Phew, if I thought conditions had been bad since I started they were just about to get even tougher as the sand began to blow into my face, and it was not going to get any better in the exposed bay! I did observe a hardy couple well wrapped up walking along the beach, but it appeared they were taking 2 steps forward and 1 back; even the sea birds were somewhat short in numbers in the difficult conditions. I felt sorry for the workmen who were busy pointing the sea wall: they appeared fully exposed to the windy conditions.

Eventually I reached Vistas at Vazon, which appeared quite busy with visitors and locals looking for shelter and a warming drink, but I had no intention of stopping and made my way around to Cobo Bay, which was deserted, but looked magnificent, with its pristine white sandy beach and spectacular rock outcrops. The wind was still blowing strongly but a few hardy souls were braving the conditions and walking on the beach as I approached Grandes Rocques. The kiosk was deserted, in total contrast to when it is a warm sunny day. Heading on to Port Soif I thought I might get some respite from the headwind but it wasn’t to be.

As I progressed along the coastal path, which runs very near to the public roadway, I became aware that there was a back up of traffic on both sides. Fearing that there might be an RTA, I became even more concerned when I saw 3 adults on their knees in the road. To my relief they were rescuing a live duck which had got stuck in a drain cover!

Other walkers were few and far between, but on the path to the Rousse Tower and the headland I met a delightful couple on holiday from Yorkshire who were lovely to talk to and also very kindly gave me a £10 donation for the Autism Guernsey 365 challenge!

It was great to get to Rousse Kiosk and having pre-warned Philippa that I was coming I thoroughly enjoyed the crab sandwich she had waiting for me. It was gratifying to reach the Kiosk by 1230 despite the strong wind, and having been fed and watered I was all ready for the last leg on to Pembroke Bay.

As I headed inland I at last got some respite from the wind, but I couldn’t help but admire just how good the sea view was with the white horses on the water, the boats bobbing up and down and the differing colours of the sea with the sun and clouds enhancing the variation.

Surprise, surprise – the ice cream seller at Amarreurs was closed, hardly surprising really, as there were no children or adults in the area. I made my way down towards the Roc Salt restaurant with a large amount of seagulls takings shelter in the rocks just near there. Fortunately I now know how to get across the road and through by the Golf Club and then on to the bus stop at Pembroke Bay, which today was a very welcome sight indeed. There was time for a cup of coffee in the Pembroke Kiosk, then I was off on the 92 bus back home to St Martin’s.