The Boscawen Park, Truro

When we visit Truro we occasionally have a packed-lunch at Boscawen Park, overlooking the Truro River. In the distance is Truro Cathedral, as can be seen in the photo above. 

There is usually something interesting to see depending on the time of year and the weather.

On our last visit the tide was out so lots of birds about looking for juicy morsels.

We tend to walk a lap of the park and sometimes continue to Malpas. The boat below has been stranded in the mud for ages and is gradually deteriorating. 

Much of the main park is dedicated to children with climbing games, trails, swings, slides and so on. We were there at half term, so lots of children everywhere. I didn't, therefore, snap any photos of the kids facilities. 

We walked alongside the Truro River, which has some industry including the sorting of scrap metal. When the tide is in boats are able to pick up the sorted metal.

The park has a cricket pitch and three football (soccer) pitches plus eight tennis courts.

A roller was out to ensure a perfect cricket pitch.

The park has a myriad of flowers, in many beds, all well looked after.

Walking further alongside the river there are various small boats. All in all a pleasant place for a stroll, with lots to do for children. There is also a cafe and toilets.

It's not somewhere to go for a serious walk but it's a nice place to munch on a pasty and have a break before travelling on.

The Attractive Perhaver Beach Near Gorran Haven

Little Perhaver Beach is just along the road from Gorran Haven and has it's own distinct flavour. Surrounded by high cliffs there are steps to go down to the beach, some quite steep, so not a beach for everyone.

There were beautiful cloud formations, but these soon turned grey and finally down came the rain! We climbed the steps up the cliffs to find some shelter.

The rain soon passed, though it was quite a downpour, and the sea seemed to change colour, as seen below.

This is an attractive area with Gorran Haven and Bow (sometimes called Vault) Beaches nearby.

See also:
Gorran Haven, Cornwall - Photos of Harbour and Cottages
The Lesser Known Vault Beach Cornwall

How Prince Charles Became the Duke of Cornwall and Much More

On my previous post I mentioned Restormel Castle and the English Civil War. I snapped the above photo of the castle while at the Duchy Plant Nursery and Garden Centre, Lostwithiel. We were having coffee there with friends.

The Nursery is part of the Duchy of Cornwall. The current Duke of Cornwall being Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.

The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate established by Edward III in 1337 to provide independence to his son and heir, Prince Edward. A charter ruled that each future Duke of Cornwall would be the eldest surviving son of the Monarch and heir to the throne.  So this is how Prince Charles became the Duke of Cornwall.

According to the Duchy of Cornwall Website:


"The Duchy’s estate extends beyond the geographical boundaries of Cornwall – covering 52,971 hectares of land across 23 counties, mostly in the South West of England. It comprises arable and livestock farms, residential and commercial properties, as well as forests, rivers, quarries, and coastline. Under the guidance of the current Duke of Cornwall, it is the Duchy's responsibility to manage this estate in a way that is sustainable, financially viable and of meaningful value to the local community."

The Prince's full title, I believe is:

 His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales, KG, KT, GCB, OM, AK, QSO, CC, PC, ADC, Earl of Chester, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland.

I'll make no further comment on Dukes and the like!

Miles and Miles of Beaches at Perranporth Cornwall Bring Miles and Miles of Smiles

Here comes summer - well, hopefully - and this is Perranporth where many people head when they want beaches, surf and having a sunshine holiday in Cornwall - again, hopefully!

Looking at the photo above you might be thinking that there's a lot of people about - and the photo was taken out of the main season. But not to worry, as there are three miles of beaches - enough for most people. Even in the main summer season there should be somewhere to plonk your stuff on the ground and enjoy the sea.

The beach has RNLI lifeguards on duty - though they only patrol the beach area between their flags. So if you wander too far they might not be able rescue you if you should get into difficulties.

It's a beach where there are surfers, so there are lessons to be had, for all ages.

The sea can have some good surf at times.

The beach carries on and on so the people get less and less.

If you wander into the sand dunes you get a good view of the beach or perhaps it should be beaches.

Yes, the beaches seem to go on and on ...

and on and on - perfect! The photos were all taken on the same day.

Visiting Restormel Castle and the English Civil War

This is Restormel Castle, Lostwithiel - or at least what remains of the building. It played a part in the English Civil War.

It was 1644 and a Parliamentarian army (Roundheads), commanded by the Earl of Essex, had marched into Cornwall but had become trapped between two Royalist armies. 

The Parliamentarian Head Quarters was at Lostwithiel and even though the castle had little strategic importance it provided a useful look-out post. There are far views from the top of the castle.

Despite guns being positioned on the chapel roof, and also probably on top of the gatehouse, the castle was easily captured on 21st August, 1644 by Sir Richard Grenville, who found 30 'rebels' and 'divers barrels of beef'.

This was the beginning of the end for the Parliamentarians who were forced to withdraw from Lostwithiel and eventually surrendered at Castle Dore, north of Fowey on 1st of September, 1644.

All in all I enjoyed the visit to Restormel Castle, which was made even better as there was no one else about!

And finally how the inside of the castle may well have looked in the 1600s.

A Shiver Down The Spine At Kings Wood Where The Ghosts Walk - Perhaps!

Walking in the ancient Kings Wood, Pentewan, Cornwall is following a well trodden path for hundreds of years. After walking for a while there is a sign asking: "Did you feel a little shiver just now?" They are not talking about any coldness from the weather - but more ghostly things!

Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, Lord Ordainer (1278-1322) and one of the most powerful men in England is believed to have owed Kings Wood. 

He was the cousin of Edward the Second and led the barons' revolt against the King in 1332, but was defeated at the Battle of Boroughbridge. On March 22nd of the same year Thomas was found guilty of treason and beheaded. 

Maybe he now pops back, head under his arm, to his old stomping ground and frequents the paths that he once owned. 

The woods have some very old medieval Cornish stone walls. These marked ownership boundaries and also controlled any livestock. 

Note the coping stones at the top of the walls.

Kings wood was hunted in the 1300s to keep the the grand houses of the aristocracy supplied with venison. The huntsmen didn't want their quarry escaping - so the coping stones were turned inwards to stop the hapless prey jumping the wall to freedom.

I'm sure I felt a shiver down my spine as I walked. I have read (I read some strange books!) that a shiver can be a direct sign from a spirit guide or angel indicating that they are reaching out to you, with a message. I knew I should have worn a warmer jacket - my wife did warn me, but would I listen ...

The Small Lighthouse at Spy House Point, Polperro, Cornwall

It looks quite precarious lodged on Spy House Point, Polperro - but I guess a lighthouse has to be seen far out to sea, otherwise it wouldn't be a lot of use! 

When the lighthouse was in operation - it was decommissioned in the 1950s - the light was visible between eight and twelve miles. It was built in 1911, replacing the previous lighthouse built in 1904. 

When walking east along the coastal path, from Polperro, there is another narrow path leading to steps that lead to the lighthouse. Great views out to sea, of course. There is a safely rail around the building to, hopefully, stop visitors falling 140 feet and splashing into the sea.

It's easy to miss the lighthouse - as can be seen in the photo below - as the building is only 16 feet tall.

See Also:
Walking The South West Coast Path Into Polperro, Cornwall