Webster St

3 days to go. Getting the packing done. 

15 September

LONDON

Going home today... 

Michael set the alarm early at 0600 for us to watch his horse (he has a small share in) run a race in Newcastle. Primivira had a good run and came 3rd, missing 2nd on a photo finish!

Our last big brekky then a walk along the Buccleuch Gardens and into Richmond. Met Steph for a coffee at Carluccio's. She came on the district line just after the bomb scare at Parsons Green! She hasn't changed one bit. A lovely catch up. 

Richmond has so many beautiful homes and terraces. Wondered back to the hotel watching many planes flying over as Richmond is in their flight path. Collected our luggage and went to see Margy's house she has been renovating for the past 18 months. Will be great when it's finished!

Off to lunch at Maids of Honour near Kew Gardens on our way to the airport. Farewell Margy and many thanks for everything. A 3 hour wait with wine and beers before boarding the plane at 1820 for home via Hong Kong. We are ready now for home. Whilst waiting we bumped into Ang and Dave going to Luxembourg to see Digby so it was fun having one last farewell drink with them. 

Such a great time together in Portugal then time with friends walking and seeing beautiful parts of England. 

Another blog completed. 

14 September

BROCKENHURST - LONDON

Count down now. 

After brekky, of which we have had masses of choices with cereals, fruit, croissants, cooked breakfast with eggs any way with all sorts of delicious foods for the last 5 weeks, it's about to come to an end!

Into the hire car for our last leg to Southampton where we dropped off our car without any hastle, and caught a train to Richmond via Clapham Junction. Margy met us at 1315 and took us around beautiful Richmond. She has been a dear friend since we were in year 8 together boarding at St Hilda's. A lovely afternoon having a light lunch at Ole & Steen, a danish bakery where we had a delicious open sandwich each not far from the Richmond Green and river. 

As Margy is having extensive renovations, which she thought would be in a different stage by our visit, she put us up at Richmond Hill Hotel which is opposite Hayley Mills old home. Tried ringing Meggie, Andy & Helen's daughter, but got my neighbour at home by mistake at 0100! Left Elle, Pen & Grant's daughter a message and got onto Steph, another old friend to meet for coffee tomorrow. 

We dined at The Ivy, in the heart of Richmond, Michael having the shepherd's pie (their signature dish) and Margy and I fish. It was all delicious with fabulous staff and surroundings. Very hard to get in but Margy managed a table at 1800 otherwise 2200! Walked along the river to Bingham Hotel for an after dinner treat. 

Very comfy bed - the next will be on the plane! 

13 September

BATH - BROCKENHURST and The New Forest

Drizzle with some sunshine today. Brekky with Bon, Ang, Dave, Michael and I before a morning exploring Bath. Found an Apple Store who thought he had sorted my problems with my email but later found no difference?!

What a beautiful city Bath is with amazing Georgian architecture in the valley of the Avon River 156kms west of London. In the Roman times Bath was known as Aquae Sulis and it was the Roman soldiers who built the Baths and Temple in the 14th century. The city became a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is the largest city in the county of Somerset. It sits on top of natural hot springs and is known for its Roman-built baths with a population of 89,000 people. We visited these baths which were fantastically displayed. Also saw The Royal Crescent, a row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a sweeping crescent, 150 metres long, designed by John Wood junior and built between 1767 and 1774 overlooking lovely parkland. 

Bath has many great shops and coffee places and restaurants. We had a great time and would have loved an extra night there. 

We farewelled Bon, who took a train to London for 4 nights and Ang & Dave meeting Cherry & Crow for lunch at the Fox and Badger at Wellow south of Bath, while we headed for the New Forest. 

Drove into Brockenhurst which alternated with the moors with grazing cattle and horses, even on the road, in no hurry to move! and the New Forest. The town itself was small with a few shops lining one street and not very interesting. The highlight was lunch at The Pig, a beautiful old house converted into accomodation and restaurants with old world furnishings and vast lawn areas. Thanks Bon for that tip. 

