Day 1: Land's End to St Austell

Land's End, Marco & John

Early start to get the first train out of Tunbridge Wells (05:16) into London Charing Cross. Then a short ride across town to meet John on the 07:30 from London Paddington to Penzance. Train journey involved passing through towns that we'd be passing back through in the next few days. Once the Somerset levels had passed, the view was worryingly hilly and grey. Penzance arrived all too soon, and the prebooked taxi took us to Land's End (is that cheating?). The driver quite usefully informed us that the best pasties in Cornwall could be found at Philps in Marazion. After the obligatory pics at the signpost (when the official photographer wasn't looking) and a team pic at the Start\Finish line, we were off at about 2:30. Back through Penzance, first stop at the advised pasty shop. The taxi driver wasn't wrong, easily the largest and tastiest pasty I've ever had. It was only at the end of the day that I realised that there was a distinct lack of roadkill in Cornwall. Coincidence? The rest of the day passed under monochrome skies and ever increasing drizzle - really not showing Cornwall at its best. Saw at least 5 other end-to-enders going the other way. You could tell them by the deep tan, tired waves, sunken eyes and that smile which seemed to say "You have no idea....". Rain drove us into the Sainsbury's cafe in Truro, where the help-yourself soup bowl was filled to the brim, and an hour and a half later finally arrived at a truckstop in St Austell masquerading as our B&B. Sadly, the only thing left open for food was the McD's across the road. Walking back in the rain, still smiling, we agreed that things are bound to get better...

Map Day 1