We had an opportunity to stay in Bude on Cornwall's north coast - so we did!
I quite like the area as it has lots of sand. So much so they built a canal to transport the sand - way back in 1825.
The sand, seemingly, is full of minerals and was used by farmers to condition and enhance the soil.
As the sign above states rails were built to transport the sand to the canal. A few of the rails remain today.
The canal is now used for pleasure pursuits.
You never know what you might see on, or in, the canal...
Some of the the canal's machinery is still 0n view.
Looking across the damp sand, Chapel Rock can just seen.
A better view of Chapel Rock, which is linked to a breakwater to protect the shoreline.
Lots more sand below, looking inland from the sea.
A view of the canal wall with houses in the far background.
Towards the end of the canal there is lovely pink cottage.
As the sign above states rails were built to transport the sand to the canal. A few of the rails remain today.
The canal is now used for pleasure pursuits.
You never know what you might see on, or in, the canal...
Some of the the canal's machinery is still 0n view.
Below is what would have once been the Bude end of the canal.
Looking across the damp sand, Chapel Rock can just seen.
A better view of Chapel Rock, which is linked to a breakwater to protect the shoreline.
Lots more sand below, looking inland from the sea.
A view of the canal wall with houses in the far background.
Towards the end of the canal there is lovely pink cottage.
If you walk to the back of the cottage there are some pleasant flowers.
Keep on walking and there is a coastal path leading to the top of the cliffs, with far reaching views.
At the top of the cliffs is Compass Point, a former coastguard lookout built in 1840 and moved to it's current position in 1880.
In the far, far distance can be seen some of the (UK) Government Communications Headquarters. I zoomed in with my camera.
There is a much easier way to communicate though, use a Chatty Bench, like the one below. As the sign on the bench says: Sit here if you don't mind people sitting to have a chat.
What a good idea, we saw several of these benches on our walks. There are so many lonely people. Reminded me of the old Carole King song.
There are so many lonely people in the world
So many lonely people who must cry
Just like you and me
They love so carelessly
And let their dreams just pass them by.
On that note I'll finish today's post. There will be more of the Bude area on my next post.
So many lonely people who must cry
Just like you and me
They love so carelessly
And let their dreams just pass them by.
On that note I'll finish today's post. There will be more of the Bude area on my next post.
Thanks for visiting my blog ~ Mike.
Bude looks a very attractive place and I was intrigued by the canal, it appears to lead right onto the beach. I find it odd that farmers put the sand onto the land, although it would be rich in minerals I'd have thought it would be very salty too. Seaweed has been used on the land for years so maybe the sun dries out the salt?
ReplyDeleteThe machinery of the canal is well preserved, interesting post with lots of information and quality photo's Mike. Take care during the predicted heatwave. 😊 🐕 🐢
I put seaweed straight onto my veg in the winter David. I just let the storms wash away the salt - it seems to leach out quickly on my sloping garden and whatever I grow there the next season absolutely loves it :)
DeleteHello David, this is Wikipedia's explanation about the sand and the canal: "The Bude Canal was a canal built to serve the hilly hinterland in the Cornwall and Devon border territory in the United Kingdom, chiefly to bring lime-bearing sand for agricultural fertiliser. The Bude Canal system was one of the most unusual in Britain. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bude_Canal
ReplyDeleteQuite warm here today but much more to come I fear. Take care as well.
It was remarkable in using inclined planes to haul tub boats on wheels to the upper levels. There were only two conventional locks, in the short broad canal section near the sea at Bude itself. It had a total extent of 35 miles (56 km), and it rose from sea level to an altitude of 433 feet (132 m).
The design of the canal influenced the design of the Rolle Canal."
Thanks for that Mike, I would say the sand would have lime content in it from the chalky cliffs and sea bed. It's certainly an impressive structure. We had ironstone mines in the Wolds near us many years ago and the remains of the inclined planes are still easy to find.
ReplyDeleteTh heat hasn't reached us yet, 23 degrees today.
This morning it's quite cloudy here, we'll have to see what happens next week weatherwise. I don't think Cornwall will have any record temperatures. Time will tell.
DeleteThis area is new to me and very interesting. Your photos make it a place I'd like to visit. I enjoy seeing the newer residential areas almost as much as the historical. The sand and canal information is also intriguing. It is good to see a place where people are invited to sit and visit with one another, face to face, on an ordinary bench. I have heard that you are experiencing a seriously hot day, just like we are here. Take care!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann. Yes it's hot in England today but not so bad in Cornwall. Supposedly the UK temperature could reach 40C / 104F in some parts of the country, which would be a record high.
ReplyDeleteAs for Bude, it is a pleasant area and very tidy - I didn't see any litter on the ground. Lots of walks possible along the cliffs. All good wishes, trust all is well ~ Mike.
Interesting post Mike. Reet, next time I'm Bude way, I must grab a bucket of sand if it's said to be the best for farmers ;) Great idea for the chatty bench, I saw something on the news that Ricky Gervais' 'After Life' TV programme had inspired people to install new benches. Wow, that's a serious set of satellite dishes! :0 x
ReplyDeleteHi Lulu, I thought the chatty benches a good idea, lots of lonely people in the world. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
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