Cocker spaniels Molly and Indy take in the spectacular views on our dog-friendly walk from Heddon's Mouth to Combe Martin on The South West Coast Path whilst staying at Gwelmor in Widemouth Bay

Heddon’s Mouth to Combe Martin: Walk The South West Coast Path

Stunning views on the way into Combe Martin in the distance as we attempt to walk The South West Coast Path — Combe Martin in the distance

Distance: 6.8 miles

Severity: strenuous

Time it took us: 5hrs 6mins

Steps: 21,647

The day began with my belly in twists. After yesterday’s panic attack and having already seen the incline back out of the valley, I was a tad nervous to say the least.

But I’d set myself a challenge to walk the entire South West Coast Path, so swiftly reminded myself I couldn’t give in at the first hurdle.

So began the steep walk out of Heddon’s Mouth valley. And what was round the corner at the top? Of course, more toe-curling, buttock-clenching, seemingly ‘toothpick' wide paths round the headland. It was only about a half mile stretch but felt like miles of sheer hell for me.

I can safely say I’m no mountain goat and at one point felt a tad embarrassed when two women of a more mature variety shimmied past me as I clung shaking to any gorse I could find on the cliff face.

Why do they never tell you about this in guidebooks? All they seem to say is ‘take care in windy conditions’!

Some quite dramatic scenery on The South West Coast Path walk from Heddon's Mouth to Combe Martin — Stunning views

At last, we reached a much wider grassy patch where I sat down to recover with a cup of hot coffee. It was over. For now.

Having recovered long enough to continue, our path took us across the heathland of Holdstone Down and along a high grass track before ascending to Great Hangman from Sherrycombe and on to Little Hangman.

Here, you can bolster your calorie burn by tackling the very steep climb up Great Hangman. At the top, you’d be on the highest cliffs in mainland Britain standing 1,043 feet above sea level. Not for me I’m afraid, so we continue.

The rest of the walk to Combe Martin was out of this world, if did last a tad longer than it looked. Such sensation views and, even I admitted it made the scary bits totally worth while. I think!

Only another 595 miles to go.