The Adventures of a Cornish Walker

..Korea cont..

2012-01-06T10:55:00.002Z

The Trip to Suwon on the bus gave us great confidence in getting around and the next day Bridgie went exploring on her own. I was very tired and had to rest so Bridgie caught a taxi to Suwon station where the big shops were. She was fascinated by these aquariums...

Bridgie spotted Nemo in top left!

I felt a bit guilty leaving her on her own to explore but she was very happy and the rest did me good. When she got back she visited our favourite little eatery...

Bridgie's favourite snack :-)

We met up with Phil in the evenings, about 10pm and would go out for a meal together with his mates, before returning to the hotel any time between 1am and 5! It worked really well as it was sort of in keeping with our body clocks!
Bridgie and I ventured into Seoul on the bus - the buses were brilliant, inexpensive and frequent, though some of the driving was 'interesting'. The bus lane was the fast lane of the motorway so when a bus joined or left the motorway it just headed straight across the 5 or 6 lanes seemingly ignoring everyone else - it took a little getting used to.

Seoul was lovely, we both found it a fascinating place and easy to get round. Phil leant us a lonely planet guide and we did a walking tour which took in some lovely sights. The Hammering Man was fascinating... though I decided it might be a woman...

Here are some pictures from that day...

There was an amazing display at the entrance to one of the palaces..

More soon :-)

Phil sets off today to Buenos Aires for his 6month adventure travelling S America :-) He's hoping to write a blog.. if he does I'll send the link

...Suwon fortress

2012-01-05T13:51:00.001Z

Continuing the story... this was a wonderful day, the fortress wall encircles the old town and we were able to walk the whole distance. You can see we had lovely weather and the chance to strike the huge bell, you could strike it three times, each one a prayer, for family, friends and the world.

The prayer areas were beautiful, though I managed to clobber my head on the low lintel on this one and saw a few stars!

Looking out from the walls, Suwon was spread below us, and high rise as far as the eye could see.

This chilli shop was amazing...

and this hat museum

..Bridgie was a lovely companion on the trip, she put up with my foibles very well, and she was great fun to be around :-) and she loved these signs... the other pics are self explantory...

...more..

2011-12-22T19:23:00.000Z

...the first full day we spent with Phil we joined him at his football match. He helped manage the team and they are very skillful -

Phil overseeing the match!
- it was an amazing match but we didn't bring any luck unfortunately - a 3-2 loss! After the match we met up with his mates at the park, and then went for a pork galbi. This is a traditional Korean way of eating and it was so sociable. We were all (about 14 of us) sat around two big tables with a hot cooking plate in the middle

there are many side dishes and an abundance of meat. There was a lovely relaxed atmosphere and despite our jetlag, it was a lovely experience.

Some of Phil's footy mates, Alec on the left is travelling S America with Phil.

We found that a routine soon emerged. We slept late each morning getting up about 11am, and then staying up till late at night, with me going to bed about 1.30 and Bridgie following about 4am! Once we were up, one of us would go and visit the local bakery "Paris Baguette" and buy a croissant or similar, and then we would set off exploring.

Gun mandu

There were several places we enjoyed eating, and this particular place was a real favourite where we were made very welcome. Gun mandu was delicious and if all else failed we would revert to this tasty bite!

This became one of our favourite watering holes.

One of our earliest days was spent in Suwon walking the fortress walls. Nick, one of Phil's good mates, offered to take us there on the bus which was brilliant and gave us confidence to get about on our own afterwards.

The Hwaseong Fortress Wall

...more soon :-)

Haven't got used to the new Blogger layout and tools so bear with me - I've added a jump break by mistake! Sorry!

Korea - a taster!

2011-12-21T14:43:00.008Z

Well... here you are.. first some pictures from the flight which was amazing - flying over the Himalayas. I was fascinated that on the screen in front of me I could see a map of where we were;
views forwards and down... and then I would go wandering from our seat and peek views through the little porthole windows at the back. Bridgie was in the window seat and in fairness, there was limit to the number of times I could lean across to look out!
The flight went via Abu Dhabi, which made it a little long, but it all went smoothly and Phil was there to meet us at the airport. Despite it being very late at night the place was alive and vibrant, with neon light everywhere. After a longish taxi ride we put our stuff down in the hotel and went out to meet Phil's friends in a local bar.
View from hotel window.
It was brilliant to see Phil and meet his friends and feel so welcome.
Here is an assortment of pics including an evening view over Yeongtong where we were staying, a wonderful cake-shop, and Phil and Bridgie chilling with all his mates in the park. It was the place to go after their football matches and many a happy hour was spent sitting chatting here.
More soon I hope ...

Christmas

2011-12-19T18:23:00.003Z

Hello!

Such a long time since I wrote and I haven't written about Korea or Slovenia... I will but thought you'd like this little update.

Phil arrived safely back in UK on Friday afternoon, he will be home for 3 weeks and is then off travelling in S America, probably about 6 months then home for a bit and a possible return to Korea.

In fact, Friday 17th was such a lovely day - Bridgie and Tim have both had temporary jobs..
... first Tim heard he has got a job with Hy-pro a sports franchising company in Dunsatble. He has a few weeks trial and then if all goes well it will be permanent.

Within 15 minutes Bridgie received a phonecall from the CEO of a company (in Manchester) who she had contacted and had had an interview with the previous week... and they offered her a job too!

So we were almost walking on air!
Bridgie is now flat hunting; Tim will stay here for a bit longer; they both start at the beginning of January - can't think of a better Christmas present for them!

keith and I are fine, Meriel came down on Sunday so we now have a house full!

All for the moment...

home

2011-09-30T18:51:00.001+01:00

:-)

Home again...

I've just sorted through the pics of S Korea...

about to go and play golf...

post coming soon!

:-)

Travels

2011-09-13T09:43:00.004+01:00

We have had some wild weather recently... one day cool and wet, the next hot and windy.. weird combinations, seems totally unsettled! Golf has been demanding but good fun and quite successful. We have won the league - unofficial at the moment - also, we won a team competition in another tournament... the shield was enormous! This was a county competition which began in 1927 so we are very happy!

Bridgie and I are getting excited, we will be setting off for our visit to see Phil soon :-) Just getting things organised ready for packing. Will be lovely to see him, meet his friends and see where he's been living this past year. Will take pictures and will blog on return...

Bridgie's blog

2011-08-22T21:32:00.002+01:00

Thought you might like to welcome Bridgie to the blogosphere :-)

http://bridgets-corner.blogspot.com

:-)

Blackberries

2011-08-14T08:13:00.004+01:00

Not quite sure what's happened to the seasons this year... plums dropping off the tree... autumn fruiting raspberries are well and truly fruiting - and I saw folk picking blackberries a week ago!

Meriel's coming to stay this week - I'll try and get some pics taken to share with you :-) Then I must get the camera charged for Korea!

It's good to have Tim and Bridgie working - they both have temporary jobs and are now looking for permanent positions.

Keith has had a couple of adventures on his bike, he cycled up to Lincolnshire - visiting Skegness and Lincoln and villages en route. He described his evenings after a long bike ride as 'lying in his B&B room watching tv...' just like The Cornish Walker after a day's exertions! He also took his bike down to Brighton and then biked along the coast to Hastings and round - had a good time :-)

Tim and I have put the completion of the coast path on the back burner at the moment. Tim has had a couple of lovely trips over the summer and may be going back to Europe for more exploring. My (and Bridgie's) trip to see Phil is followed by a week in Slovenia with a lady from the golf club and that will take us to mid October... so we're both happy to leave the walk for the time being.

Bridgie's Graduation

2011-08-01T12:12:00.003+01:00

:-) :-) :-)

Friday 15th July saw us setting off early to Manchester for Bridgie's Graduation... I thought you'd like a few pics :-)

Needless to say she looked gorgeous... our only disappointment was that Meriel wasn't able to join us as she was cruising the Norway coast..

Still... we entered into the spirit of it!

How embarrassing can parents be?!

Tim and Bridgie both have temporary jobs at the moment, Tim with a Highways Agency doing admin work, and Bridgie with Unilever - an office role as well. Both are glad to be in employment!

Bridgie and I are going out to see Phil in mid September for two weeks... we're really looking forward to that - Keith will be back in Addis then...

zzz....!!!

2011-05-14T10:18:00.004+01:00

I haven't really been asleep since February ... though it may look like that!

My time seems to have been taken up with other things for a while... a brief resume...

Back at the end of February Tim and I were preparing for the final stage of the coast path, with everything booked in advance (the only time we have done that!) when I developed a problem with my eye.
It turned out to be due to the natural aging process (posterior vitreous detachment but with a bleed) :-( and though a little distracting at the time with enforced total rest which I hated... everything is fine. Vision is slightly cloudly but I don't notice it unless I look for it! The hospital were superb and the consultant I saw - visiting from Cambridge - was excellent, giving great confidence. He gave me a heads up that the same thing will happen to the other other eye over the next few years and then they'll both be the same!! :-)
Anyway, all is well, but it meant that we had to postpone the walk! Hopefully October time now... Tim has taken himself off round Europe on the train and is having a wonderful time of cultural and scenic excess! He's having a great time:-)

Since then, Phil continues his teaching in Korea, Tim has gone to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam for a two month trip with a couple friends - enjoying it greatly I believe. And Bridgie is working hard, has completed her dissertation and is in the midst of revision. Then wondering what to do next?
Meriel came to stay over Easter and Keith was home for that week too, he is back in Ethiopia now till the beginning of June.

Jeannie and Alastair stayed for a few days on their Grand Tour, it was lovely to catch up again.
I've been immersed in golf stuff, playing lots and doing a website for the ladies http://pavenhamparkgolfclubladies.weebly.com/ and I guess keeping that up to date has taken over a bit from the blog... but I will get the rest of the walk done sometime.... honest!

Dartmouth to Brixham (13th Oct)

2011-02-19T10:10:00.009Z

I've just spent an hour and a half going through the pics of the next stage of the walk - that's the price of not writing it up straight away!!!!!

Anyway, I will include lots of pics and little writing so that you can whizz through them. I love these serviette holders...

We had been told, by several different people that we had met, that this section was absolutely stunning so our expectations were very high. We crossed the River Dart on that amazing ferry,

with the tugboat doing its dance!

Across to the colourful houses of Kinswear...

Kingswear

From here we walked out on to the cliff, which was good, but not quite the stunning scenery we were expecting.

The walking was quite strenuous with several deep valleys to cross...

