Portwrinkle to Downderry

In the past we have walked around Whitsand Bay to Portwrinkle and also from Seaton to Downderry.  We wanted to 'join the dots' and walk from Downderry to Portwrinkle.  We had started to do this once before but realised it was a strenuous walk and we did not fancy having to do it and then walk back.  So today we checked the bus timetable and planned to get the bus from Portwrinkle to Downderry and then walk back.


As we waited for the bus the sun was shining and it was lovely sitting looking out to sea.  The bus ride took just 10 minutes and then the walk back started.  We knew there was was a steep climb to begin with because the cliffs to the east of Downderry are the highest point on the South Cornwall coast.  We had to walk up the road to start with but then took a zig zag footpath.  The path was quite good but there were hedges either side stopping us having a view to stop and admire.  Also there was a lot of ivy which was in flower and attracting wasps.  So we did not fancy stopping too long.  Once we had walked practically to the top of hte cliffs we could look back over Dowderry, but by this time it was cloudy and a mist was coming in from the sea.

Once we had reached the top of the cliffs the path levelled off although there were still some valleys to go down  and up before we finally walked down the hill to Downderry.  It was only as we were on this final stage that we came to a seat.  It would have been good to have somewhere to sit and rest part way!  At one point the path was very near the cliff edge and with the steep drop down this is not a walk to do when the weather is bad

West Cornwall Holiday

We started today by driving to Long Rock, between Penzance and Marazion, to the free car park we found the last time we were in the area.  From there we walked along the edge of the beach towards St Michael's Mount.  The tide was out so we were able to walk across to the Mount.  However it was too early to go into the castle and gardens.

As we walked back to the car I decided to stay by the waters edge.  The tide was coming in and already the water was coming into the harbour on St Michael's Mount.

There were quite a few birds feeding at the edge of the sea.  This one group seemed to be a young family.  They were like little children running in and out of the waves.

From Penzance we drove to Sennen Cove.  We parked at the beach car park and walked towards the harbour.  We should have parked at the harbour car park as it was cheaper!  From the harbour we climbed steps up to the cliff and then walked towards Lands End.

After walking round Lands End and photographing the iconic signpost we headed back to Sennen Cove.

 After watching the surfers at Sennen beach we drove to Porthcurno.  The beach there had beautiful fine sand and the light yellow contrasted with the blue of the sea.

We walked across the beach and up steps to the Minack Theatre.  We saw that there was a steep flight of steps but thought we would manage that.  however when we reached the top there was more!  The steps were uneven, with no handrail and carved in the side of the cliff.  It was very scary!  There was no way we were going to go down so we had to keep going up.  However, when we looked along the coast the view was lovely.  Eventually, with signs of relief, with reached the top.  However, because there was a performance going on we were not able to go into the Minack Theatre.  Instead we walked down the road back to the car park.  The road was narrow and bendy, but not as bad as the steps!

Bigbury to Westcombe Beach

When we walked from Wonwell in an eastward direction we went as far as Westcombe Beach.  Previously we had walked from Bolbery Down to Hope Cove and  Hope Cover to Bantham which is just across from Bigbury, so we wanted to 'join the dots' and link these walks.

We parked at Bigbury and walked to Chalaborough.

Chalaborough 

There was then a gentle hill up to the top of the cliffs.  From there there were wonderful views back to Bigbury and Burgh Island.

As we approached Ayrmer Cove there was a steep path downhill and an even steeper hill out.  Then we came to Westcombe Beach with an even steeper path downhill!  Although the walk was not that long (less than 2 miles out) it had taken us longer than anticipated because of hilly nature of the walk.  So we turned back.  This is not a walk I would want to repeat.

The path down to Westcombe Beach