The South West Coastal Path Chronicles

Monday, 27 August 2018

Bosigran to Cape Cornwall

Date: 27th August 2018

Distance: 9.42 miles
Time: 4:17'36.2
Ascent: 1407 feet

Total SWCP so far: 260.88 miles

Route

Progress

Profile

Martin and Marina's Bit

An easier day with kinder temperatures, we started at Bosigran once again, this time heading west. A better view of the cliffs Martin has climbed was afforded at the start as well as of the famous Commando Ridge.

This was mining country, long ago and we passed numerous remnants of that era. One of the former mines is now open to the public and we read some fascinating details of the operation of the mines on signs. Mining was and still is a tough occupation. But arsenic mining with only cotton plugs up your nose and a handkerchief tied around your mouth for protection? No thanks.

We saw two delightful donkeys in a field and Martin, somewhat predictably, couldn't help but ask if one or both of them was called "Oatey". Over and over again until he'd forced a reluctant chuckle from Marina! OK, it was more of a snort than a chuckle.

Derek and Lesley's Bit

Bosigran to cot valley just past cape Cornwall. Cape Cornwall was thought to be the most westerly point in England.
A bygone era. Lots of tin mining history with plenty of mines to visit including a working beam engine at Lavant mine.
Great views all day with loads of disused mine chimneys & workings.
A secluded medow with two friendly Donkeys & more wonderful coves & sandy beaches.
The day finished off with a late pub lunch in St Just.
Finishing the day off with an evening trip to the Minack theatre to see a show.

Photographs

Derek and Lesley's Photographs

Saturday, 25 August 2018

Bosigran to St Ives

Date: 25th August 2018

Distance: 9.69 miles
Time: 5:07'52.6
Ascent: 1686 feet

Total SWCP so far: 251.46 miles

Route

Progress

Profile

Note: GPS tracker was accidentally paused for a while, hence gap in profile!

Martin and Marina's Bit

And.....we're back in Cornwall!

This was a much anticipated trip, with the prospect of "turning the corner" at Lands End ahead of us; a most symbolic of milestones. We started by walking in reverse. No, not walking backwards. But walking West to East, from Bosigran to St Ives, rather than in the other direction. We had to cope with the strange sensation caused by having the sea on our left rather than the right, but it did mean we ended in St Ives where there would be lots of places to eat and drink.

Bosigran is a special place for Martin. It's one of his favourite rock climbing venues, having climbed there twice, on the main, 250 foot high cliff and having completed a traversal of Commando Ridge, named in honour of the world war II commandos who trained there.

This was a hot day that didn't feel hot. There was a cool, perhaps even chilly wind that produced the illusion that it was not a particularly hot day. But it was *hot*. We sweated and sweated, only to have it evaporate unnoticed. Marina started to feel sick, then very sick and for a while did not look well at all. The team banded together though, looked after her, encouraged her to drink more and after a couple of Derek's glucose tablets, got her to St Ives where a sit down and a fizzy, sugary drink perked her up and got her back to her old self.

Job done.

Derek and Lesley's Bit

Early start five hour drive to Cornwall to start another week of walking the coast path. Walking from Bosigran cliff to St Ives.
The sun blazed down. Hot hot hot!

The going was tough due to the heat & the terrain, huge boulders to climb through round & over but well worth effort as we were well rewarded with great views. St Ives in view for the last couple of miles.