With the threat of Storm Ciaran soon to reach our shores, (and to be perfectly honest any excuse to get out for a good hike), we gathered our wet weather gear and headed to the coast to brave the elements.
Post-October half term, the lanes of north Cornwall were quiet once again. Parking near the tiny hamlet of Crugmeer, views of tempestuous cloud and azure water over Mother Ivey’s Bay greeted us as we traversed fields with permissible access to the coast path. Joining the path, we found ourselves above the impressive Tregudda Gorge, it’s hand-shaped rock stack pointing to the skies. Satisfyingly swollen waves rolled in, intermittently the odd one large and powerful enough to cause an explosive splash when hitting the rocks.
Onwards towards Stepper Point, we strolled through clifftop fields as sheep and cattle grazed on salted grass. Skirting the cliffs at Butterhole Cove, we gazed longingly upon the pristine beach beneath (which is just so as it can only be accessed via the sea) and pressed on to the Daymark.
Always a windy spot, the Daymark stretched into the clouds high above the Camel Estuary, and we stepped inside its thick walls for a sheltered view of the panorama. Views stretched all the way from Pentire Head in the east, and towards Trevose, and distant Newquay to the west.
Passing by the Coastguard lookout where the friendly guard on duty waved and smiled, we made our way down into the mouth of the Camel Estuary, hypnotised by the curved wave racing in. As the salt water of the sea met with the fresh water of the river flowing out to sea, the waters bubbled and fizzed as their opposing forces clashed.
Meandering to Hawkers Cove, we then turned inland and walked the road back to the car.
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