A Pleasant Walk at Boscastle, Cornwall

Today it is Boscastle, Cornwall. The photo above shows the hazardous entrance to the harbour. 100 years ago this was the only place a harbour could be built on this stretch of Cornwall's intimidating north coast. 

It was an active port and harbour until the railway reached Cornwall in 1893. Today there are just a few fishing boats and pleasure crafts in the harbour.

Boscastle is now very much a tourist destination. There is a very large car park and from here it is a walk to the old harbour wall. You can't get lost - you just follow the small river, as shown in the photo below.

Along the valley there are a few cottages and buildings ...

... most constructed from local stone.

You'll also find a Witchcraft Museum! It is said to be the oldest and largest collection of items relating to witchcraft and the occult in England.

The river gradually widens. I snapped the photos when the tide was low, okay very low!

There's somewhere to get a cuppa or lunch in Boscastle. Several of the old buildings now cater for tourists needs.

At last we get the first glimpse of the old harbour wall, only a couple of small boats to be seen.

Below is a close up of the stonework of the harbour wall, said to have been built way back in 1584.

Another view of the entrance to Boscastle harbour.

The photo below was taken from the harbour wall looking inland.

There's somewhere to tie up your boat.

On our walk we now had to retrace our steps to a small bridge so we could get to the other side of the valley. The photo shows the main harbour wall from a different angle and also the smaller second wall.

There's a footpath on this side of the river so as to get a higher view from the cliff top.

The photo below is looking inland from the footpath.

After the walk we meandered back to the car, passing The Cobweb Inn ... but then we realised it's possible to also walk along the valley inland, which leads to St. Juliot church.

The church has a significance for any Thomas Hardy followers. He was the architect for the church restoration in 1870 - and it was here that he met his first wife. It is believed that their love affair was his inspiration for his novel A Pair of Blue Eyes. 

All very pleasant!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Sorry that some of the photos are a bit dark ~ Mike.

Also see : My Coincidence Meeting at Boscastle

A Walk Along Par Beach, Cornwall

It's Par Beach today, not perhaps one of my favourite beaches but it's pleasant to walk along the sand.  Oh yes,  I nearly forgot, dogs like the beach.

The tide goes out a long way  and, when the tide is high, the water is still shallow unless you walk quite a distance into the sea. Children seem to like this in the summer season.

Backing onto the beach are some sand dunes.  

Below is part of the beach looking from the dunes, with green fields in the distance.

At the far back of Par Beach are caravans and chalets to let in the summer season. This area is now known as Par Sands Holiday Park.

The caravans are all neat and tidy.

Here are a couple of the chalets by a lake.

The lake is deep, so swimming, fishing and boating aren't allowed.

Seagulls, Canadian geese and ducks gather around the lake. Mostly because people like to 'feed the ducks'.

Looking across the lake, with a couple of chalets on view.

The sun got brighter as we walked and more people headed to the beach.

We had parked our car in the bumpy carpark. The cost was £1 per hour - I don't know if this will increase in the main holiday season.

The photo below, of  Par Beach, was snapped last summer.

If you like walking you'll find  Cornwall's coastal path in the Par Beach carpark. Looking towards the sea it's on your left towards the back of the car park. There's a lovely walk to Polkerris  (and beyond) along the path - the photo below was taken in July.

Here's a blog post on Polkerris: 

Photos of the Magical Polkerris Harbour

That's all for today. 

Thanks for visiting my blog ~ Mike.

A Walk Around Charlestown Harbour - 18 Photos

It seemed an age since I had visited Charlestown, but I managed to make a visit over the Easter weekend. It always seems a special place to me.

I snapped a few quick photos as I walked. The first was of the cottage above and the next a couple of anchors.

I then had a look at the ships / boats in dock.

I looked down on this ship from on high.

Now looking across to the opposite side.

The sea is now in view.

The Pier House is a hotel, pub and restaurant. There are now quite a few other food outlets in Charlestown.

A row of cottages with a red post box.




Cliffs and the stony beach.

A look at some of the boats. I was so lucky with the blue sky.



All sorts of interesting things below.



Now looking at the other side of Charlestown.

A different view of the cliffs and of one of the two beaches. This is the entrance to Charlestown harbour, which fills when the tide is high.

The old cottages once more. There is a similar cottage for sale at £500,000+.

More boats and cottages.

Cornish cream!

Below, just in case it's ever needed!

And that's the end of my walk, perhaps more of a stroll really.

Thanks for visiting my blog - Mike.

For a short history of Charlestown please see my blog: 

Photos and history of Charlestown

A short walk from Carlyon Bay to Spit Beach and Beyond

The weather was in a quandary. Should it rain, dabble in sunshine or be dark and menacing? 

Whatever the weather we decided to go for a walk and headed for Carlyon Bay golf course. Not to play though, as I agree with Mark Twain who said, "Golf is a good walk spoiled." I guess I should apologise to any golfers! 

Alongside the golf course, overlooking the sea, there is a public footpath with some lovely views. You have to be aware of any stray golf balls, of course.

With the golf course stretched out before us it turned quite dark with a few drops of rain.

Clouds formed as we walked.

We decided to keep walking and visited Spit Beach. From here it is also possible to carry on walking to Par Beach - though the footpath is a bit grotty.  The sun did its best to shine.

For a brief moment Spit Beach looked great, with blue-green sea lapping the shore.

We decided to retrace our steps alongside the golf course. Dark clouds built up once more.

The clouds appeared to be almost hovering above the horizon.

With Carlyon Bay beach in view we are nearly back to where we started. 

To walk along the side of the golf course park in the Carlyon Bay beach car park. It's a bit bumpy but is often free out of the tourist season. Walk down the hill a short way and on the left is a Public Footpath sign, follow this to where we started our walk. Note that the path can get a bit muddy following heavy rain. 

To finish today's post the azalea in our front garden. Thanks for visiting my blog - Mike.