1 00:00:08,153 --> 00:00:09,889 CLAIRE HICKINBOTHAM: Hello and welcome to the National Trust 2 00:00:09,909 --> 00:00:12,977 Podcast. I'm Claire Hickinbotham, a producer of the 3 00:00:12,997 --> 00:00:16,071 National Trust podcast. And lover of the great outdoors. 4 00:00:16,800 --> 00:00:19,829 As we wait for new adventures coming up in the second half of 5 00:00:19,870 --> 00:00:22,741 this season of the National Trust Podcast, We're giving you 6 00:00:22,982 --> 00:00:26,202 another chance to listen to our two Beginner's Guide to 7 00:00:26,263 --> 00:00:28,631 Bikepacking episodes. 8 00:00:28,631 --> 00:00:31,850 Originally recorded just after the lifting of a COVID lockdown. 9 00:00:32,172 --> 00:00:35,168 When a two-day outdoor expedition seemed like a real 10 00:00:35,228 --> 00:00:38,866 luxury, the journey from Crackington Haven in Cornwall to 11 00:00:38,886 --> 00:00:43,152 Peppercombe Bothy in Devon, on just two wheels is still a peach 12 00:00:43,172 --> 00:00:43,704 of a route. 13 00:00:44,866 --> 00:00:47,842 Let's join Jo Dyson as she was planning the adventure. 14 00:00:54,721 --> 00:00:58,085 JO DYSON: In my day job, I spend a lot of time at my laptop. So 15 00:00:58,125 --> 00:01:01,293 whenever I get the opportunity to make one of these podcasts, I 16 00:01:01,454 --> 00:01:02,296 jump at the chance. 17 00:01:06,593 --> 00:01:09,674 I'm no stranger to two wheels as I commute to and from work by 18 00:01:09,734 --> 00:01:12,799 bike. And enjoy riding my road bike for fitness. 19 00:01:13,614 --> 00:01:17,268 But Bikepacking is a form of cycling I've never encountered 20 00:01:17,308 --> 00:01:17,691 before. 21 00:01:18,572 --> 00:01:22,554 So to get an understanding of what Bikepacking actually is, I 22 00:01:22,574 --> 00:01:26,133 called on the services and bikepacking enthusiast, writer 23 00:01:26,314 --> 00:01:30,072 and self-confessed map nerd, Katherine Moore. 24 00:01:30,072 --> 00:01:31,158 We caught up over Zoom. 25 00:01:33,004 --> 00:01:35,432 KATHERINE MOORE: Bikepacking has been this real buzzword over the 26 00:01:35,432 --> 00:01:38,617 last couple of years. But essentially what it is, is a 27 00:01:38,678 --> 00:01:39,771 cycling version of backpacking. 28 00:01:41,336 --> 00:01:44,218 So you take all your equipment with you. It means that you can 29 00:01:44,419 --> 00:01:46,484 make the adventure that much longer because you're not just 30 00:01:46,524 --> 00:01:47,567 limited to one day. 31 00:01:48,178 --> 00:01:51,024 JO DYSON: I'm really keen to find out. Where we'll be going 32 00:01:51,044 --> 00:01:51,688 on this route. 33 00:01:52,353 --> 00:01:54,611 KATHERINE MOORE: I think you're in for a massive treat. 34 00:01:54,893 --> 00:01:58,226 This part of North Cornwall is absolutely stunning. And I think 35 00:01:58,226 --> 00:02:00,397 it's the perfect introduction to bikepacking for you. So I'm very 36 00:02:00,437 --> 00:02:00,899 excited. 37 00:02:01,142 --> 00:02:01,653 JO DYSON: Wonderful. 38 00:02:08,461 --> 00:02:09,537 Thanks for the lift! 39 00:02:12,392 --> 00:02:16,301 I've just got off the bus in Crackington Haven and it is 40 00:02:16,461 --> 00:02:17,404 beautiful. 41 00:02:18,261 --> 00:02:22,158 Nestled within green cliff faces. There's cute little 42 00:02:22,218 --> 00:02:24,351 cottages coming out of the landscape. 43 00:02:24,621 --> 00:02:27,743 A lovely cafe. Sweet little pub. 44 00:02:28,840 --> 00:02:32,012 The National Trust looks after huge swathes of the countryside 45 00:02:32,152 --> 00:02:32,995 all around here. 46 00:02:35,597 --> 00:02:38,671 There is a girl with two bikes. Katherine? 47 00:02:38,793 --> 00:02:40,238 KATHERINE MOORE: Hi, Jo! How are you doing? 48 00:02:42,721 --> 00:02:43,930 JO DYSON: So these are the bikes? 49 00:02:44,333 --> 00:02:45,643 KATHERINE MOORE: Yeah, so this bike that you're going to be 50 00:02:45,684 --> 00:02:47,236 riding is actually a gravel bike. 51 00:02:47,296 --> 00:02:49,506 If you look closely, there's actually a few differences 52 00:02:49,527 --> 00:02:50,551 compared to your road bike. 53 00:02:51,116 --> 00:02:53,327 It is a drop bar bike, but there's actually much wider 54 00:02:53,367 --> 00:02:54,151 tires on there. 55 00:02:54,171 --> 00:02:57,082 So that's going to be not only a bit more comfortable, but also 56 00:02:57,223 --> 00:02:58,507 really good for different terrains. 