I had no plan to walk today, but when I woke up and saw that the day looked mild and sometimes sunny I knew I had to head out. Actually I have Bec Thomas to thank for the idea. She’s off on a photo hike in Washington (US not Lincolnshire!) up Mt Pilchuck, and it made me very nostalgic for some mountain hiking myself. But in the absence of any mountains around here, that ain’t gonna happen in a hurry! The next best thing in this part of the world is the rocky coastline of the north Cornish coast. While snowy Mount Pilchuck may have an elevation of a fantastic 1,628m and St Agnes Beacon a paltry 192m, it still gives a breathtaking 360 degree view from the trig point on the top! Not to be sniffed at.
I started my walk near Wheal Coates (OS 104 SW703500) above Chapel Porth and headed east along the coast to St Agnes Head where I sat and sketched for a while. There were a lot of people out – something to do with the half-term holidays I guess. The next stretch was eerily quiet though, which I loved. I watched the black backed gulls and finches and listened to the waves crashing below as I marched along at a brisk pace. By the time I got to Trevaunance Cove (approx 3 miles from the start), there were a lot more people about – some nutters even surfing! From here I made my way up to St Agnes village, for the most tasty ricotta and spinach slice I’ve ever tasted, and then on up The beacon to take in the misty panorama before heading back down to the car and home. Sometimes I forget just how much of a passion for walking I have. Note to self: do more.
Come along the path with me
and marvel at the autumn bracken.
Look over the russet fronds towards Perranporth
and take in the wow factor of lichen on the rocks at Trevaunance Cove
where we can stack it up
before we pass the ageing beauty of an old telephone box
and climb a hill to catch a last view of the Cove
We'll cross the fields to The Beacon rising on the horizon
and we'll catch our last burst of surreal colour in this muted landscape: an anonymous dahlia memorial.
I was feeling homesick for Cornwall today, we have been away for a year now, I googled St Agnes and quilting and found your blog! It was so wonderful to be able to share your photos and walk, it is truly my favourite place on earth. I also quilt, knit and embroider, so pleased to have found you. All best wishes, Christine
That’s fantastic! A whole year away? I hope it’s somewhere warmer than Cornwall! I’m off to Polperro tomorrow, so call back for some more nostalgia, I’m sure to post some pics, it would be lovely to see you again. Maybe you can give me some knitting tips too!