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Main Boards => Long Distance Walks => Topic started by: fit old bird on 09:55:06, 01/05/19

Title: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 09:55:06, 01/05/19
I think it's about time I went back to the south west, it's been a few years since I did the bottom bit from Dorset to Lands End, so now I'll do some of the top bit, St Ives to Tintagel, maybe. I won't be walking the whole distance, it's more like a wander to have a look around kind of holiday.


I will be driving, as that's the quickest way to get down there, and I regard driving as part of the holiday, rather than being bored sat in a train. Looking at accommodation at the moment, can't decide whether to base myself about midway, dump the car, and use public transport out and/or back. Or there's the option of doing circular routes as well.


Hotels are pricey, checking places at the moment. There are youth hostels but I would like something a bit more comfortable as a birthday treat. I will take a tent with the option of having a night or two under canvas.


I've got maps and books out of the library, so that's my bed time reading for now.


ilona
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: Warbler on 11:52:28, 01/05/19

That's a good choice of section. There are lots of villages/small towns with b&b's to base yourself between St Ives and Tintagel.   
Personally I'd skip around Newquay though, unless you are into the stag/hen party scene ;) .


When I was doing SWCP, mainly in weekend sections, I also travelled there by car, but mainly used the bus service at the end of each walk, which worked really well.
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 18:02:57, 01/05/19
Thanks Warbler. I've spent the afternoon looking for accommodation. A lot of places don't have the dates available that I want. Looked at YHA, I don't want to share a dorm, and the private rooms are a bit expensive, and self catering, and I want breakfast. I wanted to stay at the Christian Guild hotel at St Ives, but they have a school party in on my week, they are full up. I've sent an email to one that looks promising, waiting for an answer back, might ring them. Now looking at camp sites, £100 for five nights with electric. Good site all facilities, wifi in the lounge, and I sleep very well on the camp bed in my tent. Will keep looking, something will come up.


ilona
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: rural roamer on 15:11:10, 02/05/19
What about a caravan?
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 19:31:01, 02/05/19
I was thinking about a caravan, or a pod, or a tent. I need WiFi and electricity for my computer, and would have to go into the recreation room/lounge for that.


I've found a nice B & B, not cheap at £80 per night, but I can afford it. Booked for five nights, owner sounds really nice on the phone. Just outside St Ives, at Carbis Bay. Good for public transport.
https://www.beechwoodcornwall.com/ (https://www.beechwoodcornwall.com/)


Can relax now and look forward to my holiday.  :D


ilona
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: sunnydale on 21:02:10, 02/05/19
Sounds fab Ilona. When are you off?  Hope you have a great holiday and I'll look forward to some lovely coastal photos when you get back O0


Tracey :)
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: Jac on 08:06:51, 03/05/19

Wow £80 a night, single - £400 for 5 nights B&B - I knew this area was expensive but................ as it's a special birthday enjoy!


It's a lovely coast. The open top bus ride from Land's end to St Ives is a lovely way enable a linear coastal walk, to see the countryside from a higher perspective and can be entertaining watching grockles trying to reverse to let the bus through.


Not so sure about avoiding Newquay - it's quite a cultural experience :o
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: Rather be walking on 09:43:42, 03/05/19
Quote
Wow £80 a night, single
That's about right. Wonderful area, have fun.  :)
Jon.
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 12:26:34, 03/05/19
£80 a night is expensive, but it's about mid range for that area. Cheaper ones are pubs, some have no parking on site, or no WiFi, or breakfast is extra. Some are not ensuite. Some are also horrendously expensive. I have gone for five nights because some places don't like to book less than three nights, and I didn't want to have to search all over again for another place. Easy option to stay in one place.


It's my birthday treat, I have to spend my money on something. I live very cheaply, out of date food, second hand clothes, etc, so I have money for this.


