My wife and I have just returned from a fantastic hike along the South West Coast Path in Cornwall.
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Acclaimed as one of the world's greatest walks, the coast-hugging path, which is considered the ultimate long-distance challenge, stretches 982 kilometres from Minehead in Somerset, around the bottom of Britain to finish at Poole Harbour in Dorset.
We chose to walk from Westward Ho! to Penzance for its promise of rugged and dramatic coastal scenery, its rich history and its fascinating heritage of fishing, tin mining and smuggling - and we weren't disappointed.
We were treated to hidden coves with tiny handkerchief-sized beaches, Iron Age fort ruins, historic fishing villages and spectacular, unspoiled sections of coastline.
At this point I should come clean with a confession.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions regarding international travel, when I say "we just returned" I should clarify that our journey was purely "virtual" - I've been sitting at my desk reviewing the hundreds of photos taken when we made this trip a couple of years ago and reliving the experience.
The photos took me back to all the wonderful sights, sounds, smells and tastes (especially the tastes!) of a memorable walk and reminded me of the many highlights such as walking into Bucks Mills, a tiny village tucked into the cliff walls where Richard Cole, of Old King Cole nursery rhyme fame, built a quayside in 1598.
Other highlights included:
Exploring the historic fishing village of Clovelly. The steep cobbled main street, known as 'Up-along' or 'Down-along', depending on which way you're going, leads to a tiny harbour cradled between the cliffs.
Resting in Hawker's Hut, snuggled into the side of a cliff near Morwenstow. Built in the 1800s with driftwood from shipwrecks by an eccentric poet and clergyman, Robert Hawker, who was reputed to have spent hours in his hut meditating, writing and smoking opium.
Plunging down into the steep valleys between Bude and Crackington Haven, including Scrade - one of the deepest and steepest valleys on the Coast Path.
Wandering the cobbled streets and alleyways of Port Isaac, including a particularly narrow one called 'Squeeze-ee-belly'.
Enjoying a delicious Cornish cream tea at the ancient Driftwood Spars Inn nestled in Trevaunance Cove. The inn, once a seventeenth century tin miners' warehouse, boasts a smugglers' tunnel leading down to the beach
Standing on the windswept rocky headland at Gurnard's Head near Zennor where there are remains of an ancient settlement and cliff castle.
Exploring the ruined engine houses of Botallack near Cape Cornwall that were once used for extracting copper and tin. Perched precariously on the cliff tops, their tunnels extend under the sea.
Lunching at Mousehole, (pronounced 'Mowzle') with its tiny harbour and narrow streets of granite cottages. This traditional fishing village was described by Dylan Thomas as "the prettiest village in England".
So, if like me you're experiencing a bit of cabin fever, crack open the photo album or hit the 'Photos' key on your computer and escape for a couple of hours to those places that will bring a smile to your dial.
The good news is that Border Bushwalking Club is still offering a variety of day walks while following appropriate COVID-19 safety protocols. Visit www.borderbushwalking.com.au for details.
