Bude Cornwall 18 Photos

We had an opportunity to stay in Bude on Cornwall's north coast - so we did!

I quite like the area as it has lots of sand. So much so they built a canal to transport the sand - way back in 1825.

The sand, seemingly, is full of minerals and was used by farmers to condition and enhance the soil.

As the sign above states rails were built to transport the sand to the canal. A few of the rails remain today.

The canal is now used for pleasure pursuits.

You never know what you might see on, or in, the canal...

Some of the the canal's machinery is still 0n view.

Below is what would have once been the Bude end of the canal.

Looking across the damp sand, Chapel Rock can just seen. 

A better view of Chapel Rock, which is linked to a breakwater to protect the shoreline. 

Lots more sand below, looking inland from the sea.

A view of the canal wall with houses in the far  background.

Towards the end of the canal there is lovely pink cottage.

If you walk to the back of the cottage there are some pleasant flowers. 

Keep on walking and there is a coastal path leading to the top of the cliffs, with far reaching views.

At the top of the cliffs is Compass Point, a former coastguard lookout built in 1840 and  moved to it's current position in 1880. 

In the far, far distance can be seen some of the (UK) Government Communications Headquarters. I zoomed in with my camera.

There is a much easier way to communicate though, use a Chatty Bench, like the one below. As the sign on the bench says: Sit here if you don't mind people sitting to have a chat.

What a good idea, we saw several of these benches on our walks. There are so many lonely people. Reminded me of the old Carole King song.

There are so many lonely people in the world
So many lonely people who must cry
Just like you and me
They love so carelessly
And let their dreams just pass them by.

On that note I'll finish today's post. There will be more of the Bude area on my next post.

Thanks for visiting my blog ~ Mike.

Mawgan Porth Beach

This is Mawgan Porth beach. A while back the Times Newspaper included the beach in it's Top 10 Holiday Beaches. They wrote: There are better known and busier beaches in Cornwall, but few can match the raw beauty of Mawgan Porth, on the north coast near Newquay.  Shielded on both sides by cliffs, it has acres of soft white sand, rock pools, caves and magical sunsets.

The first five of today's photos were snapped as the tide was going out on a lovely sunny, early morning - so not very many people on the beach - perfect!

The tide goes out a long way, as can be seen by the photo above, but it leaves behind soft squelchy sand with a few clear water pools - oh, and beautiful clean air - breathe deeply - ahhhh!

When the tide is out it's possible to explore caves in the cliffs, which are normally hidden by the sea.

The following three photos were again snapped in the morning, but the sky wasn't so blue and the sea perhaps not so inviting. This is the Atlantic coast so the waves are suitable for surfing.

A small river joins the beach ...

... while the waves start to build.

Mawgan Porth is situated between Newquay and Padstow on Cornwall's north coast.

Thanks for visiting my blog, sorry it's only a quick post today. All good wishes ~ Mike.

A Flavour of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

We hadn't been for a while, so thought a visit to Cornwall's Lost Gardens of Heligan was due. 

As we walked I snapped a few photos to give a flavour of the gardens. Apples are beginning to show above and below vegetables are growing (or will grow) under glass.

An abundance of flowers in the next few photos.

A couple of water lilies ...

... and back to other flowers.

Moving into the Sundial Garden with its original red brick walls.

Heligan isn't just flowers the various gardens stretch over 200 acres so there is plenty of open space

Moving on to the Lost Valley and the Jungle. The leaves get a lot bigger!

 We sat in the cool for a while by a pond.

A robin came to say hello by the water. Some say the birds can be messengers from beyond the grave. A bit fanciful, no doubt, but it would have been my mother's birthday - and she loved robins.

More large leaves as we make our way towards the exit homeward bound.

That's all for The Lost Gardens of Heligan for today: sometimes described as 200 acres of garden history, mystery and, perhaps, romance.

I'll finish off today's post with a few flowers from my own garden.

Thanks for visiting my blog. All good wishes ~ Mike.