Padstow to Harlyn Bay

The Monday’s plan had always been to attempt a walk around the headland from Padstow to Harlyn Bay. A hike of around 7 miles up and down dale and, dare I say, rocks and a lot of them. The weather looked okay as we set off, a real calm before the storm. (You’re not kidding).

As you can see from the map, this walk would hug the coastline all the way. A mixture of beach view and breathtaking clifftops. There are some quite steep bits as well as loose rocks underfoot. Not advisable if you are not reasonably able and fit.

If you always keep the sea on your right, you shouldn’t get lost! Having said that, some of the Padstow to Harlyn bay route went a little inland and then you have to look out for the little markers showing the way. Well spotted by Mrs R as the rest of us were struggling for directions at this point.

There are stiles along the route. As the whole area is made from slate then the builders have used what is to hand. Beware some of these upright slates are at an uncomfortable height for some!

Wildlife

PS I was not allowed to post the pic of Mrs CT attempting to get over the stile. Needless to say, there was some interesting wildlife on show, including a fantastic close encounter with a harrier. (Don’t know what the furry caterpillar thing is?)

Cafe Stop

About halfway around, the ladies spotted a sign to Rest A While Tearoom. Oh, joy. So up a little lane, we went only to discover that, like the rest of the hospitality industry, service was only outside as no food was on offer. The 15 seats were fully occupied with persons of an older generation than ours. What did they know by stopping here? We purchased water for the onward hike. At that point, the heavens opened – just as well we didn’t sit. The decision was made to push on rather than turning back.

On the Cliff Tops

At this point, we discovered why the oldies stopped their walk at the cafe. The remainder of this walk would be on the cliffs, which entailed very steep climbs and even more hair raising descents! The rain was coming UP and over the cliffs, and the wind was blowing somewhat. The scenery, however, was spectacular.

As we came to the bottom of the last but steepest descent, we came across the tallest slate stile yet. I got stuck, with my knee, not yet fully recovered from being replaced with a shiny new metal one last year. I apologised to the couple behind me, advising them of my small disability and at the same time stating that it was actually my good leg that was stuck! One of my friends would help me – no, they were too busy laughing and frantically trying to get the cameras out for onward posting to Facebook, no doubt. Thank you, chaps.

Trevone

At long last we spotted habitation. Not Harlyn Bay but Trevone. There might even be a pub!!

There was a pub, The Well Parc – hooray. It didn’t open until 16:00 – boo. We were soaked through, and the prospect of walking for another 40 mins did not appeal—A vote taken to find the bus stop here. (Note we had always planned on getting the bus back in any case). The bus stop was at the top of the hill, and certain people could not wait to sit down.

The Bus back home

It was only a 10-minute journey back to the harbour at Padstow. Unbelievably down country lanes on a huge double-decker. Us six and the driver.

Review

I thoroughly recommend this walk. Make sure you have the correct footwear, and if there is any hint of rain, make sure you have waterproofs; umbrellas are useless. I discovered that my Barbour needs a rewax! Afterwards, we found out that many people get the bus from the terminal at Padstow to Harlyn Bay and then complete the walk the other way around to us.

Laters