The route down to the car park is 'interesting', from Mead there is a steep (20%) narrow road down and then a turning along a track that was a little bumpy! This should have given us an idea of what we were going to face on our bimble along the coast path!!
The weather was gorgeous, a sunny day with a few wisps of cloud and not too hot at all, there was a nice gentle breeze blowing of the sea, perfect walking weather!!
After parking up and kitting up we set off, straight into a climb with some big steps, this certainly got the heart pumping!
A short walk and we were descending again, narrow zig zag paths down the steep hillside, at the bottom we crossed a wooden bridge over Marsland water and we were back in Cornwall, (little cheer, the adventure begins now!!)
We were disappointed to see no border guards on duty, no one to stop those pesky people from England invading!!
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| Obligatory pose by Kernow sign. |
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| Looking across Marsland Water into Devon |
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| Some amazing rock formations |
I thought we were supposed to be hiking, not doing impressions of mountain goats!
After mentioning this to Jen she later told me she later told me she then had this song stuck in her head all day....
One section of path has been redone due to cliff erosion and is a wee bit overgrown , one quickly discovered there were one or two stinging nettles and the hills were alive with the sound of expletives!! Which Muppet decided shorts were a good idea!!
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| Cornakey cliffs |
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| Amazing views (even for Devon!) |
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| We are watching and listening! GCHQ Bude on the horizon |
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| A very sketchy path, spot the walkers! |
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| Yeol Mouth |
We cut inland and followed the footpath beside The Tidna which then led us into Tonacombe woods.
Real picturesque woodland, very relaxing with The Tidna flowing through, the only sound being the gentle splash of the water (gosh I need the loo now....)
We followed the path, out of the woods and across a field, walking through a gateway to find ourselves in the garden of the Bush Inn pub - Result!!
Pint of cider for me please....
The Bush Inn is a proper quaint village pub, low beams, small rooms and welcoming owners!
It was tempting to go for the full on roast dinner but luckily sense prevailed and we settled on a baguette each with a side of sweet potato fries. The food was delicious and plenty of it (we felt it after when we started walking again!)
We decided to head back to the start point inland rather than just retracing our route out and attempted to pick up the footpath next to the vicarage & church, after wandering into some poor couples garden and disturbing their peaceful Sunday afternoon they kindly pointed us in the right direction. I have a feeling this wasn't the first time they have had this happen!
After a short climb through some woodland (now I am regretting those sweet potato fries, a steep climb and a full belly, not good. I wonder if Jen will fetch the car for me?)
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| Morwenstow church |
We wandered past Westcott farm and had a little detour (we missed the sign to the path and had a little wander down the field before we realised!)
We started to follow the road to Cornakey farm, before deciding we would stick to roads for a while to give our legs a rest!
We then dropped into Marsland Valley woods, another extremely scenic and peaceful woodland, the paths were still a bit tough though in places. Very uneven with rocks and stones hidden by fallen leaves (please don't let me break an ankle here!)
At the bottom of the valley we found Marsland water and crossed the bridge back into Devon
The climb out of Marsland Valley was really tough, a long steep climb along a rock strewn footpath, definitely 'challenging'!!
We then followed the road back through Mead and to our car, being rewarded with some final awesome views.
Stats for Part 1:
14.5 KM Walked 3 Hr 17 Min. moving time, 657 M climbed, 1475 calories burnt.
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| Profile of today's walk |
A great start to our adventure and challenge of walking the Cornwall Coast
Great blog but happy you got stung by them little green nettles taking the mick again about those of us who live across the border. Let's all remember where you come from Mr Reg the land of jelled eels so you too are a visitor living in gods own back garden. The walk looked fantastic it's good to see you happy. Maybe one day I will feel the need to do the coastal path but until that day I will stick to ratting pasties and drinking the good old pint of rat. But seriously if you don't make it in your current career maybe you should write a few books on guides of walking and bike riding because you sure are good at it. Keep it up fantastic blog and I enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteCheers Steve, much appreciated. Would love to travel about , write about it & get paid for the privilege, but I think I have a way to go yet!! Will keep posting pics of cider for you though!! :-)
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