Looking back at Scabbacombe - you can just see Tim!

Some trees ... :-)

... black sheep ...

Man Sands had a group of schoolchildren exploring the beach...

Man Sands

..we enjoyed this view back to Sharkham Point.

We had to include Trinity House's shortest lighthouse -

out on Berry Head, but still 190' above sea level!

There there was also this useful display explaining the landforms you can see across the bay to Torquay.

From here we headed down into Brixham.

Wales

2011-02-14T13:38:00.005Z

Snowdon from Dinorwic
(The tiny little pyramid to the right of the main mass is actually the summit.)

I know it's been a while...

I've just got back from two weeks away. The first week was with a school on an activity week near Llanberis. We had almost 60 youngsters, 12-13yr olds, and it was amazing.
Stretched in every way... the highlight for me was going into a slate mine and having to use ropes etc to move along and between levels - it was fantastic! We also climbed Tryfan by the North Ridge in very strong winds... it was extremely challenging!

View from Tryfan-about half way up.

The weather was windy and wet mostly but it didn't really stop anything - the activites were adapted to it! A brilliant week but exhausting.

From there I went down to South Wales to the Gower and stayed at Caswell for the week. It was wonderful - you know I love this place :-) ...here are some pics... I didn't go out a lot as I was so tired... but it's such a place that you don't really need to! This is looking through the window on the first morning I was there...

and there was a gentle sunset in the middle of the week...

I did make a little rock pile after Andy Goldsworthy... but did lots of reading and sorting of things on my laptop.

I'm now resting up for the final leg of The Walk... I'll try and write up the rest of it first... watch this space!

Keith has just got back from a three week trip to Ethiopia... I'm hoping he'll share some pictures with me because he had an amazing visit to the Mursi people... so definitely watch this space.

Start Point to Dartmouth (12 Oct)

2011-01-03T11:09:00.007Z

Down Farm was the name of our B & B,

a lovely example of a Devon Longhouse where the people lived upstairs and the animals down below. There were gates across the wide steep stairs to stop the animals from encroaching. It was a working farm and a lovely place to stay, I loved these paintings on my bedroom wall...

There was also a lady staying who spent the evening drawing from a photo she'd taken. It was beautiful. Looking through her sketch book was such a delight... it made me want to pick up a pencil again - though it would be with nothing like the skill and finesse of this talented woman.

We set off after our usual excellent breakfast and headed for Hallsands

which was washed away after dredging for the construction of Devonport Dockyard back in 1890s led to a drop in beach level of 12' and the subsequent destruction of the original village. The new village perches similarly on this dramatic piece of coast.

From here though it became less dramatic, so much so that we caught the bus again. The path follows the road here for some way and moves inland, so we re-joined the path at Stoke Fleming (still inland), where the path gradually wends its way back to the sea and from here it was a short walk along to Dartmouth.

As far as walking goes this was a very quiet day. Dartmouth was interesting though, with some amazing buildings;

a barometer on a wall; a slightly terrifying car ferry; .which was fascinating to watch - (see below) - it was almost like a pair of dancers;

and lots of people, probably the busiest place we'd been in so far. Finding a B&B proved a little tricky, but we got there in the end and were able to enjoy long hot baths again!

The Ferry Dance

Salcombe to Start Point (11th Oct)

2011-01-02T11:14:00.009Z

I'm going to whisk you back to the coast for some more of the walk... we woke up to another beautiful day with blue skies and a strong easterly wind. Roger kindly drove us in to Salcombe so that we could catch the ferry across the river to East portlemouth to begin the next section.

The River at Salcombe

I was feeling very snuffly... I think this may be the reason...

when I came back upstairs after breakfast... the cat had disappeared... he was actually the lump under the duvet... As the day went on, my snuffles disappeared...

Today's walk took us along the coast as far as Start Point. I shall let the pictures speak for themselves - it was a glorious day.

Looking towards Prawle Point

Looking back at Gammon Head and beyond to Bolt Head

Looking onwards from Prawle point towards Start Point - lovely bit of raised beach!

Lannacombe Beach

The Pinnacles - "isolated stacks of glacial head on schist bases" :-)

Start Point

The Ridged back of Start Point

The View Beyond Start Point

So Far So Good - just look at those miles!

A final look back at Start Point

Christmastime 2010

2010-12-27T08:46:00.011Z

What is Meriel laughing at?

Hello again! Thought you might enjoy some Christmastime snaps :-)
The weather has stayed below freezing for days on end... we have the bottles of coke and lemonade etc stood outside the back door... when we come to pour them they are wonderful iced drinks!

We had some lovely news on the 23rd when Louise and Chris had a baby boy, Harry. That makes Meriel a Great Grandma!

Tim did his usual expert job under the tree and we all enjoyed some lovely presents - what was Fav GG smiling at?

In the afternoon we were able to chat to Phil on Skype and he opened his parcel...
I hasten to add... it wasn't just toothpaste! Skype has been great and it was lovely to catch up with him. He had been out with his mates and had had a really good time.

Bridgie has been doing lots of uni work but we managed to force her to join in some card games and watch some tv :-) Sevens and Hearts seem to be the favourite card games... and Meriel is a dab hand at both!

You can see how our house is still frosted up,

but it's lovely and warm inside.

We have burnt all our stored logs but it has been worth it. Keith has been on several walks out up on to the ridge or around to Stevington and as long as you are wrapped up warm and can keep your feet, it is glorious. He's also been totting for logs in the coppice across the road and has amassed a good haul - they need some sawing and drying out but should see us through the New Year.

On one of my walks out in the snow I couldn't resist doing this... on the golf course... in the middle of the second fairway! Needless to say... there was noone about!

I'm not sure what the Ladies of Pavenham would have made of me, but I loved it :-)

Now, what was it that Meriel was smiling at?
And finally a farewell from Phil..

Happy New Year

Christmas chill!

2010-12-19T15:34:00.004Z

Happy Christmas!

I thought you might enjoy some recent pics...

we have had very cold weather with some wonderful frosts...

and then, yesterday afternoon, about 4 inches of snow fell in about an hour! Tim, Bridgie and Keith went out in the dark to go sledging and are out in it now!

Fav GG is decorating our tree... we've had real fires to cheer our room... it's been lovely.

Revelstoke Drive Sun 10th Oct

2010-11-10T10:06:00.004Z

A rest day today :-)

After the usual lovely breakfast, we set off for a gentle stroll around Revelstoke Drive...

..the bit that we had missed the other day. It was lovely. We walked in a clockwise direction around the headland; passed by the ferryman's cottage with its restored sign...

an expensive ass...

and ended up back in Noss Mayo, at The Ship.

When the tide drops it is possible to walk across the river... we crossed one causeway to the other side of Noss but it was very slippy.

Looking across to Newton Ferrers

It is possible to walk across to Newton Ferrers but we decided a broken wrist or pulled muscle from a careless slip was not worth it... maybe another time! We returned to Jane and Roger who were hosting a bbq for all the B&B proprieters in the Noss, and they asked us to join them. J and R have a great knack for making you feel part of their family, there home is a real haven, we spent the remainder of the day in their restful company.

Hope Cove to Salcombe Oct 9th

2010-11-08T09:13:00.011Z

Saturday morning dawned damp, grey and windy. After our usual sturdy breakfast we paid our bill at the main hotel and set off. There was a huge sea running with massive waves crashing on the beach and surfers already out there. Waves crashed over the little breakwater too.

This is a fascinating place and one I'd like to revisit although I think it would be a nightmare in the summer.

There are some quaint cottages at Outer Hope and are more gorgeous thatched cottages round the square in Inner Hope. From here we wound our way up on to Bolt Tail. It was very blustery and distant views were not an option but I loved it!

Looking back at Outer Hope

Like our day on the Lizard, it was atmospheric to say the least. The wind was so strong but I managed to keep the camera still for this wonderful specimen!

Parasol Mushroom (I hope that's right Big A?!)

We used the walking poles on this walk to give us some stability in the wind... they definitely helped!

Soar Mill was an amazing spot, this gatepost was once piece of driftwood washed up on the shore, it

has the inscription "Certified to accommodate 4 seaman" incised in a flowing script.

The scenery became even more dramatic, this is a stunning area, and with a big swell running and the stormy weather it was brilliant!

The path took us around Bolt Head to Starehole Bay. The path could be seen clinging to the side of the cliff around Sharp Tor. This path is the Courtenay Walk... you guessed it, cut into the rock by a member of the Courtenay family to give access to Bolt Head.

Amazing! From here it was a gentle stroll into Salcombe

where we caught the bus to Kingsbridge where found our usual lovely cafe! The bus took us on again to Yealmpton, and rather than wait for ages for another bus we decided to walk back to Noss Mayo from there. We found a beautiful path next to a flowing river,

walked deserted narrow lanes,

crossed someone's garden...

(these were apparently a birthday present!) and then along the 'main' road back to Noss where we stopped at the pub for a hot chocolate. It was lovely ot be back with Roger and Jane, we realy did feel part of their family, we had a warm welcome 'home', I had been so looking forward to returning there.

Bigbury to Hope Cove Oct 8th

2010-11-06T09:04:00.009Z

After a good sleep and a nice breakfast Val dropped us off at the start of todays path.

This took us across fields and around to the bridging point of the River Aune, very like walking along by Malpas and St Clements

but to get there we had to walk along a tidal road...

the only one in England (?) ...very exciting! We caught it just as the tide was going down and and only had an inch to walk through - it reminded us of the road near Ruan.

Val had told us that cars were regularly swept away here... an especially tricky drive at night!

The path then took us along old roads and across more fields to the estuary mouth at Bantham with surfers riding the waves and lovely views across to Bigbury. We stopped here for lunch ... fruit cake and cheddar... yum!

An Addendum for yesterday...

when the tide is in, you need the sea tractor to get across to Burgh Island from Bigbury!

We found today's walk a pleasant one but not quite as inspiring as many of our other days have been. We did walk alongside a golf course which I appreciated, and these rocks,

Thurlestone Rocks, were interesting, but our end point Hope Cove was delightful. We enjoyed a lovely cream tea, later had a warming soup in front of a roaring fire in the local pub, and watched surfers ride huge waves and then a lovely sun set.

Not sure if this has worked but a little video of the surfers and sea lovers amongst you! These waves were huge!

Wading the Erme! Oct 7th

2010-11-04T08:37:00.001Z

...or Noss Mayo to Bigbury!
Over breakfast, Tim and I decided that we wished we could stay longer with Jane and Roger.

