Tuesday 30 April 2019

The Attractive Perhaver Beach Near Gorran Haven

Little Perhaver Beach, Gorran Haven, Cornwall

Little Perhaver Beach is just along the road from Gorran Haven and has it's own distinct flavour. Surrounded by high cliffs there are steps to go down to the beach, some quite steep, so not a beach for everyone.

Little Perhaver Beach, Gorran Haven Cornwall

There were beautiful cloud formations, but these soon turned grey and finally down came the rain! We climbed the steps up the cliffs to find some shelter.

Rain clouds over Little Perhaver Beach Cornwall

The rain soon passed, though it was quite a downpour, and the sea seemed to change colour, as seen below.

This is an attractive area with Gorran Haven and Bow (sometimes called Vault) Beaches nearby.

Pebbles and stones on Little Perhaver Beach, Cornwall

See also:
Gorran Haven, Cornwall - Photos of Harbour and Cottages
The Lesser Known Vault Beach Cornwall

Sunday 28 April 2019

How Prince Charles Became the Duke of Cornwall and Much More

Restormel Castle, Cornwall

On my previous post I mentioned Restormel Castle and the English Civil War. I snapped the above photo of the castle while at the Duchy Plant Nursery and Garden Centre, Lostwithiel. We were having coffee there with friends.


Duke of Cornwall
The Nursery is part of the Duchy of Cornwall. The current Duke of Cornwall being Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.

The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate established by Edward III in 1337 to provide independence to his son and heir, Prince Edward. A charter ruled that each future Duke of Cornwall would be the eldest surviving son of the Monarch and heir to the throne.  So this is how Prince Charles became the Duke of Cornwall.

According to the Duchy of Cornwall Website:


"The Duchy’s estate extends beyond the geographical boundaries of Cornwall – covering 52,971 hectares of land across 23 counties, mostly in the South West of England. It comprises arable and livestock farms, residential and commercial properties, as well as forests, rivers, quarries, and coastline. Under the guidance of the current Duke of Cornwall, it is the Duchy's responsibility to manage this estate in a way that is sustainable, financially viable and of meaningful value to the local community."

The Prince's full title, I believe is:

 His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales, KG, KT, GCB, OM, AK, QSO, CC, PC, ADC, Earl of Chester, Duke of CornwallDuke of RothesayEarl of Carrick, Baron of RenfrewLord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland.

I'll make no further comment on Dukes and the like!

Friday 26 April 2019

Miles and Miles of Beaches at Perranporth Cornwall Bring Miles and Miles of Smiles

Perranporth Beach, Cornwall

Here comes summer - well, hopefully - and this is Perranporth where many people head when they want beaches, surf and having a sunshine holiday in Cornwall - again, hopefully!

People on Perranporth Beach, Cornwall

Looking at the photo above you might be thinking that there's a lot of people about - and the photo was taken out of the main season. But not to worry, as there are three miles of beaches - enough for most people. Even in the main summer season there should be somewhere to plonk your stuff on the ground and enjoy the sea.

RNLI on Perranporth Beach

The beach has RNLI lifeguards on duty - though they only patrol the beach area between their flags. So if you wander too far they might not be able rescue you if you should get into difficulties.

Surf school at Perranporth Beach, Cornwall

It's a beach where there are surfers, so there are lessons to be had, for all ages.

The surf and waves at Perranporth Beach

The sea can have some good surf at times.

Plenty of space on the Beach at Perranporth, Cornwall

The beach carries on and on so the people get less and less.

The dunes at Perranporth, Cornwall

If you wander into the sand dunes you get a good view of the beach or perhaps it should be beaches.

Looking at Perranporth beach from the sand dunes

Yes, the beaches seem to go on and on ...

Amazing beach at Perranporth, Cornwall

and on and on - perfect! The photos were all taken on the same day.

Sandy beach at Perranporth, Cornwall

Wednesday 24 April 2019

Visiting Restormel Castle and the English Civil War

Restormel Castle, Cornwall

This is Restormel Castle, Lostwithiel - or at least what remains of the building. It played a part in the English Civil War.

Restormel Castle entrance, Cornwall

It was 1644 and a Parliamentarian army (Roundheads), commanded by the Earl of Essex, had marched into Cornwall but had become trapped between two Royalist armies. 

Inside Restormel Castle, Cornwall

The Parliamentarian Head Quarters was at Lostwithiel and even though the castle had little strategic importance it provided a useful look-out post. There are far views from the top of the castle.

Restormel Castle walls, Cornwall

Despite guns being positioned on the chapel roof, and also probably on top of the gatehouse, the castle was easily captured on 21st August, 1644 by Sir Richard Grenville, who found 30 'rebels' and 'divers barrels of beef'.

Ancient walls of Restormel castle

This was the beginning of the end for the Parliamentarians who were forced to withdraw from Lostwithiel and eventually surrendered at Castle Dore, north of Fowey on 1st of September, 1644.

Views from top of Restormel Castle

All in all I enjoyed the visit to Restormel Castle, which was made even better as there was no one else about!

Restormel Castle

And finally how the inside of the castle may well have looked in the 1600s.
Old picture of how Restormel Castle would have looked inside

Monday 22 April 2019

A Shiver Down The Spine At Kings Wood Where The Ghosts Walk - Perhaps!

