Uncategorized – Page 9 – ricketyrambler

Spring is in the Air!

March 5, 2015March 5, 2015ricketyrambler1 Comment

Thursday, 5th March 2015 (Day 4, week 9)

Hello friends!

What a lovely walk Mr RR and I had today! Can you believe that on Tuesday there was hail and sleet and freezing winds….and today the sun was shining, the birds were singing and the sea was deep, deep greeny blue….aaah wonderful. We almost didn’t really need coats.

We didn’t go far from home, but we hadn’t explored this area before, not sure why not, its very beautiful, around the mouth of the Helford River with views across Falmouth Bay. I think we’ll be going back again.

This walk came from Classic Walks, Cornwall (3rd ed). I’m always wary of walks from walk books, they can easily lead you astray while you look in vain for the ‘white cottage on the left’ which is now blue, or the ‘metal gate’ which is now wooden. Paths, especially on the coast, can be diverted as the cliff erodes and new paths may have appeared since the book was published. Today we took the Ordnance Survey map with us – just in case – but for the most part the walk was just as it says on the tin!

Anyway, I’m off to do some secret stitching…..enjoy reading.

Julie

Target: 1000 miles in one year (20 miles a week)

Achieved so far: 192 miles (target 180 miles)

Achieved this week: 15.4 miles

Porthallow circular via Gillan and Nare Point (4.9 miles)

At the little fishing hamlet of Porthallow, which sits on the coast just around the corner from the Helford River, there is a large stone sign letting us know that this is the mid point of the South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole. The stone has, carved into it, names of birds and flowers that can be found hereabouts. Across the bay we can see container ships at anchor awaiting entrance to Falmouth Docks. The sun is shining, the sea is calm and the day is perfect for walking.

We set off through the hamlet, heading inland and crossing a little stream before making our way up the tree lined valley. There is, of course, mud! Lots of it! But boards walks have been provided over the worst parts and as we climb upwards we’re able to take our eyes from our feet to admire the view. There is birdsong all around us and we soon see a robin and a pair of blue tits.

Across a couple of babbling brooks and stone stiles before, eventually we join the road which will take us through hedges and rolling countryside to a track leading downhill to Gillan Harbour.

On the way, we pass through a farmyard and catch sight of these cute calves in the barn. They’re quite curious about us and not at all shy, but even so, we turn off the flash on the camera so we don’t startle them.

The track descends along a path, presumably once the drive to a large house as there is a carved gatepost at one point and it is lined with elegant beech trees, the floor littered with the remains of beech nuts, much prized by wood mice and grey squirrels, though we see neither of these.

Across the valley, on our left, an elegant art deco style house sits high on the hillside, no doubt with stunning views over the harbour and Falmouth Bay, which is ahead of us as we carry on down the muddy hill.

This is such a pretty place, so quiet and still. Across the water we can see five egrets on the shoreline. The collective noun for egrets is so disappointing that I considered not repeating it here, but my conscience won’t let me get away with that…….a heronry of egrets (it’s almost plagiarism isn’t it?). Moving quickly on…….

The little stone quay is owned by the National Trust and there is also the remnant of a Bronze Age settlement here, called The Herra.

We’re now on the South West Coast Path and need only to follow this back to our starting point. The path is of course muddy, with some steepish climbs and stiles to navigate, but the views along the coastline in front of us and out across Falmouth Bay towards the Roseland Peninsula are worth every step of it.

Along the way we see stonechats,bluetits, a meadow pipit and a long tailed tit. Down on the water’s edge are cormorants and a pair of Shelduck sitting amidst the gulls. After a short time, we stop to remove a layer of clothing, before ploughing on to Nare Point where there is, what must be, the Coastguard Station with the best views in all of Cornwall.

And then, after one very steep climb, we can see Porthallow in the distance, surprisingly far away. It doesn’t take us long, however, to tramp along the remainder of this muddy path and down over the hill. Just on the edge of the hamlet, right by the water’s edge, is the most delightful garden, beautifully landscaped, making you want to sit right there and drink in the view.

