Tuesday 30 March 2021

A Glimpse of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall - 21 Photos


We managed to get to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. They are only open, at the time of writing, from Wednesdays to Saturdays and then only for local people who have annual passes.


We found there was lots of room for visitors. Well I guess there should be with over 200 acres to explore.

An archway of apple trees below.


I snapped a few photos as we walked.


Here we have plants growing under glass.


A few lettuce coming along nicely.


We looked in on the old tool shed ...


... and the original Head Gardener's office. It's good to see so much preserved.


A glass house for plants needing warmth.


Next the Sundial Garden.


Probably not at it's best at the moment but a lovely spot in the summer.


Daffs alongside a path.


I think these two were trying to escape.


Now we are approaching the jungle!


Quite a gaggle of trees and plants.


A small jungle lake, with fish.


And more of the same.


Sheep on the open fields under the shade of a tree.


Something a little more formal.


An old building with the history of one of the original gardeners.


And then we reached the end of our chosen walk through The Lost Gardens of Heligan. There is much more to see, but on another day.


Here's a summer post on The Lost Gardens of Heligan:


Lost Gardens of Heligan - Voted UKs Top Visitor Garden

Thanks for visiting my Blog, hopefully there will be better days ahead once we have Covid-19 under control. Fingers crossed!

Friday 26 March 2021

Looking Down on Mevagissey Harbour From On High


I wasn't intending to visit Mevagissey again as I had recently published a previous post: A Perfect Chilly Winter's Day in Mevagissey, Cornwall - 12 Photos.

I was actually heading for The Lost Gardens of Heligan but got their open days wrong. They are only open, at the moment, Wednesdays to Sundays for us locals with passes. So I made my way to Mevagissey instead, which is near by.


As I wanted some different photos to my previous post I took the high road to look down on the harbour. 

The first three photos show views from different positions - as does the next picture which is also of the coastline. It was another beautiful, but cold, winter's day.


The small lighthouse came into view. There were many steps to go down to reach it, quite a trek.


Looking across the sea to the other side of the outer harbour.


From here some of the the cliff top houses can be seen.


I climbed the steps again and below is the entrance to Mevagissey's inner harbour.


A few of the harbour side cottages.


A pile of pots and floats after descending the many steps again


And alongside the inner harbour with many fishing and other boats - all tucked up safely.


A final photo I took while up high.


Hopefully I'll get to the Lost Gardens of Heligan another day soon. 


All good wishes ~ Mike


Monday 22 March 2021

Problems at Charlestown Harbour and Beach


I wasn't wandering lonely as a cloud but I did see a host of golden daffodils - a beautiful arc of yellow. I believe they were originally planted as a reminder of the Marie Curie cancer charity

Anyway, we were on the way to Charlestown harbour, one of my favourite places. The winter sun was shining, the sky was blue.


Unfortunately we discovered that there were problems at Charlestown, part of the harbour wall had been damaged.


All sorts of equipment and machinery were in view and the harbour was closed to the public and boats. 

As the harbour was built between 1791 and 1801 it's no doubt due some sort titillation. 


There was also a problem with cliffs falls at Charlestown, so the small beaches were closed as well.


The Pier House was okay but, of course, was closed because of the coronavirus lockdown.


A few ships were in port. I guess they won't be travelling very far until the harbour is back to normality.


The Rashleigh Arms old bumpy car park was empty...


... as was the pub and restaurant.


Birds are lucky, as they don't seem to be affected by the virus - they still have their freedom and something to eat.


I have many posts about Charlestown, here are a couple at random:


Thursday 18 March 2021

Walking From Tresillian Alongside the River to St. Clement, Cornwall


A meander along the Tresillian River, near Truro, to the small village of St. Clement. The tide was out so there was a great deal of mud to contemplate. But not to worry though, as there is a path alongside the river for walkers.

A rivulet did its best to try and fill the river but it was a lost cause.


We passed an attractive lake on the opposite side of the path. All was quiet and a dog walker told us she had just seen a kingfisher.


Looking back there was definitely more mud than water. But the sun was shining, the sky was blue, so pretty good for late February or early March.


A flow of water from the hills was making it's way towards the river, but wasn't making much of an impact.


The path ahead, however, looked green and pleasant.


Finally we reached St. Clement where a few cottages overlook the river.


Around the corner from the cottages is  the Old Vicarage, now an upmarket Bed & Breakfast establishment. Something about its appearance, though, jars with me a little. It's very smart and only a few yards from the river but to me it looks out of place. Mind you the property is valued at over £1.3 million.


The church is at the heart of the village with traditional cottages.


Below is the aptly named Church Cottage.


More cottages:




A Public Footpath sign points the way to Malpas see: Walking to Malpas, Cornwall Alongside the River.


A few cottages over looking the river ...


... and a small boat at the frontage. 


As we made our way homeward bound we followed a horse on exercise - though not too closely!

St. Clement is such a peaceful village, idyllic on a sunny day. We also visited the church, but will write about that on another day.


Another view, on our return walk, overlooking the reeds and a blue sky.



Where we parked the car:
We parked at the end of Tresillian village (3 miles east of Truro). On the left (travelling from the St. Austell area) there is a big car dealership. After this is a pull-in off the main A390. There is room for about five cars -  providing drivers park neatly. 

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