Mevagissey to Carlyon Bay

This blog relates to Friday. 

It was an early start for us, we needed to have tents packed, ready to catch the 8.15am bus from Gerrans to St Austell, then a transfer to the charming Charlestown (Poldark Central) and Carlyon Bay campsite.

Another bus ride which winds its way down single track roads to sleepy villages where no one catches the bus! 

An early start meant that we arrived in St Austell (or better known to locals as St Awful) train/bus station by 9.30. At this point i must record how impressed Sarah is/was by the train station: a one stop shop. Sarah was able to purchase a train ticket for tomorrows (Saturdays) return journey to Cambridge (she thought the ticket office lady was very helpful). We were able to gather an awful lot of information from a helpful tourist information lady (and charge my mobile), and finally have a cuppa tea and toast. 

Another bus journey and a bit of walking (about a mile with the rucksack: Sue you would be proud, i only moaned a little bit) to the campsite. Quickly set up camp and on the coast path for the mile walk to Charlestown for lunch before setting off for Mevagissey. 

 Charlestown, is an amazingly pristine, unspoiled example of a late Georgian working port. The port remains unspoiled and retains much of its Georgian character. This unique combination means Charlestown is a popular location for film and television locations such and Poldark, Hornblower, and Mansfield Park. As a treat to myself and to plug the gap between Sarah returning to Cambridge and Colin rejoining me on Monday, i have booked myself into the Pier House Hotel (located on the harbour) for Saturday and Sunday: a bed, pillow, ensuite, TV, tea on tap and breakfast! 

Anyway back to todays walk. 

We set off for Mevagissy and if able a bit further at about 2pm. The official book describes this stretch as resembling a roller coaster of both short and steep ascents and descents: it wasn't wrong! The directions included: climb 70 steps, then a few more; climb 90 steps; over 100 steps, 170 steps, 90 steps etc... but we did it. Although we didn't make it past Mevagissy, we did have an ice cream at Pentewan (second one of the trip). 

The weather was a real mix today, we had sun, wind and lots of drizzle. The temperature is definitely cooler here than East Anglia. 

As we arrived in Mevagissy spot lights were being set up. Thinking these were part of tomorrow's start of the Mevagissy 'Feast week', i started talking to the technician setting up the lights. It transpires the lights were part of a German film crew filming a romantic TV film. Apparently the books of local author Rosamunde Picher are particularly popular in Germany and many have ben made into TV films by ZDF television. In fact many locations used for filming we have walked through over the last 6 weeks. 

As time was getting on, We decided to hang around in Mevagissy for a bite to eat and a few drinks for Sarah's last night on the path. Eventually we found a very busy pub, and managed to get a table. It wasn't long before we were joined by a local man who started talking and didn't stop for the next 3hours: it worked out well because he drove us back to the campsite (via a sightseeing trip of big expensive houses: Sea Road). Allen (neither of us can remember his name) was in Mevagissy preparing for the start of tomorrows ‘Feast of St Peter’ which the town had been celebrating since 1754. 

Allen the ground worker, explained to us that he was part of a 'gig-rowing' team, he just joined the Mevagissy team: racing tomorrow. I got Allens life story (married 12 years; 2nd partner 15 years; three kids and grandchildren, recently seperated from Charlotte who he was with for a few years. Charlotte combined with some disposable income introduced Allen to travel and walking. Allen now can't get enough of travelling the world or walking it. Allen is lovely guy: good looking (full head of grey hair and a twinkle in his eyes), fit for his age and engaging, really nice sense of humour - ladies he is looking for someone to share his travels?! 

Allen hasn't been the only nice person we've met, in fact Cornish people (and there are many born and bred) are so friendly. Its hard to get 5minutes alone time without someone initiating conversation (ok i admit i also like to talk, and yes it might be me starting the conversation but their happy to carry it on). It doesn't matter where you are: pub, bus, bus stop, cafe, beach etc... The other observation about Cornish people is that they all have at least one dog: there are dogs welcome everywhere... its great. I've also seen loads of English bull terriers (yes Bill Sykes dog 'Bullseye'), which is great to see. 

Fitbit records 30,652 steps, 13.55miles and 85 flight of stairs. 

About 9/10 official path miles. 

Photo's: 
 
 
 
 
 

Comments

  1. Unknown26 June 2017 at 07:59

    Those steps look steep! Is that Captain Poldark in the picture?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hiks26 June 2017 at 07:59

    Love bull terriers :)

    ReplyDelete

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