A Lovely walk Along Cornwall's Coastal Path From Menabilly - Plus a Few Extras

The sun was out, the sky was blue so we headed for the sea - to Menabilly to be precise. As I have mentioned previously this is Daphne du Maurier country. The house at Menabilly was Du Maurier's Manderley in her book, Rebecca.

The Car Park (a farmer's field) is down a very narrow road, so you have to breathe in deeply if a car comes from the opposite direction.

After depositing fifty pence in the milk churn, as requested, we set off walking towards the sea.

For one instance the sky appeared to be extra blue, so all was well with the world.

There were still a few flowers remaining in the hedgerows.

Ah-ha, there's Gribbin Head and the tower in the distance. The water is for the farm animals, not that there were any of them about.

The Gribbin Tower seemed to get larger as we walked. It was built in 1832 and is a daymark to enable ships and other craft to pinpoint the approach to Fowey harbour.

To visit the Gribbin Head it is a right turn at the wooden walkway - and keep on walking uphill.

We walked the opposite way to Polridmouth Beach. The tide was out.

We then followed the coastal path going east. This is part of the private estate where Daphne du Maurier once lived. The tide was a long way out.

I wandered across the damp sand, which seemed quite a distance, when looking back at the house.

I had time for a paddle!

This is the lake on the estate ...

... and the lake's overflow. From here we carried on our walk along the coastal path towards Fowey. When we'd had enough we turned around and meandered back to our car. A lovely day out!

MOVING ON... One evening during the week we had a walk  in Mevagissey. Hardly anyone about, so all was quiet and peaceful.

The sea wasn't too choppy.

The Mevagissey lighthouse was doing its duty and was sending out its light.

A few fishing boats were resting quietly.

Not too sure of the quality of the fish they are catching - judging by the selection of fish on display below.

A final photo before making our way home.

MOVING ON ... The next day I had to go into St Austell for an eye test. The church tower dominates over the newer style shops.

I noticed this new artwork at the back of the shops. The theme is about Illegal money lenders who, it seems, can cost people more than an arm and a leg!

MOVING ON AGAIN ... A couple of flower photos. The first is of 0ur spider plant, such small, delicate flowers.

And this beauty has just flowered in our garden.

Many thanks for visiting my blog, hope you have an interesting week ahead. 

All good wishes ~ Mike.

A Touch of Cornish Magic, Animals and Birds

Sometimes there seems to be unexpected magical moments - perhaps time slips. I was at Charlestown and everything was so quiet, not a sound to be heard. I could only see two other people as I clicked my camera for the photo above. It felt as if I had stepped back in time.

Okay, perhaps this is a little fanciful but the next three photos, were snapped at the same place - Spit Beach.  The changing sky altered the appearance of the sea and beach.

Moving along the coast now to the village of Tywardreath the setting of Daphne du Maurier's book, The House on the Strand. Below is the church where some of the scenes are set. The story is about drug induced time travel - so there is a touch of magic lingering here.

Tywardreath, in the Cornish language is : Ti War Dreth. This means a house on a beach or strand. The village was recorded in the Domesday Book way back in 1o86.

Below are some of the village cottages.

And here is an unusual road sign which is no doubt necessary as the road narrows.

Daphne du Maurier moved to this area following the death of her husband in 1965. Her previous Cornish home was at Menabilly which was the inspiration for Manderley featured in her book Rebecca.

Returning to the House on the Strand this mentions the nearby green fields, as below, near Par.

There are Almshouses at Polmear, Par. The first of these houses was built in 18oo by William Rashleigh who, at the time, was the Sheriff of Cornwall.

Nearby Polkerris is also mentioned in the House on the Strand. The first photo is looking down from the cliffs and ...

... and then here we are at sea level as the tide arrives.

I think that's enough of The House on the Strand. So moving on to a happy pig!

A few photos of animals next which I have noticed when out and about.

What a wonderful horse - with his shadow. Where would mankind be without horses.

Of course even a robin can cast a shadow.

The little fellow below was searching for crumbs in a cafe.

A couple more birds I spotted.

Oh, and also a flashy pheasant.

That's about it for today's post, but first a warning - be aware of the Devil Cat when out and about at night!

And on that note I'll close today's post.

All good wishes, stay safe ~ Mike