We settled into our accomodation, The Huntsman Hotel, our comfy room called the Wild Pigeon room, then had a lovely dinner here. Met Julia and Rob, buyers for St James fashion, which is known world wide?! Never heard of it!

A much needed early night. 

12 September

MEVAGISSEY - BATH

No more walking along the Coastal Path. 

We have all had a marvellous time together with a few blisters shared around and a couple of sore knees which isn't surprising after the rugged terrain and coast we have followed over 11 days and 200kms.  All feel very chuffed with ourselves on our achievement. 

Farewelled the Benbow's and Zimmerman's who left at 0800 for the airport to Belfast. They are having a week driving around in Ireland with the view of a game of golf or two as well. 

The Young's were having another night in Mevagissey but had to go back to St Ives to collect luggage they deliberately left there on the start of our walk, then onto Truro to collect their hire car. Burges's left with Crow and Cherry to catch the train at St Austell's and Bon and us followed in the next taxi which resulted in us missing the train and having to wait another hour! So we thought we'd take the bus... Loaded onto the bus but had to get off after 15 minutes as it didn't pass the inspection and the next bus was delayed. After paying fares for both transports (too difficult for refunds), we had a comfy half an hour trip to Truro to collect our hire car. 

We drove to the City of Wells, a beautiful place beneath the Mendip Hills. An ancient cathedral city set in the heart of rural Somerset, and is the smallest city in England. There are many historic buildings, water features, gardens and open spaces. Wells takes its name from the springs (or wells) which rise in the Bishop's Palace and Gardens which is the 800 year old home and office of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. We saw a game of croquet on the vast lawns. Lunch of soup and sandwiches at The Crown at Wells and walked around an eclectic mix of buildings. 

The 5 of us continued onto Bath, Bon with us, to our accomodation The Royal Hotel near the train station. The rain started but it didn't deter us from exploring Bath and having a pub crawl starting at The Star Inn, onto The Chequers and finishing at Maritini Restaurant for a delicious Italian meal. What a beautiful city Bath is. We felt like children running and dancing in the rain down the street surrounded by fabulous shops, closed by now, and a few streets lined and covered with umbrellas. 

A night cap or two for some at our hotel before bed at 2300. 

11 September

PORTLOE - MEVAGISSEY

Our last day of our Cornwall walk from St Ives to Mevagissey. Sadly I'm not doing it  as my good knee is very troublesome and I want to be able to play golf when I get home!?!?

I'm basking in the sun writing this at our Mevagissey Bay Hotel accommodation on our deck. Having to be mindful of the showers of rain that surprise me at times!

Waiting for a taxi to take me to The Lost Gardens of Heligan which is apparently a 10 minute ride. 

I farewelled the walkers as they climbed a steep hill overlooking Portloe then waited for my taxi at 1115 to take me on a 40 minute journey the scenic way to Mevagissey. Dave (my cabbie) was delightful and very informative telling me areas my walking party will be seeing. 

The Lost Gardens of Heligen was amazing. It is Europe's largest garden restoration of over 200 acres. It was lost because all the gardeners of the estate were sent off to war and were all killed so the estate was left and became overgrown until 25 years ago, when by chance a door was discovered in the ruins that led to the restoration of this once great estate, the finest gardens in Cornwall. I walked through the "Jungle" on raised platforms through exotic plantings and over the "Burma Rope Bridge" then into the native woodland in the "Lost Valley". The garden area was amazing with an area called "the kitchen garden" where there were heritage fruit, vegetables and herbs. The Italian garden was interesting. Produce from these gardens are used in the food centres within the estate. Heligan's farm animals are rare with heritage breeds of sheep, pigs, poultry and cattle. It was well worth a visit and after 3 hours of wondering around I took a taxi back to our hotel thinking I'd go and meet the walkers, to find they were already in the pub!!!

