Sunday 31st March 2013

A beautiful, still, sunny day on the edge of Exmoor. Of all things, I had with me, a “Bum-bag” and it was in to this the camera went. I looked ridiculous and after the event I had a solid bruise on my right hip, but it was worth it. 

 The run took me out of Butlins, along Minehead seafront and up a couple of back roads, onto North Hill………… and what a hill it was. The intention was to run, but at my level and with a gradient like that, my pace “running” was probably slower than a fast walk and with a lot more strain. I walked, at a push……

Pacing across the edge of Exmoor was magical. I’ve said it to others, it’s the only place in recent years I have encountered “Silence”. With no wind, birds, vehicles, sea, people, nothing. The views were stunning with  a few ponies along the way, the only problem was that I couldn’t find my turning. It reached a point where I had to decide to return along the road I had come.

But part way back there was a footpath heading off to Bratton, and Bratton was where I was heading for only now via a different route. The best decision I made through the whole training program. A stunning run over open hillsides, through woodland and past holly bushes, 

alongside streams, nice soft ground, challenging at times and smooth and comfortable at others. It was also notable for a complete lack of other people. On the road at the top, there were a few cars, bikes and walkers, but down this trail, it was just me, the sheep, a couple of squirrels and a woodpecker!

It didn’t come out exactly where I expected it to, but Woodcombe was pretty and I ended up running all the way down Minehead Main Street!!!!! I had been out for 2 hours exactly and moving for 1 hr 47 minutes, more than I had intended, but understandable. I got carried away….. on Exmoor.