On Tuesday 4th October participants and founders of the Oundle Pilgrimage joined together at HQ, The Rose & Crown to celebrate their fundraising efforts by handing over a cheque for £2,000 to Julie Laithwaite, the fundraising executive of Thorpe Hall Hospice, Peterborough.

 

The money raised over the weekend 13/14th August, marked the first anniversary of the event which was founded by charity activist Robin Moore and his friends from Trek-Kits, the local outdoor adventure shop. Robin has walked almost 25,000 miles of expeditions (pilgrimages and fundraising walks) and has written over 20 books/ travel guides including one for the pilgrimage event.

Throughout the event, the regional pubs did their bit to raise funds for the cause while participants completed their walk/cycle ride to add further momentum to the cause. One local, Nigel Laxton, who has accompanied Robin on past expeditions, raised a massive £355; Shawn and Kim from the Rose & Crown (Pilgrim HQ) did the event proud hosting a banquet/beer festival and entertainment over the weekend as well as raising over £500.

Julie Laithwaite was delighted saying that the Oundle Pilgrimage has really put Thorpe Hall on the map in this region with more spin-off events on the way. Robin decided to create an event for the hospice after a popular young man called Dean Ingram died from cancer in 2008. Working closely with Nigel and Claire from Trek-kits, and with support of friends Rick Murphy and Paul Coles we have made good progress with an scope to build a bigger event in the future. 'It’s all about every body doing a little and I feel it creates a good community forum in a time of recession’ enthuses Robin. There is a cycle route and family walk available and the guides will be on sale for Christmas. In the Spring Robin celebrates 20 years of charity walks, hopefully 25,000 miles by doing his first walk – Cornwall to Oundle. He hopes the public will support his efforts and join our fantastic Pilgrimage next year.

Any one can walk/cycle the Oundle Pilgrimage at any time by visiting Trek-kits where Claire or Nigel will sign you up and issue a passport. The guides are on sale there too. Robin has also been nominated as a torch bearer for the Olympics; any one wishing to comment or add weight to his case please do so by visiting the nomination website.

'MOVEMBER CAMPAIGN AT THE ROSE & CROWN'

Launched on 1st November:

Raising funds for Sue Ryder and Prostate Cancer (Campaign to run until 28th January). Moustaches grown until 26th November). Robin also supports Prostate Cancer working with The Rose & Crown and participating in Walking/Awareness events. To support his efforts please donate at his Just Giving Page on the Cancer Charities section.

For more details contact Shawn at The Rose & Crown or charity executive Sarah Coghian: sarah@movember.com

THANK YOU

THE CORNWALL PILGRIMAGE WALK

GWENNAP SECTION

AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WALK


The community of Gwennap celebrated its first Cornwall Pilgrimage Fundraising day on August Bank Holiday when a small local group walked 6 miles of the pilgrimage route collecting stamps for their ‘Pilgrim Passports’ and later a certificate and St Piran Shell for their efforts. After the walk, pilgrims and patrons of the Fox and Hounds enjoyed pig roast, live music and an imbibing folk evening with clog-dancing all in the name of charity. The event was marred by a young guy stealing the charity box (the police arrested him but only gave a caution!) but the shell-shocked community recovered in time to enjoy a fantastic evening.

The following day Robin Moore embarked on a ten day coast-to-coast expedition across Exmoor, Dartmoor and Cornwall which included the Hospice Route of the Cornwall Pilgrimage. Initiated on the South West Way, the journey also took in the old railway routes from Ilfracombe to Okehampton; Launceston to Camelford and Padstow. Following the Saints Way and Route 3 he continued to the Roseland Coast where he walked from Mount Edgcumbe Hospice to St Julia’s in Hayle, collecting stamps for his ‘Pilgrim Passport’ along the way. Throughout the journey he delivered donation envelopes to local businesses and this month appeals to the public to support his campaign for the St Julia’s New Build by making a donation and using the gift aid on the envelope.

The next phase of our fundraising month for St Julia’s went well on Saturday 24th September when the Fox & Hounds at Comford hosted our annual Harvest Supper for the charity. Our target for this year is a £1,000  which will be handed over to St Julia's Hospice by Robin and his team on Saturday 29th October.

ROBIN’S DIARY
 

DAY 1. MINEHEAD TO PORLOCK

Arriving by steam train was an appropriate way to initiate my walk which would partly follow the old regional branch lines. On leaving Minehead station however, presented a tough course along coastal routes and forest terrain. The journey was steep and exacting as is most of Exmoor and only giving respite on descent through Bossington and Porlock where I camped for the night.

Later I enjoyed a meal at the Royal Oak and then retired to an early night.