We had already booked the next couple of nights, but decided we would come back on the Saturday and stay the Sunday as well. What a lovely decision that was.

We set off happily at about 9am, deciding to head straight up the coast on Revelstoke Drive,

Revelstoke Drive

leaving the headland behind us to do on the day we returned.

The headland, Gara Point, for Sunday - you can see the Drive winding its way along.

The book told us that this carriage drive was built in the C19 to encircle Lord Revelstoke's property and impress his guests! It certainly impressed us and made for lovely speedy walking at the start of the day.

We took a little detour to see the church of St Peter the Poor Fisherman. A wonderful little church, Tim knows the details - I can never remember - but the link will tell you more :-)

Church of St Peter the Poor Fisherman.

The views along the coast were lovely...

I even found some trees for Jac :-)

St Anchorite's Rock came into view which was very impressive from a distance, less so close up!

We had been careful about choosing the dates for this part of the walk and Tim has to take all the credit for it for forward planning! We had to reach the River Erme at low tide because the only way to cross it is to get your feet wet! There is an alternative - a 9 mile walk inland! So, Tim had carefully timed it for us to arrive at low tide, and also at the time of some of the lowest tides of the year!

It was a big challenge in our minds as we didn't know how deep it would be and because of all the warnings about taking care.

As it turned out it was rather fun! We took our boots and socks off and rolled up our trousers, tucking in or tieing everything to the backpacks.

We set off with a little trepidation across the sand between the two slipways... that is as detailed as the directions go! Our feet got used to the cool sand so by the time we reached the river water our feet were acclimatised. We decided the I should lead the way through the river as I had some walking poles (which we then shared) and they were so helpful. The river bed was pebbled and the water flowing fairly fast so you had to concentrate fully, but it wasn't as cold as we expected and it didn't come above our knees.

Once we were across, we took some time to dry off and re-boot.

We did get cold doing this and were glad to stop soon after in a sunny spot for lunch with a lovely view of the estuary we had just crossed and a feeling of success/relief... the unknown was over. This estuary is supposedly on of the most unspoilt in the country - it certainly is beautiful.

From here on the walk was strenuous with several steep ascents and descents. This beach I loved - how amazing the rock formations were - they look like a painting and not real!

Sorry...I can't choose the best...

here's another...

just stunning! More steep paths took us along to Bigbury where Burgh Island sits.

Here we called Val who came to collect us and take us to her house where we were staying. Long baths awaited and a lovely meal out at the local pub!

November Raspberries!

2010-11-03T20:20:00.000Z

The Title says it all! I've just picked another half pound of raspberries! They have been awesome this year... and seem to be still coming!

Miles and miles... Weds 6th October

2010-10-27T16:21:00.000+01:00

Tim and I had planned to get as far as Exmouth, perhaps a little further if things went well, so we were "well pleased" to get as far as Weymouth. We did have a couple of sections on a bus because of road walking (which we decided against) but I'll explain that as we go!

First Great Western turned up trumps - my journey down to Plymouth cost £20.50 and the return leg from Exeter was only £15.50 - booking in advance is brilliant! (The standard charge to Plymouth ranges from £80 to £110)

Tim dropped me off at Bedford station early in the morning with my weighty pack (about 25 lbs which I think is nothing compared to your Wild West packsA&J).

Smeaton's Towers on Plymouth Hoe

Tim and I met outside the station - he had come up by bus arriving about the same tme :-) and we walked through Plymouth up to The Hoe and Smeaton's Tower - we thought it made a good re-start landmark. From there we walked down to catch the ferry across to Mountbatten and found the beginning of the path proper.

It was a glorious sunny day with a very strong wind, we had views out across Plymouth Sound over the breakwater to Kingsand, Cawsand and beyond!

We had the afternoon to walk about 10 miles, past holiday camps, through war defences, on roads and on some lovely paths too. It was busier than we were used to, but enjoyable all the same. The sun played games with us, even making rocks take on the mantle of a warship or submarine!

One rock - Great Mew Stone was apparently used as a prison in the 1700s for a petty criminal who was sentenced to live there for seven years!

In some lights, that prospect does not seem unattractive!

There were some good seats to rest on...

... with views across Wembury Bay, and some indicators of our progress along the whole path!

I am never one to pass by a rainbow...

Tim stopped here to admire the view and consider life on Great Mew Stone, while I shed my pack and went further on to Warren Point with views across the River Yealm, very like Malpas/St Mawes/Fowey etc. We then headed inland to catch a bus in Wembury to get back to Plymstock where we caught a bus out to Noss Mayo. Had the ferry been running it would have been far more straightforward! We had a massive shower in Wembury, 10 minutes of heavy rain but it proved to be the only rain we experienced over the next two weeks :-)

We stayed with Jane and Roger at Noss Mayo and were made to feel so welcome and part of the family. They dropped us off at the pub for a soup supper then we headed back foran early night. We'd walked about 10 miles which was an excellent start.

She's back!

2010-10-26T11:47:00.002+01:00

Well hello!
I'm back from the walk... we made it all the way to Weymouth (bar a stone's throw!) about 150 miles altogether. We did much more than we'd planned and it was great. We had superb weather yet again. I'm just sorting through the photos in readiness to post! Feeling a little weary but it was a great walk and I can see why people love it... however, my first love is still the wild Cornish coast!

Next steps...

2010-10-04T16:13:00.002+01:00

Just a quick note - Tim and I continue the walk this week, Tim(son) is dropping me off at Bedford station early morning for a train to Plymouth... will be carrying the heavy pack again so it's going to be a challenge! Walking to Exmouth and a little further if we do well... will blog on return :-)

Family and golf!

2010-09-20T11:35:00.004+01:00

Hello again,

Keith's just returned from a good trip to Addis, next stop will be Kosova!
Bridgie returns to Manchester today, all packed up and ready but I thought you must see her latest acquisition...

Wonderful!

Tim's been doing an amazing job of tidying the garden, we've borrowed a shredder and it's fun to use and what a difference! No 'proper' job in prospect for him yet - travelling is appealing at the moment!

We hear from Phil fairly frequently, the teaching remains very hard but he's really enjoying the social life and looks very well - he's on Skype :-).

The garden has produced a bumper crop of rasps...

about this many every day for the last month! I've jammed, frozen ,eaten and given away so many :-) Sweetcorn and potatoes are yummy at the moment, and i'm planting up the leeks.

I've played lots of golf and enjoyed the Club Championships over the weekend. I was playing alongside Beth who is just 12! She plays beautifully and we played together both days (one round each day - different hole positions). She played beautifully the first day and was leading...got really anxious overnight and hadn't slept, so Sunday was much harder for her. We managed to keep her going even through a few tears and she won! She is a sweet soul, it was lovely to play with her and encourage her. Thought you'd like to see us with our prizes!

U Tim and I are walking again next month, Plymouth to Exmouth, so look out for more pics etc at the end of October.

The moor

2010-08-30T09:48:00.006+01:00

Yay!! It's worked ;-) Here's the video of the moors :-)

(Well, it did work - now doesn't seem to... will leave it here in case.)

And here are a couple more Graduation photos!

Keith looks amazingly awake considering his long flight!

I spoke to U Tim yesterday, and we'll probably pick up the walk again in October :-)

Getting up todate

2010-08-29T10:19:00.017+01:00

The Pied Piper near Pakenham Mill

I'm going to try and bring you up to date! Over the last 3 months we seem to have been very busy, no one big thing but lots of little ones. Keith's been away a lot, in Warsaw, Addis, Singapore etc! We have said cheerio to Phil as he headed off to S Korea to teach English as a foreign language;

After a party!

and welcomed Tim back home from uni, enjoying his graduation en route (Keith flying back specially from Singapore and then heading back the next day!)The ceremony was in sheffield, and Tim was able to get a an extra ticket for Meriel, so she was able to join us. We stayed in Sheffield overnight and Tim took us out to a Pub that specialised in pies 'The Wig and Pen', it was great and we enjoyed delicious pies - I'd love to visit it on a winter's day with snow on the ground and a howling wind. Meriel came home with us and stayed for a few days, Phil and Bridgie took her out to Olney one day, and we also visited Francie and Jonathan for the day; spotting crocodiles, a hippo

Crocs

and a huge spider

near Jonathan's tranquil mill! We also had a delicious lunch at The Butt and Oyster... we're about to tuck in to the puds! Bridgie's been home too, experiencing the joys of commuting to London for a two week work placement at Simon and Schuster alongside working as a volunteer in the Oxfam bookshop and The Salvation Army shop. I've been playing lots of golf with my handicap now 20 which I am delighted about, I've also enjoyed three trips to Yorkshire to see Meriel. We had lovely trips out to enjoy walks along the river by the Bishop's Palace in York,

where there were beautiful buttercup meadows.

Most recently, we have ventured up on to the North York Moors,

enjoying stunning views and swathes of beautiful heather. We drove along gorgeous moorland roads, spotting things in the distance which we went on to explore. This is Roseberry Topping - a brilliant name - asking to be walked up - but not for us that day. We enjoyed a pub lunch at its foot, Meriel particularly liked the flowers in the bath!

I've tried to upload a little film of the moors but it won't work, so here are a couple more pics... and my favourite...

Now you're up to date :-) Keith's home but away again to Addis soon.

Odds and ends.

2010-07-12T10:04:00.008+01:00

This blog is a bit of a pic n mix!Fav GG at Long Buckby

Back in March we took Meriel to visit Chris and Louise (Keith's sister's son and his wife) who live in an amazing little cottage in a village near Northampton.The cottage has thick walls, low ceilings, a dark and dusty cellar and an amazing atmosphere. It looks out on to the village church.

This next pic is of the view I had when Katy took me to a Champions League match at Old Trafford.

Katy has been a Man U supporter since she was little and goes quite regularly. It is ?? years since I've been to a big match so it was very exciting. Sadly for Katy, they lost, but what an incredible experience - I could see why people get hooked.

In April I was whisked away to France! I went, as an extra pair of hands, on a Year 7 school trip to Normandy. It was fantatsic, the most interesting school visit I've been on. The students are immersed in the French language, all the activities are conducted in French, the animateurs spoke no English whatsoever and looked totally bemused if anyone tried talking to them in English (even though some are fluent English speakers!) It made you speak French and having been quite worried about it beforehand, I loved having a go!

On the way to the chateau we crossed this bridge...

getting closer...

beautiful...

