THE GUESTS WHO ARRIVED AT 5.30am

A local service for walkers transports bags by Van or Taxi between accommodations as they walk the South West Coast Path. One day we received bags and packs at 11.00am for 5 walkers who were due to stay that evening. We waited up for them until 1.30am and were very surprised that we hadn't been telephoned to let us know of any problems.

At 5.30am that morning we received a call from the phone box near the harbour asking us if it was still OK to come to us. Of course we said yes. Apparently, the group had got trapped on the Beach just 10 minutes away from us at 5.00pm the previous evening just caught by the incoming tide. They tried to climb out over the cliffs but could not reach the top due to dense gorse.

The tried to call for help but their mobile phones couldn't get a signal.

Ironically, the one mobille phone that would have worked (Orange) had been sent to us in one of the bags. Consequently they spent an extremely cold and uncomfortable night on the cliffs.

After we offered hot baths, showers, teas, beds and then a late breakfast Darryl said "Well that's a first!".