57 00:02:58,507 --> 00:02:59,951 We might do a little bit of off-road. 58 00:03:00,477 --> 00:03:02,858 You've got a full complement of bike packing bags on there too. 59 00:03:03,121 --> 00:03:04,898 JO DYSON: So why are we not using panniers? 60 00:03:05,360 --> 00:03:07,544 KATHERINE MOORE: Modern bike packing bags rather than being 61 00:03:07,564 --> 00:03:09,767 mounted to a rack they're actually strapped directly to 62 00:03:09,747 --> 00:03:13,195 the bike under the seat post, they're in between the frame. 63 00:03:13,537 --> 00:03:15,571 There's everything from the camping gear that we're going to 64 00:03:15,571 --> 00:03:19,173 need tonight. The small tent. Sleeping bag. Mats. 65 00:03:19,925 --> 00:03:23,063 All of your clothing that you might need. All of your spares 66 00:03:23,083 --> 00:03:23,607 and tools. 67 00:03:24,760 --> 00:03:27,963 So that's essentially what bikepacking is all about really. 68 00:03:28,004 --> 00:03:29,932 It's taking everything that you'll need with you and 69 00:03:29,953 --> 00:03:32,765 exploring the countryside or wherever you've chosen. In this 70 00:03:32,805 --> 00:03:34,592 case, this stunning piece of coastline. 71 00:03:35,533 --> 00:03:37,696 JO DYSON: Can you tell me a little bit more about the route? 72 00:03:38,216 --> 00:03:40,023 KATHERINE MOORE: Yeah, so I knew there was a few things that you 73 00:03:40,023 --> 00:03:41,267 wanted to get out of this trip. 74 00:03:41,649 --> 00:03:45,115 Firstly being two days and also visiting, Hawkers Hut which is 75 00:03:45,115 --> 00:03:47,343 the National Trust's smallest property. 76 00:03:47,343 --> 00:03:47,503 JO DYSON: Yes! 77 00:03:47,503 --> 00:03:49,436 KATHERINE MOORE: And then spending the last night just on 78 00:03:49,416 --> 00:03:51,274 the Devon border at Peppercombe. 79 00:03:53,217 --> 00:03:55,538 Okay, this is the route that I've chosen for us. 80 00:03:56,984 --> 00:03:59,523 We're going to take the road west out of Crackington Haven. 81 00:04:00,128 --> 00:04:03,393 Turn onto National Cycle Route 3 all the way along to Bude where 82 00:04:03,393 --> 00:04:05,196 we're going to be spending the night at the campsite. 83 00:04:07,364 --> 00:04:07,827 JO DYSON: So should we go? 84 00:04:08,331 --> 00:04:08,914 KATHERINE MOORE: Let's do it! 85 00:04:09,937 --> 00:04:10,936 JO DYSON: Oh! Gears! 86 00:04:11,560 --> 00:04:13,447 KATHERINE MOORE: We'll get there! Here we go! 87 00:04:14,524 --> 00:04:15,476 We're going right here. 88 00:04:17,292 --> 00:04:20,793 JO DYSON: Oh my gosh, Katherine, look what's ahead. That is 89 00:04:20,894 --> 00:04:21,361 steep! 90 00:04:24,472 --> 00:04:27,266 KATHERINE MOORE: Straight into it with a pretty Toasty climb 91 00:04:27,306 --> 00:04:29,414 out of Crackington Haven. Up, up, up! 92 00:04:33,292 --> 00:04:35,887 Gravel bikes do have so many more gears than a road bike. 93 00:04:36,429 --> 00:04:39,950 But it's the difference between your biggest and your smallest 94 00:04:39,990 --> 00:04:41,135 gear that comes in most handy. 95 00:04:41,560 --> 00:04:44,273 A nice small gear that you'll be able to pedal up the really 96 00:04:44,334 --> 00:04:45,062 steep hills with. 97 00:04:45,445 --> 00:04:45,687 JO DYSON: Yeah. 98 00:04:45,687 --> 00:04:48,449 KATHERINE MOORE: But also a decent gear at the other end, so 99 00:04:48,549 --> 00:04:50,579 when you're on the flat, you can really zoom along. 100 00:04:53,109 --> 00:04:55,912 JO DYSON: Oh, you're getting out the saddle. So am I! 101 00:04:58,101 --> 00:04:59,916 Yeah, straight out the saddle. 102 00:04:59,916 --> 00:05:01,801 KATHERINE MOORE: Yeah. Yeah, it's like a wall of tarmac. 103 00:05:03,778 --> 00:05:05,619 JO DYSON: So when you look at an aerial map and you're like, "Oh 104 00:05:06,067 --> 00:05:10,100 Okay, that's just a few miles." And what you're not taking into 105 00:05:10,160 --> 00:05:13,644 account. Is the uphill! 106 00:05:13,644 --> 00:05:13,894 Oh! 107 00:05:15,560 --> 00:05:15,866 Ugh. 108 00:05:18,139 --> 00:05:19,425 KATHERINE MOORE: Oh Jo, I think this is the top! 109 00:05:20,124 --> 00:05:20,509 JO DYSON: Really? 110 00:05:21,118 --> 00:05:24,828 KATHERINE MOORE: Yes. This way look! Oh, my goodness. 111 00:05:25,074 --> 00:05:25,390 JO DYSON: Woo! 112 00:05:28,459 --> 00:05:32,023 What a view! ` Tiny glimmer of the blue sea in the background. 