Best not to say when I'm going, even though I have a house sitter who looks after things for me.


ilona
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: sunnydale on 13:26:59, 03/05/19



Best not to say when I'm going, even though I have a house sitter who looks after things for me.


ilona


Ah, of course...I understand Ilona.  O0
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: Jac on 14:45:50, 03/05/19
Best not to say when I'm going, even though I have a house sitter who looks after things for me.
ilona



You could always pm dates - perhaps you already have - how else are we going to know when to send those birthday wishes O0 !



Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 16:52:08, 03/05/19

You could always pm dates - perhaps you already have - how else are we going to know when to send those birthday wishes O0 !


Very kind of you, but I am going away to forget my birthday. I'd rather not be reminded that I am 70. How the bluddy hell did that happen  >:(    :(    ::)    :-\    :o


ilona
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: Jac on 08:07:07, 04/05/19
Very kind of you, but I am going away to forget my birthday. I'd rather not be reminded that I am 70. How the bluddy hell did that happen  >:(    :(    ::)    :-\    :o 
ilona



Gawd knows - but it does >:(
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 12:18:41, 22/05/19
I'm back. I did bits of the SWCP, and other walking. I stayed at Carbis Bay, visited St Ives, Penzance, Hayle, Padstow, Portreath, Wadebridge, and Tintagel. Weather was good, beautiful views, now all I have to do is get the photo's sorted in some kind of order. I made a detour on the return journey to visit an animal sanctuary near Kidderminster. They rescue farm animals. Great holiday.   :D


ilona
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: Jac on 07:47:15, 23/05/19
So - belated happy ?0 birthday - I picked it up on your blog but decided on discretion of the actual date. Glad you had a good trip - would have been nice meet up while you were down this way. I've been enjoying your video memoirs :)
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: sunnydale on 08:23:24, 23/05/19
Pleased to hear you had a good time Ilona. Looking forward to the photos O0
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 11:03:45, 23/05/19
Although I didn't do a lot of the SWCP, I'll put some pics here, as and when I get my blog posts out, keep it tidy and not start another thread.


Station at Carbis Bay, heading towards St Ives on the coastal path.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz7FXhI8iQ8/XN5Zf5x95uI/AAAAAAAAvZg/V6El-w9XsWgPvZCVNLD1MxA5YWmkVTMSQCLcBGAs/s400/st%2Bives%2B1%2B019.JPG)


Looking back at Carbis Bay on the path to St Ives.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wT5G5MqxAOQ/XN5aahvfiNI/AAAAAAAAvaE/QaalPf_t8LQK85s_P7dtk6BxdNF-6JBNwCLcBGAs/s400/st%2Bives%2B1%2B032.JPG)


Church at St Ives
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0tWUQRJqQY/XN5aah1cTvI/AAAAAAAAvaA/Ve-fFL8fAP8q-3zpyi0m2x8Hjwmxp4fSACLcBGAs/s400/st%2Bives%2B1%2B033.JPG)


St Ives Beach taken from outside the Tate Gallery
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TG-y_MvJ-UA/XN5a1wviMPI/AAAAAAAAvao/iCajASOkxb0T6hqReXPI_opD711RH5JPgCLcBGAs/s400/st%2Bives%2B1%2B041.JPG)


View from the lookout station.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIjHcHAVlUs/XN5bN5gqDqI/AAAAAAAAvbI/aBpUn1t8pV0C1VYHkYaghVQoGlPQjjnywCLcBGAs/s400/st%2Bives%2B1%2B059.JPG)


St Ives Harbour
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ojs5NOJj65s/XN5bQShZ1cI/AAAAAAAAvbQ/5-DP7p5ioXc9Z-rLxjRwEr3G6G9JA0HngCLcBGAs/s400/st%2Bives%2B1%2B064.JPG)


Walking back along the road, looking down on St Ives.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TA4GNpETcp8/XN5bifer3-I/AAAAAAAAvbg/tCMWt_6ydPUOVgrEIDopS5gsH_qRGesfQCLcBGAs/s400/st%2Bives%2B1%2B076.JPG)


I'm releasing blog posts day by day, so I'll put some pics here as well. For more pics see the blog. Thanks for looking.
ilona

Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: sunnydale on 17:21:13, 24/05/19
Great photos Ilona O0   I'll keep an eye on your blog for more :D
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 19:02:19, 25/05/19
Day 2 saw me taking the coastal path in the opposite direction towards Hayle. It's a narrow track very high up with mostly fantastic views.