The walkers started on the Coastal path then deviated off through farm land on their way to Mevagissey. The first 5kms were done on the path which was quite slippery and difficult passing through Portholland where the coffee shop was closed on Mondays -sadly. After 5.5kms they reached Caerthays Castle and quickly dashed to the beachside cafe to escape the rain. Coffees and cakes all round then they winged it through fields and narrow tracks via Gorran toward our destination. A lot more wildlife was spotted on this trek including a nide of pheasants and droves of pigs. At the last field before entering the township they had to climb through a fence into someone's backyard to reach the track taking them to town as they took the wrong turn! A pint at The Rising Sun then onto the hotel to drop off back packs then down town for a drink at the Ship Inn where I met up with them.

Cleaning of muddy boots took place before a rest and spruce up for our last night. Champers for the girls and beers for the boys in the lounge with stunning views and a lovely "thank you" to Michael from Cherry on behalf of us all, for all his hard work in organising this great adventure. 

A 800 metre walk down to the village for dinner at The Fountain Inn. It was a strange feeling having the walk behind us and knowing we didn't have to don on our gear the next day. 

10 September

FALMOUTH - PORTLOE  (22.5kms)

2nd last day of walking. 

We got an early brekky today at 0800 as had to get a ferry at 0915 from Falmouth to St Mawes then a smaller ferry to Place House on the Roseland Peninsula to start our walk. These Ferries took 30 minutes. We headed off at 1000 walking 6 hours to our destination of Portloe in the rain!

We all enjoyed Falmouth. 

The start of our walk was pretty flat along the coast but for those with sore knees the slope of the terrain was arduous and the rain and wind didn't help much either. The coast line wasn't as pretty as it has been, however we passed a few coves of beaches below our path. There weren't many photos being taken due to the rain. 

Our first pit stop was at Porthscatho where we found a hidden hut called Tatums on the beach which sold the best coffee on tour so far and the Portuguese Tarts - (Natas) and delicious treats. What a find!

We were delighted to come across the Dartmoor Ponies on the track grazing above Treluggan Cliff. Here the terrain became interesting again and pretty. 

Nare Head was very rugged with a few enormous climbs up steps and boggy patches which was a challenge. We were climbing around the hill as well with the path meandering steeply up the cliff face. 

The site of Portloe as we rounded a corner of the path was very picturesque and very pleasing as we were soaked and cold!

Portloe would be the tiniest fishing harbour we have seen and so tranquil. We stayed at The Lugger Inn which was very comfortable and served a delicious meal for us for dinner. After dinner the girls relaxed chatting in the little lounge and the boys went up to the only pub here, The Ship Inn, for night caps of cointreau and glayva and no doubt the odd pint. 

9 September

FALMOUTH 

Our rest day!

All met for brekky at 0830 then everyone did their own thing until we met at the Quayside Inn at 1100 to watch the Eagles/Port Adelaide preliminary final. Oh what a match! the Eagles winning by 2 points. 

A good look around Falmouth, some going to the Maritime Museum in the harbour which has plenty of interesting displays telling the stories of Cornwall's nautical past. The town is the largest in Cornwall and has a great range of craft shops, galleries, restaurants and bars along its waterfront. There were many interesting galleries and shops also lining the main street just one street back from the wharf. It's a great town to have a rest day. We even found a Jacobs Ladder which Crow decided to climb up! 

Rest for a couple of hours after our exhausting television viewing of the Eagles! A catch up on this blog for me. 

Dinner at 5 Degrees West Bar and Grill before retiring without night caps! for an early start in the morning. 

8 September

HELFORD - FALMOUTH  (16kms)

It rained all night and was still raining when we woke at 0700. Four of the boys were planning on playing 9 holes of golf before leaving and thought they would have a couple of short cuts to join us in Falmouth but... it was too wet sadly as only had to pay for hire of the clubs. 

We said goodbye to our luxurious accomodation (although some areas were found to be a touch grubby and old), in our wet weather gear ready for our moderate grade of walking.

