Gorran Haven to Bow/Vault Beach & Caerhays Castle (South West Coast Path)

We made the short trip down from Charlestown to have a look around Gorran Haven. Somewhere neither have been to before. 

Sitting in a valley, well off the beaten track, Gorran Haven is an unspoilt coastal village at the heart of which is a cluster of Fisherman's cottages, nestling around a secluded cove which remains much the same as in years gone by I would imagine. 

The bay of Gorran Haven is sheltered from prevailing west winds by Dodman Point. 

A stone pier forms a small harbour and provides further shelter. Built at the time of the pilchard boom in the 19th century the harbour is much quieter these days. There are still a few working boats, but most of the traffic is now fishing trips.

 

 

 There are two sandy beaches either side of the cove. Vault or Bow Beach is to the south, Great Perhaver Beach is to the North.

 The tide is on It's way out and we are able to pass the rocky outcrop that separates the harbour beach. Marina is clearly in full blown holiday mood now. However there is no tempting her to take the coastal path to visit either of the other two sandy beaches. I think she was totally 'walked out' yesterday on the ten miler to Mevagissey from Charlestown.

Leaving her at the coffee shop I set off in search of Vault/Bow Beach.

It was a very good decision. Not only has the sun come out, the views are magnificent! 

It is probably only a mile or so and Vault/Bow Beach is a beautiful sight. A curved sweep of sand and shingle that gently slopes into the sea. Not bad at all for late October!

I'd be happy to stay here for a lot longer but need to get back of course. It would be nice to continue the walk as well but needs must as they say.

I re-trace my outward route, there are a few walkers around too, who seem to sense that I'm in a bit of a hurry. Not too much though not to take in the views, and feel the sense of freedom that comes with such an invigorating experience.

I break into a bit of a trot maybe even a gallop?It is a surprise to see that I have made the all time leader-board on my Strava app for this leg of the coast. I can see my wife down below enjoying her coffee. She sees me to and we exchange a few waves, with a few waves in the background if you will......

We really liked Gorran Haven, definitely somewhere that we will return to in the future. The only disappointment being that the Fish and Chip shop that was highly recommended was closed...

It is still only early afternoon so time to visit another place that looks interesting on the map, 'Caerhays'. It is only a short journey of about 5 miles down some very rural roads.

It is here that Cornwall has It's very own 'Castle by the Sea'.   

Caerhays Castle

Caerhays Castle is an English Heritage Grade 1 Listed Building and currently home to the Williams family. 

Unfortunately today The Gatehouse is as close as we will get as closed until February 2022.

The Castle overlooks Porthluney Cove, It is really a semi-castellated manor house. 

The castle garden covers almost 120 acres and is famed for It's Magnolia collection. In total the garden is home to 600 varieties of plants.Time to explore the beach I think! 

 

 

Porthluney Cove Beach is secluded with a large expanse of golden sand. South facing, in front of Caerhays Castle and Gardens you couldn't ask for a better backdrop.

I somehow resist the urge to go clifftop walking again. Happy to just relax on the rocks in the sunshine. 

As we leave I can't resist taking a final picture from the car of the castle . Somewhere we will have to visit again when it is open.