Charlestown Harbour on a Sunshine Day Plus Spit Beach

Time seemed to stand still as the sailing ship made its way along the Cornish coast. The blueness of the sea and sky seemed almost unreal.

The ship passed Charlestown and continued along the coast.

Meanwhile children enjoyed the water by the small beach.

A further ship passed by the entrance to Charlestown's Harbour.

There's always something interesting to see at Charlestown - well I think so. We walked away from the harbour to the small port. Across the water is the Pier House a pub and restaurant or, perhaps, somewhere for coffee.

A few wisps of clouds in the sky now.

We crossed the rickety bridge and noticed the Kelly's Ice Cream van park up and, miracle after miracle, my wife bought me an ice cream!

We wandered by the boats enjoying the coolness of the ice cream.

A final look back along the port to the harbour and sea. We made our way back home.

It was such a bright blue day at Charlestown but the previous day was somewhat different.

We intended to go to Par Market but forgot that it isn't open every day. Instead we went to nearby Spit Beach. The good thing was that there wasn't anyone else on the beach. The dullness of the day kept people away.

An old lookout from WW2 brightened the scene.

It's not a special beach, by any means, but there was a feeling of space and serenity. The tide was a long way out.

The low cliffs looked almost silver...

... when looking upwards.

We spotted a tent, but still no one in sight.

It may not have been so blue and sunny as our visit to Charlestown but fresh air, peace and quiet can be enjoyable too.

On leaving Spit Beach, the path was full of wild flowers including a mass of foxgloves.

And so ends this weeks post, thanks for the visit. Have a good week, all good wishes ~ Mike.

Walking at Charlestown Harbour and Port

Only a few people were in Charlestown so it was pleasant to meander  alongside the port and harbour. The white dove was quite amicable and happy to join  us at our view point.

The sea didn't look so inviting though.

A group of people mingled on the harbour wall, so we weren't completely alone.

It's hard to imagine that  40,000 tones of copper ore were exported from here between 1810 and 1813. The harbour and port would have been full of sailing ships ready for transporting goods worldwide. Today the harbour is empty.

Below is the bridge which joins the harbour with the port - plus a flush of blue sky.

The port with a few sailing ships, but gets much busier in the summer months.

The harbour is empty other than the inward tide.

Here we are, all alone, on the harbour wall with the cliffs in the distance.

A few 'toys' for when the weather brightens.

Moving on to the sought after cottages overlooking the port and harbour. One of the small cottages is currently on sale for £500,000!

More cottages below ...

... and a few sailing ships.

A couple of cannons on display, by the steps, just in case they are needed

Leaving Charlestown harbour now and making our way back to our car, which we had parked at Carlyon Bay. So a bit of a walk.

A small, but attractive, magnolia pointed the way.

We followed the path and ...

... the walls were covered in moss and greenery. 

Always interesting to visit Charlestown.

I have a few old photos - 1880 to 1900 - of Charlestown, which can be seen 0n my blog post Old Vintage Photos of Charlestown, Cornwall 

Enjoy your weekend and week ahead. 

Good wishes ~Mike

A Wander Around Charlestown on a Blue Sky Day

A chilly, but beautiful winter's day with a blue sky, so we headed to one of our favourites : Charlestown.

I noticed later that there was a brave soul swimming in the sea - see above to right of the photo.

Quite a few boats on view in the dock /port.

It was good to see that the bridge is back in use to cross the water to the main harbour. It looks a bit wibbly wobbly but it's quite safe.

The couple below made it across the bridge and lived to tell the tale.

Looking up at the cottages looking down on us, very popular with holidaymakers.

A few people roaming about on the edge of the harbour.

And looking across to the cliffs. Have to be a bit careful on the stoney beach as there have been a few cliff falls.

A view of the old cottages and the chimney, which is a listed building.

The tide was out in the main harbour.

A closer look at the chimney and cottages. 

Steady if you go below - the cannons are at the ready.

The remains of an old boat, keeping a watchful eye of what is happening.

Finally another look at the cliffs and the blue sky. Looks more like summer than winter - other than people are wearing heavy coats.

Moving on, I found another chimney, also once used in the China Clay Industry. This one is in the Gover Valley.

Also in the valley there is a pleasant small river, with a white tinge from china clay in the local soil.

It's a bit damp in the valley and this makes for some interesting rocks covered in green moss.

A final photo for today, the river and some more greenery.

That's all for today, enjoy your week, all good wishes ~ Mike.