Friday morning and an early run along the coast for Alison and a quiet rest by the harbour for me. Mid morning we set off for the cliff top walk to Port Isaac, something we had avoided since our first holiday in Cornwall in 2002. It was that year we went there and back along the strenuous coastal walk and said never again. But this year we thought going one way along the cliffs and then back via the fields might be better. It may be that we are fitter now than twelve years ago, but the steep ups and downs didn't seem at all bad and we were in Port Isaac in one hour forty-five minutes.
It was a very warm (23C in late September!) cloudy and humid day with hardly any breeze, so we were glad of a rest. We had lunch sitting on a bench overlooking the Port, and later found another bench right by the beach.
We found the path back across the fields even though it is poorly marked and was certainly easier and a lot faster back to Port Quin.
Saturday was still warm when Alison did her annual run from the cottage to Padstow via Rock and the ferry over. Instead of my annual bike ride from Padstow to Wadebridge and back, I did a run instead. Not all the way to Wadebridge, but a decent 6 plus miles on the lovely level Camel Trail. Just enough shade from the bordering trees and great views there and back.
In Padstow, unfotunately the Quayside Cafe is no more, so it was Walker's for fish and chips. Then a walk up to the monument for views over to Rock.
Sunday was to be our best day. We always try to do something different every year and this time we headed for the NT car park at Carnewas (good facilities, shop and cafe) from where we could visit Bedruthan Steps.
It was another glorious day with some fabulous views from the clifftop. Fortunately the tide was out so we could get down to the beach via the steep 132 steps down.
But once on the beach, it was worth the tricky descent.
Back at the car park, we found a table and bench to have our lunch and visit the shop before setting off for the coastal footpath to Mawgan Porth. It didn't take that long before the bay came into view.
We relaxed on the beach and Alison went off in a successful hunt for two coffees. It was still mid afternoon when we arrived back at Carnewas car park so we decided to call in at Polzeath on the way back to the cottage. The beach was packed with cars as it was a Sunday and the sea was crowded with surfers and bodyboarders as the waves were pretty good. Another perfect sunny day at 22C.
The next day we picked up some supplies in Wadebridge before a quiet morning at Lundy Bay, leaving the car at the nearby NT car park.
We had lunch there before making our way to a much quieter Polzeath for bodyboarding. We deserved our ice cream after an energetic hour in the sea. Another mainly sunny day but the breeze cooled the temperature to around 20C, still very pleasant for September. In the early evening, I took the camera up to Doyden Castle to snap the view back to our cottage, the white building in the middle of the three.
Tuesday morning was set aside for another run, this time from Wadebridge. We both ran towards Padstow in warm sunshine, being glad of the shady bits. Lunch was at The Granary cafe where had superb bacon and egg/ mushroom baps. In the afternoon we visited Trebarwith Strand. We went a few years ago on a miserable day when it was deserted, but this year, in the sunshine, there were lots more people about, but still quiet. It was lovely on the beach and also on a walk up to the top of the cliffs. We had to stay local as in the evening we were booked in for dinner and the 6.45pm sitting at Fifteen on Watergate Bay. as usual, the food and service were excellent.
The following day we drove to The Lost Gardens of Heligan in dark cloud and the odd spot of rain! It was still blustery and cloudy on arrival so we went in the cafe for tea and a scone. By the time we came out, the skies had cleared and another perfect sunny day was to follow, though a little fresher at 18C. We stayed in the gardens from 11am to 4.45pm, there was so much to enjoy.
It was mid afternoon by the time we passed the Cornish game and the Emu's on our way to the jungle area down the hill.
Here we found a rope-bridge that was new this year, so we had to give that a try.
So we were ready for coffee and cake at The Steward's House Tea Room on our way back.
At last, we had a late morning on Thursday. We would normally be heading home, but the cottage had a spare two days so we were able to stay a little longer. A late morning run, again from Wadebridge. This time I headed towards Bodmin on the Camel Trail as Alison went the opposite way, again towards Padstow. More cloudy and fresher gave for a perfect jog. For the first time this holiday, we went back to the cottage in the middle of the day. It was great to sit outside to have lunch and read the paper. In the afternoon we walked from Lundy Bay car park to Rumps, a walk we do every year, except this was a shorter route.
And we still had time to call in at Polzeath for milk and watch the waves.
Friday was our last day, and we did what we normally do. Park at Rock, Sit on a bench with views towards Padstow.
A walk along the beach at Daymer Bay.
The ferry over to Padstow.
Lunch, this time at Walker's for tea and teacakes. Walk up to the monument to sit on one of the numerous benches with views to Rock and Daymer Bay.
Shopping in Padstow (curry paste from Rick's etc). Back to Rock on the ferry. We still had time to sit outside in lovely late afternoon sun before packing for a quick getaway in the morning.
The weather had been glorious. Well it was the warmest, driest September on record. We were so lucky.
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