Day 6 - Newquay - St Agnes
Author: Dave
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Starting with a river crossing
Well, today's start was all about timing. Within the first mile we had to cross the tidal creek of the River Gannel. There was no bridge only a board walk that was only passable and hour either side of low tide. We didn't know exactly what time low tide was but had a rough idea and got an early start from the B&B. We got to the crossing at a more or less perfect time. It was only a 3 mile or so detour if we hadn't been able to cross but one we could have done without so we were on for a good start.
We headed off through the sand dunes of Crantock Beach and over the headland to Holywell beach with some more sand dune walking which was draining on the legs. Over the next headland was Perran Beach which was practical for walking the 'Goldilocks zone' and we made good time towards Perranporth.
We headed off through the sand dunes of Crantock Beach and over the headland to Holywell beach with some more sand dune walking which was draining on the legs. Over the next headland was Perran Beach which was practical for walking the 'Goldilocks zone' and we made good time towards Perranporth.
Holywell Beach & Gull Rocks
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Clifftop path near Perranporth
_We climbed back up onto the headland as we skirted around Perranporth and the scenery changed. We were walking along high, exposed clifftop paths with stunning vistas back towards Perran sands. The area also had a slightly disused over grown industrial feel to it with the paths being of what looked almost (but not quite) natural crushed stone paths cut cleanly through the windswept gorse and heather. We also came across the odd area of scree that the path ran through. As we worked our way along the path the cliffs started to become more impressive with green and red stains running down them from the iron and copper ore in them. If you looked carefully you could see what looked like inaccessible caves half way down that had a very man made look to them, obviously from miners of many years ago. Further along we came across round mine shafts. No engine house or buildings of any kind around. Just an eight foot diameter round hole with a solid metal grill over the top to stop inquisitive middle age blokes from trying to go down and explore....just as well really.
The mining evidence began to increase as we moved further on with the old Cornish beam engine mine head buildings becoming more common.
With only a mile or so to go for the day, we dropped down into a deep valley which was the home of the Blue Hills Tin mine. This was, unfortunately, just closing as I quite fancied a look around.
I had noticed that Jason had slowed significantly in the last hour or so. I think we were close to his now famous engine light mode. He caught me up and we set off back up the other side of the steep valley. Jason was really struggling up the rough track and we were only a mile or so away from the pub we were stopping at. I had a plan.
When we had planned all our B&B's we had looked on Google street view. Driftwood Spars showed a pleasant whitewashed stone walled pub with a bench outside and a walker sitting on a bench outside having a well earned pint. My plan was to recreate this image for Jason when he got there - but I was going to need a few more minutes head start so I could get the beers in. I broke into a trot up the hill and then a gravity assisted running descent. The path actually came out next to the pub onto a quiet lane in Trevaunance Cove. I dropped my pack and legged it inside to grab a couple of pints. I stopped abruptly and looked at the bar in amazement. It seems we had managed to book accommodation in a pub with 7 real ales on hand pump and 3 ciders ! I wondered briefly if I had any Asprin left for tomorrow morning before quickly buying a couple of pints. I went back outside to sit on the bench and a few minutes later Jason came round the corner. Without a word he walked over, collapsed down on the seat, took the offered beer and necked two thirds before managing "you read my mind" and then necked the last third. Well, it was a hot day !
Not much more to say other than Driftwood Spars, although probably our most expensive stop over to date, was a damn fine place to spend an evening with good food and fine beer. Of which we made sure we had plenty of both.
The mining evidence began to increase as we moved further on with the old Cornish beam engine mine head buildings becoming more common.
With only a mile or so to go for the day, we dropped down into a deep valley which was the home of the Blue Hills Tin mine. This was, unfortunately, just closing as I quite fancied a look around.
I had noticed that Jason had slowed significantly in the last hour or so. I think we were close to his now famous engine light mode. He caught me up and we set off back up the other side of the steep valley. Jason was really struggling up the rough track and we were only a mile or so away from the pub we were stopping at. I had a plan.
When we had planned all our B&B's we had looked on Google street view. Driftwood Spars showed a pleasant whitewashed stone walled pub with a bench outside and a walker sitting on a bench outside having a well earned pint. My plan was to recreate this image for Jason when he got there - but I was going to need a few more minutes head start so I could get the beers in. I broke into a trot up the hill and then a gravity assisted running descent. The path actually came out next to the pub onto a quiet lane in Trevaunance Cove. I dropped my pack and legged it inside to grab a couple of pints. I stopped abruptly and looked at the bar in amazement. It seems we had managed to book accommodation in a pub with 7 real ales on hand pump and 3 ciders ! I wondered briefly if I had any Asprin left for tomorrow morning before quickly buying a couple of pints. I went back outside to sit on the bench and a few minutes later Jason came round the corner. Without a word he walked over, collapsed down on the seat, took the offered beer and necked two thirds before managing "you read my mind" and then necked the last third. Well, it was a hot day !
Not much more to say other than Driftwood Spars, although probably our most expensive stop over to date, was a damn fine place to spend an evening with good food and fine beer. Of which we made sure we had plenty of both.