Cornwall

From our base at Crylla Valley Cottages we were able to set out and explore Cornwall. After our first night there we decided to head westwards along the coast to experience some of the many small villages. Our first visit was to the small village of Portwrinkle - pretty much due south of our 'abode'. We reached Portwrinkle via St German and Crabhole along some very narrow and windy lanes nestled between high hedgerows.

The challenge of motoring along these narrow lanes with poor visibility is that you never quite know when you are going to be confronted by an oncoming vehicle and with no way to pass. The only way forward is to go backwards, so to speak, so we found ourselves reversing to the last known passing point which was generally not too far behind us. There is an unspoken negotiation which goes on with these events. As we were unfamiliar with the protocol it was generally us doing the reversing. This sort of experience does tend to sharpen up ones driving skills which have probably dropped off a bit due to being spoiled rotten on roads where two vehicles can pass in opposite directions anywhere.

After a few more close encounters of the vehicular kind we got back onto a more regular road and headed west to Polperro. My sister, Evelyn and brother-in-law Peter had told us that they enjoyed a few days stay in Polperro on there trip to England in 1982 so we were interested to see this village. Polperro is a vehicle free village, except for local vehicles, as it is nestled at the head of a small cove and its 'streets' are very narrow lanes. There is a large car park where you have to leave your car (pay/display) as you walk down through the village or take the motorised 'tram' or a horse-drawn version (charge). We opted to walk down through the village but took the motorised tram back up to the carpark.

The village is a fair stereotype of the typical Cornish 'Smuggler's Cove' type of village and with the rise of tourism they cash in on every opportunity with many shops selling 'the only authentic Cornish Pasty available'. Other shops sell touristy knick-knacks.
This shop was decorated with carvings of Cornish Piskies and other mythical creatures.

This local pub also rises to the occassion with a ships figurehead below the sign.


After Portperro we headed west through St Austell and as far as Falmouth where we took a tour through the town. We got a bit slowed down by very slow traffic heading north-west towards Redruth to connect with the A30 which would take us north-east towards Bodmin (of 'beast' legend). It was still blowing our minds at the relatively small distances involved in travelling here.