Watergate, Carnewas and Padstow

After been cooped up indoors all over Christmas because of very wet weather we wanted to get out and blow away the cobwebs, even though it was an overcast day.  However, because of all the rain we had had we knew most paths would be very muddy and there was also warning regarding landslips on coastal paths near cliffs. We therefore decided that a walk along a beach would be ideal.  Watergate Bay looked a long beach on the map therefore we headed there.  As we drove down through Cornwall it was very drizzly with low visibility, but when we got to Watergate it was not raining, although it was very windy.  However, we were ready for a brisk walk on the sands.  Once on the beach we were sheltered from the wind and had a lovely walk to one end of the beach and then back in the other direction.  It was unfortunately it was misty so you could not see far.  There were streams of water running off the cliffs and signs of landslips along the cliffs.  Although there was some surf it was obviously not suitable for surfing on boards but there were some kite surfers enjoying the conditions.

We then drove on to the National Trust car park at C to have our lunch.  Afterwards we went for a walk, but found it very windy on the cliffs.  There is an accessible path to a viewpoint which we took, and then we continued on a good path above the SW Coast path towards Bedruthan Steps.  After a little while the path had been laid with stones.  As the path was very wet this part of the path was slippery so we turned back.

As it was still early we drove on to Padstow.  Here it was not so windy so we were able to walk through the town and along the side of the river towards the sea.  Unfortunately it started to drizzle and began to get cold so we returned to the car.  However, we realised that there was a good walk along the sand at the side of the river from the ferry slipway out to the sea, which would be ideal if footpaths remain very muddy.   We will return to do this sometime.

Bere Alston to Bere Ferrers

After weeks of wet weather it was lovely to  see clear skies and the sun for the start of 2013.  Even better was the fact we had organised to meet Mike and Ruth for a walk from Bere Alston to Bere Ferrers.

We met at the station and caught the Gunnislake train at 10.54am.  Once out of the industrial part of Plymouth this is such a beautiful train ride along the River Tamar. We alighted at Bere Alston station and walked along the roads to Bere Ferrers.  It was a very pleasant walk with lovely views.  The fields were very muddy with lots of streams of water cascading down the sides of the roads or fields.  It definitely was not the day to walk along footpaths.

One delightful surprise along the route were these daffodils out.  Spring is on the way!

At Bere Ferrers we stopped at the local pub, The Old Pough Inn, and had a delicious lunch, before a brief walk along the river and then back to the railway station to catch the train back to Plymouth.

Cothele Christmas Decorations

After many days of heavy rain and flooding we were pleased to see the sun and blue skies this morning, even though there was a cold wind.  As we anticipated that most paths would be muddy we chose to go to Cothele to see the famous Christmas garland.

Although we arrived at Cothele shortly after it had opened there were already a number of people admiring the garland when we entered the hall.  That, and the light streaming in the windows made taking photos difficult.

The garland looked very similar to the garland we saw 2 yeaers ago.  But in addition they had decorated the doors leading into the halls and shields on the walls.

After seeing the garland we went outside to walk around the gardens.  There were still some flowers out in the borders in the upper gardens although they were looking a bit miserable. As we walked down the valley
garden the stream was running fast.  Mahonia  gave bright splashes of colour.

 

Photos taken on 22.11.2010

Lanhydrock in late autumn

As we drove down to Lanhydrock the trees at the side of the road were very colourful.  But when we walked through the woods from Lanhydrock House to the River Fowey we realised that a lot of the leaves had fallen from the trees so the Autumn spectacular was past its best.  However there was still plenty of colour to see.

We walked along the river bank to Respryn Bridge and then up the Avenue back to Lanhydrock House.  There was not much colour in the gardens either, but it was still a pleasant stroll around it with the far reaching views.

Saltram autumn colour

Rain was forecast for this afternoon, so we took a quick walk around the parkland surrounding Saltram House.  From the car park we walked down to the River Plym.  The trees were very colourful.  By the time we reached the beach at the end of the path it was beginning to spot with rain so we walked smartly up the hill back to the car park, without deviating into the woodland at the side.

Autumn Colour at Lukesland

It was a grey day, so we decided to go and look for some autumn colour.  We had not visited Lukesland Gardens, just outside Ivybridge, for several years, and then it was in the spring, but we had heard it was pretty when the leaves changed colour so we went to investigate.  We were not disappointed!  There were many brightly coloured trees, that looked particularly good beside the stream that runs through the gardens.

It was a very pleasant stroll walking beside the stream, crossing a variety of bridges from one side to another, exploring paths going in all directions.  We must definitely go back again in the spring when the rhododendrons are out.

Saltram in Autumn

It was a grey, cold day, so we decided to just have a short walk around Saltram Gardens.  The cyclamen were looking lovely at the side of the Lime Walk.  I am sure they have spread since last year.

Some of the trees were very colourful, brightening the dull day.