Had lunch at Maenporth Beach Cafe, a delightful spot when the rain decided to have a break! There was filming being set up for a BBC documentary of the sites of Cornwall. 

Trebah Beach at Polgwidden Cove was the site in 1944 for the launch of D Day Landings by the Americans. 

Again the walking was along the cliff faces through nettle infested paths.

Just before we reached the village of Falmouth we had a diversion due to a cliff fall in 2016 making us go inland for a short way. It was bucketing down the last 3kms before reaching our accomodation at the Lerryn Hotel which was small but comfortable and about 600 metres from the centre of the town. Drinks at Chain & Locker then a meal.

Dinner was at an Italian restaurant on the harbour front followed by night caps at Quayside pub where we organised them to show tomorrow's West Coast game against Port Adelaide. 

7 September

COVERACK - HELFORD  (20kms)

Cherry and I had made an executive decision not to walk today due to our knee injuries. We farewelled the walkers then caught a bus at 0955 to Helston costing £4.50 each on the upper deck of a double decker. We were both elated having the day off walking!

Decided to get a taxi instead of connecting buses to Helston Passage where we were staying at Budock Vean Hotel. What a find thank you Michael, which he booked before we left Perth. It was a resort hotel on a golf course where you felt you needed to raise your pinkie when drinking tea! Cherry and I had a light lunch then a spa and stretches in the pool followed by R&R in our luxurious rooms before the walkers arrived at 1630. 

The walkers left Coverack at 0900 without Jan and Cherry. Just out of Coverack there were houses that had been washed away 2 weeks ago, as a result a very muddy track, resulted in a detour for 4 Kms finishing up at Rosenithon. 

Diversion track was very pretty with overgrowth making a tunnel like area to walk through. Walked inland today through farm land and lush green fields. Pressed onward toward Porthallow calling in at the Fat Apple cafe where coffees and cakes were served. 

From Porthallow we did lots of bush walking through pastures before arriving at an inlet before the Helford River. Walked across two small streams, some removing their boots. No falls to report. 

Walked another 6 Kms along the Helford River, beer at the Shipwrights Arms with 4 terraced beer gardens over looking the inlet & river. Onto the ferry that dropped the walkers at the Budock Vean hotel resort. 

Roger Taylor from the band Queen has an exclusive property next door to this resort. 

We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay and I am sure the other residents also loved seeing such a young group - given that we averaged only about 65 yrs old each.

6 September

THE LIZARD - COVERACK  (17.5kms)

Day 8 walking

Woke to sunshine and very little wind. My knees were good after icing and drugs so decided to give today's walk a go....So glad I did as it turned out to be a beautiful walk but quite long. 

We were told to watch out for basking sharks as we left Lizard but none to be seen?! The Lifeboat Station at Kilcobben Cove was closed. The Devils Frying Pan is a collapsed sea cave leaving an impressive arch and 100 metre deep hole. 

We were delighted with Cadgwith which is a tiny village with a collection of lobster pots, fishing floats and boats clustered around the one pub. A great place for a coffee stop. Passed many other walkers either doing the coastal path or just those out for a stroll with their four legged friends. Came across an interesting bridge in the shape of a boat with ponies grazing close by. 

Over the next 11kms to Coverack there was mixed terrain from quite calm to exhilarating walking. The cliffs were relatively low lying and the path is lined with many blackberry, gorse and bracken. We had many tastings of blackberries on the way. Along these narrow paths are nettles that caught us by surprise. Dock leaves are close by that relieve these nettle stings. 

Stopped at Kennack Sands for lunch we had bought on the way. This is a very popular surfing beach. Saw many typical English bathing & some even knitting! A sharp decent into the next cove followed by the inevitable climb up out of it. 

We finally came through some pastures and spotted Coverack on the edge of a cliff. All assembled at the Paris Hotel for our G&T's and pints in the garden by the ocean. Here we were split into groups again for our accomodation - with Burges's & Youngs at Fernleigh B & B.

Dinner at Paris Hotel. We were lucky not to have to walk anywhere except upstairs to our beds. 

