23/04/14 - Wagwan Mawgan

Distance - 6.75 Miles
Geocaches - 14
Walk from - Country Walking Magazine - Jan 03

Last Two Nights
Forgive me father, for I have not blogged.  Monday night became an adventure as we heading into Newquay.  First off was operation find-a-belt - having come unprepared and wearing trousers like a 15 year old would be gangster rapper.  Managed to find a clothes shop that had belts for £50.  Well, they are Diesel, said the assistant.  More like rocket fuel at those prices.  Next shop had some for £25.  Then we found Newquay World of Leather.  They had belts for a tenner.  With trousers suitably hoiked, we then looked for a pub to watch the Albion.  This involved a walk around Newquay.  Yes, you have fine walks and headlands but its a grim town.  We won't be coming back.

Yesterday, we did not do a scheduled walk but took the dog out caching on the two headlands of Newquay. She loves us, that Labradoodle.  Last night was going to be Tapas, but the restaurant was mysteriously closed.  We phoned up to see if they would be opening but not last night.  Another meal in the Mermaid. This time outside.  Two seagulls spied on us from above.  The minute we went in for the Quiz, they swooped down.  One ate the mayonnaise.  And the tub it came in.  We lost out in the quiz.  To the chef.

Today, the tapas bar mysteriously has a sign outside saying "Yes, we are open".

The Walk

Magwan Porth at EveryTrail


It's another walk where I have more photos than I know what to do with.  The coastline around these parts must be the best in England.  We start at Mawgan Porth.  This is the location of the first Cornish Pint of 2014.  I must be nicely relaxed, as last Saturday seems like a long time ago.  We start from the pub and go across the beach to pick up the coast path.

What a way to start a walk

We clamber up the headland on the left of this photo, quickly gaining height, quickly getting out of breath. Once on top, it is reasonably flat walking with great views across Watergate Bay to Newquay.  There are a few of the Atlantic View caches to be got.  This are mainly right next to the cliff edges, so with Sonia looking nervously on and a labradoodle that likes to help, I pass on most of them.  There are plenty of chances for smileys on the inland section of the route.

Mrs Mappiman to lowering my cache totals.

One notable exception is the cache at Griffin Point.  This is what geocaching is all about to me.  Its slightly off the path and at a point where a stream tumbles down off the rocks into the sea.  Waves crash against the rocks below.  Without the cache, we would not have deviated from the path for this great location.

Waterfall, dramatic waves, geocache

We are getting closer to Watergate Bay and Sonia knows that they have excellent hot chocolates at the hotel.  Unfortunately for her, our route cuts inland and we just miss out.  I am sure there will other refreshment stops later.

The walking inland takes us through a deserted camp site and along lanes through Trevarrian.  In fields, we pick up a cache trail that keeps us entertained all the way back to the car.  The caches are perfect for this sort of walk - all nicely spaced out and easy finds.

Civilisation is reached at St Mawgan.  First we pass the monastery and its an impressive building.  I pop into a gap at the fence but in my haste to get a picture, I managed to get the monk's trousers on the washing line into shot.  St Mawgan has an impressive Church, with the bells welcoming our arrival.

Smell the wild garlic

It also presents us with a dilemma.  There is a fine looking tea room next to the equally elegant pub.  In a move that will shock regular blog fans, the tea rooms wins out.  The menu was exceptional.  And everything is promised with "Roger's Relish".

Tea preferred to Pint Shocker

Waiting patiently for Roger's special sauce

A fine a lunch as you could hope for.

One mile left along a wonderful path that runs next to a stream and then through pine trees.  Sonia gets a march on.  I get the caches.  The dog is somewhat torn as to where her loyalties lay.

That should be with me, as I am the only one to share my ice cream with her after a splash on the beach.

Happy Holiday Doodle