Attractive Beaches, views and walks near Goran Haven

We wandered around the Goran Haven area which lies on the Cornwall's section of the South West Coast Path - and stretches over 300 miles.

The path in the Goran Haven area has lovely views plus a few wild flowers to enjoy.

The next photo shows the Goran Haven car park, as seen from the coast path. This is where we parked. It cost us, and everyone else, £5 for the privilege - enough said! 

We also looked down on Goran Haven beach, which has an old stone harbour wall from the days of pilchard fishing in the 19th century.

In the photo below the harbour wall can be seen along with people enjoying the sea and the sunshine.

We found somewhere suitable on the wall to sit and enjoy our packed lunch - along with a cup of tea, of course.

A view from the beach looking out to sea.

On the opposite side of the cove, from the harbour wall, local houses can be seen. You can probably also make out the church tower.

Another view of the houses, some with lovely sea views.

A final view from the stone harbour wall. We are off walking again.

The next beach, just along from Goran Haven, is Little Perhaver, as below.

The snag about Little Perhaver is that there are lots of steps down to reach the sand - thus not many people on the beach.

This house on the cliffs at Little Perhaver has an uninterrupted sea view. No doubt a bit breezy, though, in the winter months.

Oh, and further along from Little Perhaver Beach is Great Perhaver Beach. I didn't take any photos but you can see four photos on my post: The Attractive Perhaver Beach Near Gorran Haven.

Now into Gorran Haven village and a look at the the old Customs House. The sign above the door is a Geological Society of Cornwall plaque stating that Charles W. Peach, the renowned Naturalist and fossil collector, lived here from 1834 to 1845.

It is said that Peach was visited here by Charles Darwin and Alfred Lord Tennyson and they would have boat trips along the coast to Mevagissey.

A final view of the sea. I should have also mentioned Vault Beach, often known as Bow Beach which is just west of Goran Haven - see my blog post: The Lesser Known Vault Beach.  

That's all for now, thanks for visiting my blog - all good wishes ~ Mike.

A Visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

Was nearby, so looked in at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. All seemed pretty much at usual. The next couple of photos are from the Sundial Garden.

I always like old brickwork, somehow it reminds me of childhood - yes, I have a good memory!

I've left the flowers behind but I always like to see the animals at Heligan. The sheep were indoors as it was haircut time, they seemed happy enough.

The goats are Golden Guernseys.

Flowers growing wild, always something special about seeing poppies, even if there is only one in the photo.

A mixture of plants.

I came across this old tree. At first I thought it looked as if a horse was looking out at the world, but then I thought there were a couple of small white owls peeking out - just a touch of pareidolia I presume.

A group of tall Echiums, often seen in Cornwall. They will look lovely when in flower. I believe they originally came from the Canary Islands.

And, just in case you need a helping hand there's one at Heligan.

This  art work 'In Nature’s Hands' is by Jasmine Fassenfelt and Rebecca Knight.  The work was put in place on the 12th June 2021, to coincide with the G7 Summit, which took place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall.

Of course I have just touched on a small part of the Lost Gardens of Heligan. There are over 200 acres to explore if you have the energy to do so. Following are a few of the flower gardens with an abundance of flowers. 

There are usually lots of dahlia, but it's a little early for them at the moment. Just the one lonely flower.

The dahlia below is from my own garden, the fist one to bloom - as yet - lots of buds though.

Back to Heligan a cosmos on its own.

There are also fruit and vegetables at Heligan, the photo is part of an archway of apples.

Nearly forgot the next photo, large poppies.

Finally a photo I created on my computer. Hope you have a happy week ahead and thanks for visiting by blog ~ Mike.

Charlestown Harbour and Copper Ore From 200 Years Ago

Okay, I know I have published several posts on Charlestown but, for this one, I've dug out some different photos - with the help of Sammy Seagull. We lingered on the back harbour wall for quite a while discussing life in general.

There were a few hardy souls on the beach in the background.

Just below us, built into the harbour wall, is a memorial which most visitors miss. 

It states: In memory of Thomas Penhall for 45 years the conscientious and devoted servant of the proprietors of Charlestown who died 24th April 1867

Looks like someone has been about with pots of paint to brighten up some of the old, unused machinery on the harbourside. The example below previously had arms to lift small boats in or out of the harbour.

I remember when I first moved to the area two men, I met through my work, persuaded me to go mackerel fishing with them. They lowered their small boat into the water and out we went into what I considered to be a very choppy sea.

After a while I felt quite seasick - and was, much to my embarrassment. We didn't catch any fish! Strange in a way as I love the sea. Nowadays though, I no longer eat fish or meat.

The remnants of a wagon and lines have recently been plonked near to the harbour as an exhibit. I guess there will be more to follow.

Now, the next photo may not seem too special but the cobbles that make up the yard are over 200 years old and were there for a reason - local Cornish copper.

'Bal maidens' and children would crush and sort the ore. Once cleaned the ore would be taken to this 'ore floor' by horse and cart where it would be divided into 100 ton piles to be sampled by an assayer. He would determine the copper content.

Smelting companies were then able to bid for the ore. Successful bidders would charter ships to call at Charlestown to load the ore. This would then be transported to smelters in South Wales, where they had plenty of coal. At the time it took four tons of coal to smelt one ton of copper ore.

Bal Maidens working on the ore

Moving on, a row of cottages which look out over the harbour.

The Pier House Hotel has extended its outside seating. Very pleasant on a sunshine day.

Next a small stall selling locally sourced scallop shells.

This is one of the two small stony beaches at Charlestown.

We started to make our way back to our car. I liked the old gatepost below, bet it could tell some tales.

A few wild flowers.

And finally the path heading towards Carlyon Bay where we had parked our car.

On the way home I wondered whose legs I had seen sitting quietly watching a house being built.

Thanks for visiting my blog enjoy the week ahead.