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I was born in a suburb on the outskirts of East London within the county of Essex. As an adult I moved away, but later returned to serve the community working as a London Firefighter. I never planned to become an author, however, I found writing about my experiences as a child and later about the untimely death of my wife really helped with the grieving process. I hope that my story will help and encourage others to talk about their grief and loved ones. It’s okay not to be okay!

I was born in a suburb on the outskirts of East London within the county of Essex. As an adult I moved away, but later returned to serve the community working as a London Firefighter. I never planned to become an author, however, I found writing about my experiences as a child and later about the untimely death of my wife really helped with the grieving process. I hope that my story will help and encourage others to talk about their grief and loved ones. It’s okay not to be okay!

Russell Webb

A STUNNING COASTAL WALK WITH A TWIST!

Updated: Apr 22, 2024




 

In September 2023 I was in Devon. On this particular day the weather was warm and sunny. I was staying on a camping site a few miles away from Hope Cove.


I have not visited this area before and decided to follow one of the circular walks, displayed on the camp site notice board.


Parking the car in Hope village car park, I changed into my walking boots and donned my backpack, consisting of thermos flask with hot water, milk for tea, drinking water, chewing gum and chocolate wafer bars. I felt good and ready to take on the world! Well, ready to take on this 7 mile hike.


Turning left out the car park and after walking 500 metres, I reached my first hurdle..... That smell of freshly cooked bacon lured me to a lovely cafe. Ok, I can do this, I will be good and walk straight past, only to be confronted by a traditional seaside pub selling full English cooked breakfasts. Yes, you guessed right, I buckled and found myself tucking into an amazing feast.


About an hour later, belly now full, I set off again along the South West Coastal Path and was blessed with amazing views. The terrain started off reasonably level but the slopes soon became hills, big hills the size of mountains! I pushed on regardless finding places to stop for a cuppa and to absorb the breathtaking scenery.



At the halfway stage of my epic journey, I had to traverse a rather steep incline which had a loose gravel pathway which meandered into the distance.


I lost my footing and twisted my back, whilst breaking my fall. Sweat now pouring from my face, I composed myself, had a look around to make sure nobody had seen my little stumble, and got back on feet. I was in the middle of nowhere but had to push on regardless. I had packed pain killing tablets in my backpack, which helped a little.


That walk back to my car park seem to take forever, at one point I had visions of having to call the emergency services to come and get me.


It took around four days for my twisted back to heal.


I plan to revisit the coastal path and next time I will make sure I pack sandwiches in case I really do get stranded !!!!



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