The Chateau de la Baudonniere itself was stunning, with beautiful grounds and fantastic people running it. The students did lots of activities - raft building, climbing, breadmaking etc, (all conducted in French) but also had a trip out to a local market,

and to Mnt St Michel. The food was great, very continental - including snails - the students having to go to the kitchens and ask for more bread or water etc in French. It really was a great visit - a brilliant concept.

A contrast.

2010-07-12T09:49:00.003+01:00

I wanted to show you the contrast between the tranquility we enjoyed at Kingsand,

and what it can be like in a winter storm...
...you can just make out the same strange towered building beneath the spray!

I bought this postcard as we walked through the town - thought you'd enjoy!

:-)

A food blog!

2010-07-11T09:38:00.007+01:00

For the record... back in March, Tim and I went for a meal in what has become my favourite place to eat. It was to mark his 60th birthday and we had a lovely meal. I'm going to leave you to work out the menu, here are our starters;

Tim's

mine;
our main courses...

and the puds!

I'm hoping that when the travelling bears and the three little bears visit next year, that I may be able to take them here for a meal :-)

Portwrinkle to Cremyll (Mar 14th)

2010-07-03T11:25:00.014+01:00

Hooray, we've reached the last section of this stage of the walk, and it took us from Portwrinkle to Cremyll, which is opposite Plymouth.

But first... another question for Big A, what is this? We spotted these along the path on many different days, there would just be one on its own, then none for ages and then another.Identification please... and yes, I've never forgotten the mole... mortified!

Our day began with birthday presents for Tim :-) followed by a drive up to Cremyll.

There is a ferry from here across to Plymouth and we were blessed with more gorgeous weather.

The soil here is definitely red compared to the rest of Cornwall. It wasn't long before the bus arrived to take us to Crafthole and for Tim to mark his birthday by christening his bus pass! Disappointingly, the driver didn't give it a second glance!

From Crafthole we walked back across the golf course and on to the Coast Path.This is a strange section of coast, as we had to cross the firing range at Tregantle Fort,

and walk past the fort itself, an ugly, hard, grey building which I disliked hugely. The cliff here is scattered with little shacks,

from a distance they looked like grazing cattle, or a rash of chicken pox spots! If you enlarge the next pic you'll see some of the grazing shacks but mostly how imposing the fort is.

In contrast, happily, there were glorious colours in the sea, panoramic views of distant headlands and a strong wind blowing.

Rame Head,

which was the headland we'd been viewing for several days, was beautiful, and as we had lunch (with lots of other folk about) Tim tried out his mobile phone.

I had passed on my old one to him, and he was sending his first message, to Bridgie I think. I also received messages here as it happened to be Mother's day, although I sort of think of it as my babies' day - although they're all big now!

:-)

From Rame we could see into the future again... probably September when we might start walking on those distant headlands!

From Rame we walk to Cawsand and Kingsand,

interesting little places with narrow streets and doors and windows boarded up against the waves which can batter here in winter stroms.

Kingsand also used to be in Devon, (until 1844) and Tim tried, unsuccesfully to divide himself! From here the walk went through woodland belonging to Mount Edgcumbe where there were wonderful trees and some uprooted ones. Views across plymouth sound and the breakwater, Drake's Island with naval vessels being shepherded around it by the tug boats.

From here we skirted the water's edge and at Tim's behest took this pic which is of 'A drake and his island!' or 'Two Drakes' - shame the island isn't clear!

We rounded the corner and were back at the ferry point, views of Mt Edgcumbe House and a Welcome to Cornwall if you were going the other way!

To this point, approx 400 miles and 80,000 feet! :-) Tim and I decided that the feast of sport that was coming up would mean we would not continue the walk till the summer tourists had departed, so we'll probably begin again sometime in September.

Looe to Portwrinkle (15th March)

2010-06-30T09:55:00.011+01:00

... 5th post ... ( see the last one for explanation!)

Beginning our walk with a drive and bus or train trip was becoming familiar,

Tim's itinerary!

today was no different with a drive to Liskeard and that lovely little branch line trip back to Looe.

The tide was out this morning - such a contrast, this is where the gig was training yesterday. I think I've said before that I didn't expect to enjoy this part of the coast as much,

but there had been stunning views. Looe is very pretty and the path around Polperro had been magnificent but we became quite depressed by the next part as we reached Millendreath. On the map it just says 'Holiday Village', in the book it calls it 'entertainment complex'. It is simply awful, and very depressing. We wondered if we would enjoy today's walk at all! We rounded the next corner rather disconsolantly and began a little climb which closely followed a new fence. Looking up, we spotted something to cheer us...

this next picture may make you feel a little unbalanced but somehow captures it and we felt so much better.

The labyrinth is only newly constructed but made us smile! I walked it... Tim watched :-). From here the path took us to Seaton through some beautiful woods which cheered us even more. Here we walked along the beach all the way to Downderry. Looking back along the beach showed the contrast in weather. We walked in sunshine the whole day, but huge clouds loomed just inland. Walking along the beach gave us the small mystery of the 'staircase to nowhere'.

These concrete steps were completely isolated with no sign of anything around; it was only as we walked further on that we saw the explanation!

There has clearly been a huge amount of erosion over the years... not the safest of places for your house and garden! From Downderry the path climbs solidly up to Battern Cliffs which is the highest point on the southern Cornish coast.

Since we began our walk back in Feb 09 Tim could often be heard muttering, 'I can see tomorrow' as we looked along the coastline... here though, it was 'I can see yesterday' because the headland we could see in the distance was Rame Head, and because of the demands of bus services etc we had walked that final section already!
The path wended through gorse covered cliffs towards Portwrinkle (what wonderful names eh?)
I put this next pic in just because I like it though I'm not quite sure why?

The path took us along, high up with views in land across to Plymouth

on to Portwrinkle. This is a sweet little place with a minute harbour,

and an amazingly named loo - couldn't resist!

The path then crossed a golf course { :-)}to the bus stop at Crafthole where we waited to be whisked back to the car at Liskeard.

Fowey to Looe ( Mar 13th)

2010-06-21T10:37:00.014+01:00

Well, Big A, re comment on Jac's latest blog, this is my fourth post since your last... ! You threw down the gauntlet... looking forward to seeing your response!

You will see that yet again we were blessed with the most beautiful of weather! Today was a Saturday and our trip involved, (in no particular order!) two drives, two bus rides, two train journeys and a ferry crossing.

Our guide book describes this as 'one of the finest stretches of walking between Falmouth and Exmouth' and it certainly did not disappoint.

A taster!

The day began with the drive to Par where we stopped in a little car park near the bus stop. From here we caught a double decker and sat upstairs with wonderful views in all directions. We got off at Fowey and walked down to the harbour to catch the ferry across to Polruan. It had just set off but came back and collected us... and the local Postman!

The water was as calm as a millpond giving wonderful views up and down river, back to Fowey

and on towards Polruan. As we walked out of Polruan we met a couple with binoculars who said they'd been watching a whale in the bay for the last half an hour! They were local and had never seen one there before.

We scanned the bay for a while, turning frequently as we walked but did not see it ourselves. Today there were several steep climbs,

rewarded by spectaular views. We rounded the headland and faced Lantic Bay with Great and Little Lantic beaches.

This is a stunning area, as you get close to it you see how big the cliffs are and how beautiful the beaches.

The path offered its usual wealth of interest... I should know what this is...

... hoping you'll help me out Big A!

The fact that it was a Saturday meant that there were far more people around than usual, and dogs! We climbed several steep ascents, catching our breath at the top of each climb,

and eventually came to Polperro which is another wonderful Cornish fishing village.

White painted houses, narrow streets, a gushing stream between the houses, and a heavily protected harbour.

Violets were flowering in the hedgerow as our walk took us to Talland and on round to Looe. We came across this very tame robin.The first signs of Looe were the island

and from here it was a gentle, and busy, stroll into Looe itself, the tide was in,

so the river was full and the town looked lovely. We called in for a coffee then caught the tiny branch line train

up to Liskeard where we had a long and cold wait for a connecting train to St Austell. From there it was the bus again back to Par and the drive home. It was a glorious day, and I agree with the guide book, it is fine walking, especially the first part as far as Polperro.

Par to Fowey (6th March)

2010-05-29T09:13:00.010+01:00

Today's walk was shorter but very pretty. We began by driving to Fowey and catching a bus back to Par to begin the 6 mile walk. Those knowledgeable ones amongst you will realise that we've missed another little bit, it takes you round the docks at Par and we decided we could do without walking past them.

We were blessed with another glorious day, still, sunny and beautiful. The little harbour of Polkerris is amazing, a very sweet little village which has avoided modern development so far!

From here the path meandered up through woods and along the cliff edge to the incredible candy-striped Daymark built in 1832.

It was designed like this to make it distinguishable from other south cornish headlands! The views from here were stunning, down to Dodman and beyond, and up the Fowey Valley.

Some of you will have read the story of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier; the inspiration coming from Menabilly at the head of this valley. This is the beach house of Manderley!

Fowey welcomed us back with the coast path taking to the streets .

We enjoyed these signposts which mark the Saint's Way, a modern take on an (imagined?) route, possibly taken by Celtic holy men between Fowey and Padstow to avoid the sea trip around Land's End.

Another view through a keyhole! Looking across at Polruan from Fowey.

Fowey was charming, we pictured the narrow streets rammed with visitors in the summer... and were glad we were there when it was quiet.

Tim spotted these doors, and they had to make an appearance here - I'm sure they tell a story.

It had been a lovely gentle walk today, such a picturesue part of the county.

Mevagisssey to St Austell (March 10th)

2010-05-24T09:42:00.019+01:00

This will be a shorter blog although I couldn't get the pictures to upload despite numerous attempts - in the end have had to do each one separately and now I've added a few extra for good measure!

We actually caught the bus to St Austell and walked it 'the wrong way' but you're getting good at coping! So we began with the streets of St Austell and were soon along the road to Porthpean. From here the path became prettier... here is the usual tree for Jac :-) The coast here is quite different from other parts we've walked, this is Phoebe's Point with trees clinging on quite precariously. This is an area for old pilchard cellars and we saw ruins of them in several places.
We ate our lunch here... right out on the end of Black Head, a lovely spot which had been fortified in the iron age. After Big A's reference to AL Rowse, I thought you should see this... not sure if he'd like this particularly either! It's at the entrance to Black Head. Just around the corner from here is a very tranquil place, Hallane Mill, and up the valley behind it, Trenarren. It had the feel of St M P simply beautiful. I really liked this area, called The Vans, with a steep climb through gentle woods.

