Porthcothan to Newquay (10.10.08)

Glorious weather for the time of year. I took the bus from Newquay to Porthcothan Bay, right next to the start of the way. Nice easy, gentle stroll along grassy cliffs with some beautiful views of bays and rock islands. Met lots of people on the way and had lunch perched on the edge of cliffs overlooking a lovely bay. More lovely views as you pass the Bedruthan Steps with their rocky little islands. At Mawgan Porth you have to walk across a sandy beach which is a bit of a chore but it's soon back to grassy cliffs. From quite a long way off you can see Newquay so you have a fair idea how much further to go. More sand to cross at Porth which was interesting. Normally I only see it from a car and was surprised to find the tip of the place is actually an island. I also hadn't realised how close Porth was to Newquay. You are just leaving it and zonk you are in Newquay. Rang Eileen to find she was with Paula and the kids in Newquay so was able to cadge a lift back to the campsite. A lovely day.

Padstow to Porthcothan (23.04.09)

Forgot my camera today so no new photos. Based in Newquay I took the bus to Padstow on a very long but pleasantly scenic route. Very easy walk out of Padstow all the way to Stepper Point after which the coast gets a bit more rugged. The feature of this walk to me was the number of sandy bays, many of which had glorious beaches. There were also a couple of coves where access surely could only be by boat. The walking through Trevone Bay is pleasant and easy and I was lucky at Harlyn Bay that the tide was out. I couldn't see any obvious path on the land round this bay so presumably if the tide's in you are stuck. Still, as the books say, there is a pub nearby. Again lovely walking through Mother Ivey's Bay, but seem to have missed her "cottage". Past the lighthouse at Trevose Head and across Constantine Bay, still easy walking but I was getting weary. Somewhere along here, just above a village or holiday area (Trevarnon Bay possibly) I came across a very large hole in the ground where down its vertiginous sides you could see shingle. Quite spectacular and it seemed to be a popular place for sightseers out strolling. Very grateful to round a bend and see Porthcothan and eventually to the bus stop - missed bus by 10 minutes so had to wait another 50 minutes.

Bucks Mills to Clovelly (03.10.08)

Did this part with Eileen plus friends Colin and Jill who came to spend the day with us. Parked about half a mile up from Bucks Mills which is right down by the water. A steep walk uphill from Bucks Mills and then fairly easy walking for a couple of miles through woods. After that you reach a cobbled path which takes you all the way into Clovelly. You don't see much of the water on this walk. Lots and lots of pheasants on the pathway - must breed them here. Stopped at Clovelly for a bite to eat, only one place open as there was a local funeral going on and the place was virtually closed. Coming into Clovelly this way you don't have to pay. Just as well because as I would have begrudged paying to see the place. I wasn't all that impressed, one lovely cobbled street and that's it. I've seen dozens of places like it without having to pay.

The sting in this walk is that we had missed the last bus and had to walk back to Bucks Mills. At least Jill and I did. That was quite an experience as Jill is the fastest walker I've ever been with. She's a rambler and claims that her pace is slower than her fellow ramblers. Don't believe her, I was running half the time, but it did get us back to the car in double quick time. From there a quick drive to pick up the others and back home.

Newquay to Perranporth (08.10.09)

Lucky to have a beautiful day after a filthy one yesterday. Had Archie (dog) for company. From the harbour to Fistral is very familiar from previous holidays but this was the first time I had walked completely round Towan Head and Pentire Point east. Easy walking and the way pretty obvious but until Crantock I found a distinct lack of signs. Or was I blind? Walking behind Fistral Beach I asked a guy to take our photo. Not familiar with cameras he said he was having a problem as the picture was very blurry. I then noticed he had his eye right up to the digital screen as if it were a view finder. Still, the photo did come out. The Gannel ferry was closed and the way down to the tidal bridge was a bit convoluted (though there are signs here). Luck was with me as the tide was out. Once over the Gannel and on to the path at the end of the creek opposite the walk is fairly obvious and not too strenuous. This is very much a coast of beautiful beaches but Holywell was quieter than expected. I know it's the off season but with all the publicity and advertising it gets I expected more. After Holywell the path takes you up to and through the MoD training area at Penhale, an area of very strange buildings and mine shafts. Once down on to Perran Beach it is a long weary slog along for 1-2 miles. Couldn't believe that after walking twice as much as me Archie was still looking for me to throw stones for him to chase. Quite pleased that at Perranporth Paula came to pick me up, a nice end to a pleasant day.

Perranporth to Porthtowan (15.04.10)

With Archie again for company and, with luck on my side, another glorious day. Usual climb out of Perranporth and onto a very clear path, which stayed with me more or less all the way. Some of the scenery is spectacular, particularly with such a blue sea. But there are parts where you feel you are walking through quarries, and there are some mighty mine holes (capped with mesh). Very ugly but, combined with the cliff scenery it all has a beauty of its own. You pass Perranporth airport up here which had a helicopter going round and round - training I imagine. You go inland slightly at Trevallas Porth with its tin mine buildings, walk steeply uphill and very soon after descend into Trevaunance Cove. From here the walk around St Agnes Head hugs the cliff edge and there where a few points I had to put Archie back on the lead, for my reassurance only, as he is very good on these paths. Met lots of people today, some of whom are happy to chat, others who just want past. There are some areas here where the path splits and splits but never any doubt as to the way to go. Down into Chapel Porth, a National Trust area, a lovely little cove where we had lunch and Archie got a romp in the stream to cool his feet. After a long walk up out of Chapel Porth you fall quite suddenly upon Porthtowan and are soon in the village where I caught the bus to Truro and Newquay. Would have liked to have gone on to Portreath but the connecting bus service to Newquay is awkward.