Newquay Cliff Tops Plus Sand Galore at the The Gannel Estuary, Cornwall

Okay, these photos were taken before the weather got grim and grumbly, but I remember enjoying this short walk in Newquay Cornwall.

Flowers were out on the cliff tops and all was well with the world.

The walk, or perhaps it was just a stroll, was mostly along the cliff tops. Looking downwards Lewinnick Lodge came into view (photo above). A pleasant setting for a Sunday dinner. Many of the windows have sea views.

More cliff tops below.

If you like sand, you'll find lots at the Gannel Estuary, plus a bench to take in the view.

Yes, lots of sand but be aware of the tides. This can be a dangerous place to swim or wade.

There is sand and dunes galore.

Looking back we noticed a fresh flower memorial had been left on the shrubbery. This must have once been someone's special place.

After enjoying the sand we followed the path back to where we started. 

Nearby is Fistral Beach, Newquay, said to be one of the best for surfing, due to the consistency and quality of the surf.

The impressive Headland Hotel, opened in 1900, can also be seen in the photo above. King Charles, prior to becoming King, made a few visits.

And now the final photo for today. I've shown the good, so here's the not so good - cars galore! it can be difficult to get a parking space in the summer season.

That's my lot for today. 

Thanks for visiting my blog - Mike

SEARCHING FOR GOOD LUCK AT CARLYON BAY, CORNWALL

Gosh, a pleasant day, the rain had  ceased, though a few puddles remained. We decided to have a short walk along the beach at  Carlyon Bay.

It was quite chilly, but who cares when there is treasure to be found - well, perhaps.

I had recently read a book 'Seagulls in the Attic' by Tessa Hainsworth, who has started a new life in Cornwall. 

Tessa writes how she likes to find cowrie shells on the beach. She writes, "I love these tiny pinkish shells, no bigger than my little fingernail. They're lucky shells, the Cornish equivalent to the Irish four-leaf clover."

On a previous visit to Carlyon Bay my wife and I found dozens of small pink shells. So we set off to find some more. It's always useful to have a handy supply of good luck, you never know when it might come in handy!

I soon found a pink shell but little else.

The beach was quite empty, the sand smooth, untouched and nothing had been washed ashore.

A walk on the untouched sand is, by itself, good luck.

We enjoyed the far end of the beach, the peace and the silence.

The rocks and cliffs have their own special beauty. The comings and goings they must have witnessed over thousands of years.

Eventually we retraced our footsteps.

Looking inland, numerous enormous rocks were piled high. They were originally to be used as a breakwater when there was talk of the beach being redeveloped with apartments and shops. But this has never come to fruition.

We made our way back to our car via the puddles.

I did manage to pick up a few bits and pieces along the beach, but nothing too exciting. They will, however, be added to my collection of bits and pieces labelled 'you never know when these might come in handy.'

Thanks for visiting my blog

Hope you lots of good luck luck ~ Mike.

PORTHPEAN, CORNWALL BEACH AND CLIFFS

What a lovely surprise, a blue sky day so we headed for Porthpean Beach, which is about two or three miles from the town of St. Austell and is part of St. Austell Bay.

Porthpean Beach is simply a stretch of sand backed by cliffs, as can be seen in in the the photo above. It's not a hot spot for tourists but is somewhere the locals visit. 

The name Porthpean is from the Cornish language words 'porth' meaning cove and 'pean' meaning little or small.

I always find cliffs interesting.

Some of the Porthpean cliffs are topped with trees.

There are a couple of sets of steps for anyone (like me) who wants to get to the top of the cliffs. The steps also lead to the coastal path.

Looking down from the steps, half way. Not many people on the beach today!

A view now from the top of the cliffs looking down on Porthpean beach.

At the top of the cliffs is an old look-out used during World War 2.

From the look-out the surrounding countryside can be seen. Lots of fields of green.

I reached the coastal path which heads towards Duporth Beach and Charlestown. 

This a wonderful positive about Cornwall, there is a coastal path all along the county and beyond. The path isn't always as neat, tidy and flat, as shown in my photo below, but is walkable as long as you don't mind ups and downs.

That's all for today.

Thanks for visiting my blog ~ Mike.

A Walk Along Spit Beach, Cornwall

You never know what to expect on a walk in Cornwall. My first two photos were snapped about 30 minutes apart.

We were out and about and noticed the Spit Beach car park was empty - so we decided a walk on the beach would in order.

The walk to the beach isn't that special as it is a pathway without any decent views. Oh, and the path is often used by dog walkers. Unfortunately some of them don't pick up what they should pick up.

All is not lost though, as when nearing the beach, there are views across a golf course. If you change your mind about walking on the beach the coastal path, seen above, will take you to Carlyon Bay.

Below is today's first glimpse of Spit Beach with nobody else about - Perfect! 

The beach is sandy and is often described as a locals' beach. Not too many visitors find their way to Spit.

While on the beach the wind started to blow and the sea got quite rough.

I like to see the waves crashing onto the rocks as per the photo at the top of this post and below.

I also like cliffs ...

One of the cliffs is now a natural archway. I always feel compelled to walk through the arch.

After seeing the cliffs we made our way back via the beach.

Quite a few stones and pebbles on the sand - brought in by the waves.

Below, looking back to where we had walked. As I mentioned earlier the coastal path runs along the sea side of the golf course. There are some pleasant views from on high.

And that was the end of our walk.

So much of the rest of the week was rain, but seeing daffodils everywhere lifts the spirits.

The daffs I like most locally are in the arc of flowers which return every year. The daffodils were planted to remember the Marie Curie cancer charity Having gone through kidney cancer I can appreciate the good work they do. 

That's all for now, enjoy your week ~ 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.