 

DAY 2. PORLOCK TO LYNBRIDGE (Via County Gate and Oare)

In the morning I visited Toni from the Lorna Doone Hotel who cooked me a nice breakfast. My local cricket team from Oundle had visited recently and the team manager had given her a copy of my Oundle Pilgrimage Walk which has proved a great success as a fundraising project for Sue Ryder. After catching with news from Toni, I continued my expedition first to Porlock Weir and Culbone Church. I stayed on the South West Way as far as County Gate then took another footpath to Oare which I had hoped to revisit after my first encounter with Lorna Doone Valley. Using an old route, I retraced my footsteps through the valley which was broken pleasantly by the villages of Malmsmead, Brendon and Rockford. The undulation road eventually drops down into Lynmouth and Watersmeet, ascends once more to the camp site at Lynbridge where I camped for the night. A little way from here is a path to charming Lynton which I visited for an hour before turning in for the night.

 

DAY 3.  LYNBRIDGE TO HELE CAMPSITE

The path beyond Lynton was steep and enduring in sunny weather and I was glad to stop at The Hunter’s Lodge. From here I tried to follow a cycle route and ended up on a rather long journey which included 3 miles along a busy main road – not cycle friendly – and definitely hostile to all walkers!

Feeling relieved to reach Combe Martin, I stopped for an Army Ration snack before rejoining the coast path to Ilfracombe. This was a relatively easy section taking in Watermouth Castle and some wooded sections which were basically the last outposts of Exmoor Forest. Light was fading by the time I reached Hele so I booked a pitch at the local campsite and took a short walk to the Thatch Inn, where I enjoyed food and ale.

 

DAY 4. HELE TO GT TORRINGTON

With groin strain and sore feet I made my way slowly to Ilfracombe where I located the old railway track now part of the Tarka Trail (Route 27) Cycle Path.

Initially this comprised of the old track bed later sharing roads as it meandered along to Braunton. Reaching this landmark by midday it was now raining and so I limited my stop to a cheese roll and pint of milk before continuing on the old track bed to Barnstaple. It took until 3pm to arrive in pouring rain and this time I went to a café and enjoyed a hot meal. On resumption I made a more concerted effort to get on with the job and made 4 miles per hour to Bideford, stopping only at Instow to obtain some soda water. Part of the track and platform are still intact at Instow and I enjoyed the next few miles to Bideford. With nightfall coming quickly due to the overcast conditions, I did not dwell, hastening on to Torrington. It was totally black on reaching the town after 8pm and on my last attempt managed to get a room at the Cavalier where the talented Sarah Devonshire was in excellent voice. After an hour’s entertainment and a couple of pints I retired to a warm bed which was a welcome change!

 

DAY 5. GT TORRINGTON TO OKEHAMPTON

The day started well with bright sunshine as I headed off in pursuit of more dismantled railway to follow, picking up the trail at Winswell. There was an interesting terminus at Meeth and I stopped for tea at Hatherleigh but after that the heavy rain crept in marring a good day’s progress as I struggled through forest in search of Okehampton Station. I did not arrive at my destination until 6.30 though the YHA was excellent, allowing the opportunity to visit the station which is still active on certain days, accommodating locomotives between Exeter and Meldon Quarry. After a supper in town I retired to my billet around 9pm though my sore feet caused me a restless night.

 

DAY 6. OKEHAMPTON TO LAUNCESTON

Starting in foul weather I at least enjoyed the rest of the railway, following its course to its end at Meldon Quarry; then crossing the magnificent viaduct beyond. Calling at the post office at Bridestowe I topped up my phone and then abandoned the cycle route a mile or so from Lydford Station, so as to make my way along the byway to Launceston. I did stop again at the Farmer’s Café near Lifton and beyond here I managed to reach the old county town by 5pm. My old landlady at the Newport Guest House had retired so after a brief chat with her, I continued to Newmills and then Tregadillet where I set up camp at Sylvia’s Farm not far from the Eliot Arms. Returning to the inn I enjoyed a meal and good company and the landlord offered to dry of my kit to give me a good start in the morning. I failed to sleep that night as a storm raged through the night.

 

DAY 7. LAUNCESTON TO CAMELFORD

Dismantling my tent in pouring rain I quickly sped off to the pub to pack my dry clothes and enjoy a good breakfast. From here I took a different route to try and reach the moor, and by chance stumbled across an old pal of mine who is now living at Piper’s Pool. Nicholas Crawshaw and I went to Laxton Grammar School and have been friends for many years. Although I knew he was in the West Country this was simply a chance meeting (strangely I had a premonition I would see him again soon).  I was able to contact him at the local café where the people knew him well. They were very fond of him and managed to contact him so we could have a chat. Later he caught up with me on the road; we also managed to have a couple of beers at the Mason’s Arms despite being lost a couple of times trying to follow the cycle route (all in vain – had to use the main road in the end!).

It was good to catch up and later landlady Jo was able to sort me out with a room for the night – sparing me from another wet night under canvas!

