Day 18 - Saturday 27 May 2017
Portreath to St Ives (17.8 miles)
Awoke to drizzle and the promise of an unsettled day weather wise. As we left Portreath this continued therefore it was on with the foul weather gear - added to this was that the wind had got up therefore it made for an unpleasant first few miles along the path which was a complete contrast to yesterday. Today was 18 miles with full packs and we knew we were in for a tough day but were buoyed by the fact we should be settling into our cottage base for a week - plus we had a rest day tomorrow!
The strong headwind continued and nearing Navax Point we bumped into a lady called Mary who we chatted with for a few minutes - she very kindly gave us a few quid for Fudge's Charity. We lunched looking over Godrevy and saw a Seal and her Pup resting up in Kynance Cove (there are 2 Kynance Cove's). The next few miles over the dunes at Gwithian, whilst flat were a real trudge and it was hard work walking through the thick sand. During the transit we bumped into Henk - we had been following each other's progress via the SWCP Facebook page - he was off to Portreath. Decided to take a break from the dune slogging and sat outside The Blue Ray Cafe for a while, taking in the scenery and a nice cold drink.
It was now time to head inland for a while to walk around the River Hayle - the town giving the river its name was just awful - we were glad to get out the other side and back on the coast. The last few miles to St Ives were mainly up high above the various beaches and we were soon walking in through the town past the picturesque Carbis Bay to eventually reach the Bus Station to catch our transport to Penzance. An extremely tough and long day and we were glad to see the holiday cottage and sort ourselves out - our friends Brian & Lindsay visited us to drop Fudge's food parcel off.
The strong headwind continued and nearing Navax Point we bumped into a lady called Mary who we chatted with for a few minutes - she very kindly gave us a few quid for Fudge's Charity. We lunched looking over Godrevy and saw a Seal and her Pup resting up in Kynance Cove (there are 2 Kynance Cove's). The next few miles over the dunes at Gwithian, whilst flat were a real trudge and it was hard work walking through the thick sand. During the transit we bumped into Henk - we had been following each other's progress via the SWCP Facebook page - he was off to Portreath. Decided to take a break from the dune slogging and sat outside The Blue Ray Cafe for a while, taking in the scenery and a nice cold drink.
It was now time to head inland for a while to walk around the River Hayle - the town giving the river its name was just awful - we were glad to get out the other side and back on the coast. The last few miles to St Ives were mainly up high above the various beaches and we were soon walking in through the town past the picturesque Carbis Bay to eventually reach the Bus Station to catch our transport to Penzance. An extremely tough and long day and we were glad to see the holiday cottage and sort ourselves out - our friends Brian & Lindsay visited us to drop Fudge's food parcel off.
Western Cove & The Horse
Porthcadjack Cove & Samphire Island
It wasn't the best of days as we look back along the coast to Portreath
Hell's Mouth
Above Hell's Mouth with Navax Point behind. Fudge meanwhile, is dreaming of his lunch.
The Trig on Navax Point - Godrevy Lighthouse can be seen to the rear
Seal & her Pup down in Kynance Cove
A bit chilly now as we arrive at Godrevy Point
A Godrevy panoramic
Godrevy Rocks
... and here we go. Our guide book said that walking through the dunes was surprisingly pleasant - it wasn't.
Meeting up with Henk Van Leersum.
We had been keeping up with each others progress on the SWCP Facebook page. Henk was off to Portreath.
We had been keeping up with each others progress on the SWCP Facebook page. Henk was off to Portreath.
Four miles by road - yes it was. It was a bit longer via the South West Coast Path!
Carbis Bay
St Ives
This was a long old day at nearly 9 hours in the saddle and 18 miles - we were knackered and really looking forward to the rest day tomorrow
Overnight Accommodation
Pogle's Cottage, Penzance - www.aspects-holidays.co.uk/cornwall/west-cornwall/penzance/p/pogles-cottage
Pogle's Cottage, Penzance - www.aspects-holidays.co.uk/cornwall/west-cornwall/penzance/p/pogles-cottage
Day 18 Data
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage Time Cumulative Time Total Ascent Cumulative Ascent |
17.8 miles
246.3 miles 8 hrs 45 min 120 hrs 40 mins 2814 ft 57755 ft |