30/04/16 - The Crackington Cracker

Distance - 3.5 Miles
Geocaches - 3
Walk Inspiration - AA 1001 Family Walks
Pub - Coombe Barton, Sharp's Special



Molly the Labradoodle is 13 years old now.  She's brought our family many pleasures but surely the greatest has to be the annual UK Coastal Walking Holiday.  She's clocking on a bit now and rarely joins us on our proper walks that count towards our #Walk1000Miles target.  However, Sonia insisted she had one more trip to the seaside in her.

So a suitable walk to entertain us all - Clifftop sea breezes (Molly), Geocaches (Me) and a Cream Tea (Sonia) was found from one of my favourite walking books.

The pub at the end was an unexpected bonus.

Crackington Haven is on the North Coast of Cornwall.  It's picture book quaint - a stream running down onto a beach - aforementioned refreshment centres - and some brooding cliffs dominating from either side.

Crackington Haven

We head south, clambering up the cliffs to Cambeak.  Not too steep and plenty of rests are provided for the aging hound to catch her breath.  Our conversation is about whether dog's can appreciate beauty.  There's no denying she has a spring in her step that is not seen when she hides from us before her regular morning jaunt around a Midlands canal.

Footpath to Cambeak

On top of Cambeak

Team Photo 

We say goodbye to the coast at the Strangles and this walk has an unexpected twist in the tail.  We return to the car via an inland trail, following a stream along a hidden valley.  On it's own, this would be top notch walking but when combined with the coastal walk it makes the whole thing a delight.

After all the long distance walking I have completed already, this simple sub 4 miler could well be the walk of 2016.

The Return back along the Hidden Valley

Walk over at 11:20am, the cafe is open and Sonia (and Molly) get their wish of a Cornish cream tea.

Cafe and a Pub?  This could catch on

Asked Sonia for advice on whether Jam or Cream first.  She couldn't remember.

Normally, this would have been enough post walk refreshment, but when the pub is in such a wonderful location, it would have been criminal to have not investigated.

Sharps Special and a Sea View