Kings Wood, Pentewan, Cornwall

Walking in the ancient Kings Wood, Pentewan, Cornwall is following a well trodden path for hundreds of years. After walking for a while there is a sign asking: "Did you feel a little shiver just now?" They are not talking about any coldness from the weather - but more ghostly things!

Kings Wood, Pentewan, Cornwall

Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, Lord Ordainer (1278-1322) and one of the most powerful men in England is believed to have owed Kings Wood. 

He was the cousin of Edward the Second and led the barons' revolt against the King in 1332, but was defeated at the Battle of Boroughbridge. On March 22nd of the same year Thomas was found guilty of treason and beheaded. 

Maybe he now pops back, head under his arm, to his old stomping ground and frequents the paths that he once owned. 


Kings Wood, Cornwall

The woods have some very old medieval Cornish stone walls. These marked ownership boundaries and also controlled any livestock. 

Old stone wall by Kings Wood, Pentewan, Cornwall

Note the coping stones at the top of the walls.
Kings wood was hunted in the 1300s to keep the the grand houses of the aristocracy supplied with venison. The huntsmen didn't want their quarry escaping - so the coping stones were turned inwards to stop the hapless prey jumping the wall to freedom.

Kings Woods, Pentewan, Cornwall

I'm sure I felt a shiver down my spine as I walked. I have read (I read some strange books!) that a shiver can be a direct sign from a spirit guide or angel indicating that they are reaching out to you, with a message. I knew I should have worn a warmer jacket - my wife did warn me, but would I listen ...

Kings Wood, Pentewan, Cornwall

Saturday 20 April 2019

The Small Lighthouse at Spy House Point, Polperro, Cornwall

Polperro lighthouse, 1911 Cornwall

It looks quite precarious lodged on Spy House Point, Polperro - but I guess a lighthouse has to be seen far out to sea, otherwise it wouldn't be a lot of use! 

When the lighthouse was in operation - it was decommissioned in the 1950s - the light was visible between eight and twelve miles. It was built in 1911, replacing the previous lighthouse built in 1904. 

1911 Lighthouse at Polperro, Cornwall

When walking east along the coastal path, from Polperro, there is another narrow path leading to steps that lead to the lighthouse. Great views out to sea, of course. There is a safely rail around the building to, hopefully, stop visitors falling 140 feet and splashing into the sea.

It's easy to miss the lighthouse - as can be seen in the photo below - as the building is only 16 feet tall.

Polperro lighthouse on the cliffs, Cornwall

See Also:
Walking The South West Coast Path Into Polperro, Cornwall

Thursday 18 April 2019

Mevagissey, Cornwall - Where It's A Good Job That Cows Can't Fly!

Mevagissey, Cornwall

On Tuesday we were in Mevagissey and I snapped a few photos as we walked around the harbour. The car parks were virtually full. The Easter visitors have arrived early! But, in saying that, there weren't too many people walking about.

Harbour wall and lighthouse at Mevagissey

The weather was strange. and couldn't quite make up its mind what it was going to do. It got quite dark but the precipitation never materialised. 

The tide was in so lots of small boats were within the inner harbour walls. Mevagissey looks at its best when the harbour is full of water.

Lots of  seagulls flying about and one made a direct hit on the back of my jacket. Some say this means good luck - but it didn't feel very lucky! I think I've read that it was originally a Turkish belief. I remember though, as kids, we had a rhyme about this:

"Ah!" said the farmer wiping his eye,
"It's a jolly good job that cows can't fly." 

Boats at Mevagissey harbour, Cornwall

More boats and harbour views in the next three photos.

Mevagissey harbour, Cornwall, England

Boats, Mevagissey Harbour, Cornwall

Mevagissey harbour, Cornwall

The fellow below was drying his wings after a successful food finding mission

Drying his wings at Mevagissey, Cornwall

Mevagissey Hill looks down on the harbour from on high.

Mevagissey Hill, Cornwall

A couple were fishing by the harbour wall near the lighthouse, but I didn't see any evidence that they had managed to catch anything.

Mevagissey Lighthouse, Cornwall

There are steps for those wanting to travel to the top of Mevagissey Hill. But, even at the top, there is still a way to go along the road to get to the highest point. 

Stairs to climb cliffs at Mevagissey, Cornwall

We always enjoy visiting Mevagissey.

See also:
Mevagissey The Two Saint Village and Harbour - 10 Photos

Wednesday 17 April 2019

Photos Of Polperro Harbour, Cornwall And Its Boats and Cottages

Small boat entering the harbour at Polperro, Cornwall

A few photos today of Polperro harbour on Cornwall's south coast. A very attractive fishing village on the River Pol, now very much a tourist attraction within the summer months.

The photo above shows a small boat entering Poilperro harbour, otherwise the photos are self explanatory - small boats and cottages surrounding the pretty harbour.

Polperro harbour, Cornwall

Polperro, Cornwall harbour

Polperro harbour and cottages, Cornwall

Cottage at Polperro Harbour, Cornwall

Boats in Polperro harbour, Cornwall

Boats in Polperro Harbour, Cornwall

Polperro harbour, Cornwall

See also:
Walking The South West Coast Path Into Polperro, Cornwall

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