Rachel and I have been fortunate this autumn to enjoy a number of trips away following her retirement in the summer. We have become quite familiar with Cornwall over the last decade, spending a week (and sometimes two separate weeks) each year on the rugged north coast of the county in Trevaunance Cove, just down from the centre of St Agnes. It has become an annual pleasure to share this autumn week with a group of close friends in such an awe-inspiring place, where the Atlantic waves crash onto the cliffs and surfing beaches lining the rolling countryside of verdant forest and open farmland amidst the relics of the county’s mining heritage. Our good fortune this year extended to the weather, with the ‘anti-cyclonic gloom’ of these last two weeks keeping the usual autumnal stormfronts way out over the ocean to the west – to such an extent that our waterproofs remained unused in our backpacks for the entire stay. I know that I have blogged from Cornwall before, and in some cases I might well have shared pictures from the same viewpoints, but here are a few of our walking highlights that might be of wider interest.
Some striking views from the north Cornwall coast . . .. . . as we made our way from Trevaunance Cove towards St Agnes Head . . .. . . along the cliffs of the Coast Path . . .. . . to the beach at Chapel PorthAlong the way, the upper pump house and chimney of the former tin mine workings at Wheal Coates . . .. . . and a trackway for the excavated ore, on the cliffs of Trevaunance Onto the beach, at low tide, looking back towards Chapel Porth, as we continued our outward walk towards PorthtowanPatterns in the Cornish sandsReturning from Porthtowan after a coffee stop, and with the incoming tide now over the beach, we climbed once more up the cliffs . . .. . . for the return to Chapel Porth . . .. . . before retracing our steps to pass Wheal Coates again, this time on the lower pathAnother day, and another climb – looking back down on Trevaunance Cove as we set off (this time eastward) along the Coast PathColours in the cliff . . .. . . and some familiar figures on the spoil heaps!Some fine views northward along Perran Beach . . .. . . and arriving into Perranporth . . .. . . onto the near-deserted beachThe hike back to base, with the Coast Path hugging the side of Cligga Head . . .. . . and leading eventually to Trevellas Cove (and beyond, in the distance, back to Trevaunance)
Some maps of these beach and cliff walks along the Coast Path west and east of St Agnes are included in my Blog ‘Ever Changing Moods’ of 31 March 2024.
A change of coast, as we took a walk southwards from Truro along the tidal Truro River that flows into the sea off south Cornwall . . .. . . to the village of Malpas, close to where the Truro and Tresillian Rivers meetColourful oak leaves on the turn . . .. . . and strands of berries decorating the watersideThe church at St Clement . . .. . . and a near-miss at the pond in Boscawen ParkA change of vegetation, as we ventured next to Tresillick Gardens, on another tidal inlet in south Cornwall . . .. . . where we met our friends Carenza and Philip . . .. . . in a seemingly tropical paradise . . .. . . overlooking the Carrick RoadsA final walk, following the stream up Trevellas Coombe . . .. . . and then time to say goodbye to Cornwall, at least for now!
And so, with over fifty miles of walking in our legs, our week in Cornwall concluded: we will be back again soon! Meanwhile, I will be continuing my autumn walks in the Chilterns during these dry (and now sunny) days, as the last of the leaves fall – a super time of the year to be out and about in our fabulous British countryside.
Mussels on the rocks, near Porthtowan
It is difficult to think of a better heading for today’s Blog than ‘Song For Cornwall’; words that I have taken from a song of that title written by Harry Glasson. The version of the number that I have included on my walking playlist is performed by Falmouth-based singer Will Keating, from his 2017 debut album ‘Cornwall My Home’ (‘Kernow Ow Thre’). All of the songs on the album are inspired by the county’s rich history and heritage, and the lyrics of ‘Song For Cornwall’ pay homage to the miners, farmers and fisherman west of the Tamar.
Enjoying some live music in The Driftwood Spars in Trevaunance Cove: the ScareCrows performing their eclectic range of popular 1960s and 70s rock, blues and americana covers
2 thoughts on “Song For Cornwall”
So enjoyed the scenery and seeing Rachel, Carenza and Philip having fun together. I just love the Atlantic and want to be there!
Walking for Fun, Challenge and Charity! 
So enjoyed the scenery and seeing Rachel, Carenza and Philip having fun together. I just love the Atlantic and want to be there!
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beautiful Cornwall. You have captured it so well in your photos. Makes me want to visit!
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