For this section of the Coast Path we were based in two YHA hostels. We returned to the hostel at Penzance for a two night stay and then moved on to the excellent self-catering hostel at Lizard Point.
We made a last minute booking at Penzance so that we could take advantage of a reasonable weather forecast: starting this part of our walk on Saturday 09 November, driving down to Penzance in time to start our walk at about 1 pm.
Penzance (Alexandra Road) to Marazion
Saturday 09 November 2013
This was an easy more or less level walk, following the Esplanade from the seaward end of Alexandra Road.
The iconic St Michael's Mount just off of Marazion in Mounts Bay is always within sight on this section.
The day was dull - but, at least - to start with, anyway - it was dry. We followed the path round to Marazion and when we reached there we discovered that the road in the centre of the village was closed. We carried on, nevertheless, to the cemetery bus stop, where we had planned to catch the bus back to Penzance.
Near the bus stop, though, a 'local' suggested to us that the bus would not be going that way because of the road closure and that we should retrace our steps to the other (western) side of Marazion to catch the bus. So, as it began spotting with rain, we headed back through the village; the rain getting heavier all the while. Not very pleasant!
When we finally reached the bus stop there was already a group of a dozen or so people overflowing from the small shelter - so we had to wait out in the cold and wet. Not such a good start for our week's walk!
We had yet another wet walk - a very wet walk - from the bus station along the Esplanade and back to the car for the short drive to Penzance YHA, where - at last - we were able dry out. We were very grateful that we were given a four bed room instead of the two bed room that we had booked. Neither of us had to do that undignified climb onto the top bunk!
 |
| Penzance YHA |
SWCP distance (to Marazion cemetery) approximately 5 miles with a total walked of about 7 miles. Cumulative distance from Minehead: approximately 277 miles.
Marazion to Praa Sands
Sunday 10 November 2013
 |
| St Michael's Mount |
Easy walking to begin with, becoming strenuous later.
 |
| Praa Sands |
We caught the First service 2 bus from opposite the shop at Trewartha Road for the journey back from Praa Sands to Marazion.
The South West Coast Path distance for the day's walk was approximately 5 miles and a total walking distance of just under 7 miles. The additional distance was because we wandered around Praa Sands somewhat aimlessly! The cumulative distance on the Coast Path from Minehead to Praa Sands is about 282 miles.
Praa Sands to Porthleven
Monday 11 November 2013
'Move day' - from Penzance YHA to The Lizard YHA for the remainder of this section of the Coast Path. Once again we made our own breakfast before leaving the hostel at about 09:45, in time to stop at the Morrison's Supermarket for some basic supplies on the way to Porthleven.
Arrived in Porthleven with ample time to catch the bus from there to Praa Sands, so we spent a few minutes at The Brew House for an excellent coffee. The First number 2 bus was on time and we left at 11:39, arriving at Praa to start waling about midday.
It was a grey and misty day with very little in the way of views to be seen. Fortunately, though, the rain held off, so, at least, we kept dry.
The engine houses and mine workings near Rinsey loomed out of the mists like great giants. The mist brought a unique atmosphere to this stretch, which, we felt sure, would have provided spectacular views, had the visibility been good.
 |
| On the way to Porthleven |
 |
| Porthleven |
Reaching Porthleven, with its harbour and cluster of houses and shops, we drove on to The Lizard YHA in the mist and as darkness fell. We enjoyed a warm welcome from the voluntary warden and made ourselves at home in our spacious room with a huge en-suite wet room. A perfect place to stay for our exploration of the Coast Path around The Lizard.
The South West Coast Path distance was approximately 4.5 miles and the total walk distance just under 6 miles. The cumulative distance from Minehead to Porthleven is 288 miles.
The South West Coast Path distance was approximately 4.5 miles and the total walk distance just under 6 miles. The cumulative distance from Minehead to Porthleven is 288 miles.
Porthleven to Mullion Cove
Tuesday 12 November 2013
It was a glorious, sunny, winter's day with high clouds and sunny spells: an enormous contrast to Monday's weather!
We left the hostel by car at about 08:40 and headed for Helston, where we parked in the free Lakeside car park on the Porthleven Road and caught the First service 2 bus to Porthleven for the beginning of the seven miles or so to Mullion Cove.
Along the way we also passed by Gunwalloe Fishing Cove, Church Cove (the church was closed for repairs), Poldu Cove with its Marconi Museum and cliff-top monument.
A local man on his way to do some sea fishing said that he hoped to land a catch of sea bass.
We extended our walk to Mullion Cove before cutting inland to the Mullion Cricket Club to catch the First number 37 bus back to Helston. This turned out to be the school bus which started from the school in Mullion. Schoolchildren kindly gave up their seats for us as we boarded the bus. One by one the children got off of the bus as it made its circuitous way to Helston: all the way down the lanes to Gunwalloe; returning the same way.
When we reached Helston we bought some basic provisions from a High Street store and from the Lidl supermarket before returning to The Lizard YHA.
Flora and Fauna spotted: Kestrels, cormorants and mushrooms of different types.
Tuesday 12 November 2013
It was a glorious, sunny, winter's day with high clouds and sunny spells: an enormous contrast to Monday's weather!