5 September

PORTHLEVEN - THE LIZARD. (23kms)

We left Porthleven in the misty rain and gale force winds which persisted for most of the day. It was a struggle for me as my good knee misbehaved!

We crossed over the The Loe, the largest body of fresh water in Cornwall and is said to be the place where Sir Bedivere threw Excalibur into the water in the legend of King Arthur. We were ready for a coffee but found the next two places closed. Passed a very challenging golf course at Mullion and onto the Poldhu beach cafe for coffee. The beach was closed due to very strong winds. 

The next beach we passed, after climbing down a very steep rocky path,had horses exercising in the water and a group of young kids playing beach cricket. 

At the half way mark of 11.5 Kms we called into The Mullion Hotel and were delighted to be invited inside out of the strong winds with our muddy gear on! for lunch of delicious sandwiches. Of course the boys had a pint too. 

We walked along exposed cliff tops with superb views of the treacherous rocks. The terrain under foot was very boggy at times.

Kynance Cove is a delightful spot where we had a challenge getting across as the sea surged in, catching a few of guard then we had to climb a steep hill. Onto Lizard's Point where the coastline is quite spectacular. The Lizard has been called Cornwall's big toe dipped into the ocean. 

After 7.5 hrs we arrived at our accomodation - The Top House Inn for BMY and Caerthillian Guest House for the others. 

A delightful meal at our accomodation for all where we raised our glasses to wish Digby a Happy Birthday. 

4 September

MARAZION - PORTHLEVEN  (17kms)

Dressed in our wet weather gear to start our hike but were pleasantly surprised the sun soon came out. A welcome coffee stop 5 Kms into our walk at Perranuthnoe Beach Cafe then continued along the coastline past Prussia Cove famous for smuggler John Carter in the 18th century. 

Sheltered for lunch from the rain near an old tin mine. Followed a stone wall through open paddocks with cattle, then along the narrow paths following the coast with stunning views. Poor Bon had a fall resulting in a huge lump on her forearm! the 1st casualty for the day!

Porthleven is a fishing village near Helston and the most southerly port on the island of Great Britain. In 2013 there was a huge storm causing waves over the clock tower which created recognition for this town. Rich Stein has a restaurant here which we chose not to go to, instead had a lovely meal at Amelies eating pizza and seafood. It was fully booked with one or two dogs at each table! Night caps all round before retiring for the night. 

Sadly I still can't upload any photos as they are more interesting than my script which is really for me when I create a picture book of our walk. 

3rd September

PENZANCE - MARAZION

Our rest day! Sunday, Fathers Day. 

Amazing brekky at 0900. A few walkers decided to walk the 1.5 hrs to Marazion from Penzance. The other half, that included me, took a taxi after we had a quick look up Chapel Street where our hotel Artist Residence Hotel was. Once we reached the village of Marazion in the drizzling rain and mist we settled into our accomodation- Mount Haven Hotel then visited St Michael's Mount where we met up with the walkers. It is a rocky island 5 miles south of Penzance and 500 metres from Marazion and can be accessed by a causeway on foot depending on the tides. We took a boat (£4 return) as missed the tide! It has been in the Levan family since 1659. Lord St Levan whose family name is St Albun, has lived there since 2003. It was a very interesting visit. 

A relaxing few hours before a yummy dinner at our hotel followed by night caps. 

2nd September

PORTHCURNO - PENZANCE  (19.5km)

Day 4, Saturday. 

Today was very strenuous especially the first 10kms! My poor knees were very unhappy! The ocean colour was lovely and the cliffs amazing. 

Where the Coast Path runs along the back of the beach there were boulders that had been washed across the path from exceptionally large storms in 2014, causing this section to be very challenging. The areas heading into Lamorna Cove were very narrow with steep drops to the ocean below. It was quite frightening as our path was right on the edge in places you couldn't afford not to watch every step made!

