06/07/2025
Day 48: Redruth to Newlyn
For those of you who haven’t donated yet — this is your cue. Here’s the link:
www.justgiving.com/page/jogle25
Remember, this journey has always been 25% for me, 25% for Rosey and Regain, and 50% to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and give something a go.
Today’s route is one of my favourite stretches on the whole end-to-end challenge. The villages, the scenery — it’s hard to skip any of it. From the outset, I decided to follow NCN Route 3, mainly because I know it well. Familiarity meant I could focus on running and not on navigation.
The route takes you from Redruth through Camborne, Hayle and Marazion, eventually finishing in Penzance. I set off up the Great Lode Path, a trail running by the hills, passing some iconic Cornish landmarks. I had half a mind to climb one of the hills, but the skies looked grey and I decided I didn’t fancy wet feet to start the day.
A few miles in, I reached Camborne and popped into the public loos. Inside the cubicle, I found a tally chart scribbled on the wall offering two options (unprintable here), and oddly, option one was winning — by three. What was strange was that all the tally marks were in the same handwriting and pen. Either multiple people had suspiciously similar pens and handwriting, or one person was very committed to starting a debate with themselves. For the record, “boobs” won.
Camborne’s shops were fascinating. It seems every other one is a knitting or sewing shop — and those that we’re not selling well ended up having lots of wool hanging in their window space.
From there, I made a stop at Dolcoath Mine, once one of Cornwall’s most significant mining sites. The remaining Stray Park Pumping Engine House stands tall as a preserved ruin, with an information board and a 1908 map showing the vast scale of the place.
I even spotted my first potato on the pavement — traditionally, potatoes mark the final stretch to Land’s End, so it was early!
By the 15km mark, I was still going strong. I passed through Gwinear (pub open, good news) and Barripper, then pushed towards Hayle. I popped into a shop and bought two scratchcards — £5 total. Louise won nothing this time.
I passed by the brilliantly named Praze-an-Beeble (rivalled only by Thornton-le-Beans, one of Harry’s favourites), and noticed a farm owned by someone named Mr Body. I wondered, naturally, if he had anything to do with the Body Shop in Telford…
Still feeling strong, I decided to go for my fastest half marathon of the entire journey — and kept pushing. In Hayle, I reached the river at low tide. The town is steeped in history, with tributes to Trevithick and Brunel, and a mural celebrating the town’s engineering heritage. Hayle was once a vital part of the Industrial Revolution, home to Harvey & Co. and the Cornish Copper Company, both global pioneers.
Around 20km in, I stopped for lunch at Warrens Bakery, which claims to be the oldest pasty shop in the world, founded in 1860. While the Advertising Standards Authority can’t quite confirm the date, there’s evidence the shop existed by 1873. That said, pasties have been around since the 13th century — and let’s face it, the French did it first.
With lunch down, I picked up ncn 3 again near Penwith Pitch and Putt, where I took a seat and watched a few holes being played. A little tradition — and one they remembered from when Harry and I last passed through.
As the rain came in, people reacted very differently. Teenage boys played through. Those in their 20s vanished until it passed. The older generation calmly walked to their cars for an umbrella. A generational weather response, perhaps.
With about 8–9 miles to go, I listened to the end of Alastair Humphreys’ book on cycling around the world. Don’t worry — it hasn’t inspired me to do the same.
Then came my first proper dog incident of the whole trip. A large dog spotted me, saw the gate to its drive was open, and charged. I remembered a tip from Anna McNuff — puff your chest out, point at the dog, and boom out a deep “NOOOOOO!” It worked. The dog visibly shrank, whimpered, and didn’t know what to do with itself. Alpha status confirmed.
Feeling quite smug, I carried on. When I reached St Michael’s Mount, I headed onto the beach and considered walking to the water — but was immediately circled by another dog. This one was quickly called off, but the owner didn’t apologise. I let it go, though I was tempted to say something.
A bit later, I met Ben, an ultra runner training for the Dragon’s Back Race across Wales — double the height of Everest, and the full length of Wales. He saw a video on it, and that was all the inspiration he needed. We ran together for a mile before parting ways. Best of luck to him — it’s not for me.
The final stretch brought me into Newlyn, where I found my accommodation — a little annexe with no parking, but perfect for walkers. They don’t do food, but they happily provide plates and cutlery if you want to bring something in. Brilliant.
Tomorrow is my final day. Ten miles to Land’s End. I’m allowing myself a very generous three hours. Robin — fellow LeJogger and parkrunner — will kindly take my pack ahead and we’ll run the last stretch together. Here we go. One more day.
