 |
Padstow Harbour
|
No trip to Cornwall would be complete without a trip to Padstow. A picture postcard fishing port on the West bank of the River Camel. It is still a working harbour, and part of the ancient pilgrim route known as the Saints’ Way. Even though the school holidays are over it is still very bust with visitors. We have taken the bus today, always an interesting experience through the narrow Cornish lanes.
 |
Pubs, tea-rooms and shops line the harbour
|
The plan today is to take the Ferry across to Rock, however there is a slight delay as we wait for the tide to come back in. Time well spent though in The Harbour Inn, where a lovely pint of 'Tribute' was enjoyed. The pub is also the stable of the 'Obby Oss'. A folk custom that takes place on the 1st May each year. The 'Obby Oss' or hobby horse is made up of an oval frame covered in black oilskin, which has a small horse's head in the front with a snapping jaw. A procession then takes place with lots of music and singing around the town. We finish our drinks and wander back to the ferry port for the 10 minute trip across to Rock.
 |
Daymer Bay looking across to Padstow
|
The tide hasn't fully come in so we are dropped off a bit shorter than the usual point. We make our way across the golden sands of Daymer Bay on what is now a beautiful day. The beach is within the mouth of the Camel Estuary so is pretty
sheltered and has a gently sloping beach making it safe for swimming. I can't remember walking it previously? At south the end of the beach is the grassy mound of Brea Hill which is where you would get some great views of the area. It is a lovely stretch of beach and bordered by dunes and sandhills.We walk towards the car park and turn off to the golf course, circling Brae Hill. We are looking for St Enodoc Church, Sinking Neddy as it is sometimes referred to due to it's close relationship with the sea and sand.
 |
St Enodocs Church
|
The church literally stands amongst the fairways of St Enodocs Golf Club. It is a beautiful setting in the shadow of Brae Hill and the high dunes. From the sixteenth century to the middle of the nineteenth century, the church was virtually buried by the sand. By 1864 it was unearthed, the sand was removed and the church was cleaned and restored under the direction of the vicar of St Minver. The church is said to lie on the site of a cave where 'Enodoc' lived as a Hermit.
The former Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman was particularly fond of it and he lies buried in the churchyard. Betjeman spent many childhood holidays in Trebetherick. He immortalised the area in some of his poems describing the stretch of coast at Trebetherick between Daymer Bay and Polzeath. He clearly had great affection and familiarity with this part of the Cornish coast.
Then roller into roller curled
And thundered down the rocky bay,
And we were in a water world
Of rain and blizzard, sea and spray,
And one against the other hurled
We struggled round to Greenaway.
Blesséd be St Enodoc, blesséd be the wave,
Blesséd be the springy turf, we pray, pray to thee…
 |
St Enodocs Golf Course
|
We carefully make our way back through the Golf Course, keeping a watchful eye for errant flying objects.It's a lovely course, looking lush following the recent rain. We make a small unplanned detour across the dunes, with the help of a local lady we soon get back on track. It is then only a short walk along the sea front to get back to the Ferry point. We don't have long to wait either as passengers are already spilling onto the jetty. This time as you will see on the map the course is slightly different , more direct as the tide is at it's highest now
We arrive back in Padstow in time for the Bus at either 5 or 6pm We opt for the latter. Well, we are on holiday after all and there is no rush. Tempting as it is I resist the option of the Tribute Ale.I wouldn't wish to disturb the 'Obby Oss'. We enjoy a traditional Pasty on the quayside instead. It has been a lovely excursion and great walk at around 5 miles in total.
No comments:
Post a Comment