The Lost Gardens of Heligan In July :16 Photos

We wanted a bit of a walk and, as we were quite near the Lost Gardens of Heligan, we decided to have a quick(ish) look round. We probably stayed longer than intended but with the gardens stretching over 200 acres it's tempting to keep on walking.

We saw a few animals. I love shire horses and the one above was off with a swish of his tail. The young sheep though was in a bashful mood trying to hide under the fence.

We headed to the walled flower garden.

Quite a few flowers about. Lots of sweet peas with the old greenhouse in the background.

The walled gardens are all neat and tidy.

A few poppies ...

... and into the sundial walled garden.

There are a few seats in the sundial garden amongst the shrubs and flowers.

We then moved onto the jungle and lost valley area, which is completely different.

Then back to some fine old trees.

And finally a photo that most visitors snap.

We passed the old horse drawn caravan with photos and details of the Heligan Farm on our way to the exit.

We often dip into the Heligan's gardens as we have annual passes. I have mentioned the gardens a few times on the blog, for example :

The Lost Gardens of Heligan: 18 Photos of Farm Animals, Plants and Jungle

14 Photos of July Flowers and Colour In Our Garden In Cornwall

Some colour and flowers I have snapped in our garden. The hydrangeas are always good value as they seem to go on and on for most of the summer.

Below is a photo of Mrs. Perry. That's the name of the white poppy below, not my wife! The Mrs. Perry poppy was given to us several years ago by friends.

I like poppies, they remind me of sunshine. Though Mrs. Perry is white, I also like the big orange variety. Not sure what they are called - probably just poppies, as I'm not into Latin names.

And somehow a pink one has popped up too ...

Dahlia next. I just leave them in the garden year after year and up they come. It's generally quite mild in Cornwall.

A bit more colour.

Geraniums like the sunshine, but don't we all.

And some lavender, now past its best unfortunately.

Fuchsias are another plant that seems to thrive in the sunshine.

And finally roses, though not from our garden. A friend had loads so cut us a few.

Oh, and a P.S. 

Regular readers may remember my post about how my wife grew an apple tree from a pip. It took eight years but there are quite a few apples now - can't wait to taste them! 

Short Walk Along Coastal Path From Bude Across Summerleaze Downs

A few photos from when we were in north Cornwall at Bude. The weather unfortunately wasn't too good.

We walked along the coastal path, from Bude, the first part being across Summerleaze Downs as the photo below shows.

We continued along the coastal path and enjoyed the views of the sea and cliffs. There was hardly anyone else about.

There was a small flower memorial on the cliff top - it felt quite sad as the flowers were quite fresh.

I brightened the photo below as everything was getting a bit too dowdy. Always nice to wander through rock pools. 

A stone wall  divided the fields.

On our return to Summerleaze Downs there was a small shelter where we sat for a while as the wind blew. The view wasn't exactly exciting! 

The Secretive Menacuddle Holy Well and Chapel, Cornwall

We hadn't been to the Menacuddle Holy Well and Chapel for quite a while. When we arrived today it was very noticeable that there has been some love and attention given to the site.

The Chapel dates back to the 15th century and is now a Grade II listed building.  It is aligned east-west with the east wall built against the natural rock face. Below is an old etching of the chapel I came across a while back - a little artistic licence has been used by the artist!

This is the reality as to how the Menacuddle Well Chapel looks today (below).

The photo below, of the entrance to the chapel, shows how it is built against the rock face.

The chapel now looks all neat and tidy - perhaps a little too clean? A matter of opinion, of course.

On a previous visit I snapped a photo and there was moss and lichen on the roof and sides of the chapel. This somehow made it more mysterious and gave the building a different feel.

The Holy spring water was once held in high regard for its curative powers. Sick children were regularly bathed here and the Victorians  recommended the drinking of its salubrious fluid. It was also used to treat ulcers. 

A local tradition was to throw a bent pin into the water for good luck.

The waterfall is part of the St.Austell River, or Vinnick River, and was often known as the White River. In certain weather conditions the water would become a milky white from local china clay.

On the opposite of the river to the chapel is the Druids Chair made from solid granite - as below. It has also been called King Arthur's Seat. A bit of a mystery - but it's quite comfortable - for a rock!

A couple of photos now of the small gardens and pond.

Ah yes, and I saw this painted stone on the wall. On the back it says that it was painted by Rosie, aged 8. So there is still magic here, it hasn't all been swept away.

Menacuddle  isn't that well sign posted. If visiting by car take the the Bodmin Road from St.Austell town. It's only a few minutes drive but can easily be missed. The entrance only has a small sign ….

Look out for the Elderly People sign - the entrance is just after this.

There is parking but only for about four cars. But, in saying this, I have never seen anyone else at the chapel and well when I have made a visit.