There were a couple of valleys to cross,

sometimes 'dry'

but one had a little bridge built so high, it seemed to allow for people and cattle to get access down to a little beach.

Here's Tim explaining!

It's strange what things catch the eye... ivy...

birds on a rock...

and the obvious views up or down the coast!

At Pentewan, the old harbour, once used to export china clay, is now choked with sand, the old pilchard cellars were just visible at Portgiskey,

and then we were back to Mevagissey with its charming harbour

busy with boats.

Portloe to Mevagissey (9th March)

2010-05-23T09:58:00.011+01:00

Here I am again... The Travelling Bears have spurred me back into action! There is so much catching up to do!

I'm writing this at the dining table with the sliding door wide open and the sun pouring in. It's going to be another HOT day!

Back in March we had a similar amount of sun; another glorious day for our walk, and one which started out with a lovely meeting.

Tim and I drove to Probus in order to catch a bus to Portloe. We parked up by the football field and were fascinated by the changes to the Roseveth. As we walked past, the lady who lives there was going up her steps, so I plucked up courage and asked if Joan Unsworth was still living next door. "Oh yes," she said, "you've just missed her. She's gone to catch the bus."

We almost ran to the bus stop to see if we could catch her - no sign though and we stood waiting for the bus disappointed to have missed her.

Suddenly, out of the little shop, Joan appeared and walked across the road to wait for the same bus as us! It was lovely to see her and chat, talking fondly of Mum and a little doubtfully about the changes to the house. We shared the bus journey to Tregony catching up about the family and "The walk"; it was a perfect start to the day.

We got off the bus at Portloe and started our walk, we had to go at a reasonable pace because of the bus timetable and the desire to get to Mevagissey in time to catch a bus back to St Austell where we could then get a connecting bus back to Probus! It was all very complex, but Tim had worked out all the schedules in advance which was a great help.

This walk was through familiar territory ... a tree for Jac;

beautiful sunlit pathways;

East and West Portholland

where this sign sums it all up;

Caerhayes Castle

and Porthluney beach

a family special; the path took us through many gates - i loved this handle;

a stone man

- not quite the match of your Tasmanian ones Big A; it was along this part of the path that an adder lay curled up, Tim was walking ahead of me at this point and must have disturbed it. I almost stepped on it, it hissed at me and slithered away into the undergrowth with its distinct markings along its back. Unfortunately i wasn't quick enough with the camera :-(

Hemmick, with its little ford,

stands at the foot of the hill where we used to camp when the children were little - famous for Buzz and Bee in the play area

Hemmick Beach

and on around to Dodman Point, overlooking Vault or Bow Beach.

From here we walked through Gorran Haven

with its expensive houses;

around Pabyer Point

which had a very ancient, solid feel to it and on to Portmellon where the tide was in and had been splashing on the road.

From here there were lovely views back to Chapel Point

with its three amazing buildings. The path follows the road on round to Mevagissey.

Tim noticed this great, old sign

- how things have changed!

We were in time for our bus and were whisked to St Austell. Whilst we waited for the connecting bus I noticed this... isn't it an amazing mural! A fascinating end to a lovely day...

Portscatho to Portloe (8th Mar)

2010-03-24T13:15:00.008Z

Same again if you don't mind... we walked this from Portloe to Portscatho and I'll write it that way;

I'm tempted to upload a little film I took from the top of Nare Head, not so much for you to see the view, but so you can hear the wind and see why we chose to walk this way!

(I forgot to put this in yesterday - near Place house - I think you like Camellias Big A?)

We parked at Tregony and caught the bus to Portloe, such an amazing little place,

so typical of a Cornish fishing village. Houses all jumbled on top of one another and a tiny harbour.

The pathway out of Portloe is steep and winding,

the vegetation looks almost artificially contoured but this is the work of nature! We had gorgeous weather again,

blue sky and sea and a warm sun when out of the bitterly cold easterly wind.

We were a little bit early for the daffodil fields,

but they were almost out!

A big sea was running again,

and at The Straythe we were close to it and we got the full effect!

From here walked around a headland into Kilberick Cove,

with Nare Head in the distance. This was stunning,

and had a beautiful 'slip' field which seems to have slipped towards the sea once upon a time.

The wind was fierce and creating the most beautiful pattern of swell around Gull Rock;

I was disapointed that this is not quite in focus but the swell pattern was beautiful... it was almost impossible to hold the camera still on this section! Nare Head is another the site which bears the scars wartime activity; it was used like Nare Point near the Helford as a decoy to attract bombing away from Falmouth and was the site of a Nuclear Observation Bunker that is now looked after by the National Trust.This was the entrance!

When we turned the corner at Nare Head and gained its protection it was a different world. We walked down to Tregeagle's Hole (the giant... you remember...?) and found our narrow path blocked by a little flock of sheep. The single file path is close to the cliff edge and we didn't want to scare them into danger so we went gently down this section, eventually they turned off our path but as soon as we had passed them by, they returned to the cliff path

and I managed to snap them!

The path then took us onto very familiar territory,

Carne

then Pendower,

on to Porthbean

and round Pothcurnick beach

into Portscatho itself where we caught the bus back to Tregony.

On the way home from Tregony we stopped at Cornelly Church with its leaning tower, and this old tombstone;

and then visited Golden,

which was one of Mum's favourite places to walk to from Probus. All in all it was a beautiful day :-) and here is that video for you to sample the wind!

Place to Portscatho (7th March)

2010-03-18T17:07:00.009Z

I mentioned the lovely weather we had and the biting easterly wind which on this day made us decide to walk this section the 'wrong' way! It certainly made it easier to walk... but harder to blog, although, I think you are all big enough to cope! So, I'm going to write it the way we walked it!

We parked the car at Froe and walked along a lovely track towards Portscatho, Tim loved this part with the path, gateway and view beyond :-) and I loved the view beyond - it reminds me of something - is it a painting?

The sea was very rough at Portscatho - unusual, as it is usually a protected harbour.

When Tim (son) was born we came and stayed in Portscatho, and Uncle Tim can remember walking along with Phil to go and "Pat the mine" so in recognition of this important event...

The rough sea was crashing over the quay, we battled around the corner out of the wind and walked along to Towan beach where we stopped for a snack on a very welcome seat.

Looking up the coast we could see Nare head and Dodman beyond.

St Anthony Head

has wonderful views in every direction,

across Falmouth Bay towards Pendennis Castle, up river towards Feock with St Mawes, and the lighthouse with its wonderful Fresnel lens which picked up the light like a rainbow.

The headland was used during the war and has remains of the old battery that was here. Walking back towards St Mawes was wonderfully sheltered with stunning views

and some wonderful trees!

Place is actually where the walk restarts after Falmouth and is really pretty with a beautiful church,

but we walked by the riverside through the trees all the way back to Froe.

It was a good walk.

Family stuff

2010-03-18T09:02:00.006Z

Before we start walking I thought you might like to see what's happening in Carvoza Rd...

... and in the garden...

... not sure if this is just a garage or another house.

The house next door to Mrs Waters has also morphed!

Also, there are changes afoot in Probus...

with a new house being built on what was the garden.

We briefly met the lady who lives in Roseveth, she has two little girls. Sitting in the front window was a lovely dollshouse.

Home again

2010-03-17T11:53:00.003Z

Hello :-) Just back from Cornwall and the next stage of the walk. We had the most wonderful weather yet again! Sun, blue sky, blue seas but a biting, cold, north easterly wind which generally kept us wrapped up. It also meant that occasionally we walked 'back to front' so we had the wind behind us rather than in our faces. However, I will try and unravel it!

Basically, we covered the section from St Mawes to Plymouth. We decided not to walk the part around St Austell/Par where the path was by factory/port areas and which took the road for some way, but other than that it was coast path all the way.
Tim had planned out details of the walk, with the distance, bus times etc, which was brilliant and made the day to day decision making much easier. I have lots of lovely pics to show you, hopefully installment one will be fairly soon!

Coverack to Falmouth

2010-03-04T14:07:00.007Z

This is going to be a little tricky to write as we did some of this the wrong way round! I'm going to try to reverse it! There is another little section we missed, from Coverack to Porthoustock; we may pick it up sometime, but it was around quarrries and across fields. Porthoustock to Porthallow should be across fields but we went along the coast around the quarries... quite an experience!

This is disjointed and I apologise for that - I need to pack for tomorrow I head back to Cornwall to meet Tim in Truro and start walking again on Saturday!

Porthoustock Quarry was a mass of noise and activity... definitely not disused!

Porthkerris Cove is a diving centre and has more examples of quarrying activity!

Porthallow itself proudly marks the HALF WAY mark of the walk, with this lovely monument!

Porthallow

From here the path goes to Nare Point... look out for canny weather forecasting!

You can see we had glorious weather again, yet had to circumnavigate closed paths here to reach Nare Point.

It was used during the war as a decoy to take bombing away from Falmouth!

Worth reading up about...amazing!

The path from Gillan Creek to Helford was beautiful,

so different to anything else we'd seen. Beautiful creeks,

gorgeous trees, ancient churches

and lots of boats.

The Helford River is full of the sailing fraternity,

and has such quaint houses, and this lovely ford.On the other side of the Helford River is Helford Passage, with lovely views back to Helford itself.

The path to Durgan is very pretty, and what a lovely spot it is. The coast path follows the estuary side around to Mawnan then on to Rosemullion Head with stunnning views across Falmouth Bay. Gently walking on we came to Maenporth where we stoped for a drink and some folk were kayaking in the sea, and then on round to Swanpool, a place of childhood holidays. I'm going to leave you here in the wonderful company of Auntie Grace. A perfect place to finish this walk.

Lizard to Coverack (Oct 13th)

2010-03-03T12:37:00.007Z

This is my second post today! I'm trying to fill you in on the walk before I head back to Cornwall on Friday and Tim and I start the next section.

I shan't write too much but share pictures for you to enjoy. We returned to the Lizard a couple of days later,

leaving the car in Helston and catching a bus to the Lizard, with completely different weather! Magnificent in a different way! This is Housel Cove,

a beach sometimes, just rocks at other times depending what task Giant Tregeagle has been given to do. The serpentine rock is very pretty and created a cottage industry which had its heyday in Victorian times. Looking back at the Lizard you can see the lighthouse,

next to it the Youth Hostel though we didn't have chance to stay in it. The next two pics are for Jac,

of the old lifeboat station Kilcobben Cove.