113 00:05:32,023 --> 00:05:34,133 So that must be Crackington Haven that we're looking back 114 00:05:34,193 --> 00:05:34,313 at? 115 00:05:34,698 --> 00:05:35,152 KATHERINE MOORE: Yeah. 116 00:05:36,771 --> 00:05:40,752 It's looking like the next few miles are relatively flat. And 117 00:05:40,752 --> 00:05:44,767 then soon we'll rejoin the coast road. And then down into Millook 118 00:05:44,848 --> 00:05:45,309 Haven. 119 00:05:48,627 --> 00:05:49,536 Right, are you ready to go? 120 00:05:49,940 --> 00:05:56,828 JO DYSON: Absolutely! 121 00:05:56,828 --> 00:06:01,602 KATHERINE MOORE: It's quite nice to be pedalling along the tops 122 00:06:01,682 --> 00:06:04,365 now where it's a lot more gentle and flat. 123 00:06:05,639 --> 00:06:08,995 JO DYSON: I would love to know what got you into bikepacking 124 00:06:09,016 --> 00:06:11,573 because obviously this is very much your world isn't it? 125 00:06:12,394 --> 00:06:14,464 KATHERINE MOORE: So the first time I actually went on a proper 126 00:06:14,525 --> 00:06:18,240 bikepacking trip. It was the very last minute, three-day trip 127 00:06:18,260 --> 00:06:21,217 up to the Cairngorm in Scotland but I'd never actually ridden a 128 00:06:21,238 --> 00:06:22,147 gravel bike before. 129 00:06:22,571 --> 00:06:24,269 Much like you, straight into it. 130 00:06:24,726 --> 00:06:27,475 And I was actually a bit terrified because one of the 131 00:06:27,495 --> 00:06:29,883 only crashes that I'd had on my road bike was on a bit of 132 00:06:29,903 --> 00:06:30,344 gravel. 133 00:06:30,927 --> 00:06:33,040 We went straight onto this gravel track. 134 00:06:33,927 --> 00:06:37,406 And I was petrified, but you know, after three days of riding 135 00:06:37,426 --> 00:06:41,379 these tracks, which wasn't easy either, I was just in love with 136 00:06:41,420 --> 00:06:41,541 it. 137 00:06:41,942 --> 00:06:45,460 And the exploration and the camping. I remember at the time 138 00:06:45,480 --> 00:06:48,632 it being pretty hard work, but when you do it totally under 139 00:06:48,632 --> 00:06:49,240 your own steam. 140 00:06:49,787 --> 00:06:52,871 And fix your own mechanicals. And cook your own food. It's 141 00:06:53,012 --> 00:06:54,497 really an incredible feeling. 142 00:06:54,963 --> 00:06:57,764 JO DYSON: How do you think it compares to sort of hiking and 143 00:06:58,548 --> 00:06:59,606 other activities? 144 00:07:01,503 --> 00:07:03,376 KATHERINE MOORE: Well, I think, the thing for me about 145 00:07:03,416 --> 00:07:06,878 bikepacking is, you can just travel so much further compared 146 00:07:06,878 --> 00:07:09,088 to when you're on foot, doing like a multi-day tour- 147 00:07:09,349 --> 00:07:09,609 JO DYSON: Yeah. 148 00:07:09,749 --> 00:07:11,131 KATHERINE MOORE: You can experience so many more 149 00:07:11,171 --> 00:07:12,714 different diverse landscapes. 150 00:07:13,899 --> 00:07:15,996 I feel like you can get really into nature. 151 00:07:16,563 --> 00:07:19,903 Much more than you can, for example, if you're taking 152 00:07:19,943 --> 00:07:20,830 motorized transport. 153 00:07:23,823 --> 00:07:26,864 JO DYSON: What you've just described, just makes me feel a 154 00:07:27,005 --> 00:07:29,376 huge, sense of freedom. 155 00:07:30,002 --> 00:07:30,596 KATHERINE MOORE: Absolutely. 156 00:07:34,339 --> 00:07:35,084 Oh, here we go. 157 00:07:35,426 --> 00:07:39,218 First downhill. Look at this ribbon of tarmac! 158 00:07:40,091 --> 00:07:43,586 This is the descent we are treated to for all of that 159 00:07:43,646 --> 00:07:44,189 climbing. 160 00:07:45,851 --> 00:07:46,453 Woo! 161 00:07:46,674 --> 00:07:48,421 JO DYSON: Oh my god! 162 00:07:49,406 --> 00:07:52,353 Katherine's just left me for dust. I think he's a bit braver 163 00:07:52,433 --> 00:07:57,465 on the down hill than I am! 164 00:07:57,465 --> 00:07:59,798 I've definitely got some of the brakes on. 165 00:08:01,608 --> 00:08:05,354 KATHERINE MOORE: Wow, So we're coming down a 30% hill! 166 00:08:05,535 --> 00:08:07,845 Oh my gosh Jo, this is so steep! 167 00:08:13,151 --> 00:08:15,632 And it's a little bit gravelly on this corner! 168 00:08:16,098 --> 00:08:17,768 JO DYSON: Be careful not to slip on that! 169 00:08:17,808 --> 00:08:18,432 KATHERINE MOORE: Wow! 170 00:08:21,278 --> 00:08:24,657 This is just incredible! Wow! 171 00:08:25,914 --> 00:08:37,104 JO DYSON: Aww this is gorgeous! 