While I usually need a week to settle into my long-distance walking, I sometimes develop a sense of the trail fairly early. In this case, my meeting folks along the way has stood out from the beginning.

I meet many, many walkers. Saturday and Sunday I said “hello”, “hi,” “cheers” to over 50 ramblers each day. Some are older couples, sitting on a bench with apples or powering up an incline. “Watch out the trail is a bit ropey (twisting and turning)”. Some are single walkers, “Glorious day!” One is the Roman Catholic Sister Josephine Maria from a newer contemplative order. “It is wonderful saying my prayers as I walk.” Some are families. “You have two good hikers there” as I speak to a grandmother, father, and two elementary children. “Oh, they love walking this coastal path.” Some are part of a hiking group carrying laminated guides of the trail with birds to see, viewing points for sunning seals, and histories of the area. “What a view!” Some are simply reuniting with university friends. “We’re already thinking about the nearest pub!” If you substitute bar-b-que for beer, they are like our Over the Hill Hikers Group. As Clayton describes the Over the Hill Hiking Group, “We are through hikers. We are through at 5.” So many of these English walkers are also through by 5.

Since some of you are familiar with Stone Mountain and since I’ve hiked it for 40 years, I liken many of the folks on The South West Coast Path to those enjoying Stone Mountain. Local folks or those caravanning from their English home. Enjoying the path for a day, a weekend, or a week-long holiday. Walking in tennis shoes or sandals (no high heels yet).

But there are a few other walkers. I’ve met four or five easily identifiable hikers who are doing the entire coastal path. One is Louie, a 75-year-old from Maine who has walked several South West Coast Path sections in previous years. “If I don’t finish the path soon, I never will.” One is Anita, a tall young lady from the Netherlands who is wild-camping. “I love walking, but this is my first walk in England.” Then there is Michael who is carrying his dog, Ginger. “She does walk at times, but I do most of it for her!” I later learn that Michael has spent almost a year walking the entire coastline, and more, of the UK. Wow!

Others have strolled these paths. Years ago, the English romantic poets walked here. Before them, Celtic saints did the same. Apparently, there are over 300 Celtic religious sites in south west England.

I’m sure that I’ll meet some more charming, ordinary folks. I certainly chatter more frequently with them here than I did in France or Italy. A shared language does make all the difference.