Not for us, sadly. We’re back at the car and removing muddy boots again!

On the Coast Path Acrylic on Board — On the Coast Path
Acrylic on Boar

Associated Artwork for Ricketyrambler by Andrew Major:

http://www.andrewmajorart.co.uk

http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/Andrew-Major

Me and Ms B…

March 3, 2015March 3, 2015ricketyrambler3 Comments

Tuesday 3rd March 2015 (Day 2, Week 9)

Hello!

Today I had the company of Ms B for a walk along Perranporth beach. It was one of those days again where the weather can’t quite makeup its mind. Sometimes the sun was shining, mostly it was cold and windy and at the end it hailed and rained – but we had a lovely day! Thanks Ms B.

Enjoy reading

Julie

Target: 1000 miles in a year (20 miles a week)

Total achieved: 187.1 miles (target 190 miles)

Achieved this week: 10.5 miles

Bolingey to Ligger Point via Perran Beach and return (7.2 miles)

So we started off, well wrapped up against the biting cold wind, walking from Ms B’s residence down the hill through the village of Bolingey with its drystone walls full of crocus, daffodils and clumps of primroses, and then turned left onto the Perranporth road. The road follows the path of a stream as it wends its way down to the sea in Perran Bay. On our left a flooded woodland resembling a prehistoric forest with its twisted lichen lined tree trunks, and on our right a reed bed at the edge of a nature reserve.

We make our way onto Perran Sands with Chapel Rock straight ahead of us; it’s low tide and we have plenty of time for a long walk. The beach is practically deserted apart from a few hardy dog walkers and a couple of kite surfers, not surprisingly as it’s freezing cold and there has already been hail and sleet in Bolingey this morning. The skies are blue at the moment as we turn right and begin our walk along this three mile stretch of sand towards Ligger Point in the distance. The beach is host to the South West Coast Path although at high tide there are footpaths across the high dunes.

The sand dunes are impressive, extending a mile inland and known as Penhale Sands. After a while I notice caves in the cliff face and we divert to investigate. The colours of the rock are amazing and we can hear water tumbling down in the dark depths of the interior; unfortunately neither of us is equipped with a torch so we resist the urge to investigate further.

The light is constantly changing as clouds gather and disperse and at times the water looks grey and forbidding, at others a hazy purple.

Up on the dunes to our right, an enterprising person has been gathering the detritus which always spoils these places to build sculptures. We can’t quite make out what this one is – but we think it’s a lady with a shopping trolley holding a bunch of flowers:

We finally reach the far end of the bay and stop a while to watch a buzzard hover overhead. It’s in competition with a helicopter which has been circling above us and the gulls, huddled on the cliff face, suddenly become nervous, screeching and swooping, presumably protecting their nests.

As we turn to head back, looking forward to lunch, the clouds have gathered once more and before long icy hailstones are falling, a more persistent storm this one and we’re soon quite wet. Not bothered by the weather, a single oyster catcher loiters at the water’s edge and a rock pipit hops about, almost under our feet, it’s mate flitting about the rocks at the cliff edge.

These little birds prefer rocky shores where they can forage for food among the pebbles and boulders. Its known to be a relatively tame bird and this one certainly doesn’t mind us stopping to have a close look at him. Their populations are declining in Britain, possibly as their nesting sites, often on popular holiday beaches, are disturbed, so we’re lucky to catch sight of this one.

Ahead of us as we hurry back we can see Cligga Point to the South West and all the way to St Agnes Head, where Mr TB is hard at work in the Coastguard Station. We give him a wave, so that he knows we’re surviving the storms.

Turbulance Acrylic on Canvas — Turbulance
Acrylic on Canvas

Soon we’re back at Perranporth and walking over the bridge into the main street in search of lunch. Revived by hot soup and once more in the sunshine, we make our way back along the road and up the hill to Bolingey.

Associated artwork for Ricketyrambler by Andrew Major:

http://www.andrewmajorart.co.uk

http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/Andrew-Major

Mud and the Devil’s Frying Pan

March 2, 2015ricketyramblerLeave a comment

Monday, 2nd March 2015 (Day 1, Week 9)

Hello, here we are again!