The next 8kms are sometimes described as sub tropical in some places growing overhead to provide a shady tunnel to walk through. We stopped for lunch in Lamorna Cove cafe, a bit of an unfriendly bunch. 

The next 3kms stretch passes through the pine forest of the Kemble Crease Nature Reserve, then heads inland through shrub to arrive at the top of the hill above Mousehole. This tiny village has been acclaimed as "the loveliest village in England". It is a former pilchard-fishing village with a stone quay and many cottages. 

The 6km stretch from Mousehole to Penzance was on a tarmac cycle path through Newlyn which was quite uninteresting. 

Our accomodation in Penzance was Artist Residence opposite the notorious Penzance drinking Inn- The Admiral Benbow!

Dinner at the foreshore which was very pleasant. 

1st September

ST JUST - PORTHCURNO  (20Km)

St Just is the most westerly town in England and closest town to Land's End situated on the edge of the moors on the north coast. Next to the square surrounded by a large number of inns (hotels), art galleries and studios and shops is the 14th century amphitheater once used for miracle plays in medieval times. This is one of only two surviving in Cornwall and is now used for festivals. The town has rows of granite miners' cottages from the tin and copper industry in the early 19th century. 

Ronnie collected coffees and Cornish pasties for our morning tea. 

We took a 15 minute walk to get back on the trail. It was a tough walk to Sennen Cove where Bon and Jill decided to have a swim, too cold to put their heads under! The breakaway group kept going and the three of us found them at the pub for coffee and remaining pasties. 

We walked to Land's End which is the most westerly point in England and the most visited outdoor tourist attraction in Cornwall. There were so many people at Land's End - it was great to get back to the peace on the path and enjoying the amazing coast line to Porthcurno. It's here I felt a blister forming and my good left knee get sore in sympathy of the bad right one!

Just before arriving in Porthcurno we passed Minack Theatre, Cornwall's world famous open air theatre, carved into the granite cliff and set in lovely gardens overlooking Porthcurno Bay. 

Couldn't get into our accomodation-Rockridge House until 1630 so went to the Cable Station Inn, the only pub or restaurant in town! It has a strange layout, owing to the fact that it was originally an exiles club for overseas cable and wireless workers, but can't be changed as parts of the building are listed. 

Chris, our land lord stuffed up our bookings and wanted one couple to stay at his sister in laws place! Stuck to our grounds, Michael being our spokesman, it resulted in poor Bon sleeping in a broom cupboard! not quite but may as well have been as tiny with no windows! and sharing a bathroom with Dave and Ang. Thx Bon who got a small refund! and to Ang and Dave. 

We had a great meal at The Logan Inn where we took a taxi. It was suggested we walked taking only 20 minutes but we declined exhausted! As it turned out it took 15 minutes by taxi!!!

31 August

GURNARD'S HEAD - ST JUST.   (15 Kms)

Great brekky. Whilst waiting to leave there were many Frieshans passing by for milking. Left for our walk to St Just at 0955 in search for Cornish pasties at Pendeen. Went on to the North Inn for lunch where we had tasty sandwiches and ploughmans on the menu. We kept our eyes peeled for some seals but only saw a couple. 

We passed through Botallack, the area where Polldark was filmed, and the Levant Mine and also many 14th century ruins of tin mining. Today seemed an easier walk than yesterday with more open areas to wonder. Think a blister or two are trying to appear on my feet!

We met up with a couple of marines in training about to scale down a rocky cliff. They were very interesting to talk too. I was expecting to pass more people on this walk than we have so far. 

We arrived into St Just more than ready for our rewarding drinks at the Kings Arms then checked into our accomodation at The Commercial opposite. It is a pretty town with the centre square surrounded by colourful window boxes and pots of flowers everywhere. They are about to have their annual awards of "The St Just in Bloom". The Commercial has won the last 4 years! They were all in a bit of mourning as their proprietor, aged 54 died of a heart attack last week. 

Dinner was at the Wellington, another pub in the square. 

