25/10/23 - Loe Bar, a GBG Tick at Gunwalloe and into Porthleven

 In a week of pretty walks, the prettiest

Rather a special walk this.

We start at Penrose - a National Trust House and Gardens and follow excellent paths alongside Cornwall's largest freshwater lake to the sea.

Heading to Loe Bar

Loe Bar is a slender strip of land separating the freshwater Loe Pool from the  Atlantic Ocean. This remarkable barrier beach, approximately one mile long, is composed of a mixture of sand and shingle, and it's the largest of its kind in the county. Legend has it that the Bar was formed when a colossal storm in the 13th century breached the sand dunes that once separated the freshwater Loe Pool from the sea. It certainly stopped Helston from being a sea port.

Ivy, impressed by the natural wonder

And then hitting the bar

We actually have a choice of walks now. Head South for a Good Beer Guide Tick or head North for the previously unexplored town of Porthleven. The sun is shining, we are on holiday so the correct decision has to be to do both.

This enthusiasm is rewarded by the drinking gods. It's 11:15 when we arrive at the tiny fishing port of Gunwalloe. Mrs M thinks I am lying twice. Once, when I say the Halzephron is an 11am opener and twice when I say its just a quarter mile further up the lane.

An honour to be the first patrons of the day at this ancient smugglers pub. If you want to read about tunnels and attempts to recover Spanish fortunes, head here.

Freehouse, serving mainly Sharps

As you would expect

Good Beer Guide 2024 Entry

A straightforward coast walk, crossing the Loe Bar for a 2nd time and into Porthleven. A picture perfect Cornish fishing village, with tourist throngs taking advantage of the chippy and the pasty shop.

Coast path to Porthleven - Monument to the lost HMS Anson

Into Porthleven

Boats across the harbour

An Adventure Lab Cache takes us to 5 interesting locations. Saving the best till last, the final stop is the C17th Ship Inn. Right on the harbour, a perfect place to sit and watch the world go by.

Eponymous beer - Skinners Porthleven

Walk Details

Distance - 8.25 miles

Walk Inspiration - 40 Walks in Cornwall (Walk 15) and Pub Walks in South West Cornwall 9 (Walk 13)

Geocaches - 3 and 7 Adventure Lab Caches