Part Three of Three
The next day, we drove ahead to position the car at Fowey. Then, we drove back to the campsite. To then walk back to Fowey, approximately 12 miles. This stretch took us past Helman Tor a granite outcrop. It felt very much like we were on Dartmoor, not Bodmin.
The route planner had two choices of routes at this points. We Chose the traditional route, where we had the sense of walking an ancient drovers’ ridgeway, a granite-hedged path. We passed several types of granite stones. St Brevita Church at Lanlivery greeted us with its tall tower. We were welcomed with another pilgrim stamp.
The next section towards Miltown had more tarmac than we’d have liked, not helped by two wrong turnings. I was glad that I had my special trail mix created by @lundyChef
At last, we reached Golant and St Sampson’s Church. A pint at the Fisherman’s Arms was welcome — but ill-timed, as light was fading. We sensibly decided to take a taxi back to the car. We saved the final short leg for the morning of my birthday.
It was the right call. The last stretch was shaded and wooded, with glimpses of the River Fowey. It felt very much like an ancient rain forest. Later, I found that temperate rain forests do exist in Cornwall. With fresh legs we enjoyed the sight of the River Fowey glinting through the trees.
Concluding the Journey
We arrived in Fowey near the Bodinnick Ferry. We hadn’t entered Fowey from this direction before. Carrying rucksacks and a walking stick, we felt like real pilgrims among the tourists. Even if our first stop was for ice cream!
Looking back, the Saints Way felt less about distance. It was more about the rhythm of walking. Pushing tired legs on to the next destination, each step steeped in faith and history.