 

DAY 8. CAMELFORD TO PADSTOW

This was my shortest and easiest day as I used the back roads along the coast to Delabole and St Minver; a route I had not used before. After crossing the ferry at Rock I located the campsite where the guy let me stay free of charge; then returned to town to visit Carol’s old pub, The Harbour Inn. I delivered a few more donation envelopes, enjoyed a meal and retired after a couple of beers.

 

DAY 9. PADSTOW TO PENTEWAN CAMPSITE

This, in contrast of yesterday’s journey was now to be the longest day so far. Commencing on the Camel Trail, I walked to Wadebridge slowing down to chat to a cyclist who would be visiting the coast routes along Exmoor, most of which I had recently encountered. At Wadebridge I had a cooked breakfast at the Swan Inn before continuing beyond Wadebridge Station to walk the next section of the Camel Trail to Nanstallon. At this point I broke of to take the road into Lanivet where I linked up with the Saints Way Route. This was an easy section along the back roads and across fields to Luxulyan where I enjoyed a break by the church.

Starting back I used Route 3 to reach The Eden Project and another trail beyond there which linked with the outskirts of St Austell. At this point I walked to Porthpean and followed the coast road into Pentewen where I set up my tent in the dark at the campsite.      I managed to beat the supper deadline at the Ship Inn and after a drink retired to a sleep of exhaustion.

 

DAY 9. PENTEWEN TO CARHARRACK

A day of similar length now lay in waiting which included sea mist, thunder, lightning and heavy rain. It was a miserable affair and took determination to keep going along the hilly Roseland Coastline. I could barely see Caerhays Castle and stopped only briefly at the inn at Veryan where the bargirl was so stressed out, I wondered whether the punters were deliberately winding her up for entertainment. Not that entertaining for the visiting public who were trying to get some service!

Beyond here I encountered Pendower; then the main road and the delightful village of Philleigh. After another stop at the Roseland Inn and headed off to catch the King Harry Ferry which left a journey shared with road and tramway of roughly 7 miles. The day was concluded along the trail between Twelveheads and Carharrack, reaching the latter after 8pm. Chinese, beer and sleep was my reward for completion of a tough job. Now all that remained was to complete the Pilgrimage section between the hospices in honour of St Julia’s.

 

DAY 10 CARHARRACK TO HAYLE

Rising at dawn, I made my way along the Pilgrimage Route stopping at the towns to deliver the remaining paper work en behalf of St Julia’s Hospice. My feet were so sore it took until midday to complete the mission. I could have gone onto Land’s End as I have done on some occasions in the past but with all paperwork now delivered and the promise of a hurricane, I spared myself any further punishment and retired for a pint at the nearest inn.

 

CONCLUSION

ROBIN MOORE'S CORNWALL PILGRIMAGE - 'A Merry Month of Fundraising'

 

 

 

 

Robin Moore's Cornwall Pilgrimage took another massive step forward on Saturday 29th October at The Fox and Hounds, Comford where he and his local supporters presented a four figure sum of money (exclusive of Gift Aid) to a representative of St Julia's Hospice.The Pilgrimage was created by Robin as a walking route through Cornwall in honour of St Julia's Hospice. On August Bank Holiday Monday locals purchased Pilgrim Passports and guides to walk the Gwennap Section which covered 6 miles. Passports were stamped by representatives of local churches and inns along the way and the Fox and Hounds provided entertainment throughout the day making the event a unique one to remember which we intend to celebrate annually from now on. The next day Robin Moore set off on a ten day coast-to-coast walk which also covered part of Pilgrimage route from Launceston. He delivered over 200 donation/gift aid envelopes along the way as part of his awareness campaign and on completion, the local community came together once more to support our Harvest Supper which added a further £400 sum towards our fundraising purse.Carol and her girls, particularly worked very hard to make it a success and we are also very grateful for all the gifts and produce that were donated to make the night a successful one. Ann Newman also supported Robin by making cards to sell for the charity and Robin received generous sponsorship from the small community and other donations were made during his walk. To date, including his own contributions, Robin has raised over £100,000 for local charities in Cornwall and Northamptonshire since 1992 and will be celebration 20 years of charity walks in the spring 2012 when he hopes to repeat his first walk from Cornwall to Oundle in Northamptonshire in aid of Cancer Research when he expects to have completed over 25,000 miles for worthy causes. A walking guide covering the journey between the hospices from St Austell and Hayle will be released before next Spring: all titles can be purchased at the Fox and Hounds. Those wishing to walk the Gwennap section can do so at any time by registering your pilgrimage with Carol at the Fox and Hounds, where, on paying £5, participants will receive a Pilgrim Passport,walking guide, sponsor form (optional) and St Piran's Shell. For more about Robin Moore's books, charity walks and the Cornwall Pilgrimage, please visit: www.robin-moore.co.uk

 

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR VALUABLE CHARITY WORK