Not only do we have giants in Cornwall, but also devils...

this is known as the Devil's Frying Pan, near Cadgwith, its proper name being Hugga Driggee. Cadgwith is a quaint Cornish fishing village,

thatchers were at work as we came down the path.

The weather was glorious and the path was lovely, this bit I loved,

heather and gorse and ancient connections.

The cliffs showed signs of mining,

it would be a lovely area to explore in more detail. We descended into Downas Cove which was stunning,

a place we could have stayed for ages completely unspoilt.

It was a steep climb up the other side and as we walked along the clifftop path again we heard a helicopter flying in. It came very close then hovered level with us, in Downas Cove. We decided to stop and watch. At first we thought it might be a rescue but in fact they seemed to be on a training exercise. We watched as they lowered a man down to the sea, and then towards the cliff, skirting the cliff, then back up into the helicopter. You may need to enlarge it but can you see the helicopter?

In this second picture you can see the guy in/near the sea.

Amazing to watch! We enjoyed the warm sun for quite a while before heading on around Black Head

to Coverack.

More pretty cottages,

and a sweet little harbour. And the educational bit, please read the display below because you will be tested on it later!

It was great to see this so clearly laid out, and it made me wonder why we didn't have numerous Geography trips to explore/explain all this... maybe we did but I don't remember them! We had missed the bus by moments, in fact we were stood by the harbour and could see the bus at the far end of the beach but couldn't reach it in time.

We had a long wait for the next bus, but persuaded a lady to stay open and serve us a cup of tea... she left us to pack everything away! As we headed back on the bus there was a lovely sunset, we picked up the car in Helston and headed back to the Alverne for a final meal... still brill!

Porthleven to the Lizard (Oct11th)

2010-03-03T09:47:00.007Z

You will need to put on your rain gear to join us for this section of the walk! We returned to Porthleven in the car and parked in a space spotted yesterday... the tide was high and the little harbour looked very different.
The weather was cloudy, windy and very damp, getting worse as the day wore on and we ended up very wet. However, that meant that it kept the visitors away and though parts of this walk are very popular, it meant we met few people and saw the place as it is meant to be seen! From Porthleven we crossed Loe Bar

a massive bank of sand dropped here by the giant Tregeagle!

There is a stunning stretch of fresh water, The Loe, contained behind it.

Looking back across Loe Bar towards Portleven
I have to include this next picture

because of the name... Halzephron Cove, simply stunning. The path along the cliff top took us down to Church Cove, though I'm afraid it was the golf course that caught my eye and after closer inspection I decided it's a place I would love to play.

Looking back though you see why it is called Church Cove with Gunwalloe Church hiding behind the rocky cliff.

We came across a tall monument beyond Poldhu Cove, marking early skype connections?

The plaque explains it all! From here it was not far to Mullion Cove

where we decided to carry on despite the weather worsening. The island in the middle of the picture is lava erupted from the sea bed around 350 million years ago (so I'm told) and is an important nesting site for cormorants, kittiwakes and shags among others.

Looking back at Mullion Cove.

Coming across signs like this was always lovely,

especially when we had decided to stop at Soapy Cove for a break! The geology gives rise to extensive moorland,

and in this weather we saw its wild character. Soapy Cove or Gew-graze was fascinating with its mining legacy -

they quarried soapstone here and we sat amongst the old mine buildings and slag having a rest before pressing on to Kynance Cove.

A spectacular place, brooding in the mist,

much photographed and visited,

We were very wet

and a bit tired but hurried on to the Lizard to try and make it in time to catch the bus back to Porthleven. We rounded Lizard Point with its off shore rocks and turned the corner for views of the old lifeboat station

and sped up to the bus stop in Lizard Town... relieved to see the bus waiting for us - we just made it! It had been about 14 miles walking and though it was the wettest day so far, it was great to see this area in such a bleak mood.

Marazion to Porthleven (Oct 10th)

2010-02-25T10:34:00.010Z

St Michael's Mount

Saturday morning we drove to Marazion and parked overlooking Mount's Bay where the tide was in. As we had walked my favourite places already I wasn't expecting much today but it was a real surprise.

We walked through Marazion and out onto the low cliffs. There were stunning views, being able to see the steep southern side of St Michael's Mount and then on across Mount's Bay towards Newlyn and beyond.

There had been a heavy dew and earlier rainshowers and the plants were glistening with water droplets.

Tamarisk

This pic doesn't really capture it but the fronds were covered with gems :-)

One of the lovely little surprises was rounding a corner and finding a superb little beach, with a lovely swell rolling in and numerous surfers riding the waves.

Perran Sands

I hadn't realised there were two Perran Sands (maybe there are more?) but this little beach by Perranuthnoe was a treasure and the waves perfect!

From here we walked out towards Cudden Point, by now the sun was warm and it was a beautiful day. This was like walking around a miniature version of Land's End, so pretty but with a touch of wildness about it.

Looking towards Cudden Point.

Cudden Point

Looking back at Cudden Point

Piskies Cove

From Cudden Point we passed Bessy's Cove also known as Prussia Cove, renowned for its smuggling. Bessy used to run a kiddlywink selling 'duty free' liquor!

Beyond that, another surprise...

...this is Porth En Alls which is a base for masterclasses of the International Musicians' Seminar. Apparently they give concerts in local churches. An amazing place perched right on the edge of the cliff by Kenneggy Sands which is only accessible via a vertical ladder, and visible from some distance away.

What a lovely walk we were having! We were in need of refreshment by this time and found another perfect stopping place. Sydney Cove is the western end of Praa Sands and here sits a wonderful cafe, clean and bright and welcoming...The Cove. Here, I had a fabulous bacon and egg bap, Tim a pot of tea and I ordered a piece of boiled fruit cake - asking them if they'd wrap up half of it for later,

I thought she'd forgotten when she brought me my plate as I had a huge piece awaiting me... and it was delicious. (And the other half was wrapped ready!!!)

From here we walked across the beach passing surfers and sunbathers,

and had been told by the lovely lady in the cafe to look out for the Meerkat...

...can you see him?

We also had wonderful glimpses of old tin mines which have been carefully restored,

and great rock strata!

The path was so pretty...

and guess what we found in a field to make Tim's day complete?

Yes! A pair of choughs. You can't really see their red beaks and legs but they were there, and very excited we were too.

Just before reaching Porthleven there is a famous lump of rock on the beach below the cliff - a garnet-gneiss erratic, quite different from all the other rocks in Cornwall, but similar to rocks in Greenland.

The erratic

From here it wasn't far to Porthleven

which has a tight inner harbour.

We wandered around the shops and sat in the warm sunshine along with many others. We caught the bus back to Marazion.

The tide was now out and St Michael's Mount looked quite different.

It had been an unexpectedly delightful day.

Porthcurno to Penzance (Oct3rd)

2010-02-24T10:08:00.011Z

This is a bit of an epic blog, but hopefully you'll enjoy sharing this section of the walk with me. We set off early the next morning through the narrow streets of Penzance,

and caught the bus back to Porthcurno - starting our walk about 10.15. Legs were feeling a bit tired after yesterday's long walk so today was a bit harder. This walk, however, includes my favourite place on this earth of ours.

Along Treen Cliff, between Porthcurno and Treryn Dinas (where Logan Rock is perched) I always feel as though I've come home. It probably sounds quite odd, but I feel a real connection with this place, though I'm not quite sure why.

Honeysuckle

I'm not a particularly spritual person, but if you needed to find my spirit, it would probably be here!

Looking back towards Portcurno and the Minack Theatre is also stunning.

The granite rocks create such wonderful colours both in beach and cliff, and they have a warmth and rough smoothness (if that makes sense!) that I love.

I tear myself away from here and the path winds on over granite moorland to Penberth Cove which is so pretty.

Our guide book says that it is much painted and photographed because of its unspoilt nature, a 19th century capstan, cottages and boats, I'll let you decide...

Penberth Cove

The Capstan

After Penberth cove we walked along the cliff top and spotted this wonderful little garden plot...

...clearly sheltered and warm, an ideal spot for cultivation :-) From here we descended into Porthguarnon which was probably how Penberth was before the settlement arrived. Our path had not had too many ascents and descents but this was quite a strenuous one for tired legs!

Porthguarnon

You can see the path winding its way down to cove, it was a fairly steep climb back up through the dry bracken.

This little section clearly has a special climate because we then came across St Loy - known as lush St Loy...

Here the path crossed a pebbly beach...

before returning to the cliff and on towards Lamorna Cove. This section was sometimes a scramble over, around and between the huge granite rocks. The colour of the sea here was amazing!

Mousehole with its wonderful little harbour came next,

it was possible to see through the narrow harbour entrance and glimpse St Michael's Mount!

The path now ran next to a cycle path for the run in to Newlyn, where we enjoyed the narrow streets and a beautiful rainbow.

Newlyn

We were very tired when we got back to the hostel, but a refreshing shower revived us enough to return to the Alverne one more time!

The food was wonderful again... here's my choc dessert,

and here are Sandra and her daughter Charlotte who looked after us so well, and we hope to see again soon... my mouth waters at the prospect!

Botallack to Porthcurno (Oct 2nd)

2010-02-15T10:23:00.010Z

Well it's time to try and take you back to Cornwall for more of the walk... if you'd strap on your boots and take my hand I will return you to the Youth Hostel at St Ives. It was a Friday morning and we set off for the bus stop about 7.30 am after making our usual breakfast.

It was a very still day, like a millpond looking over to St Michael's Mount, but no wonderful sunrise this morning.

The Scillonian was waiting quietly by the quay, ready to take its passengers to the Scilly Isles, whilst we hopped on the bus back to Botallack and began walking about 9.20.

The disadvantage of using one place as a base is the time it takes to get back to where you were, but there are advantages - especially that wonderful little restaurant back in St Ives!

Cape Cornwall

Leaving the mines and red soil of Botallack, we were soon approaching Cape Cornwall, the path a lot easier than yesterday, and headed on through the Cot Valley towards Sennen.
Cot Valley - Port Nanven

Porth Nanven has the remains of tin streaming works and is an excellent example of a fossilised beach. From here we rounded the headland with views of the Longships lighthouse, and numerous mine shafts that have been capped with circular walls.

Longships and a capped mine shaft.

