Day 6 - Launceston to Brandis Corner

Day 6 dawned fine with white clouds ambling acros the sky. as we left our room I looked around again as I tend to leave things behind, and had the feeling that something was missing, but it looked clear. We set off down the steep hill from the Band B and through the old arch in the middle of town then down the route we had come in on, when I suddenly realised that I was NOT carrying my guitar - I'd left it at the BnB! Had to hurry back up the hill and rescue it, feeling very foolish. Having climbed the other side of the valley, our best route by far was through the Werrington Estate, but there is no right of way. However there is a good road traversing it and no sign saying you cant enter, so we did. We met one chap who said we might get a ticking off from the gate man but didn't try o stop us. It was a very pretty park with a river running through it and a huge mansion and we exited over a gate on the other side without any problems, luckily.
We continued for almost all the day on country lanes through farms and fields, still getting used to carrying our packs and were soon on a bridge over the River Tamar, which marks the border between Cornwall and Devon. It has taken over 5 days to walk through Cornwall: a long county! West Cornwall has few trees and can be quite stark. It is cut by river valleys (coombes) which tend to be heavily wooded and can be delightful, but they are the exeption. There is a special light, especially near the sea, which attracts artist to places like St Ives. Since we descended from Bodmin Moor, the countryside has become more rounded and gentle, with more trees and deep green fields. It is very hilly and there is little level land so although the hills are mostly small, you do a lot of climbing during days walk.
The sun was bright as the morning progressed, making the wild flowers that line these lanes vivid as we walked. We will be in each others company for a long time, and we dont spend all our time talking - there is only so much to say. There are times when we discuss the walk, our lives, ideas or get grumpy about politics or the state of things. Luckily we both have a fairly relaxed approach to life and are able to give each other space, and get on pretty well.
After 10 miles we needed a break and diverted to a pub at Ashwater, which entailed a yomp up a very steep hill. However, when we arrived, the village was delightful and the pub welcoming. we had a pint of shandy and a cheese sandwich - we had to order that specially as the normal 'sandwiches' came wit chips and a big salad! We got talking to the locals and were given £10 for Precious Lives. So we left in high spirits, enjoying the lovely weather and pretty scenery. We saw a couple of roe deer in the woods and some buzzards and other birds as we walked, and although the country is almost all farmland there were great views South to Dartmoor and back to Bodmin in the west.
As the aftrenoon wore on, our feet began to get sore and the last mile up an A road was a bit of a slog. HOwever the Brandis Arms had a warm welcome and a comfortable room ready for us, all very welcome after 19 miles of roads.
After dinner and checking with the landlord I took my guitar down to the bar and had a great reception with the people in the bar applauding every number and asking for requests. They also donated £35 to our charity, so it was a great evening and I retired well pleased.