A few photos of a walk along the coast path from Menabilly on Cornwall's south coast.
The author Daphne du Maurier lived at the estate house here from 1943 to 1969. Unfortunately the house is hidden away from the beach and coastal path
Menabilly was Du Maurier's inspiration for Manderley in her book Rebecca. The first sentence of the book reads : Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.
The sentence is almost like a cry from herself. At the time her husband had been temporarily posted to Alexandria, which she disliked. She longed to return to Menabilly, her Manderley, and to see the cliffs, sea and the wooded headlands. And who can blame her!
I did manage to dig out a very old photo - below - of the author at Menabilly with her children - though the quality isn't very good.
The Menabilly estate extends along one side of the coastal path.
The day we walked along the coast path it was quite hazy in the distance, as can be seen from the photos. The photo above and below shows where the River Fowey joins the sea.
Lots of ups and downs, of course, along the path but such wonderful views, especially on a clear day.
Retracing our footsteps the sun brightened up the day - and even the cows came out to play!
It's a lovely stretch of coast to walk.
See also:
Daphne Du Maurier Featured On Large Cornish Mural
That is truly a beautiful area and your photos are excellent in showing the variety and beauty of the landscape and surroundings. I've always thought that the first sentence of the book was haunting, particularly since I saw the film before I read the book. She had a very interesting, imaginative and creative way of thinking of things and I think a conversation with her would be fascinating. Lovely post all around, Mike.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann. I just love to walk along this part of the coast, it feels sort of comfortable and a good place to be.
DeleteI'm not sure if it is true, but it is said that she got the idea for her book The Birds from a local field. Many birds had settled on the field but when the farmer started up his tractor hundreds of birds flew into the air like a menacing loud.
Ann, the last word of my comment should be cloud! I can't fine a way to amend it.
DeleteI thought you might have meant cloud, but they can also be menacingly loud!
DeleteI really enjoy seeing the Cornwall coastline, beautiful photographs here.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks David. If the weather is good, the coastline takes some beating.
DeleteLovely blog Mie and timely reminder to trace Daphne Du Maurier's footsteps
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine. It's interesting seeing the places mentioned in her books. We recently went to Tywardreath where the 'House on the Strand' was set.
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