Portscatho – Boswinger
This day was always going to be long and hard. A ‘strenuous’ stretch of the path that had very few relieving flat sections. Plus, it was going to be unseasonably warm and humid, with a persistent haze. I have rarely experienced sultry weather in Britain, but I guess there’s a first for everything.
Having said that, it was a beautiful walk with loads of variety to keep it interesting. Here’s me seeking a bit of shade…
This next pic shows the B&B where I’d come from that day (on the hill behind those white houses), and the path up leading up to Nare Head, where I first heard a mysterious booming sound. I wasn’t sure if it was distant gunfire or the noise of the ocean striking a blowhole, or something else. Total mystery. The other important thing in this pic is the dog. I couldn’t tell you how many dozens of dogs I have seen on the coast path. Hundreds, probably. The UK is a dog-loving nation. This black beauty was a friendly soul who hung around long enough for me to take a photo before dashing off.
The mysterious noise continued through the day at seemingly random intervals. Any guesses what it might have been?
From the top of Nare Head you can see Gull Rock which stayed in my rear vision the rest of the day – a slowly disappearing friend.
Before we leave Nare Head, you might also be interested in its defence history. Feel free to zoom in on the panel for details – it certainly got my imagination flowing.
The path meandered through open fields where I came across some wickedly huge mushrooms…
…a whole lot of very ripe sloeberries…
…spikey copses and luscious woods.
Portloe and Portholland offered a bit of civilization, even if the season for visitors was well and truly over…
The last few kilometers were a real challenge. I was tired and thirsty and more than ready for a shower. But I still had to pass by beautiful Caerhays Castle with its multitude of free-range pheasants…
…and climb through steep woods to at last arrive at Boswinger YHA, where marvellous Magda (who I had met at Perranporth YHA weeks ago) was waiting for me with a bottle of wine and crazy swcp stories to share. Thanks Magda 🙂
Stats: 34144 steps; 224 floors; 23.7 km
Sightings: a bazillion bees! (Can you see them swarming these flowers?)
PenLoper 