Wednesday 19^th. August 2015 – 33/52 – St. Peter Port to Icart Point

I really did not know how I was going to get on with this leg today with my left arm in a sling due to my broken collar-bone (I am left-handed), and the wet and damp weather prevailing, but what I did know was that my walking buddy, Clive S, was going to be there, which was immensely re-assuring under the circumstances. The whole landscape changes considerably when it is damp and cloudy but it was great to see the cormorants flying low across the water both singly and in pairs.

The wet conditions were not as bad as the forecast had predicted as we set off up the steps and on towards Fermain Bay. On a good day we would normally come across numerous other walkers and dog walkers, but today they were conspicuous by their absence. I was having to adjust to the wet and slippery cliff path as we headed on, but generally I was quite pleased with my progress, and as and when I did need some assistance Clive was there to help me.

The Kiosk at Fermain Bay was open but completely empty when we arrived, as was the beach – a huge contrast to the busy Bay we normally encounter when walking in this area. On towards to Marble Bay we went and at last met 4 fellow walkers heading in the opposite direction towards St Peter Port. The climb up the long steps at St. Martin’s Point was very hard work and I was gasping for air when we eventually arrived at the top. Nobody at all was using the Kiosk, a stark reminder of just how important weather is in making a living wage from such businesses.

We went on around towards La Moye Battery and on to Petit Port, the dull and overcast conditions nowhere near ideal for showing the Bay off in all its natural glory. We quickly got around to Moulin Huet, and decided to take the top path up to the now deserted Bon Port Hotel and onwards to Saints Bay.

The weather was somewhat changeable at times with the odd heavier shower but on the whole quite reasonable for walking. It would appear the St Martin’s Parish still have to put in more work to get the proposed new cliff path down to the Saints Kiosk completed, something I know they are very keen to do during the winter.

The rain somewhat intensified as we climbed out of Saints Bay, but having made good time the finishing line was not far away, and the remaining part of the walk is a relatively, straightforward track round to the finish at Icart Kiosk.

We were delighted to finish at around 12.45: a good time in relation to the legs we have already walked on this section of coastal path this year. I was very pleased to have got through this leg without too much pain and difficulty from my injury, and was very grateful to Clive for supporting me today.

Photograph of Moulin Huet to Pea Stacks courtesy of Sarah Snell Photography – https://www.facebook.com/sarahsnellphotography?fref=ts

Saturday 22^nd August

I took the opportunity to go and watch Peacehaven FC v Guernsey FC in a scheduled Ryman South League game whilst I was in the area to watch a 4-day County Championship cricket match between Sussex and Yorkshire at Hove.

I had a very pleasant surprise when the supporters had a whip around and raised £66.40 for my nominated charity Autism Guernsey and the Autism365 challenge I am completing this year and chronicling in this weekly blog.

It was a really superb effort on their part and I am very grateful for their support. With that donation and a further £20.00 given by my good friend Barry, who was also down watching the cricket with me, my total to date is £720.00 raised.

Amazing!