Polkerris, Cornwall the Fortified Harbour with an Inn on the Beach

A bit of a dull day but we thought we'd have a look around Polkerris, a cove on Cornwall's south coast, as we hadn't visited there this year.

It was once known as Pollkerys, which may have been from the old Cornish word Porth meaning a harbour of haven. The kerris bit is from another Cornish word meaning to fortify or enclose - so it's a fortified harbour - well, was once upon a time.

To reach the harbour and beach you pass the Rashleigh Inn.

Many years back we often came here, with friends, for a meal or a drink. On a Friday night there would be singing of some of the old traditional Cornish songs, always enjoyable - but life moves on, children and other things.

That's the harbour wall in the photo below.

The harbour was created in the 18th century. I love old walls, rocks and stones - that's why there are a couple of photos of the harbour wall. Imagine all those who have walked along them in the 1700s. What stories they could tell us.

Oh, and a third photo of part of the wall with a canon embedded . There are several of these, they are thought to be from the Napoleonic era. So, once upon a time, this was truly a fortified harbour as described previously.

A section of the cliffs behind the harbour wall.

Moving on, just a few boats in the harbour - the tide was retreating while on our visit.

Looking across to the Rashleigh Inn and other food outlets

A few boats, perhaps waiting for the tide to turn.

Some people like to hide away on the small beach whereas ...

… others seem to congregate at the front of the Inn.

The Rashleigh Inn has an outside terrace with seats, perfect on a summer's evening.

Also see: 
Photos of the Magical Polkerris Harbour, Cornwall on a Perfect Sunshine Day

Menacuddle Chapel and Holy Well, Cornwall

We popped into the Holy Well and Chapel at Menacuddle, near St.Austell. The last time we were here was one year ago - how time flies!

Not a lot has changed. I won't go into the history of the chapel and well again, as I covered this on my previous post: The Secretive Menacuddle Holy Well and Chapel, Cornwall. 

The waterfall and river isn't so white on this visit. It is often coloured by china clay deposits in the area. Locally, therefore, it is known as the White River.

A few duotone photos of chapel and area.

Inside the small chapel, it appears clearer and cleaner than a year ago when it was filled with candles and various mementos.  I thought they gave the chapel more character and even a more holy feeling. Of course it is often said that Cleanliness is next to Godliness - so what do I know. Those words are from a 1778 sermon in 1778 by John Wesley.

All shipshape on the outside.

We wandered round the grounds as I couldn't think of any more suitable quotes! Lots of green, green grass … and a pond of sorts.

Some fine trees by the river.

A final look at the waterfall prior to moving on.

Always a pleasure to visit the chapel and, again, we were on our own while there.

The Flowers and Attractions of St.Austell Town Plus More Flowers

After some lovely weather, there was a change in the air as we went off on a walk. I noticed the flower in the photo above at the side of the road. On returning the plant was quite wet (below). So we decided to walk into St.Austell town.

It was still drizzling so not many people about. Even the pasty shop was empty!

The town's flower displays were damp too.

But a large mural was shining bright ...

… and the fish seemed happy enough in the rain.

Another flower display...

… and part of a large section of artwork featuring people through the ages associated with the town.

Eventually we arrived home and noticed the first dahlia were now flowering (2nd July).

Other flowers were doing as they ought this time of year ...

… and another dahlia had burst into flower - maybe not exactly burst, but there was one pompom on display.

A few more flowers …

Finally a neighbours garden with his palm trees - they grow okay in Cornwall because of the mild climate.

The Magical Harbour and Port at Charlestown, Cornwall

Another trip to Charlestown so I have tried to do a different set of photos. In the photo above you can see how the harbour is separated from the port by a gate with a bridge. Below are a couple walking over the bridge, with tall ships in the background.

We were at Charlestown mid morning - but any time is pasty time in Cornwall - as can be seen my the next photo.

There were a few people about ...

… even though it was overcast and quite chilly. The fisherman was quite well layered.

The young don't seem to feel the cold, especially when it's high tide and an opportunity to jump from the harbour wall. It's not really allowed - but it's a fun thing to do.

This girl took the backward route to the water.

There is a magical tunnel. If you dare to walk through you will be awarded with ...

… sunshine and a beautifully coloured sea. You might even fancy a dip!

Returning from the tunnel, the harbour and port can be seen, together with the dividing bridge, previously mentioned. I may visit Charlestown quite often, but never tire of the harbour and tall ships often in dock.