We left the hostel by car at about 08:40 and headed for Helston, where we parked in the free Lakeside car park on the Porthleven Road and caught the First service 2 bus to Porthleven for the beginning of the seven miles or so to Mullion Cove.
 |
| Porthleven |
The route took us across Loe Bar with its single beach between The Loe and Carminowe Creek on the landward side and sea.
 |
| The Loe Bar |
 | |
|
 | |
|
 |
| Marconi Monument: Poldu |
 |
| Polurrian Cove, Mullion |
We extended our walk to Mullion Cove before cutting inland to the Mullion Cricket Club to catch the First number 37 bus back to Helston. This turned out to be the school bus which started from the school in Mullion. Schoolchildren kindly gave up their seats for us as we boarded the bus. One by one the children got off of the bus as it made its circuitous way to Helston: all the way down the lanes to Gunwalloe; returning the same way.
When we reached Helston we bought some basic provisions from a High Street store and from the Lidl supermarket before returning to The Lizard YHA.
Flora and Fauna spotted: Kestrels, cormorants and mushrooms of different types.
The South West Coast Path distance for the day's walk was approximately 7.5 miles and the total walk distance about 9 miles. The cumulative distance from Minehead to Mullion Cove is about 294 miles.
Mullion Cove to Lizard Point
Wednesday 13 November 2013
Another good day: a few light clouds with bright sunny intervals.
 |
| Lizard YHA |
We left the hostel early - in time to catch the 08:47 First service 37 bus to Mullion. From the top deck of the bus we enjoyed watching the scenery pass by, at the same time having local points of interest drawn to our attention by a local gentleman.
 |
| Lizard Point from Kynance Cliff |
 |
| Kynance Cliff |
Arriving at Mullion Cricket Club, we alighted from the bus and retraced our steps to Mullion Cove and resumed our South West Coast Path walk from there, passing Mullion Head (National Trust), the delightful Kynance Cove; rounding Lizard Point before returning to Lizard YHA. Along the way we found vast numbers of fungi!
The South West Coast Path distance for the day's walk was approximately 7.5 miles and the total walk distance about 9 miles. The cumulative distance from Minehead to The Lizard YHA is about 301 miles.
Thursday 14 November 2013
The path from Lizard YHA to Cadgwith is described as 'moderate, strenuous in places', promising a 'not very difficult' day's walk. This was helped by generally good weather: somewhat windy and just a couple of fairly heavy showers.
The path took us past Housel Bay with its hotel looking out to sea, by Bass Point and Church Cove - and on to Cadgwith. Shortly before reaching Cadgwith is the impressive collapsed cave called the Devil's Frying Pan.
 |
| The Devil's Frying Pan, Cadgwith |
Being lunch time by the time we reached Cadgwith, we called at The Cadgwith Cove Inn for an excellent seafood chowder, before carrying on a short distance to eat our packed lunches overlooking the village.
 |
| The Cadgwith Cove |
 |
| Cadgwith |
After our lunch break we continued to Thorny Cliff, near Kuggar. then heading back to Ruan Minor to catch the bus to The Lizard.
 |
| Footbridge at Poltesco. |
The South West Coast Path distance for the day's walk was approximately 5.3 miles and the total walk distance about 8 miles. The cumulative distance from Minehead to Thorny Cliff is about 306 miles.
Thorny Cliff (Kuggar) to Coverack
Friday 15 November 2013
A cloudy but dry day, but muddy underfoot in places.
The South West Coast Path Association handbook describes the distance between The Lizard and Coverack as 'moderate, strenuous in places'. With that in mind, we set out by car from The Lizard YHA for the short drive to Kuggar. The plan was to walk to Coverack and to catch the bus back to Kuggar.
We took the lane from Kuggar to the beach at Carn Kennack and then headed in an easterly direction towards Black Head, passing The Bees on the way. At Black Head we found a little shelter from the strong wind beside the National Trust look-out before proceeding to Coverack via the inland diversion due to land slip at Chynhalls Cliff. This took us, to our surprise, through a Sculpture Park before descending to the village of Coverack.
We had penty of time to walk around the village before catching the 16:15 bus to Kuggar that we had intended to catch, so we headed for the Fat Mackerel Café, where Elizabeth enjoyed a healthy and delicious fish stew and Vaughan an unhealthy and also delicious chocolate fudge cake. All very good and thoroughly recommended.
On our way to the bus stop we met a couple who we had met the prevous day on the Coast Path. They offered us a lift to Kuggar, which we gratefully accepted, as the lift saved us a good hour and a half on the bus.
The South West Coast Path distance from Thorny Cliff to Coverack car park was just short of 6 miles with a total walk of 7.3 miles.
During the seven days walking of the South West Coast Path we covered a distance of approximately 40 miles on the path, with the total distance walked being approximately 53 miles.
During the seven days walking of the South West Coast Path we covered a distance of approximately 40 miles on the path, with the total distance walked being approximately 53 miles.
Only just got around to reading the November blog entries, but a great read as always! And some wonderful views and photos despite the challenges of the weather. I think my favourite was "Evening light" from 17th October - very atmospheric. Looking forward to the next one.... Best regards to you both
ReplyDelete