Looking at Mevagissey, St Mewan and Gover Valley

A changeable morning weatherwise as we popped into Mevagissey. It looked pretty much as usual.

The harbour was colourful in the chilly sunshine but ...

... there's often something quirky hidden away. Not sure who this fellow is, but he looks a little unsettling.

The mural is from a previous poppy day.

A few of the boats in the harbour.

A bit of blue sky and cliffs to the east of the harbour.

Moving inland from Mevagissey some blossom ...

... and blooms.

We passed by the church at St. Mewan,  which dates back to Norman times. The bell tower foundations and the base of the font were built way back in 1100.

There is a local legend that the church builders were prevented from building the tower any higher by the Devil himself. He would throw down stones each night when he considered the correct height had been reached, to his satisfaction. Mind you, I have heard similar tales where this has happened to other churches.

Just around the corner from St. Mewan church the long straight road has views across the green countryside. 

Sadly developers have started to build houses alongside the road. But, in saying that, affordable houses are needed in Cornwall.

Moving on we made our way down the narrow  road which leads to Gover Valley ...

... stopping at a view point.

Finally we were in the valley and all was well with the world.

Thanks for visiting my blog ~ Mike.

Similar Posts:

(1) A Perfect Chilly Winter's Day in Mevagissey, Cornwall - 12 Photos

(2) 33 Photos: A Circular Walk Based On Gover Valley, St.Austell, Cornwall

Photos of Par Beach Cornwall Plus a 500 Year Old Bridge

On my previous post I mentioned Par beach, so I thought that today I'd follow on from there. As you can see in the photo above, the tide goes out a long way - a very long way!

Below is looking inland with the sandy beach in the distance.

Some ripples left behind by the tide.

Also left behind by the tide was this attractive jelly fish. I think it might be a Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora Hysoscella) though I'm not certain.

Slowly getting nearer to the sea and the seaweed. 

Looking towards the end of the beach you might just be able to see the china clay works, which has its own harbour.

There were lots of patterns in the damp sand. I could make out all sorts of patterns and faces.

Nearing the far end of the beach, with green fields inland.

At the end of the beach, by the clay works, is a river and most times there are swans to be seen. It looks like some of the family are missing, hope they are okay.

As we walked inland more green fields and wild flowers in the dunes.

As the sign states there is a clay trail starting here but we walked the opposite way.

At the back of the beach there is Par Sands Holiday and Caravan Park with caravans and mobile homes - as per the photo below.

There are also lodges with a view of the small lake.

And this is the lake from the opposite side. Many birds congregate here. Lots of Canadian geese on my visit but usually swans, ducks and so on.

From Par Beach there is access to Cornwall's coastal path. There's a lovely walk to Polkerris, with it's small harbour and beach. See my post Polkerris Harbour, Cornwall on a Perfect Sunshine Day. Photo of Polkerris below.

You'll find the coastal path from the Par Beach car park. Looking towards the sea it's on your left towards the back of the car park.

 A FEW OTHER BITS

In a previous post I mentioned the ceramic art work on display in St. Austell town centre. I've just noticed another piece I previously missed.

On the outskirts of  St.Austell town there is a very old bridge that is rarely given a second glance. It no longer carries traffic, other than perhaps a few bicycles. This is a shame because the bridge is well over 500 years old.

We know it's minimum age because it was mentioned by someone called John Leland in 1538. He was King Henry VIII's Chaplain who was sent out around the country to gather material for a history of England.

Leland, sometimes spelt Leyland, didn't seem to think much of St. Austell as he wrote (in old English): "... the poore toun of St Austelles is nothing notable but for the paroch chirch. And there is a bridge of the same name."

Below is the bridge. Hard to imagine that crossing this was then the main route into St. Austell from the west.

And finally, the lilies in our garden have ventured forth.

Thanks for visiting my blog, hope you have an interesting week ~ Mike.

The Green, Green Fields But With A Sting In The Tail

Walking by the green fields of Cornwall.

I believe the cows above are Welsh Blacks, which are closely related to the now extinct Cornish Blacks.

The farmer was ploughing his fields, which was a treat for the seagulls as they had food virtually on tap.

More seagulls were waiting for their turn at the buffet.

A reminder of the once profitable china clay industry in Cornwall. Some of the fields nearby have now become a solar energy farm.

Wandering on some beautiful horses ...

… and a yellow field.

Not that the horses seem to mind what colour the fields are as, long as they are tasty.

More fields, some recently ploughed, but there is unfortunately a sting in the tail ..

… the remnants of a sign stating 'Another Green Field Set to Disappear!' So yet more local green fields will be lost for housing and even more housing.

Just along the road from the sign above the Higher Trewhiddle Estate is already being built. See my post: Large New Development at Higher Trewhiddle, Cornwall Is On It's Way