30 August

ST IVES - GURNARD'S HEAD  (15 Kms)

St Ives is a beautiful town where the narrow streets are lined with art studios and galleries throughout the town. I visited the Hepworth Museum and garden which was very interesting. Barbara Hepworth was a sculptress and lived in St Ives from 1949 until she died in 1975. 

Rained all night! Left Cornerways after a group photo minus Bon who was collecting our lunch from her hotel- good girl Bon! It was strongly agreed we needed a coffee before setting off. Our waiter was from Geraldton!

Walked 9 miles (15 Kms) around rugged coastline. We were warned today's walk is the hardest sections of the SW Coast Path with lots of climbs and descents and a very rocky trail. The views were stunning. We covered areas of thick, dense bush of bracken and wild blackberry, slippery rocks, steps of stone and wood and muddy areas all along very narrow single file pathways. There were many stops for photos to capture the amazing views and scenery along the way. After 4 hours of walking we had our lunch of stale sandwiches! Most of the day had sunshine with patches of rain. Temperatures 14-17 degrees. We deviated off the track and had a half pint for the girls and a pint for the boys at Tinner's Inn at Zennor. 

We walked into Gurnard's Head more than ready to get our boots off and have a well earned G&T and pints. This place only has the pub with its motto - "Eatdrinksleep" where they have lived for 11 years caring for their Inn and guests. Gurnard's Head is surrounded by a few old slate homes and green pastures with many Friesian - black and white milking cows. 

What a treat we had installed for us tonight. Our dinner was fantastic, a 3 course meal, we had paid on booking, with so much choice and great wines chosen by our sommelier, Bonnie. A fun night had by all. 

28 August

BIDIFORD (in Devon) - PADSTOW (in Cornwall)

Woke to a beautiful sunny morning-24 degrees.Left the Mount, our B&B after brekky (not as exciting as previous choices) at 0930. We drove along many narrow roads again with hedges on either side and when on the main roads would see lush pastures along the way. Drove into Covelly, a pretty town, and out again as wanted to have some time in Port Isaac before getting to Padstow. 

Port Isaac is a picturesque town but very touristy with many galleries, pastry shops, pubs and of course the town of Doc Martin. 

Arrived in Padstow, did some washing and settled into the Metropol Hotel on the boat harbour. We took a ferry over to the Rock area and bumped into Gordon Ramsay, who has the residents up in arms as he has bought a £4 million beautiful old house which he is demolishing and building a monstrosity of a home!

Had a beer and G&T at the Mariner's bar before returning to Padstow, a 10 minute ferry ride opposite the Rock. Walked around the area before having a drink at the hotel bar. Tarquin gin is a Cornish gin which has recently won many awards. We met Steve, Jo and their 12 year old son, Max from Kent. 

Dinner at the hotel - amazing fish and delicious lamb. 

Unfortunately I can't upload any photos?!?! So the blog will be without any until it is sorted if successfully?!

29 August

PADSTOW - ST IVES

Woke to our 1st drizzle and very little visibility. Left the Metropol Hotel and drove to Tuoro where we returned the car to Hertz, taking an hour. Bought train tickets to St Ives (£6.50 each - $9) which took an hour after changing at St Erth. Dragged our bags behind us from the train station through very crowded streets of St Ives to our accomodation - Cornerways B&B. Set off to explore this quaint, very busy town and bumped into Bon, who arrived yesterday, joined us for coffee and a sandwich. 

Ang and Dave who had stayed with her brother and family for a week, Jill who had been with Bon in Croatia, Mike, Di and Ronnie, who were delayed in Perth then Hong Kong all arrived by taxi from the train station at 1600. Crow and Cherry missed getting off the train until Penzance and arrived at 1700!!

Welcoming drink from Tim (owner of B&B), then met Bon who was staying at the Queens Hotel, and ajourned at the Castle Inn where the tour was opened and ministerial positions were voted for. After a few more enjoyable drinks we set out to find a restaurant -Cafe Bistrow for a delicious meal all together.