Looking back at Carbis Bay.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rMh5s6JzVY8/XN8l4aXH9ZI/AAAAAAAAvdA/bQoGqU1gEW0ASrWdOypts6aeJ6n_7UY2QCLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B2%2B001.JPG)


Coming towards Hayle.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt_RKnFLdhw/XN8l4Zhm2AI/AAAAAAAAvc8/oKxn4K_gtkIjV2xt5zhx7z3_CkTWmdAbACLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B2%2B005.JPG)


The section after that follows the road past Lelant, and Lelant Saltings Station. Around the bend following the road to Hayle.


Nice gardens to look at.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PS8WsFPrTx0/XN8l65KmZ6I/AAAAAAAAvdM/JL6LLqTRpooSmX9Z2IcjzDxoCM830ATXgCLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B2%2B006.JPG)


A bimble around Hayle. I took a different route back following tracks and roads.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsMOvgSaKwM/XN8mXKGF4bI/AAAAAAAAvd0/mfdzKuzcXOsyi-HsqxyHOyJYY63cfVm0gCLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B2%2B016.JPG)


12 miles walked that day.
ilona
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 18:43:08, 28/05/19
On the Sunday I got the bus to Camborne, and a bus to Portreath, and started walking from there along the coastal path towards Hayle. It was very up and down hills, with fantastic views.


Leaving Portreath, looking back
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoaYH7xKYNg/XOHD8ez3oAI/AAAAAAAAveQ/AizVzt7Pk2M2-96b7TjRBs5TaOp0g2tbgCLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B003.JPG)


Short route very steep, longer route not quite so steep.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n4NBhidkns0/XOHD-jppH1I/AAAAAAAAvec/UnHZEI0HBHMR9O9Gw2INF6YM_y2zGKxagCLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B007.JPG)


(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJSLc-oHj40/XOHD-dkbErI/AAAAAAAAveY/LPrMoDB_Wv0Xc2GBeHu6j9RqXddgQIlwACLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B009.JPG)


Godrevy Island Lighthouse.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6x627kff5-U/XOHENsOAc0I/AAAAAAAAvew/WRpzroiIjDwBJpNHWlnWiF1t1SlRjcrigCLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B018.JPG)


(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2RyS8-Akrt0/XOHEO-I-pFI/AAAAAAAAve8/Eq7_ldQUs4cjIdxOPiqECZeglwUSZKf8QCLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B021.JPG)


I was hoping to get a bus back to Carbis Bay, at Hayle, looked at the timetable, no buses. Went to the station to see if there was a train. Nope, no train. Nothing for it but to carry on walking. 16 miles in total that day.


ilona
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: Jac on 18:57:08, 28/05/19

Wonderful colours in the lighthouse photo.
So glad your holiday was successful but public transport is pretty hit and miss - mostly miss.
Off to Portreath myself next week for a few days.  Going to explore the Great Lode trail plus bimbles on the coast path again.
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 16:12:16, 29/05/19
A day at Penzance. I went on the bus, and walked back. 


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nR284df1TFU/XO5icuAJK7I/AAAAAAAAvjE/ST-0JhUpadEqMa9TJDLtJEBZqxnEAUHXQCLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B010.JPG)


Morrab Gardens
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tu4Yoqhq530/XO5dP69JkHI/AAAAAAAAvgk/ekJ2HEsHHFoDmNIMvj01SZ2A8vP4grZ3ACLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B022.JPG)


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWMqHEoL4Ok/XO5afRX9fSI/AAAAAAAAvgA/ezPmIboDy1Ajb3l8PSXQT3K0d6s1vPpqwCLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B017.JPG)


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqSJGX4Wd-o/XO5a6lCjZfI/AAAAAAAAvgU/3tJNE6WYsnoD42ozyqofRfqBuQ5by9omwCLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B021.JPG)


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b81Q106tAk0/XO5eSUm0kHI/AAAAAAAAvhA/_Tu5P5cQQjU28tFfpmv6-NKLysdM5boZACLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B030.JPG)


I walked along the coastal path towards Marazion, then turned north along minor roads and tracks back to Carbis Bay. I have been to St Michael's Mount on a previous visit.


