LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

South West Coastal Path No. 32              Total 311 miles

Time Taken:    Cycle:    Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:  
 3hrs                4.5miles     5 miles          90%             Moderate Sea

Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Conditions:  
  17oC        95%       Spots      Good          Strong Wind               

Points of Interest:
Coverack            Lowlands Point           Manacle Rocks
Dean Quarry      Shag Rock         Godrevy Close   
Portallow             Porthoustock           
General:
Parked in free car park in Porthallow at top of large shale beach. 
Beach empty enough for several dog walkers to throw soft balls 
for their dog to chase. Parked by newly installed midway marker 
stone. 315 miles in both directions to start/finish. Cycled to 
Coverack via St Keverne and left bike against fence by car park 
and bench. Walk started by passing two seats to celebrate the 
Queen's Silver and Golden Jubilees.  Pleasant walk out of 
Coverack past luxury houses and very well maintained gardens, 
towards Lowlands Point. Path very tricky across lowlands, very 
boggy in places, with many stepping stones in strategic places. 
Plenty of stones to choose from on beach. Besides watching 
every step, looked out for the abundance of colourful wild 
flowers. Passed three 'path clearance workers' having a break 
near the Point, roughly opposite the Manacle Rocks, where it is 
easy to imagine the many shipwrecks at this location through 
the centuries. Soon entered Dean Quarry with its many signs 
to remind walkers not to deviate from the official path. Quarry 
now abandoned by RMC Aggregates, leaving a multitude of 
ghostly buildings and equipment. Quick glimpse of the quarry 
beach and pier, where the stone was loaded onto vessels. 
I had to stop and look again, the beach was full of seagulls 
resting. All occupying their own square metre of beach. As 
I passed the old vandalised mess room I couldn't resist a photo. 
I stuck my camera and hand through the broken window to 
scratch myself on the broken glass. Would the scratch stop 
bleeding? My handkerchief turned from white to red.
On leaving the quarry ground I spotted a shag on a rock, drying 
its wings. How lucky was that. When I later studied the map, 
I found that the rock was called Shag Rock. Walked onto 
Godrevy Cove beach and saw the 'oil on beach' sign, but none 
found. The left turn inland from the beach was not easy to find. 
The obvious track led to an overgrown swamp. As I pondered 
the actual route, obviously used by many walkers every day, 
I noticed three walkers crossing the deserted beach. As I 
called for assistance the lady came over and we both said hello. 
We had met on Porthallow beach earlier in the morning, as 
we admired the coast path midway marker. We had discussed
 the local walking terrain, and the abandoned quarry. I showed 
the lady my scratch and she immediately got two plasters from 
her rucksack. What a star. I wish I had asked for a photo.
Official path diverts across country to Porthallow via a steep 
descent and ascent via Porthoustock. Disturbed buzzard in field
 by cove. Large tanker in Porthoustock harbour loading stone 
from a working quarry. Many picturesque thatched cottages 
around the village. Couldn't resist buying two shells from a 
cottage table with an honesty box. Well, an empty margarine 
carton. First blackberry of season eaten on ascent to Trenance. 
A million recycled cans and bottles near entrance to 'tunnel' of 
foliage, leading to vineyard, then into Porthallow. More lengthy 
conversations on Porthallow beach with 'path' walkers by midway 
marker. Many distractions from walking on this stretch of 'coastal 
path'. The more variety the better. What another wonderful day 
on 'path', and still 315 miles to go.