Day 55: Truro to Porthleven

Distance: 21.2 miles
Time: 7 hrs 55 mins
Weather: Light drizzle
Cumulative distance: 928.3 miles

A day of country lanes and footpaths in the drizzle, a few missing signposts, the seaside and a family reunion.

After breakfast, we set off in drizzle and soon reached a country lane which took us away from civilised Truro towards Bissoe, but which was also a short cut popular with local motorists.

We stopped for an early lunch at Stithians - our first Cornish pasty, which we ate whilst sat on a bench in the rain. It still tasted good, even if we departed somewhat damper.

We followed a couple of footpaths which resulted in shorter routes, but came unstuck on a later footpath due a lack of signposts. We found ourselves next to a reservoir, having deviated from the scheduled route, but quickly found an alternative route. Unfortunately, another missing signpost resulted in a further deviation and we were soon walking across a field in the mist, not quite sure how to rejoin our route. With the assistance of GPS, we were back on track, but time and miles had been expended unnecessarily.

At Porkellis, we stopped for a coke at an inn. As we left, the landlord came running after us to tell us we were heading in the wrong direction for Land's End, so I had to explain that we would be walking along the scenic coastal path to get there.

After a longer than planned walk, which Daniel's legs did not appreciate, we skirted Helston, climbed over the hill and finally arrived at the bustling harbour of Porthleven, to be reunited with my wife and daughter for the first time in two months.

Our hotel was nearby, offering super views across the harbour (see photo). This was the first time I'd been so close to the sea since the early days of the walk in Scotland. It was good to smell the brine and to hear the sound of the gulls flying overhead.

We had a family meal at the Blue Haze fish restaurant on the opposite side of the harbour. The meal was excellent and there were splendid views over the harbour. My drink? A bottle of Porthleven ale from Skinner's brewery - what else?