172 00:08:37,693 --> 00:08:40,010 KATHERINE MOORE: Look at this.! 173 00:08:40,010 --> 00:08:42,377 JO DYSON: So we're in Millhook now? 174 00:08:42,377 --> 00:08:45,202 KATHERINE MOORE: Millhook! The whole beach is just these huge 175 00:08:45,523 --> 00:08:50,596 boulders and pebbles and then out onto that low shore, rocky 176 00:08:50,698 --> 00:08:51,952 part. 177 00:08:51,952 --> 00:08:54,210 It's just fabulously empty as well, isn't it? 178 00:08:55,499 --> 00:08:58,104 By the look of this sign we might even see- 179 00:08:58,386 --> 00:08:59,507 JO DYSON: A seal pup! 180 00:09:00,094 --> 00:09:02,725 KATHERINE MOORE: I would love to see some Seals and Choughs. 181 00:09:03,146 --> 00:09:05,156 That's a bird that I haven't been able to see yet around 182 00:09:05,196 --> 00:09:08,223 Cornwall. It kind of looks like a crow but it has a orangey-red, 183 00:09:08,223 --> 00:09:09,410 beak and legs. 184 00:09:09,870 --> 00:09:13,534 I would love to see one. Let's go and see if we can find any 185 00:09:13,615 --> 00:09:14,060 seals. 186 00:09:19,894 --> 00:09:23,983 Just one beach hut and then a little, tiny little old rowing 187 00:09:24,044 --> 00:09:27,816 boat. It's very rustic, isn't it? Certainly not what I 188 00:09:27,816 --> 00:09:28,357 expected. 189 00:09:32,342 --> 00:09:33,667 Jo, come and have a look at this. 190 00:09:33,807 --> 00:09:35,593 I think this is going to blow your mind. 191 00:09:35,593 --> 00:09:41,329 Just look up at that cliff. It's like some sort of modern art or 192 00:09:41,329 --> 00:09:42,053 something, isn't it? 193 00:09:42,053 --> 00:09:43,568 JO DYSON: It's beautiful! 194 00:09:44,575 --> 00:09:46,566 KATHERINE MOORE: Those zigzags in the rock, that must be 195 00:09:46,606 --> 00:09:51,416 millions of years of compression and rock changing to get those 196 00:09:51,437 --> 00:09:52,003 patterns. 197 00:09:52,354 --> 00:09:55,009 And they're all in different colours, sort of rusty reds to 198 00:09:55,191 --> 00:09:56,528 blacks and greys. 199 00:09:57,768 --> 00:10:00,686 And a few little nest sites in there, I think too! 200 00:10:00,686 --> 00:10:02,190 JO DYSON: Oh, can you spot some nest sites? 201 00:10:02,250 --> 00:10:03,674 KATHERINE MOORE: Well, only where there's some bird poop. 202 00:10:04,962 --> 00:10:06,245 JO DYSON: Is that the giveaway?! 203 00:10:06,245 --> 00:10:06,533 KATHERINE MOORE: Tell tale sign yeah! 204 00:10:08,628 --> 00:10:11,191 JO DYSON: Look, you can see the coastal path weaving its way 205 00:10:11,251 --> 00:10:13,489 down there with the walkers up on the right there. 206 00:10:13,570 --> 00:10:14,056 KATHERINE MOORE: Crikey! 207 00:10:14,298 --> 00:10:15,405 JO DYSON: Is that what we're cycling up? 208 00:10:16,834 --> 00:10:18,360 KATHERINE MOORE: Let's see! 209 00:10:18,360 --> 00:10:19,781 It's like a skyscraper! 210 00:10:23,422 --> 00:10:25,326 Well, I don't know about you, I'd love to stay here and 211 00:10:25,326 --> 00:10:27,429 explore, but we have plenty to crack on with. 212 00:10:27,811 --> 00:10:30,003 So I think we should get back on the bikes Jo and tackle this 213 00:10:30,044 --> 00:10:30,265 hill. 214 00:10:30,566 --> 00:10:32,532 JO DYSON: Okay, let's get it over and done with! 215 00:10:39,680 --> 00:10:42,777 KATHERINE MOORE: Oh lord! Another 30% Jo! 216 00:10:43,243 --> 00:10:47,012 JO DYSON: Oh my god! 217 00:10:47,012 --> 00:10:49,452 KATHERINE MOORE: That's it, out of the saddle, looking great. 218 00:10:49,887 --> 00:10:50,895 How are the legs, Jo? 219 00:10:51,819 --> 00:10:54,895 JO DYSON: Feeling it everywhere. Where are you feeling it? 220 00:10:55,627 --> 00:10:56,397 KATHERINE MOORE: In my lungs! 221 00:10:57,993 --> 00:10:59,622 JO DYSON: That burning sensation! 222 00:10:59,783 --> 00:11:01,051 KATHERINE MOORE: You've got to embrace the burn! 223 00:11:05,629 --> 00:11:06,056 JO DYSON: Oh! 224 00:11:07,249 --> 00:11:10,342 KATHERINE MOORE: Oh, Jo! This is another corker, isn't it? 225 00:11:12,591 --> 00:11:15,808 JO DYSON: I'm loving these tree tunnels though. The trees are 226 00:11:15,828 --> 00:11:17,211 sort of linking above us. 227 00:11:17,612 --> 00:11:22,851 It's providing some really lovely shade on this big climb! 228 00:11:22,851 --> 00:11:25,413 Katherine, I'm just hoping a car doesn't come the other way. 229 00:11:28,016 --> 00:11:31,172 Oh! There's a car! [ 230 00:11:31,172 --> 00:11:38,235 KATHERINE MOORE: Distant Shouting] Hahaha Thank you. 231 00:11:38,356 --> 00:11:40,750 JO DYSON: Did you hear her Katherine? The worst yet to 232 00:11:40,790 --> 00:11:41,990 come! Oh! 233 00:11:42,295 --> 00:11:43,952 KATHERINE MOORE: Nothing like support from the locals. 