Day One
One of the girls in my walking group has a cottage way down west and had offered it to me on a mates-rates loan, anytime I liked. Jane knew I was trying to finish my Top Walks in West Cornwall and needed a base. I’d been keeping an eye on the weather and finally there was the promise of a three-day break. Given the amount of walking I had to do I really didn’t want it to be raining! Incredibly, Jane’s cottage was also available, it was meant to be and throwing all our gear in the van Steve, Agatha and I headed west.
On the way down we clocked up our first walk at Carn Galver, that’s in another post but after that fabulous walk we finished our drive at the very tip of Cornwall. We couldn’t have driven any further even if we wanted.
It took a bit of finding as we tried to ignore the sat nav instructions through St Just. That is the most wonderful higgledy-piggledy set of lanes and not made for vans. But we made it through, ignoring every impossible instruction from our electronic guide, and then headed down the Cot Valley and our incredibly wonderful cottage. Just look at the photos. Perfection. A cottage with a dedicated space for boots and coats and walking sticks to spare.
You could tell this place was owned by walkers. They really understand what fellow walkers are looking for. This also included a huge fireplace, deep, deep bath oodles of hot water and the comfiest beds.
Having unpacked, we set off for dinner at the Gurnard’s Head. I have fallen in love with that place. The food is so lush and we also ordered a packed lunch for the following day. Not their normal practice as it’s something they offer to stay guests, but we hadn’t taken them up on their offer when we last stayed and they were more than happy to oblige. They rock.
Heading home we were treated to a spectacular sunset. We watched the sun sink into the Atlantic as we climbed across the rocks at Porth Nanven. The end of a perfect day.
Of course, being out walking didn’t mean I could stop writing. Work wise, I would write up each day’s walk. Catch up on correspondence. Then relax. In the morning I’d edit the crime book I was in the middle of and then pack the bag for the next walk and head off on our next adventure. Each and every day, as my legs got more tired and my mind fuzzier. But I had fun and I have found loads of great walks for the new book. Keep an eye on posts over the next few days as I recount each adventure.
