Busy, busy being creative..!

Monday 23 February 2015

The 40/40 Project. No.1 Brecons to Morwenstow

Very accurate map planning of my route

OK It's time to put this 'officially' out there. 

This summer I'm going on a modern pilgrimage by journeying from the Brecon Beacons to Morwenstow following (roughly) in the footsteps of the 5th century Saint Morwenna

This is a 177 mile adventure (not including the seamiles) that I will complete by bike, boat, foot & donkey!? This is a journey I've wanted to do since August 2011 when I became reacquainted with St.Morwenna.

I need to COMMIT to this here as to be honest I am struggling with the planning of it and just want to GET OUT THERE and DO IT!! 

So what does this Trip entail?

Starting in the magical Brecon Beacons - where St.Morwenna, the daughter of a Welsh King, came from, I'll cycle the 55 mile Taff Trail arriving in Cardiff. 

Then to find a boat to take me across the Bristol channel to Minehead to start the walk along the South West Coast Path. I did consider trying to cross the channel in a coracle but quickly reaslied that was a foolish idea...

From Minehead I will follow the coastal path and walk all the way to Morwenstow aiming to arrive on the 5th July. St. Morwenna's Feast Day.  I'm planning to do this over 21 days. It's not a race after all!

That's the idea anyway!


In my heart I really want to do this journey and can't quite put into words the full reasons behind it. Since 2011 this adventure keeps calling me, and yet something has been holding me back. It will be a big physical challenge for me as I do have some walking difficulties as a result of having a Stroke when I was 12, well as one of determination and perseverance (planning it for a start which is my current block!) I did first plan to do this in 2012, but things didn't quite work out that way. So this is why it is No.1 on my 40/40 project list. 

I'm going to need your help. Can you cheer me on please and encourage me, wave some virtual pom poms? Can you suggest any good places to stay on-route? Could you help me in some other way? Thank you ;-)

Here's my rough plan so far. Needs some tweaks as I'd like to factor in some rest days...!




Cycling
Cycle Taff Trail (55 miles)

Boat (hopefully!)
Boat from Cardiff to Minehead

Walking
Minehead to Porlock Weir (9.5 miles)
Porlock Weir to Lynmouth harbour (12 miles)
Lynmouth Harbour to Combe Martin (14 miles)
Combe Martin to Mortehoe and Woolacombe (13 miles)
Mortehoe and Woolacombe to Braunton (15 miles)
Braunton to Instow (12.8 miles)
Instow to Westward Ho! (11 miles)
Westward Ho! to Clovelly (11 miles)
Clovelly to Hartland Quay (Donkey?) (10.5 miles)
Hartland Quay to Morwenstow (8 miles)

CELEBRATE! 

On this Creative Adventure, I will be creating a daily artwork inspired by something I see, hear or feel. I'm expecting the trip to take 21 days - so there will be 21 art postcards. Each unique and capturing a moment on that particular day. Would you like to recieve a Postcard from a Pilgrim? See the full details HERE

I will also be raising funds for The Stroke Association.

How about you? Is there a trip that you've been thinking about taking but things have gotten in your way? 

What personal pilgrimage would you like to take? Love to hear from you.

Morwhenna
xx

4 comments:

  1. Last year I hiked a few days in the Cotswolds and it was amazing! I'd love to repeat that trip and spend a week or two.

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    1. Oh lovely Brighton West! Where about did you walk? I've not actually spent much time in that part of the world even though it isn't actually that far from me! I think a trip is in order. ;-)

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  2. If you have more time to go further into Cornwall you should go to Tintagel. Just beyond Tintagel is St Nectan's Cleave (or well). St Nectan was the brother of St Morwenna.

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  3. It's such an amazing idea Morwhenna - I'm really excited for you. Like you say - it's not a race - have fun with it!! Definitely read Geoff Nicholson's, 'The Lost Art of Walking.' It will have you raring to go - there's a full history of similar walking challenges.
    Good luck! xx

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