234 00:11:44,552 --> 00:11:46,670 JO DYSON: Oh, Lena! Oh! 235 00:11:47,255 --> 00:11:48,445 KATHERINE MOORE: Go on, keep going. 236 00:11:50,454 --> 00:11:55,068 I wouldn't fancy doing this on a road bike. With many fewer 237 00:11:55,128 --> 00:11:55,852 gears. Oh! 238 00:11:58,308 --> 00:11:58,854 JO DYSON: Oh, I'm just gonna- 239 00:12:01,174 --> 00:12:05,588 Pause on this bend! Oh, for a second! Ah! 240 00:12:08,555 --> 00:12:11,617 So Katherine and I, We're just pausing now. 241 00:12:12,519 --> 00:12:15,086 Only for a second to let the cars go by, not to catch our 242 00:12:15,106 --> 00:12:15,868 breath at all. 243 00:12:17,236 --> 00:12:21,730 KATHERINE MOORE: Yeah, wow. I've never quite seen a switchback, 244 00:12:21,730 --> 00:12:22,284 that's steep. 245 00:12:23,252 --> 00:12:24,048 JO DYSON: What is the switchback? 246 00:12:24,642 --> 00:12:26,445 KATHERINE MOORE: You get them a lot in the Alps and you see them 247 00:12:26,425 --> 00:12:29,652 on TV in the Tour de France and all that sort of thing. We do 248 00:12:29,712 --> 00:12:31,183 actually have a fair few of them in the UK. 249 00:12:33,691 --> 00:12:35,605 JO DYSON: Right, let's tackle the rest of this hill. 250 00:12:35,827 --> 00:12:37,479 KATHERINE MOORE: Come on, Jo, use the rest of those gears. 251 00:12:37,479 --> 00:12:39,305 JO DYSON: Oh my god! 252 00:12:40,243 --> 00:12:41,512 KATHERINE MOORE: That's it, I can see the top! 253 00:12:43,074 --> 00:12:43,491 JO DYSON: Woo! 254 00:12:48,572 --> 00:12:49,968 KATHERINE MOORE: Oh Jo, look at this! 255 00:12:50,883 --> 00:12:51,564 JO DYSON: Spectacular! 256 00:12:52,046 --> 00:12:54,613 KATHERINE MOORE: So, this must be that viewpoint that I saw on 257 00:12:54,593 --> 00:12:54,954 the map. 258 00:12:56,494 --> 00:12:59,198 JO DYSON: Looking out at that huge stretch of coastline and 259 00:12:59,198 --> 00:13:02,022 because there's so many coves almost like worlds- 260 00:13:02,836 --> 00:13:05,037 Worlds within worlds. Sort of pockets. 261 00:13:05,814 --> 00:13:07,381 KATHERINE MOORE: You can even see some surfers down there. 262 00:13:07,703 --> 00:13:10,657 JO DYSON: Oh, yes, yes, you're right. Just waiting for a wave. 263 00:13:13,468 --> 00:13:14,400 KATHERINE MOORE: Can you hear that above us? 264 00:13:15,958 --> 00:13:19,747 I think that's a skylark. Apparently what the males do as 265 00:13:19,726 --> 00:13:23,496 a sort of courtship ritual is they fly up as high as they can 266 00:13:23,637 --> 00:13:26,296 whilst making this really elaborate song to try and 267 00:13:26,296 --> 00:13:27,221 impress the females. 268 00:13:29,771 --> 00:13:30,681 Sounds like a lot of effort. 269 00:13:30,741 --> 00:13:33,218 JO DYSON: Yeah. Just buy them a drink instead. 270 00:13:38,714 --> 00:13:42,008 There's going to be some people playing chess. Hi guys! Are you 271 00:13:42,028 --> 00:13:43,497 playing chess in the back of a car? 272 00:13:44,586 --> 00:13:47,173 GENERIC: Just the perfect, post surf activities. 273 00:13:47,434 --> 00:13:49,302 JO DYSON: I'm guessing from your accents that you're not from 274 00:13:49,363 --> 00:13:49,945 round here. 275 00:13:50,227 --> 00:13:51,293 GENERIC: No, we are both from Italy. 276 00:13:51,946 --> 00:13:54,895 Firstly I moved to London to work in the film industry and 277 00:13:54,935 --> 00:13:59,104 then after a few years I had enough of the city. Too crowded! 278 00:13:59,104 --> 00:14:02,464 Yeah now, I live here. The quality of life is much better. 279 00:14:02,464 --> 00:14:08,330 You can surf. We have nature. And it's beautiful. 280 00:14:09,311 --> 00:14:10,505 KATHERINE MOORE: Yeah, it's fantastic, isn't it? 281 00:14:11,723 --> 00:14:14,078 JO DYSON: We'll leave you in peace for your calming game of 282 00:14:14,158 --> 00:14:14,581 chess. 283 00:14:16,231 --> 00:14:18,041 Yeah, I hope the surf picks up this afternoon. 284 00:14:18,758 --> 00:14:19,368 KATHERINE MOORE: See you later. 285 00:14:19,836 --> 00:14:21,691 JO DYSON: Bye. Cheers. Bye. 286 00:14:24,182 --> 00:14:26,435 So Katherine, do you want to lead the way to Widemouth Bay? 287 00:14:26,978 --> 00:14:29,707 KATHERINE MOORE: Let's do it, I think. It's all downhill. 