Porthleven to the Lizard – Way On Down South

Thanks Mark.

Last night we drank Rattler. It’s quite a fruity local draught cider, so it doesn’t feel like alcohol. Until you’ve had one or two. There was a singer on in the pub on site, and we had a good evening singing along.

It was overcast this morning, but the low cloud cover drifted in and out. We set off walking from the campsite at 8.30, and by the time we got into Porthleven the bakery was open and sold us quiche, and a cafe became open and sold us coffee. And away…

At 9.20 the locals were jumping in from the quayside in the sun. Hardy folk.

And the waves were crashing on to the cliffs and the jetty.

As we headed southwards along the coast the cloud cover lowered and thickened and the temperature dropped. It became atmospheric and then bloody cold. Cold, I tell you! It’s great isn’t it – I tell you!

It was actually a good temperature for walking today, as we were covering 14 miles and climbing 2,500 feet. The first few miles were on a reasonable level and we covered ground quickly. Then the path started to climb, fall and climb.

It may have been over 200 years ago that HMS Anson ran aground, but the sadness and enormity of the event remains palpable on the cliffs overlooking the site of the disaster.

The ebb and flow of the low cloud resulted in some amazing views. Like this one.

This was tough climbing. Until we found a beach cafe and had bacon baps and coffee. Reinvigorating!!!

Three exclamation marks always make the difference.

David took the opportunity to take the RNLI donation box around the outside seating area, as there was a big bunch of motorbikers, and they were generous in their contribution.

The sky cleared.

There are warning signs at the dangerous drop areas, but I’ve learnt my lesson.

We were aiming to get to the Lizard before 3.30 and catch the bus back to Porthleven. It was hard work and the coast path signage wasn’t great so we took two wrong turns, and that cost us. Five minutes to be precise. We arrived five minutes after the bus left. So we went round to Lizard Argyll’s football ground, David joined the club for £2 and we had some beer and watched football on tv.

We caught the 5.30 bus to Helston, missing the last connection to Porthleven, but we jumped straight onto a taxi for the last two miles.

A great day’s walking, with a burger for Dav and some cheesy chilli chips for me to finish it off.

Night night.