Nanjulian
The cliff path had one or two steep twists which were a real scramble, but the majority of the path had been easy walking. This was one of Enid's favourite places, and we stopped in a sheltered spot at Aire Point to eat some lunch.

Aire point

I'm going to let the next few pictures speak for themselves.

We stopped for a latte at a cafe that overlooks Whitesand Bay and discussed what to do next! The path today had been fairly easy, and it wasn't far to Land's End, so, as we walked on, we decided to pick up our pace a little and head on round to Porthcurno - giving the tourist attraction aspect of Land's End a miss.

This next part of the coast is magnificent. It is such easy walking as the path just follows around the cliff top with only a couple of descents to valley floors. Again, I shall let the pictures explain.

Nanjizal

Nanjizal is a lovely spot which you have to walk to get to. Sometimes beach - sometimes stones depending on recent storms.

The path took us on past Gwennap head with its daymarks... if the red cone hides the black and white daymark you're too late - your boat is on the rocks of The Runnel Stone!

The path takes you a tiny village of Pothgwarra with its slipway, tunnel and Cornish cottages.

Onward then past Porth Chapel (above) and on to Porthcurno - (pictures in the next blog ) - but while we waited for he bus we came across this wonderful beetle!

We rested where we could...

and enjoyed this sculpture...

Our journey back upstairs on the bus was lovely, Tim chatting to three charming young people who were at uni in Cambridge... delightful company for our journey back :-)

Yorkshire

2010-02-06T12:31:00.002Z

Well I'm back from Yorkshire and feeling the need to be in one place for a while!

It was lovely to see Meriel and catch up, we looked at all my pics from Texas and had a couple of trips out.

We visited Knaresborough which is really pretty with a river walk, castle etc...

It was pretty cold though!

We also caught up with Gill and Geoff and shared a meal together - Gill and Geoff's shared pudding had to go on the blog!

The licquer coffees, (which we only bought to show off the size of the pudding of course...!) went down a treat too.

Now going to concentrate on being in one place - catching up on missing blog posts and playing golf more regularly.

Texas

2010-02-02T14:29:00.006Z

I am actually up in Yorkshire with Grandma for a few days, but have the chance to add to the blog. I'm not going to write much, but share with you some pictures of the lovely time I had with Jo, Jac and Marty.

Here is the little family that I was visiting...

..they clearly feed themselvs with peculiar utensils... but obviously do not feed their infant son...

... cardboard box flap, and hair were two of his favourite meals...

When caught in the act though, he had a disarming smile...

He clearly needed this swimming aid to help keep him afloat...

Seriously, I had the most wonderful time getting to know this little chap, he is gorgeous. It was also a great delight to meet so many of Jo and Jac's friends. They made me so welcome and I felt very at home.

There were many memorable moment, and a particularly special one for me was when Jeannie and Alastair skyped Jo. Marty was soooo excited...

... you can't see his excitmement and recognition in this picture, but it was so lovely to watch his engagement with the Bears as they talked and sang to him. They also treated me to a guided tour of the house... skype is a wonderful thing!

Phil is still waiting to hear from Korea about a job, Tim came home last weekend - exams over for the moment, and I'm popping over to see Bridgie on Thursday to catch up with her.

More soon...

Catching up - again!

2010-01-28T08:46:00.007Z

Hello again! So long since I posted!
I've just returned from Texas and am still a little jet lagged so bear with me if this is not very coherent!

I'll continue the walk blog after this "catch up" post...

Sunrise at Caswell

After I got back from Cornwall I had a couple of trips to Caswell where there were stormy seas, pebble beach surprises and beautiful sunrises.

Pwll Du - a huge pebble bank

This beach is a couple of miles from Caswell, and I always enjoy a walk there. On my final morning of the first of my two visits, I walked around the coast to find that the storms and heavy rain had breached this huge pebble bank. Usually there is a little lake behind the beach, but with the storm, it had overflowed and cut its wasy through the bank. I was amazed and fascinated. I watched for ages as the stream cut its way back into the bank, wishing I could stay to see it cut off its meander!

Bank Breach at Pwll Du

On my second visit two weeks later, part of the new stream was still there, but the bank was back in place and the water disappeared into it and reappeared sea-side.

Keith was away in Madrid (work) and Cyprus (holiday) so I got busy back home. I replaced the glass in the garage window and door - a job that's been waiting to be done for about 2 years! I also insulated the loft with massive rolls of 'space blanket' and boarded part of it.

The Loft insulation waiting at top of the stairs!

We had a lovely Christmas with the family all back from uni, and Meriel coming to stay; we had freezing weather, played lots of games,Sevens

ate lots of lovely food and shared lots of fun.

After this happy time, I packed my bags and flew off for more adventures to sunny(?) Texas. Well, it was sunny, but more of that in next post. I was off to visit the wonderful little family that is Jo, Jac and Marty.

Jac Jo a nd Marty

Here I enjoyed cuddles, dribbles, lovely walks and fabulous food. I met fantastic friends and colleagues, and all in all had a wonderful time. More of this special time in the next post...

Gurnard's Head to Botallack (Oct 1st)

2009-11-15T10:09:00.014Z

We were up at 6.30, making a quick porridge for breakfast, setting off for the bus station at about 7.30. Other than the main road which we had to cross, it was still and quiet, and a beautiful morning :-) Penzance sunrise

There were only fishermen, workmen and some early morning swimmers out...

Mount's Bay Sunrise

... and bus drivers of course! We had the same driver as yesterday, Steve, and picked up the same children for school, it was interesting watching their dynamic! We were dropped off near Gurnard's Head, and walked out onto the coast path, picking up where the path was open again.

Treen Cove
This cove was once the site of a pilchard business, (called a 'seine' - 3 boats, 2 nets and a fish cellar where the pilchards were processed) and more tin mining. I thought it was a lovely spot.

From here we walked out on to Gurnard's Head with its cliff castle and remains of round houses a rugged little headland that is bigger than it looks!Gurnard's Head

The path is mostly cliff walking from here with only a couple of coves, lots of scrambling over granite boulders and along narrow tracks, demanding on the body again!

New bridge

This bridge had been re-made after the storm damage, there were tracks from the diggers etc, it must have been difficult work as access was very tricky.

Porthmeor Cove - I liked the X!

The path leads on to Bosigran which is a one of the best climbing cliffs in Cornwall. The next picture I've included because it gives an good idea of how steep the cliffs are, the path you can see wending its way half way down the cliff on the far side was NOT the one we took!

When I was at college, I came here. It was the first time I had ever abseiled and I was scared stiff, as the sea was crashing far below, but I was in safe hands.

Bosigran Cliff

You can see a couple standing on the cliff top! I didn't climb all the way up there, just the pink coloured section!

Whirl Pool

The path was very tricky and uneven and a real scramble in places, we caught glimpses of a beach up ahead and I decided I hadn't paddled at all yet on the walk, so I would do it here, despite the challenge of drying feet and getting back into my boots etc!! I was so hot and tired, and the white sand and turquoise sea was so inviting :-)

Portheras Cove

You knew there was going to be a 'however' didn't you? As we descended the path, there was this notice...

... I could hardly believe it... and the sand was SO inviting...Portheras Cove

Tim had visited this beach years ago and it had just been boulders and stones,

the depth of sand was amazing, and the stream cut into it as we watched... beautiful :-)
I hope you enjoy this video.

After Portheras we walked on to Pendeen Watch,

Pendeen Watch

where there is another lighthouse, and sat and had some food, before walking on to Botallack via Geevor and Lelant Mines. We looked out for choughs but to no avail, by now we were very tired and were glad to stop.

Lelant Mine
We caught the bus into St Just, went for a hot chocolate, tea and carrot cake - very nice.

About to go and make my Chrstmas cake ...

... it's in the oven, :-) so just time to finish off this entry...

After catching bus back to Penzance and a shower in the Youth Hostel before the school kids got back, we returned to The Alverne for another lovely meal. We plumped for a starter and a pud for Tim, a frangipane which was so delicious he also wanted to skip down the road!

Tim's pud

The restaurant had a lovely welcoming atmosphere and a lounge area where you could sit by the fire - my pic does not do it justice.

We'd walked about 9 or so miles on the coast, but it had been a hard path, for me harder than yesterdays which Tim had found difficult. Parts were scrambling over boulders etc, but the final section had been on the gravel roads of the tin mines, and they make your legs ache! We had been blessed with wonderful weather again and were beginning to look a little tanned!

..to Zennor

2009-11-12T15:47:00.006Z

I meant to finish this yesterday, but got sidetracked by soup and over-worked teachers!

The picture above shows how clear the water was, even though it was cloudy over the land,

View from Zennor Head towards Gurnard's Head

We decided to stop at Zennor as the path had been very tricky and we were both tired. Also, we could not have walked further on the coast path there as between Zennor and Gurnard's Head the path was closed with big signs telling us if we did cross the barriers we would be turned back! This was as a result of the strom damage I mentioned earlier, and it will have to be a section we do sometime in the future when it has reopened.

The bus took us to Penznce, picking up a wonderful, elderly gentlemen called Russell, who chatted away to us and the driver (who knew him well). He kept calling me "my handsome" and "my love" in such a wonderful Cornish burr - it was a pleasure to travel with him. It was school run time so we picked up littlies for their journey home - it was lovely.

Why to Penzance? We had booked into the Youth Hostel there for several nights to use as our base on this part of the walk. It was huge (sleeps 100) and had school groups in, but was clean and very pleasant. It was a mile and a third from the bus stop to the Youth Hostel, and after we'd settled in we set off back into town to find somewhere to eat.

The Alverne is where we ended up, about a mile from the YH, and they served the most wonderful food ever. I chose a fishcake and Tim a goat's cheese creation. I have never eaten anything to match it, the balance of flavours was perfect, and I felt like skipping all the way back to the YH despite having felt exhausted when we walked in through their door. The quality of the food was matched by Sandra who looked after us so well - we decided we would return!

St Ives - Zennor (Sept 30th)

2009-11-11T16:00:00.009Z

The early bus took us to Perran, and then we hopped upstairs on the next bus - double decker - for a great ride to St Ives - amazing what you can see from up there!

View from St Ives bus stop

We got to St Ives about 10, picking up a pasty as we walked through the town.

St Ives Harbour

It was lovely to be there without crowds of tourists!

Porthminster Beach

We walked out onto the headland, round to Porthmeor, and out onto the cliffs.