288 00:14:30,048 --> 00:14:33,041 JO DYSON: Wow, I think you might have said that last time. 289 00:14:33,444 --> 00:14:45,558 It's been a few miles since our last stopping point with that 290 00:14:45,578 --> 00:14:49,635 incredible view and now we are actually at Widemouth Bay. And 291 00:14:49,696 --> 00:14:51,669 here it's a completely different vibe. 292 00:14:52,051 --> 00:14:53,648 KATHERINE MOORE: Like it's come out of Baywatch or something, 293 00:14:53,668 --> 00:14:54,072 isn't it? 294 00:14:54,934 --> 00:14:58,042 JO DYSON: There are families on a day out. People sunbathing. 295 00:14:58,752 --> 00:15:03,804 Look out huts. Four by fours. And there are surfers literally 296 00:15:04,289 --> 00:15:04,877 everywhere 297 00:15:06,628 --> 00:15:07,554 HORACE PARSONS: Can I help you ladies? 298 00:15:08,212 --> 00:15:10,529 JO DYSON: Yeah, we were just admiring the lifeguard hut. Are 299 00:15:10,529 --> 00:15:11,354 you part of that? 300 00:15:11,851 --> 00:15:14,516 HORACE PARSONS: Yeah, I'm a volunteer lifeguard and a member 301 00:15:14,536 --> 00:15:16,079 of Bude Surf Lifesaving Club. 302 00:15:16,523 --> 00:15:18,651 JO DYSON: The lifeguard hut here looks like it's come straight 303 00:15:18,711 --> 00:15:21,334 out of Baywatch. I'd love to know more about that. 304 00:15:21,668 --> 00:15:24,577 HORACE PARSONS: The lifeguard side of stuff in Cornwall was 305 00:15:24,638 --> 00:15:26,358 actually brought here by an Australian. 306 00:15:30,284 --> 00:15:33,333 There was Australian airmen based at St Morgan Airport near 307 00:15:33,394 --> 00:15:36,720 Newquay during the war. They'd seen all the beaches and when 308 00:15:36,740 --> 00:15:39,953 they went back to Australia, they reported about the beaches 309 00:15:40,074 --> 00:15:40,816 in Cornwall. 310 00:15:41,280 --> 00:15:44,307 Alan Kennedy, who was a prime mover in the life-saving in 311 00:15:44,307 --> 00:15:48,393 Australia. Came to the UK in 1951. And was transferred to the 312 00:15:48,433 --> 00:15:52,437 Australian High Commission as a dairy officer. 313 00:15:54,831 --> 00:15:57,635 When he first came to Cornwall, there was a good surf coming in 314 00:15:57,655 --> 00:15:58,646 at Summerleaze Beach. 315 00:15:59,104 --> 00:16:01,806 He went down and went straight in the water for a body surf. 316 00:16:02,785 --> 00:16:07,635 He was amazed at poor quality of the equipment the lifeguards 317 00:16:07,695 --> 00:16:10,710 had. The abilities of the lifeguards, the fitness of the 318 00:16:10,750 --> 00:16:11,374 lifeguards. 319 00:16:11,716 --> 00:16:14,969 He totally understood why there were so many tragedies and so 320 00:16:14,989 --> 00:16:15,631 many drownings. 321 00:16:20,408 --> 00:16:23,797 The equipment they had was really poor and it's quite 322 00:16:23,817 --> 00:16:26,024 possible that the person that was carrying out the rescue 323 00:16:26,064 --> 00:16:27,971 might end up getting in trouble himself. 324 00:16:29,300 --> 00:16:30,853 It was very primitive. 325 00:16:32,875 --> 00:16:35,346 Their training was mostly carried out in pools or lakes. 326 00:16:36,271 --> 00:16:38,855 Anybody came from a lake or a pool and tried to swim in the 327 00:16:38,875 --> 00:16:41,364 sea and there's a four or five foot surf running... they would 328 00:16:41,405 --> 00:16:43,926 really struggle. It's completely different. 329 00:16:45,776 --> 00:16:50,077 Whereas Alan Kennedy was totally aware of the dangers of swimming 330 00:16:50,077 --> 00:16:53,242 in the sea from his experience and knowledge from Australia. 331 00:16:55,600 --> 00:16:57,857 The Australians, they had the reel and line. 332 00:16:58,116 --> 00:17:02,656 The drum with 400 meters of line on, with a belt on the end. The 333 00:17:02,717 --> 00:17:03,985 rescuer would put on. 334 00:17:04,599 --> 00:17:08,646 He would swim out to the patient with four other people working 335 00:17:08,687 --> 00:17:09,634 on the reel and the line. 336 00:17:13,175 --> 00:17:17,472 Before that they would have a life ring with maybe 70 meters 337 00:17:17,554 --> 00:17:21,398 of rope on it and half the time they couldn't get to the patient 338 00:17:21,459 --> 00:17:22,242 they'd run out of line. 339 00:17:25,675 --> 00:17:29,609 Well, when Alan came to Bude, he'd arranged for the reel and 340 00:17:29,649 --> 00:17:33,129 line and a rescue ski to be sent to Bude. 341 00:17:33,584 --> 00:17:37,217 With this equipment he trained the local youth club members. 342 00:17:38,051 --> 00:17:42,119 The 12 members took their bronze award. At the time, the only 343 00:17:42,199 --> 00:17:45,946 people to gain the bronze medallion outside of Australia. 