October 22, 2011

Devon - Hope Cove to Salcombe

24 minutes

Clare Balding joins Gordon and Caroline Luff and their son, Sam, to walk a section of the South West Coastal Path from Hope Cove to Salcombe. This is thought to be one of the most beautiful stretches of the 630 mile long distance footpath where kestrels and peregrine falcons can be seen flying above the cliffs and seals can sometimes be seen down below. The walk is one that Gordon and Caroline have done several times but, after surviving breast cancer in 2001, Caroline then faced agonising back pain resulting in spinal surgery in 2010. Throughout both her treatment for cancer and surgery on her back, Caroline was determined to continue with the walking that she loves.

The last time Gordon and Caroline walked from Hope Cove to Salcombe ended in tears with Caroline convinced that she would never walk again. Along with their son Sam, Clare joins Gordon and Caroline as they return to the aptly named Hope Cove to walk the route to Salcombe, something that Caroline can now do pain-free. And when the group reach Soar Mill Cove, nobody can resist taking off their walking boots and running into the sea for a paddle.

Presenter: Clare Balding

Producer: Helen Chetwynd.

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