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

Portmellon

Today a walk from Portmellon along the coastal path towards Gorran Haven. The weather wasn't particularly too kind to us.

The first two photos show the sea at Portmellon, which is just along from Mevagissey. 

We parked our car in a side road at Portmellon and walked to the start of the coastal path - up a long hill, of course!

Once on the actual coast path there were some lovely views, though a little muted because of the hazy weather.

The coastal path is quite narrow in places but easy to walk - lots of greenery on display.

The next section of the walk was straight across a field leading to Chapel Point headland - the yellow arrow showed the way.

On Chapel Point there is a wonderful property - a very special house - you can just see the building in the photo below.

Chapel Point House is Grade II Listed and was designed by the renowned Arts and Crafts architect, John Campbell in 1936. The property has been featured in several publications over the years and is reported to have been the subject of a novel by Daphne du Maurier.

Looking out at the cove near Chapel Point.

Now it's a walk downhill, on the coast path, to sea level where there is a boathouse.

The boathouse belongs to the house on Chapel Point.

Continuing on the walk there are green fields inland and a few sheep. 

Below is looking back at the cove and shows the coastal path walked so far.

We now reach Bodrugans Leap and, of course, there is a story to be told! The story varies but the outcome is the same.

Sir Henry Bodrugan was a powerful Cornish land owner and a High Sheriff of Cornwall. Some say he was also a pirate and thief but, whatever, back in 1487, he was being chased by Sir Richard Edgcumbe and associates for claims of treason.

Bodrugan made for the cliffs south of St. Austell. His only escape was to leap off the cliffs, probably with his horse, at Turbot Point.  With or without his horse a boat was waiting for him, which ferried him across the English Channel to safety.

The terrain gradually becomes more rugged.

There is a seat for those who may wish to contemplate the sea.

The path became quite steep.

It was interesting to watch the sea and the waves crashing onto the rocks.

Unfortunately we could feel that the weather was about to take a turn for the worse.

We decided to make our way back to Portmellon, but did stop to watch a seal in the sea. I couldn't get a decent photo but there's a small black dot in the photo below - that's the seal!

The next two photos show how everything was getting less and less clear ...

... the views were gradually disappearing.

We got back to Portmellon, and the sea was crashing onto the road!

Our car was just round the corner from here, so we made a run for it - though I did manage to snap a couple more photos.

Our car was fine and dry, but we did have to drive along the wet stretch of road. We managed to dodge the waves - so all was well, and we'd had an interesting walk.

So, that's all for now. Enjoy the weekend and the week ahead.

All good wishes ~Mike.

A Mixture of July Cornwall Photos

A mixture of Cornish photos from July starting off, above, with the wonderful coastal footpath and the sea.

Moving on quickly, though, to St. Austell, with the largest population in Cornwall. Stalls were being set up in the new style square.

A baker for Cornish pasties ...

and men at work keeping the square clean and tidy.

I felt the next photo looked better in black and white. The steps lead up to Boots the Chemist and could do with a sweep.

Back home now in my garden with a couple of passion fruit flowers - passiflora - but no fruit this year.

I think this second passiflora photo seems to have a face ... perhaps just my imagination!

On the move again to the viaduct in Gover Valley. This carries the likes of the London to Penzance, Cornwall train.

The next photo shows looking up at the viaduct from the road underneath

Moving on to another viaduct, same train line, and showing how near it is to the cottages.

There is a small river flowing underneath the viaduct.

Moving on this squirrel, near the cottages, was tucking into food left out for the birds.

And suddenly a mass of seagulls flew overhead. There seemed to be hundreds of them, not sure where they were heading but they were making a heck of a lot of noise.

Moving back to the coast now at Polkerris.

And a couple of small boats in Charlestown Harbour.

Finally back to my garden where one of the big dahlias was opening up and ...

... another dahlia had opened fully.

Many thanks for the visit.