344 00:17:46,647 --> 00:17:50,313 And on completion of gaining the award, they all set up Bude Surf 345 00:17:50,373 --> 00:17:51,154 Life Saving Club. 346 00:17:51,892 --> 00:17:55,579 Alan travelled to California. Got involved in trying to set up 347 00:17:55,620 --> 00:17:58,871 clubs there. So if Alan Kennedy hadn't come to Bude, all the 348 00:17:58,891 --> 00:18:02,437 other clubs in this country. France, Spain and the Northern 349 00:18:02,478 --> 00:18:03,402 Hemisphere would not- 350 00:18:03,724 --> 00:18:04,793 Would not be in place now. 351 00:18:05,195 --> 00:18:07,864 JO DYSON: So a lot of lives have now been saved at sea as a 352 00:18:07,884 --> 00:18:11,554 result of Alan Kennedy all those years ago bringing over the 353 00:18:11,816 --> 00:18:12,757 Life-saving club. 354 00:18:12,859 --> 00:18:13,712 HORACE PARSONS: It's got to be thousands. 355 00:18:14,038 --> 00:18:14,285 JO DYSON: Yeah. 356 00:18:15,684 --> 00:18:19,115 Horace, thank you so much. I'm so pleased we bumped into you. 357 00:18:19,115 --> 00:18:20,142 It's been fascinating. 358 00:18:20,459 --> 00:18:20,600 HORACE PARSONS: Good, have a lovely holiday! 359 00:18:20,600 --> 00:18:22,529 KATHERINE MOORE: Thank you so much. 360 00:18:29,935 --> 00:18:32,481 JO DYSON: So we've just cycled the three miles from the surfers 361 00:18:32,521 --> 00:18:35,492 paradise of Widemouth Bay, and we're just coming into the most 362 00:18:35,983 --> 00:18:38,001 picturesque seaside town of Bude. 363 00:18:39,332 --> 00:18:41,489 So what's the plan for this evening now? 364 00:18:41,949 --> 00:18:44,371 KATHERINE MOORE: Well, I think we should probably think about 365 00:18:44,451 --> 00:18:47,401 putting the bikes here, locking up. And then going to find 366 00:18:47,442 --> 00:18:48,187 somewhere to eat. 367 00:18:48,328 --> 00:18:48,529 JO DYSON: Yeah. 368 00:18:51,107 --> 00:18:52,335 KATHERINE MOORE: And then setting up camp for the night 369 00:18:52,335 --> 00:18:54,166 and getting some decent rest because we've got to do this all 370 00:18:54,206 --> 00:18:54,810 again tomorrow. 371 00:18:55,896 --> 00:18:58,181 JO DYSON: I can see some eateries over there. So let's go 372 00:18:58,201 --> 00:18:58,872 and check them out. 373 00:19:01,091 --> 00:19:03,321 KATHERINE MOORE: Proper seaside town, all the buckets and 374 00:19:03,441 --> 00:19:07,459 spades, cobbled little streets. Gorgeous old buildings, almost 375 00:19:07,479 --> 00:19:08,406 like stable blocks. 376 00:19:08,743 --> 00:19:12,105 All these little shops. Coffee, pasties! 377 00:19:12,857 --> 00:19:14,109 JO DYSON: Right on the canal edge. 378 00:19:15,603 --> 00:19:18,869 Oh look at those ahead! The Padalos! 379 00:19:19,049 --> 00:19:19,550 KATHERINE MOORE: Oh Jo! 380 00:19:22,324 --> 00:19:26,106 JO DYSON: Oh, this looks really interesting. A 1940s mini tea 381 00:19:26,187 --> 00:19:28,336 room encounter. Should we go and have a look? 382 00:19:28,336 --> 00:19:28,557 KATHERINE MOORE: Yeah. 383 00:19:31,511 --> 00:19:31,772 JO DYSON: Hello. 384 00:19:32,093 --> 00:19:34,640 CLAIR ROBERTS: Hello. Come into the Kitchen Front and come and 385 00:19:34,640 --> 00:19:35,161 take a seat. 386 00:19:35,161 --> 00:19:36,004 KATHERINE MOORE: Oh, thank you very much. 387 00:19:35,984 --> 00:19:36,906 JO DYSON: Thank you very much. 388 00:19:38,298 --> 00:19:43,505 It is beautiful in here. There's bunting, lanterns, pottery. What 389 00:19:43,545 --> 00:19:45,182 exactly does the kitchen front do? 390 00:19:46,243 --> 00:19:49,729 CLAIR ROBERTS: The kitchen front is really a 1940s ethos. We 391 00:19:49,992 --> 00:19:51,083 serve tea and cake. 392 00:19:51,305 --> 00:19:53,646 Made with original World War II recipes. 393 00:19:54,287 --> 00:19:56,819 Probably the best thing is if I give you a little taster of 394 00:19:56,880 --> 00:19:58,998 everything. I'm just going to bring your cakes over. 395 00:19:59,404 --> 00:20:00,170 JO DYSON: Thank you. 396 00:20:03,756 --> 00:20:04,531 KATHERINE MOORE: Here you go, girls. 397 00:20:04,531 --> 00:20:05,133 Thank you very much. Thanks. 398 00:20:06,879 --> 00:20:07,967 JO DYSON: Is this Victoria Sponge? 