Making the Most of the Coronavirus Lockdown: Carlyon Bay, St.Austell, Gover Valley, Charlestown and Bubbles.

With our wings clipped by the coronavirus lockdown it's difficult to know where to get some fresh air without falling foul of the regulations.

When in doubt it's usually the beach for our allowed exercise. There's plenty of elbow room, for example, at Carlyon Bay

It was a somewhat strange day as one moment it was blue sky but dark clouds soon took control.

The clouds became rain - heavy rain. We made a dash to our car and watched the rain trickling down the windows.

Onward to St. Austell town. Seemingly we needed some veg from the greengrocer next to the butchers shop. Have to try and support the smaller shops during lockdown.

The Christmas lights are ready now in the town. You can just see them in the distance in the photo below.

There was a dullness as we walked for a while along the Gover Valley

Lots of leaves on the path as it runs by the Gover Stream.

All very attractive at this time of the year - and also in the Spring.

The Pier House next (restaurant and pub) just because I like Charlestown. 

And some bubbles ... we have to try and make the best of lockdown somehow. Keep smiling.

On Tour: Visiting Wells Cathedral - 16 Photos.

On a previous 'On Tour' post to Cheddar Gorge I mentioned that traditionally true Cheddar Cheese had to be made within 30 miles of Wells Cathedral. So, to follow up on that, today we have photos of this magnificent cathedral.

Kindly note the photos were all taken prior to the coronavirus lockdown. 

The building of Wells Cathedral began way back around 1175. The first phase of the building took around eighty years and the wonderful (west) front was completed with over 300 medieval statues, most of which can still be seen today.

The scissor style arches are quite spectacular.

The arches were added in 1338-48 for internal strengthening and were put in place by a master mason, William Joy

As I understand it, the first organ at Wells Cathedral was in the early 1300s.

The present day organ was built by Henry Willis in 1857.

Now a few odds and bods. First we have the Cope Chest used to store the robes of the clergy. This dates back to 1120 and is made of local oak. It's still in use today.

Now we have the tomb of Thomas Bekynton: the Chancellor of England and Bishop of Bath & Wells from 1443 to 1464.

I'm not too sure who the following gentleman is but it gives another example of tombs within the cathedral.

Now the Wells Cathedral clock. This is something a bit special. It is said to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain, and probably the world, to have survived and still to be in use. It is believed that the works were made in 1390 and that the clock face is the oldest surviving original of it's kind anywhere.

When the clock strikes every quarter, jousting knights run round above the clock and the Quarter Jack bangs the quarter hours with his heels.

A couple of the ornate ceilings

One of the attractive windows. This is the East Window dates from the 14th century but has had some later restoration.

Finally looking up at the outside of the church from the grounds.

I enjoyed my visit to Wells Cathedral. It's not the largest by any means but it has a special quality. Some say it is one of the most beautiful.

See also 'on tour' post: Visiting Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury Tor and King Arthur

Fowey - The Cornish Town With Narrow Streets and River Views - 18 Photos

Kindly note the photos were taken a few days prior to Coronavirus lockdown.

During October and November we have to accept variations in the weather. On the day we visited Fowey there was light rain, dark clouds, fluffy clouds and also sunshine. A mixed bag as you will see from the photos.

We made our way to Fowey quay, as above, and then to the narrow Fore Street which follows the river.

Everything got a bit crowded though, when the town bus stopped to pick up waiting passengers.

The street is very narrow and got quite congested, when the fish delivery van joined the other vehicles.

As I have said, Fore Street is very narrow so it's fortunate that it is one way only.

We meandered along the street ... 

... until there was space to look at the river and the moored lifeboats.

Corners in the road can be a bit sharp.

As it was getting near lunch time we bought Cornish pasties and take-away coffees at the Cornish Bakery. Being a vegetarian mine was a veggie pasty.

We found a perfect large, empty seat by the ferry, overlooking the river.

I always enjoy the views along the River Fowey.

Suddenly the sun popped out and it was like a different world.

Looking across the river.

The trees are losing their leaves and many of the small boats are tucked up for the winter.

The Fowey quay became a much brighter place and people were enjoying the sunshine.

After our lunch we headed for the Esplanade passing The Ship Inn.

There are lovely views from the Esplanade, across the River Fowey. A few palm trees in the gardens.

On the other side of the river is Polruan. The ferry from the quay takes passengers across.

Darker clouds were forming as we made our way back to our car.

We always enjoy visiting Fowey, reminds us of the time we stayed here in a small cottage while awaiting our house purchase to be completed. Happy Days!  Gosh, that was many years ago - before our son was born and now he has a family. How time flies.

Other random Fowey & Polruan Posts:

The Magical Hall Walk at Fowey Cornwall - With Lots of Photos

Polruan, Cornwall : Coastal Views, Chapel Ruins And A Castle

Visiting a Newquay Beach, Cornwall One Day Before the Coronavirus Lockdown.

'Twas the day before the latest coronavirus lockdown in England. So what to do? Head for the coast and a beach while we can.

As we had to visit the church in St. Stephen in Brannel we then continued onward to the Newquay area on Cornwall's north coast. There was traffic everywhere, the road was jam packed. Other people must have had a similar idea.

I turned down a narrow road and ended up near Porth Beach.

It was a sunny, but cold day. After parking the car, we wandered along heading for the beach. On the way we passed a few chimneys. Have been fascinated by them recently, not sure why!

The tide was out so there was plenty of elbow room on the beach.

Not many people ...

... but somehow I slipped into a distant time with ladies of the day paddling in the chilly water.

The year was 1876 and the first passenger arrived at the new Railway Station in Newquay. The chairman of the railway predicted that Newquay, "would soon become the best watering place in the country".

Returning to today, Porth beach and the water looked quite tempting but way too cold for me.

At the back of the beach the road leads to Watergate Bay, often the choice for surfers.

Just to clarify Porth Beach and Watergate Bay are just two of Newquay's many beaches - this is why the town is such an attraction.

On the return walk to our car - more chimneys!

Pleasant views across the coast.

The final photo gives an idea of the length of the inlet and beach at Porth.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Wherever you are, take care.

Posts will continue during the coronavirus lockdown.