A TEENAGER has walked the entire Cornish coastal path, raising more than £2,300 for an educational expedition to Tanzania.
Ruby Davidson was 12 when she first stepped out at Marsland Mouth in North Cornwall almost two years ago. Since then she’s hiked the tough 290 miles in stages through all weathers, accompanied by her dad Mark and their trusty dog Teddy.
Three lockdowns, two birthdays and a global pandemic later, Ruby came over the finish line at Mount Edgcumbe to be met by her proud mum Claire and supporters. She completed the round-Cornwall event at the country park with her 50th Park Run – and this was also full-circle for the teenager, as she had begun her challenge with the Tamar Lakes Park Run, all the way back in September 2019.
Rough weather and steep cliff climbs made the first section of the walk between Marsland Mouth and Bude the hardest part of the route, said Ruby, who lives in Downderry.
“We also had some sketchy moments with high winds and cows on the coastpath, who didn’t appreciate our dog Ted, even though he was firmly on the lead!” she said.
The most enjoyable aspects of the walk included the stunning and constantly changing scenery, and the flowers in spring and summer.
“Ruby enjoyed taking thousands of pictures of all the flowers in bloom, and we also really enjoyed camping around Lands End and Sennen Cove last summer,” says Claire.
“It was beautiful on the beach and the end of walk dips in the sea were really memorable.”
Ruby, who has just finished Year 9 at Saltash Community School, particularly enjoyed going around Lands End, Roseland and The Lizard, camping inland to access both the north and south coast beaches. She says she loved some of the beautiful coastal houses along the way, with their stunning and interesting gardens.
“Ruby also enjoyed seeing an adder, lots of seals and a Cornish chough,” said her mum.
“We saw boxing March hares at dusk around Tintagel, which was magical.”
Celebrations for Ruby began with the cutting of a special coastal challenge cake at Mount Edgcumbe.
The 14 year old is now in preparations for her World Challenge Expedition to Tanzania in 2022 – coincidentally organised by the same company that took her mum Claire, as a young teacher, to Africa in 2003.
To find out more and support Ruby in her efforts, visit https://gofund.me/d7e84c20
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who sponsored Ruby along the way,” said Claire.
“She has to raise £3,000 for her World Challenge expedition and has managed £2,310 with this one event alone. We are incredibly grateful.”