For the third and fourth day of our time in Cornwall we decided to walk further down the coast to Cape Cornwall along the SW Coast Path on Sunday. Then on Monday we had an interesting open top bus ride to St Ives which is up the coast from Botallack.
Our planned break in Cornwall had been originally planned for February had been postponed and we re-booked at the same cottage later in the year in September.
Sunday 19th September – Cape Cornwall
After seeing Cape Cornwall the day before we set off back along the paths on the cliffs towards the cape. We took one of the bye-ways down to the costal path.
West Wheal Oates
Looking back towards the Crown Mine the chimney at the arsenic labyrinth is visible along with the counting house and the winding towers.
Looking along the bye-way the ruin of Wheal Edward was next on our walk.
Wheal Edward
Kenidjack Valley
Before descending down into Kenidjack Valley we paused by the ruined building at the top of the cliff (Kenidjack Castle.)
The view of Cape Cornwall as we descended into the valley.
On our left as we walked down the steep path this warning was here. The first of many that we came across on our walks in the week.
In the past there had been an active mine in the valley and the remains of the building were further up the valley towards St Just.
It was a steep descent into the valley and then back out again. Here’s the view across the valley to the path that had walked down.
At the other side o9f the valley we followed the SW Coastal Path and could see the bay at the end of the valley. This is Porth Leddon.
Cape Cornwall
We walked past the National Trust car park and down to the buildings at the side of the Cape. On our left we could see Priest’s Cove and then we climbed up to the re-furbished chimney at the top of the cape. Here’s the view looking back from the top of the cape.
The restored mine chimney at the top of the cape.
In the field below Cape Cornwall sits the ruins of St. Helens Chapel.
The cafe in the NT car park was open and we stopped for a light lunch. The fresh Cornish pasty was excellent.
Port Leddon
After our lunch break we walked past the ruined chapel and down the ramp into Porth Leddon.
The first half of our walk was across flat rocks …
… but in the middle of the bay we came to large boulders and our walk across Porth Leddon became a bit more difficult!
The final climb out was up a series of steep rises and then we were back in Kenidjack Valley.
Kenidjack Valley again
Where the stream flowed into Porth Leddon was what looked like winch. The mine up the valley would have shipped out tin etc. via small boats – amazing as there doesn’t appear to be a dock or pier!
Up the stream were the remains of the building that housed the largest waterwheel on the whole Tin Coast.
The path followed the stream up the valley back towards the ruined mine.
Then it was back up to the ruins of Kenidjack Castle
… and walking back past Wheal Edward.
The Queens Arms were open and we treated ourselves to a drink in the beer garden and enjoyed the afternoon sunshine.
Our Tesco Home delivery arrived after 8 pm. The cottage’s address was 7 Botallack and even in the pitch black of the street the delivery driver found us!
Cape Cornwall is on Page 69