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Walking Land's End to John o'Groats with Mark Moxon

Trecollas Farm to Launceston

Today should have been a great day, because my arrival in Launceston, Cornwall's easternmost town, brings the total distance I've walked to just over 100 miles. OK, this is a relatively inaccurate map-based estimate measured with bits of paper and a hefty amount of guesswork, but it's a psychological barrier, and it means I've only got around 1000 miles to go.

The Weather Breaks

A wet lane
The joys of lane-walking in the rain

I've been incredibly lucky with the weather so far; the only rain that affected me was the overnight downpour just north of Helston, and the little bit of spitting the following morning. I haven't been drenched yet, but at least I've got a taster of walking in the rain, because for the entire stretch from Trecollas Farm to Launceston it drizzled in an irritatingly persistent way.

Launceston Castle
Launceston Castle
The view from Launceston Castle
The view from Launceston Castle

A Bit Weird

Looking down to the entrance to Launceston Castle
Looking down to the entrance to Launceston Castle

From the moment I hauled myself up the incredibly steep hill on which Launceston lounges, I felt a bit ill at ease. I couldn't put my finger on it, but there was something weird about Launceston, and closer inspection didn't do anything to dispel my sense of disquiet.

Launceston Castle
Launceston Castle
Mark on top of Launceston Castle
On top of Launceston Castle

The Highlight

Looking up towards the keep of Launceston Castle
Looking up towards the keep of Launceston Castle

There was one wonderful experience waiting for me in Launceston, though. Having given up on the B&B, the pubs and the local population, I decided that the only solution was to go for a walk, blisters or no blisters, and after a few minutes of random wandering, I spotted something well worth visiting: Launceston Castle.