SWCP: Mevagissey
Fifteen SAR members took part in our fifth section of the South West Coast path. Our base was the comfortable YHA at Boswinger.
Many had a long drive down to Cornwall on the Friday, but were revived by a pleasant meal at The Fish Inn, a local pub in Pentewan Bay.
Saturday turned out to be a lovely day, sunny, not too hot with a gentle coastal breeze, perfect for walking.
Our 13-mile route commenced from the hostel. Within minutes, we were on the coast walking beside beautiful Hemmick beach, just west of Dodman point. The coastal path began, as it was to continue, fairly challenging, with many ups and downs.
The views of the turquoise sea and rocky coves were magnificent. Coastal wild flowers were abundant and included wild orchid, red campion, primulas, buttercups and speedwell.
Many had a long drive down to Cornwall on the Friday, but were revived by a pleasant meal at The Fish Inn, a local pub in Pentewan Bay.
Saturday turned out to be a lovely day, sunny, not too hot with a gentle coastal breeze, perfect for walking.
Our 13-mile route commenced from the hostel. Within minutes, we were on the coast walking beside beautiful Hemmick beach, just west of Dodman point. The coastal path began, as it was to continue, fairly challenging, with many ups and downs.
The views of the turquoise sea and rocky coves were magnificent. Coastal wild flowers were abundant and included wild orchid, red campion, primulas, buttercups and speedwell.
Rounding a headland, we were treated to a view of Caerhays Castle, gardens and estate, with cattle peacefully grazing around the lake in the grounds.
Turning inland, we lost our way for a while as the path was not obvious, but Ray soon managed to put us back on track. Here the countryside was variable, with freshly ploughed farmland and woodland areas, with many bluebells and wild garlic, with its wonderful aroma.
During our coffee stop by a pond, we had the bonus of being entertained by a family of Canada geese with seven ducklings. Their parents were clearly keen to show off their offspring.
Turning inland, we lost our way for a while as the path was not obvious, but Ray soon managed to put us back on track. Here the countryside was variable, with freshly ploughed farmland and woodland areas, with many bluebells and wild garlic, with its wonderful aroma.
During our coffee stop by a pond, we had the bonus of being entertained by a family of Canada geese with seven ducklings. Their parents were clearly keen to show off their offspring.
We passed the beautiful church in the small village of Gorran Churchtown, before heading onto a flatter stretch to enjoy lunch high on the headland, looking down on Mevaggissey, an active, historic fishing village.
Proceeding along to Portmellon, some of us enjoyed an ice cream at the beach cafe before climbing steeply up to Chapel Point. We walked along a gorse-laden path behind deserted Great Perhaver beach, which must surely rate as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Some tough ups and downs followed, as we made our way through Gorran Haven back to Dodman Point, and then to Hemmick Bay where we had started.
We were all tired by this time and more than ready for tea and homemade cake provided by SAR angel Glenis. (She brought everyone tea in bed in our dorm every morning too!)
A quick freshen up and we all helped prepare vegetable pasta for dinner. Ray provided the entertainment with one of his famous film quizzes. The questions don't get any easier!
A thoroughly enjoyable and (it has be said) challenging first day!
Sunday started with overcast skies as we left our cars at a small village called Veryan after a rather longer than planned scenic drive, courtesy of Ray's GPS! We set out over farmland with an immediate steep rise that seemed more tasking than the previous day! After some advice from a helpful farmer's wife we eventually reached the coast and settled for a morning break on a sheltered spot overlooking Shag Rock. Following the coast from there along some scenic cliffs, we reached the picturesque coastal village of Portloe just as the rain started to pour!
Proceeding along to Portmellon, some of us enjoyed an ice cream at the beach cafe before climbing steeply up to Chapel Point. We walked along a gorse-laden path behind deserted Great Perhaver beach, which must surely rate as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Some tough ups and downs followed, as we made our way through Gorran Haven back to Dodman Point, and then to Hemmick Bay where we had started.
We were all tired by this time and more than ready for tea and homemade cake provided by SAR angel Glenis. (She brought everyone tea in bed in our dorm every morning too!)
A quick freshen up and we all helped prepare vegetable pasta for dinner. Ray provided the entertainment with one of his famous film quizzes. The questions don't get any easier!
A thoroughly enjoyable and (it has be said) challenging first day!
Sunday started with overcast skies as we left our cars at a small village called Veryan after a rather longer than planned scenic drive, courtesy of Ray's GPS! We set out over farmland with an immediate steep rise that seemed more tasking than the previous day! After some advice from a helpful farmer's wife we eventually reached the coast and settled for a morning break on a sheltered spot overlooking Shag Rock. Following the coast from there along some scenic cliffs, we reached the picturesque coastal village of Portloe just as the rain started to pour!
Temptation was too great and there was a unanimous decision to have coffee at the hotel, overlooking the small harbour. Very comfortable and smart, so quite an enjoyable stop (although not amenable to dirty boots and sandwiches!).
We set off to find a sheltered spot for lunch, just as the rain came on again; we were destined to have soggy sandwiches! The afternoon walk continued to be scenic with beautiful views along some impressive long stretches of beach (Carne and Pendower). The return to Veryan followed a lovely woodland valley, abundant with spring flowers in full bloom. The wild garlic and bluebells were particularly impressive, perhaps more prolific than usual due to the late spring.
Arriving at Melinsey Water Mill it was getting fairly late so afternoon cream tea had to be bypassed. We arrived back at the Youth Hostel at 6:15 in time for tea with Glenis's lovely cakes (what would we do without her?). Total distance was around 17km, a good day's walk despite the occasional shower.
A dinner of almond chicken with rice followed by early bed was the order of the day for the exhausted group.
I'm sure we speak for everyone in concluding that we all thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, including the great food. Sincere thanks to Pat and Ray for all their hard work in organising the weekend; hopefully not the last to the SW region!
Monday was very bright, sunny and therefore pleasantly warm. The majority of the group members took the opportunity of visiting either the Lost Gardens of Heligan or the Eden Project, whilst in the area. Several even had a pleasant break, with river boat trip and lunch, in Fowey before making the return journey home. Diane and Alison
We set off to find a sheltered spot for lunch, just as the rain came on again; we were destined to have soggy sandwiches! The afternoon walk continued to be scenic with beautiful views along some impressive long stretches of beach (Carne and Pendower). The return to Veryan followed a lovely woodland valley, abundant with spring flowers in full bloom. The wild garlic and bluebells were particularly impressive, perhaps more prolific than usual due to the late spring.
Arriving at Melinsey Water Mill it was getting fairly late so afternoon cream tea had to be bypassed. We arrived back at the Youth Hostel at 6:15 in time for tea with Glenis's lovely cakes (what would we do without her?). Total distance was around 17km, a good day's walk despite the occasional shower.
A dinner of almond chicken with rice followed by early bed was the order of the day for the exhausted group.
I'm sure we speak for everyone in concluding that we all thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, including the great food. Sincere thanks to Pat and Ray for all their hard work in organising the weekend; hopefully not the last to the SW region!
Monday was very bright, sunny and therefore pleasantly warm. The majority of the group members took the opportunity of visiting either the Lost Gardens of Heligan or the Eden Project, whilst in the area. Several even had a pleasant break, with river boat trip and lunch, in Fowey before making the return journey home. Diane and Alison