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYwdIkhgLwk/XO5elxRhDvI/AAAAAAAAvhY/1P8MnBVOC4wJ_yjjiBMdxR7G5QVmHc3DACLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B037.JPG)


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViLX4DidD10/XO5fq-4VfxI/AAAAAAAAviA/YDU603nmZH4Dyg7WMU5nh4tgqEl_pajBACLcBGAs/s400/St%2BIves%2B3%2B046.JPG)


It was a smashing day out.
ilona
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 12:14:11, 04/06/19
I went to Tintagel. A few pics on my blog.


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7u5Sls2tw4/XPYt7FAeyQI/AAAAAAAAvmo/qUD6KdQrWfIk5fg7sogsbrvuk6Ayfo1nwCLcBGAs/s400/TintagelGHeart%2B002.JPG)


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E84WG6eV59E/XPYt-5lZg2I/AAAAAAAAvms/w1ZtuPvrEF0WGMhSn1QR5vcb9IOvg2bQwCLcBGAs/s400/TintagelGHeart%2B001.JPG)


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPgZ0iOcZpc/XPYuAxymlQI/AAAAAAAAvmw/85ctfK8VPwclkJvyP5py0MVEfHPgDCO0ACLcBGAs/s400/TintagelGHeart%2B005.JPG)


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrltV22BxEw/XPYvu4C0DcI/AAAAAAAAvnY/QGNPx5YHUS46l-L2_Q86VB6ESeiPJlUtgCLcBGAs/s400/TintagelGHeart%2B013.JPG)


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_Hrjd53SU4/XPYvSMYVhyI/AAAAAAAAvnA/eZ04rIfFiGIIp0uygeEk4cYS5KigxIjSwCLcBGAs/s400/TintagelGHeart%2B012.JPG)


Then I headed home.
ilona
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 12:22:52, 04/06/19
Ooops, forgot Padstow, did that the day before. Walked from Wadebridge to Padstow and got the bus back.


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUCsWGGSzg0/XO7I7RNr-gI/AAAAAAAAvlQ/dXI3WixlmjQVxCZMuXFsmymMy7eZ8RcvACLcBGAs/s400/Padstow%2B006.JPG)


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ3PqSGWAto/XO7JxI657kI/AAAAAAAAvlo/sNEJZqw_XA4yG1aHC--1I7Qm6jOQMoo6wCLcBGAs/s400/Padstow%2B009.JPG)


Need to get the ferry if you are doing the South West Coastal Path. I didn't.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFLUFnSM1a4/XO7JxdQ4xgI/AAAAAAAAvls/vGY-8pteWRQBolZdQ8JDaQ5IT64hdCnzACLcBGAs/s400/Padstow%2B013.JPG)


This is where the ferry crosses.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Uf5-9O7aHQ/XO7J_S5f4jI/AAAAAAAAvlw/YPam9waMzQMvlNXS0-XrBrOCmIGpoMyZQCLcBGAs/s400/Padstow%2B015.JPG)


That's it. The end.  ilona
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: Dovegirl on 08:55:45, 05/06/19
Lovely photos    :)   
Title: Re: Planning a trip. SWCP
Post by: fit old bird on 09:39:33, 05/06/19
Lovely photos    :)   


Thank you. This maybe should be in the South West section, but as it has bits of the coastal path in it, maybe leave it here. The mods can move it if they think it fits better elsewhere.


ilona