399 00:20:08,189 --> 00:20:08,693 CLAIR ROBERTS: Yes, it is. 400 00:20:09,043 --> 00:20:11,617 This recipe is actually called the one egg sponge from the 401 00:20:11,637 --> 00:20:14,859 Ministry of Food. And we use a dried egg, exactly as they would 402 00:20:14,859 --> 00:20:15,585 have done back then. 403 00:20:16,194 --> 00:20:17,702 KATHERINE MOORE: The texture is a bit different, isn't it? 404 00:20:18,236 --> 00:20:20,051 CLAIR ROBERTS: Sugar would have been on ration. What you can 405 00:20:20,112 --> 00:20:22,658 taste in that and the reason it's a little bit more sticky is 406 00:20:22,658 --> 00:20:24,242 because it has golden syrup in it. 407 00:20:24,859 --> 00:20:26,025 JO DYSON: Oh right! 408 00:20:26,747 --> 00:20:29,089 CLAIR ROBERTS: Here we have a lovely slice of apricot tart. 409 00:20:32,698 --> 00:20:35,477 This is actually called mock apricot tart. The filling is 410 00:20:35,538 --> 00:20:39,682 actually grated carrot with almond essence and then a 411 00:20:39,723 --> 00:20:40,812 tablespoon of jam. 412 00:20:41,539 --> 00:20:42,121 JO DYSON: Oh, right! 413 00:20:42,121 --> 00:20:43,877 To give it that sweetness! 414 00:20:43,877 --> 00:20:47,328 Clair, this concept, how does it go down with the locals? 415 00:20:47,890 --> 00:20:49,432 CLAIR ROBERTS: Well, to be honest, we're here because of 416 00:20:49,412 --> 00:20:52,215 the locals. It's just such a wonderful lifestyle here. 417 00:20:52,496 --> 00:20:54,258 Literally, the kids skateboard to school. 418 00:20:54,479 --> 00:20:58,737 Everybody surfs right up until the sun's setting and then sit 419 00:20:58,797 --> 00:21:00,941 down and chill and have a couple of drinks on the beach. 420 00:21:02,434 --> 00:21:05,385 We have that sort of Californian, Australian 421 00:21:05,426 --> 00:21:08,882 lifestyle here and it's just incredible. 422 00:21:08,882 --> 00:21:12,689 Okay girls, so I'll leave you to enjoy your cakes and I'll see 423 00:21:12,689 --> 00:21:13,330 you in a little bit. 424 00:21:13,756 --> 00:21:16,317 JO DYSON: Oh, thank you. Where do we start? 425 00:21:16,644 --> 00:21:16,941 KATHERINE MOORE: Wow. 426 00:21:17,718 --> 00:21:18,605 I might try some of this. 427 00:21:26,666 --> 00:21:29,315 JO DYSON: We'd planned to set up the tents this evening, but the 428 00:21:29,355 --> 00:21:32,887 campsite is currently closed. So we've checked into a hotel, 429 00:21:33,408 --> 00:21:36,581 which is still an acceptable way to bikepack, right? 430 00:21:36,843 --> 00:21:38,614 KATHERINE MOORE: Oh, absolutely. They call it credit card 431 00:21:38,654 --> 00:21:39,137 touring! 432 00:21:39,538 --> 00:21:41,624 But yeah, I think a great way to start for a beginner, 433 00:21:41,644 --> 00:21:42,126 especially. 434 00:21:42,555 --> 00:21:45,239 JO DYSON: So we're now down at the beach. Should we do what the 435 00:21:45,259 --> 00:21:47,384 locals do and enjoy a drink and that sunset? 436 00:21:47,485 --> 00:21:47,946 KATHERINE MOORE: Oh, yeah. 437 00:21:51,049 --> 00:21:54,460 So Jo, your first day of bikepacking. What were your 438 00:21:54,460 --> 00:21:55,225 first impressions? 439 00:21:55,630 --> 00:21:58,474 JO DYSON: I've loved it. The views, the adrenaline of the 440 00:21:58,514 --> 00:22:01,237 downhill, although I did put my brakes on at points. 441 00:22:02,098 --> 00:22:04,802 And just we've met some amazing people as well, haven't we? 442 00:22:05,502 --> 00:22:09,456 Yeah, apart from the strenuous 30% gradient uphill, I'd say 443 00:22:09,496 --> 00:22:12,840 it's all been absolutely brilliant, thank you. 444 00:22:12,840 --> 00:22:14,669 KATHERINE MOORE: I think that's it. It's just as much as 445 00:22:15,027 --> 00:22:16,697 everything off the bike as it is on. 446 00:22:18,047 --> 00:22:19,213 What would you like to toast to, Jo? 447 00:22:20,020 --> 00:22:24,839 JO DYSON: Let's toast to... tomorrow's hills being smaller 448 00:22:25,063 --> 00:22:26,128 and less frequent. 449 00:22:26,526 --> 00:22:28,611 KATHERINE MOORE: That might be wishful thinking, but go on, 450 00:22:28,672 --> 00:22:29,474 let's have a toast. 451 00:22:29,838 --> 00:22:34,050 JO DYSON: Cheers! 452 00:22:35,830 --> 00:22:37,901 CLAIRE HICKINBOTHAM: Thanks for listening to this episode of the 453 00:22:37,962 --> 00:22:40,776 National Trust Podcast. Supported by Raleigh. 454 00:22:41,546 --> 00:22:44,120 If you'd like to hear what happens in the second part of Jo 455 00:22:44,120 --> 00:22:47,150 and Katherine's bikepacking adventure, that episode is 456 00:22:47,210 --> 00:22:47,993 available now. 457 00:22:48,703 --> 00:22:52,333 And follow or subscribe to the National Trust Podcast, so you 458 00:22:52,374 --> 00:22:54,116 don't miss any episodes.