LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

South West Coastal Path No.34              Total 328 miles

Time Taken:    Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:  
 5 hours           10.5 miles       90%             Sunny & Hot

Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Ground Conditions:  
  22oC        2%       0%      Good          Very Dry Underfoot 
Nature: Foxgloves and Rabbits

Points of Interest:
Helford               		Trebah Gardens        	Durgan Village
Polgwidden      		Rosemullion			Meanporth Beach   
Swan Pool Beach	Pendennis Point		Falmouth

General:
Parked at Mawnan Smith by public conveniences and cycled to Helford 
Passage. Locked bike to drain pipe amongst holiday apartments on 
the Archway, opposite ferry lodge. Started walking eastwards across 
fields and wooded areas. This section excellent for seats and benches 
but poor footpath signs. Correct path not always the obvious track. 
Had to take care just before Trebah Gardens at Polgwidden Cove, 
because of young bullocks on the path and between the bushes. More 
sloping fields to Durgan Village, part of National Trust, Glendurhan 
Gardens. Good views of moored pleasure boats and a small sailing 
ship preparing for sale. Picturesque trees growing around Porth 
Saxon and Porthallack. Tide out and sea very calm. Fields change to 
tall bushes between Toll Point and Rosemullion Head with rocky 
shoreline and low cliffs. Rounded head to views of expensive 
residences perched on the hills towards Meanporth Beach. 
Replenished drink bottle of water at beach toilets but unfortunately 
left my walking stick behind. Never realised my loss for about 2 miles 
until a man came towards me using a tree stick despite chatting to a 
lady cyclist from Switzerland and a man on a bench at the Freedom 
memorial in memory of the second world war home guard. Decided 
I wasn't sure where I have left my stick so I continued knowing I still 
had to erect my tent somewhere before the evening. As I 
approached Swan Pool and Swan Pool beach I felt I was leaving the 
countryside behind and entering the urban sprawl of Falmouth. 
Leisurely walk along the promenade to Pendennis Point with 
excellent views seawards of the previous day walk and inland of the 
hotels and apartments. Take care to follow the side path from the 
point, more interesting than the road. A dramatic change of scenery 
as the docks suddenly came into view, with the town to the left and 
the estuary ahead. Memories of the trip to Falmouth to view the 
eclipse on the 11th of August 1999. The only place in the UK to have 
rain how unlucky is that. Follow the same route as the eclipse day 
into town and the bus station, Falmouth Moor, with a detour to the 
pier for sandwiches and memories of the trip with the boys in 
approximately 2006. Caught bus number 35 back to Mawnan switch 
to collect the car then a drive to Helford Passage to collect my bike. 
Didn't realise until the next day's walk that I've left my bike lock by 
the Ferry Lodge. An eventful day in all respects but one I wouldn't 
have missed it for the world. Drove back around Falmouth estuary 
to camp ready for the next day's walk from St. Anthony point. 
Camped at Gerrans Village and enjoy the pint in the Standard Pub.