Geoff Jones

Charlestown to Looe on The South West Coast Path

Another epic day with around 24 miles covered at a very respectable speed of 2.7mph, given the over 5,000 feet climbed on the roller coaster section after Fowey,

It was a another cloudy day with odd spells of sunshine later in the day but no wind. The path was very busy in places, well near car parks & villages, perhaps the National Trust should consider dualling them 🙂 The ferry at Fowey was a bargain, £1.60 to Polruan in 8 minutes.

The scenery is, as always, stunning if you omit the disaster zone called Par, disused factories, paths full of dog poo and a general air of neglect made it the sore thumb in Cornwalls lovely coastline. The highlight was Polperro which is my favourite place in Cornwall so far, mainly because it was car free and the harbour is been looked after by local people for local people. Another beautiful spot was the Menabilly beach house made famous by Daphne du Maurier. So a walk of contrasts today!

Tonight I’m at the Schooner Point which can claim to have the most powerful shower so far encountered by me on this trip and a reasonable WiFi too.

Todays pics are here stats as always here and the route walked below:
South West Coast Path – Charlestown to Looe at EveryTrail

South West Coast Path index to my blog posts

An index of all my blog posts for each stage of The South West Coast Path can be found here

Time out at The Eden Project

Today I took yet another day off from walking The South West Coast Path this time not for bad weather but to visit The Eden Project, a place I’ve been wanting to visit since it’s opening in 2001.

I used public transport on the way there so I could enter for £12.50 🙂 However, there is only an hourly bus service from St Austell so prepare for a wait.

My first impression on entering the site was how small the domes were, a deception because once inside they are truly vast! I guess the site itself is quite big and the domes are below the general ground level, being built in an old kaolinite pit.

It’s very impressive but a lot quieter than the real jungle, perhaps a view jungly noises could be added. Or have a few parrots & monkeys hidden away.

I enjoyed the visit, and such a change from National Trust places with all their dire warning signs telling you everything you can’t do. To me it was all summarised by the clock which had on the dial “time to enjoy” Also the information panels are quirky with delightful inscriptions such as “Lavender.. and another thing…”

It would make a great day out with the grand kids it’s a pity it’s such a long way from Cambridge. Maybe we can get one built in the old quarry at Barrington or the lime pits at Cherry Hinton. I know, pigs might fly as well.

I decided to walk the 3 or so miles back to Charlestown, it only took 1 hour, the same as waiting for the bus and quite a pleasurable walk too especially seeing this remarkable wood carving of Neptune Sea God carved by Peter Martin in 2011 on the stump of a felled tree.

Allthe days pictures are here.

The day on Everytrail is below:
Visit to The eden Project from Charlestown at EveryTrail

South West Coast Path – Portloe to Charlestown

An excellent day’s walking of 20 miles and ascended height of just under 6000 feet 🙂 with an overall average speed of 2.2mph (including stops).

A cloudy day with some mist the sun came to join me at lunch time but rapidly disappeared again to be replaced by a heavy shower at the end. But overall good walking weather.

The route took in many pretty & isolated sandy coves with the major tourist centre of Megavissey where I had my pasty and some rather yummy ginger & dark chocolate ice cream 🙂 Oh how I love walking so that I can eat what I like!

Amazing selection of wildlife today including a pair of badger cubs who were totally unafraid of me and a game bird that I almost trod on before it squawked off. I then went past the old home of A.L.Rowse with great wood carvings in the gardens, a totally idyllic setting.

I’m stopping at the Old Cooperage tonight in Charlestown pleasant enough but no WiFi so in The Rashleigh Arms enjoying the fish & chips with free WiFi.

Tomorrow is going to be a day off to visit The Eden Project.

The stats are here and photos here with Everytrail below:

South West Coast path – Portloe to Charlestown at EveryTrail