Porthmeor Beach

As we walked out beyond St Ives, there was a strange, mournful sound coming from somewhere. We looked round for the cause but couldn't see anything. it came and went very strangely and I began to think I was hearing things - but it was a seal, hauling itself up onto some rocks just offshore. It was a very forlorn, mysterious sound - you could see how tales have arisen about them.

You'll see from the pictures, this is completely different from the other parts of the walk.

Beyond Clodgy Point

The path was full of wild flowers, the smell of bracken, mist, granite boulders and views of a turqoise sea.

This section of the coast path was marked with these 'milestones' which we liked :-)

The path itself wound its way amongst the boulders, it was narrow and overhung with grasses.

The views were wonderful.

I'm going to let you enjoy the next pics without comment.

In April this year Cornwall had lots of bad weather and localised flooding, this resulted in roads and bridges being wahed away, and sadly three youngsters died in this area when their car was washed into a steam. You can see from the picture below how much erosion there has been by this little stream.

It was very damp underfoot in places when we were there, and it had been dry for about a month, so we counted our blessings that we weren't hiking through this in the wet.

Porthtowan-Gwithian part 2

2009-11-09T17:08:00.006Z

I'm going to let most of these pics speak for themselves... the lighthouse is Godrevy.

We discovered that the crowd of people standing on the cliff edge which I mentioned earlier, were watching a congregation of seals (is there a noun for a group of seals?).We didn't join them, but lay down on the edge of the cliff nearby and peered over.

It was lovely watching them in the water and lumbering around over the stones... you'll see quite a few if you look carefully although the pic blurs a bit.

Other than Hell's Mouth, I do not remember walking this area before though I am sure I must have.
We spent a little while in Gwithian waiting for the bus back home, and visited these two lovely churches.

The Parish Church had this notice on the door...

The churchyard had a wonderful atmosphere...

We stopped for another coffee at the National Trust shop in near Gwithian Bridge, a lovely design for a building and served by a lovely girl. It had been a superb day again, better than I anticipated as I thought this part might not be as good as some of the other areas we have walked.

Porthtowan to Gwithian (Oct 8th)

2009-11-09T14:39:00.007Z

Our routine on a walking day saw Tim up and about first just before 7am. We made our own breakfasts, usually a porridge of some sort and toast maybe, then packed some lunch things which we may have bought the day before, if not, we'd pick them up from the shop at the bus stop.

My usual rations were; a pack of ready salted crisps, an apple, a banana, 'exotic' dried fruit (apricot, coconut,papaya etc),a lump of cheese, rye crackers, and some form of chocolate! Also, about one and a half litres of water in a platypus.

I found these provisions ideal, and spread out through th day kept me going very well. I'd usually have something at about 11am, then pick at things through the day. Sometimes we had a proper stop for lunch, other times we wanted to keep moving - we seemed to agree about these quite naturally (or perhaps Tim just gave in - you'll have to ask him...).

Perran

We caught the 8.13 bus to Perran, it was still and quiet, high tide and just beautiful. We then caught the bus to Porthtowan and were dropped at the Turn, and walked down to the beach.

As we reached the top of the cliff path we started chatting to a chap who was looking at the surf, he told us about a mother and baby seal in the next bay. We were so glad he told us about them or we would've missed them, the cliffs were a woderful red, and very shaly, but we spotted the pair on the beach below.

Mother and baby seal

Looking back up the coast we could see St Agnes beacon, but the beach we'd walked on to Porthtowan had disappeared under the high tide.

View back up coast to Porthtowan and St Agnes Beacon

The weather was glorious once again. The path only had a couple of descents, this one was Sally's Bottom, and stunning it was too!

Sally's Bottom

I had never walked this part before, around the edge of Nancekuke which is still protected by high, barbed wire fences etc.Portreath has a lovely little harbour within a harbour and shows signs of lots of new development.

Portreath, the bath in the rocks

We walked across the beach to see the bath cut into the rock by The Bassets - the lords of the manor. Apparently there are 6, but we only saw this one.

Portreath sea-water bath

It was generally easy walking from here, along the tops of the cliff towards Hell's Mouth.

This particular part reminded me of a less touristy version of Bedruthan Steps.

North Cliffs

We stopped at the cafe at Hell's Mouth for coffee, and then headed on towards Godrevy lighthouse. The path along this part is well trodden, and paved in part. As we neared Godrevy we could see lots of people standing along one stretch of cliff.

This is a real headland and could see into the Hayle estuary, Carbis Bay and St Ives beyond.

Carbis Bay

Cameron Estate to Porthtowan (Oct 5th)

2009-11-09T13:51:00.007Z

We decided to leave the Holywell-Perran bit for the very end, Bridgie has been keen to come and walk with us, so we may complete the rest of the walk, then have a celebratory stroll with anyone who wants to join us... and that includes you :-), on what will be the final section!

We parked up on Cameron Estate, and had a gentle walk down to Chapel Porth where we enjoyed a Hedgehog! :-) This delightful creation is extremely good for the soul, though a little less good for the body. Bear in mind that I'm not really an ice-cream person, but this is really something. I had to persuade Tim to have one as well, but he seemed glad to have succumbed! (It was actually he that introduced them to us a few years ago!) Cornish Ice Cream is covered in clotted cream and rolled in hazlenuts...

A hedgehog!

I'd started eating it then suddenly thought I must get a picture of it, which was quite some achievement in the circumstances!

Suitably sustained, and as the tide was out we walked back along the beach exploring under the cliff we'd walked down, to see if we could get into the cave that joins with the mine shafts up above, but the cavern was protected by a huge deep pool of water; that will have to wait for a summer /swimwear expedition!

So we turned westwards again and walked across the wide expanse of beach,

Looking back towards Chapel Porth

as far as Porthtowan. It was a lovely gentle walk with lots of people out enjoying the warm sunshine.

An aside (Sept 29)

2009-11-08T09:36:00.005Z

After these three days walking we had a rest day, I certainly needed it! I hadn't done any walking preparation this time so it took me a while to get into the swing, Tim had been doing regular walks so was on better form than me, and, no, Big A, we did not walk through the delights of Newquay itself! We're doing the walk.. but we're not daft! We have granted ourselves a Cornish Walker's Poetic Licence! :-)

The day at home gave us time to plan the next bit; the weather in Cornwall had been dry and fine for weeks on end, and the forecast for us was good weather over the next few days, then rain - so we decided to continue the walk out of order. We knew that certain part of the coast path are particularly difficult when it is wet underfoot, so we decided to tackle those bits next, and fill in the gaps afterwards. Basically, we jumped on to do the St Ives/Penzance section, then back for some more local areas, then the Lizard area.

This would be very confusing for you to follow, especially on the Lizard/Falmouth section, so I shall write it in coastline order! I'll put in the dates though just for the record!

Newquay to Holywell (Sept 28)

2009-11-07T09:54:00.008Z

Crantock Pound

We decided to do less the next day so after doing some essential washing, we caught the bus into Crantock where I was fascinated by the Pound.

This is a circular, stone-walled enclosure, right in the middle of the village and was used to keep stray animals safe. We then walked down to Penpol, this is Tim's favoured route into Newquay as there is a footway across The Gannel at low tide.

The Gannel Info
It is very pretty here; it reminded me of the walk from St Clements to Tresillian along the river.

Ferry Crossing at The Gannel

We then walked across Crantock Beach, up the steep dunes and out on to the headland. This is Tim's own territory and it was nice to be walking around his special places.

Crantock Beach

This was one of Mum's special places too.

Butterfly

We were accompanied by this butterfly (is it a Speckled Wood?) on the path to Polly Joke, it kept us company for some way!

Polly Joke

The sand in the coves at Polly Joke were at different levels which played tricks with your eyes! We then went out on to Kelsey Head where Tim had watched the eclipse of the sun in 1999.

Kelsey Head looking south

The view south stretches down St Ives,

Kelsey Head looking north

and north up to Trevose, a wonderful view point - I felt as if I was safe encompassed in the arms of those two distant headlands.

Holywell Bay

We then walked on to Holywell, across the beach and back up the Ellenglaze valley to Tim's. I found this last part very hard and a real struggle up the hill. I was very glad to get back and rest some rather weary legs - but it had been a particularly special walk.

.. and so to Newquay (Sept 27)

2009-11-07T09:20:00.006Z

Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay was beautiful, and I loved this rock at Whipsiderry Beach - Black Humphrey Rock or Flory Island.
Flory Island
Looks like a massive dog, dinosaur or such like to me, with its back to us and head turned to the right. (I blame my age!!!)

By this time I was feeling very tired, and we hastenend across Porth Beach, passed Lusty Glaze where a youngster had just crossed the beach on a zip wire - you can see him hanging in the middle - and on to the bus home.

Lusty Glaze

As we arrived at the bus stop we could see Gig racing in the bay, and saw a report on it on the TV during the following week.

Gig Racing from Lusty Glaze

You can see them in the pic, but not well focused. We'd walked about 13 miles altogether, along wonderful cliffs, but never far from habitation and often on gravel paths. We were findng it easier just carrying essentials for the day and continued like that using Tim's as a base and using the bus or car to get us places.

Constantine to Newquay (Sept 27)

2009-11-05T16:48:00.008Z

I'm going to test your resolve... I hope you're keeping up! The next morning saw us heading out at about the same time to catch the bus to Newquay and then another to Constantine Bay. We were blessed with glorious sunshine and retrod our path to the beach, and then onwards around the cliffs to Treyarnon Bay.

Hatless Tim!

Fox Cove
Beyond Teyarnon the cliffs were sheer, and showed signs of massive erosion. Looking down over one particular edge I spotted a lovely pile of stones - reminiscent of the work of Andy Goldsworthy. If you,ve not come across him, he's worth checking out. Hopefully you can see the stones if you click on the picture :-)

Warren Cove

From here the coastline was showing the colours and shapes of yesterday, we were constantly delighted by how beautiful it was and how fortunate we were to be able enjoy it all.

Portcothan

We bought pasties at Porthcothan, and Tim a hat as he'd left his at home.

The cliffs at times, showed signs of smuggling... or so it said, with caves and steps cut into the cliffs. Trescore islands

We walked on to Park Head where there are the remains of a cliff castle but also signs of cliff collapse. From here the path takes you to Bedruthan Steps, which despite being a tourist honeypot, is stunningly beautiful.

Bedruthan Steps

The path took us on to Mawgan Porth...

Mawgan Porth

... and beyond to Beacon cove and Watergate Bay. by this time I was definitely beginning to tire... and it's time for my tea so kitchen here I come!

:-)