Day 23 - Thursday 1 June 2017
Penzance to Porthleven (14.5 miles)
Walking from the door today and no buses to worry about as we were getting a lift back to Penzance from my old school friend Brian who works in Porthleven. The sun was out as we joined the path near the Railway Station and all was well with the world as we headed along the lovely flat cycle route in the direction of Marazion. As we walked along this lovely stretch the imposing and impressive sight of St Michael's Mount was in full view to our right.
As expected Marazion was busy and as we made our way through the village we spied Philp's pastie shop and couldn't resist a bit of quality control on their fare. We bought a couple with a view to making an assessment later on as to how they compared with the many others we had tried already! Just before Trenow Cove there is a short section of beach to cross and as we were making our way over this we became aware of a terrible stench and turning around we saw Fudge rolling about on the beach - never a good sign. On closer inspection the little git was rubbing himself in "Eau du Dead Octopus" and he stunk. Ordeal over and Fudge given some sort of salt water bath we eventually reached the cove where there was a path diversion in place but like the other diversions we had come across, the route change was well way marked and clear.
Shortly after Trenow Cove we stumbled upon The Cabin Cafe at Perranuthoe - it was still sunny therefore we sat out in the garden and sampled their Victoria Sponge and Carrot Cake - both passed muster. Arriving above Praa Sands we could see that it was very busy therefore we passed through the melee and out the other side - from then on in it was undulations aplenty with some obvious path erosion in evidence all the way to the pretty harbour of Porthleven. Met our friend Brian outside The Harbour Inn where he also happens to be the Head Chef - nice couple of drinks before he drove us back to Penzance. Nice evening in the cottage with a takeaway and a few drinkies in the company of Brian & his wife Lindsay.
As expected Marazion was busy and as we made our way through the village we spied Philp's pastie shop and couldn't resist a bit of quality control on their fare. We bought a couple with a view to making an assessment later on as to how they compared with the many others we had tried already! Just before Trenow Cove there is a short section of beach to cross and as we were making our way over this we became aware of a terrible stench and turning around we saw Fudge rolling about on the beach - never a good sign. On closer inspection the little git was rubbing himself in "Eau du Dead Octopus" and he stunk. Ordeal over and Fudge given some sort of salt water bath we eventually reached the cove where there was a path diversion in place but like the other diversions we had come across, the route change was well way marked and clear.
Shortly after Trenow Cove we stumbled upon The Cabin Cafe at Perranuthoe - it was still sunny therefore we sat out in the garden and sampled their Victoria Sponge and Carrot Cake - both passed muster. Arriving above Praa Sands we could see that it was very busy therefore we passed through the melee and out the other side - from then on in it was undulations aplenty with some obvious path erosion in evidence all the way to the pretty harbour of Porthleven. Met our friend Brian outside The Harbour Inn where he also happens to be the Head Chef - nice couple of drinks before he drove us back to Penzance. Nice evening in the cottage with a takeaway and a few drinkies in the company of Brian & his wife Lindsay.
Welcome words for those arriving by bus or train to Penzance
The first couple of miles to Marazion were along the cycle route - very pleasant today
St Michael's Mount in the early morning sun
The old station sign for Marazion - the station closed in 1964
It was busy in Marazion today however it is always nice to be welcomed
Another view of St Michael's Mount - this time from Marazion
Fudge wearing his new cologne "Eau du Dead Octopus"
The Cabin Cafe at Perranuthoe
Fuelling at Perranuthoe
Looking to Cudden Point - the weather had suddenly become overcast and dull
Midships!!
Praa Sands
The Sunderland flying boat memorial on Praa Green. The memorial commemorates the Australian crew of RAF Coastal Command N/461 which, returning to base after an epic battle over the Bay of Biscay on 2 June 1943 had to ditch in the sea at Praa Sands.
Wheal Prosper Engine House at Porthcew
Quite honestly the best pastie of the entire trip - it was up against very stiff competition though
Rinsey Head - the large house is a holiday cottage
Dog Rock outcrop on Trewavas Head
Greystone Mine Engine House
Origin unknown but a welcome seat in a lovely spot near Porthleven
Memorial cross erected on 30th March 1949 to honour the shipwrecked and drowned sailors from HMS Anson. The frigate was wrecked on Loe Bar on 29th December 1807. Although the vessel, captained by Captain Lydiard, was not far from the shore, around 100 men drowned as they tried to swim to safety. It was this tragedy and the loss of life so close to the shore that inspired Henry Trengrouse in his groundbreaking ship to shore life saving inventions and set the scene for modern coastal safety. The memorial was erected at the expense of Councillor Frank E Strike of Porthleven.
The Clock Tower at the entrance to Porthleven Harbour
A Porthleven panoramic
So nice you could eat him
Nothing better than a nice cold drink after a super days walking
With my old school friend Brian who is the Head Chef at The Harbour Inn
Overnight Accommodation
7 nights at Pogle's Cottage, Penzance
7 nights at Pogle's Cottage, Penzance
Day 23 Data
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Cumulative Time
Total Ascent
Cumulative Ascent
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Cumulative Time
Total Ascent
Cumulative Ascent
14.5 miles
305.2 miles
6 hrs 25 mins
148 hrs 25 mins
2749 ft
71368 ft
305.2 miles
6 hrs 25 mins
148 hrs 25 mins
2749 ft
71368 ft