Day Two – Two Walks: Coverack and Prussia Cove
Huzzah, the sun made a grand appearance! Being a two-walk day, we packed everything (including Agatha’s extra bits) drove over to the Gurnard’s Head to pick up our packed lunch and headed across Penrith and down to the Lizard. Fabulous views as we drove towards the Lizard.
Our first adventure was a circular loop from Coverack and looping back at Porthoustock – a walk that seemed quite promising on paper, but the true test was in the walking.
Parking our van in the free carpark (a rare gem in Cornwall these days, so many thanks to Coverack Parish Council for preserving this delightful rarity), we made a generous donation and set off on what was to be a fantastic journey. An absolute belter, with Steve declaring every half mile that this was the best walk ever.
Our walk began with a gentle ascent through a canopy of scrub woodland, creating an enchanting play of dappled shade on the path. We followed a stream underfoot, which I imagine turns into a squelchy bog after a spell of rain. Our path then took us through picturesque fields, shaggy with blossom and birdsong, under a warm blue sky, until we found ourselves at the delightful Roskilly’s. Of course, we couldn’t resist stopping for an ice cream (Agatha included!) Funnily enough, she insisted on being spoon-fed. Never seen that before!
Moving on, we strolled down small lanes towards St. Keverne, then through a graveyard which led us back into the countryside and down into a lovely river valley. Agatha was in her element running in and out of the river, shaking water all over us. After three miles, both Steve and I agreed it was turning out to be quite the walk. Eventually, the valley opened up to Porthoustock, a pretty cove. There’s a loo a bench and a quarry. It’s not a tourist spot but it has its own charm.
The return leg started with a gruelling hill climb, offering stunning views over the countryside as a reward. Reaching Rosenithon, we were ready to take the footpath back to the coast, but frustratingly, it was closed. A minor setback, but our legs were getting tired and our tummies were rumbling. The next mile or so was spent wandering pretty back lanes, yearning for the coast, when out of nowhere, a bat swooped overhead. A sight to behold in broad daylight and certainly lifted our spirits.
After an unexpected detour adding an extra mile to our journey, we finally reached the coast. Steve raised an eyebrow as we hit the seven-mile mark, nowhere near the end of my promised six mile walk, but the unusual coastal path with its grassy meadows and stony terrain made up for the extended trek. Eight miles in, we returned to Coverack and grabbing our packed lunch from the van, and headed down to the beach, with the background music of ongoing road works. But what did we care, we were shattered and hungry. Grinning, we tucked in to our food and went for a paddle.
Quite the adventure!
Quick stats:
Eight miles (though the actual walk should be shorter). One very steep hill. Good signage.
Features: Roskilly’s, river valleys, shade, coast path, pretty villages.
Will it make the book? Hell yes!
Second Walk – Prussia Cove
Next, we were off to Prussia Cove, but truth be told, we were all a bit knackered. I had planned a smaller second walk, but even a three-mile trek seemed like a challenge. The drive down to Prussia Cove was also a bit of a chore – a mile-long, single-track lane with few passing spaces.
Upon reaching a small car park, Steve and Agatha decided to call it a day, whilst I trudged on. The walk was gorgeous – fields, woodland, and then the sea. Prussia Cove, a private hamlet with pretty buildings and stunning coves, was a sight to behold. The path could use better signage, but that’s not an insurmountable issue.
Quick Stats:
Short, easy walk. Breathtaking scenery. Difficult access, limited parking.
Will it make the book? No. It’s important that my walks don’t increase the burden on hidden corners. Walking to them is great. Driving to them isn’t. Also, the road would be a nightmare in summer.
