LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

South West Coastal Path No. 33              Total 317.50 miles

Time Taken:    Cycle:    Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:  
 4hrs              unknown      6.5 miles        90%          Sunny Periods

Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Ground Conditions:      
  17oC        75%       None   Very Good		Muddy        
Nature: Wild Flowers, Butterflies

Points of Interest:
Porthallow           Gull Rock           Lizzard Lighthouse
Housel Cove       Bass Point         Lifeboat Station   
Kuggar                Cadgwith            Helford

General:
Parked in Helford car park. No visiting vehicles allowed in village. 
Cycled to Porthallow via Manaccan village. Lots of polluting 
vehicles passed while walking up steep hills. Parked bike in 
Porthallow by midway marking stone. Started walking from 
midway marking stone up steep steps, passing a dog leaning on 
a wall with his legs crossed, looking very relaxed. Also passed 
the famous  'John's' weather forecasting stone. Not raining and 
windy today. Path diverted at top of steps due to Health & Safety.
Studied complicated diversion to find an unofficial temporary path 
just in field and along top of cliff. Followed this path until it was 
possible to re-join Cliff top path. This path overgrown but usable 
from Snail's Creep north, to Nare Cove. Good view of cargo boats 
parked in Falmouth Bay, waiting for work in a recession time.  Met 
three walkers just before Nare Head and explained alternative 
unofficial diversion. Soon realised we had almost exactly walked 
the same distance, but in opposite directions. Rounded Nare 
Head to view the Helford river estuary and discover a seal in 
Polnare Cove by Nare Point. Hundreds of moored sailing boats 
also visible in Gillian Creek and Helford river.  Quizzed everyone 
I met for information about stepping stones across Gillian Creek, 
but received conflicting answers. One gentleman who was playing 
cricket in Flushing Cove with his young son, was very helpful (my 
introduction to the conversation was to ask when it was my turn to 
bat), advised me to carefully paddle across, which I did. Only two 
boots full of water, judged tide perfectly, thanks to information 
printed by lady at Penzance YMCA. Undulating walk along southern 
bank of Helford river through a variety of landscapes. Dumped 
rucksack in car and continued on foot through attractive Helford 
village to ferry. Long queues for ferry, at least two trips required 
to clear backlog. Tide still out, otherwise the village and surrounding 
area would be picture postcard perfect.

Very close examination of photos shows two sets of stepping stones, 
separated by a huge sandbank, further upstream. Is it better to get 
two boots fulls of water, rather than the possibility of slipping on the 
stones and getting completely wet?