First day back for our last week on the path. This day has everything that sums up the South West Coast Path that I have done so far, for me. If you were to do only one day on the on the path - or if you wanted to see if it was for you before committing to larger excursions on it, then I would strongly advise doing this day. Despite the mileage that seems maybe on the low side, it is a good full day with plenty to see, and will test your fitness for some of it.
Starting in Gorran Haven with a nice beach that is sheltered from the wind and a pretty little village. Harry immediately finds some friends...
You are broken in gently with some great views (the sea is very calm today and there is no wind)
The sun is doing it’s best to break through after a rainy morning.
It is very muddy underfoot - there has been a lot of weather over the weekend, including storm Brian.
There are immediate rewards
Including the first beach at Bodrugan’s Leap
And then Portmellon
We come into Mevagissey, which is a working harbour - it also has a lighthouse.
As well as a big tourist attraction. Like St Ives, this place has been very popular with artists over the years. It is busy today during half-term holidays
And we meet some new surprise companions! Who come on part of our walk today. Great to see Joyce, Jamie and Barney (the dog) 😀
Up out of Mevagissey and we can see the shape of things to come
This is Pentewan Sands - a massive caravan park. The beach is private and we aren’t allowed on it with dogs until November. Pentewan is a nice little village where we will spend the night.
From here things get a little more tasty. The gradients increase and the path throws some serious ups and downs at you.
With spectacular effect...
It feels like we are back in North Cornwall / Devon here with some plunging descents and steep ascents
And great rewards along the way
Leg-busters
This is called Black Head and the location of another Iron Age fort. The actual head is roped off today so we can’t get right out.
Someone is loving it...
And then we reach Porthpean Beach and one more climb up some steep stairs
To get to Charlestown which is a fantastic destination - steeped in history, with lots of pubs and restaurants and it even has an old tin mine to compete our Cornish bucket list. It is pretty much dark when we get here so not so many pics.
We journey back to Pentewan for our accomodation tired but very happy and ready for a good feed.
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