Minehead, Somerset 

Time Arrived: 3.30pm

Weather: Sunny and cool - Min 6 in London and Max 14 in Minehead

Accommodation: The Old Ship Aground 

After 57 hours of travelling which involved 23 hours of plane travel, a two hour train journey and a one and a half hour bus ride we finally arrived at our destination at the small coastal town of Minehead and the start of the South West Coast Path in Somerset. We were pleased we made the decision to overnight in Singapore and also in Paddington to break the journey. 

Last night in Paddington we both crashed at 8.00pm only to wake up at 3.00pm and not being able to go back to sleep again. Once we start our walk I’m sure we won’t have any trouble with sleeping.

Today started early in Paddington with a breakfast at one of the many cafes surrounding the Paddington Station. We ate very little last night and knowing we had a train and bus journey ahead of us today we ate up well. 

Following breakfast we went in search of Paddington Bear at the railway station. There’s a bronze statue tucked near the main station clock, a plaque and bench, a whole shop dedicated to him, and even little bear footprints to follow. The busy commuters breeze past like it’s nothing, but tourists like us stop and take far too many photos.

Paddington Station’s sweeping Victorian elegant wrought iron and glass roof is stunning and as it was a sunny day it was brilliantly lit. 

Whilst waiting for the 10.36am train to Taunton Joanna Lumley stood in front of us looking at the large screen timetable and we recognised her immediately. She was looking immaculate in a cream coloured coat. A few people approached her to have a photo taken and she was so obliging and gracious that I now like her even more. 

Our two hour train trip was scenic and as we drew closer to Minehead we felt more like we were on holiday. It was lovely looking out at the passing countryside with the only event being one drunken person on the railway line which delayed us by 15 mins. All was resolved by the police and we were on our way again.

On arrival at the Taunton Railway Station we only waited a few minutes before the arrival of the hourly bus to Minehead with the bus stop alongside the station. The forty kilometre trip took 1.5 hours with a 60 potential bus stops. Thankfully, the bus did not stop at many of the stops as it wound its way through narrow, often high-hedged roads and pretty little villages. There were  quite a number of houses with thatched roofs.

We arrived at Minehead at 3.00pm and we were ready for a late lunch. We elected to go to Costa as it was close by and we knew we would be served quickly. We were a tad hungry!

From the main street of Minehead we had a 15 minute walk to our accommodation. On our way Henk noticed a plaque high on the front of a house noting the birthplace of Arthur C. Clarke.

We were pleased to arrive at The Old Ship Aground, an old Edwardian pub. It is in an excellent position overlooking the harbour and the long stretch of Minehead beach. The tide was way out. 

Dinner was a hearty Indian lamb curry followed by a shared Eton’s Mess which Henk calls “Brexit” given the number of old Eton boys who had a significant impact on the outcome of the referendum.

Following dinner we walked around the harbour in the brisk clear evening. The tide was coming in and the beached boats in the harbour were starting to float again. 

Tomorrow is a rest day before we start the final stage of completing the South West Coast Path.