Just a short walk today but more than our fair share of mud I feel! And the hailstones were not pleasant either.

Anyway – some interesting things to talk about.

Enjoy!

Julie

Target: 1000 miles in one year. Weekly goal 20 miles

Total achieved so far: 176.6 miles (Target: 180 miles)

Achieved this week: 3.3 miles

Cadgwith Cove circular via St Grada Church and the Devil’s Frying Pan (3.3 miles)

Hailstorms had been happening over Porthleven before we left home this morning, but the sky was blue now with just a few clouds. Stepping outside though it was bitterly cold with a freezing wind and before we’d reached the top of the hill out of the village there were black clouds overhead. And this was the way the morning continued. One minute bright sunshine, the next icy rain and gusty winds.

Undeterred, we parked in a lay-by at the top of the hill outside of Cadgwith Cove and walked a few yards back along the road to the stile which leads to the footpath across the fields to the church of St Grada and Holy Cross which we could see ahead. We cast worried glances at each other as we trudged through the water-logged field and approached the next stile – we were sinking ever deeper in the quagmire. Mr RR sensibly went off to look for an alternative route whilst I, determined not to be beaten, slurped my way onwards. Not clever! I was soon stuck ankle deep in the yucky brown stuff. After some serious squelching and tugging I rejoined Mr RR for a little powwow – what to do?

There was nothing for it, we would have to take the boring roadway round the edge of the fields and so off we tramped, slipping and sliding across the field to an open gate. It wasn’t far really, left and left again, and there we were at the lane leading down to the church. We decided to take a little detour down the lane – more mud! – to visit this isolated church. It was originally founded in medieval times but was rebuilt in 1862. However, it’s in a desperate state of repair with an unsafe bell tower and funds badly needed for the roof repairs. Inside, there is no electric lighting but the sun is shining through some beautiful stained glass windows and this allows us to see the 13th century font and the pulpit and lectern carved from local Serpentine rock.

Nicholas Orme’s book ‘The Saints of Cornwall’ tells us that Grade (latinised to Grada) was a Brittonic saint about whom nothing is known. A quick search of the internet does tell us though, that this lovely church was used in 1966 as a location for filming Dr Who!

Leaving the church we made our way back along the muddy lane to the road and headed towards the turn off for the coast path. On the way we noticed that the large duck pond, which is usually hidden by grasses and weeds, has been cleared, although the ducks were shut away in the adjacent hen house – along with the hens, and were making their displeasure with this arrangement known!

As we turned right following the footpath down to the coast, the sun came out and the skies cleared giving us amazing views of coast including The Lizard coastguard station and the lifeboat house.

Out at sea, a glimpse of a gannet and sitting on some rocks below us, what we thought were a pair of cormorants, although we were perplexed by one of them having an unusual tuft of feathers on top of his head. A quick flick through the RSPB bible reveals that this was in fact a pair of shags – the breeding adult has a curly crest on the front of his head. How exciting – never seen one of these before! You can just see them on the edge of the rocks in this picture.

Also along the pathway we see a pretty clump of purple flowers, hidden away beside a bench. These are the common dog-violet which usually flower between April and June according to my book – so these have obviously got confused by the weather.

As we clamber up and over some rocks a glance out to sea tells us that rain is on the way – although just a little further to the right the sun is pushing it’s way through the clouds!

The rain on it's way! — The rain on it’s way!

Before we get much further the rain catches up with us and turns to hailstones but we hurry on round the corner towards Cadgwith Cove passing The Devil’s Frying Pan on the way. This 200 feet deep hole was once a cave, the roof having collapsed leaving a bar of rock and an archway through which the waves pound.

The Devil's Frying Pan — The Devil’s Frying Pan

It’s raining hard as we head down the pretty shrub lined pathway into Cadgwith Cove itself. Up on the far cliff we can see the Huer’s Hut, from where the lookout could spot the shoals of pilchard and send out his cry for the fishing boats to take to the water.

Hewer's cry, Cadgwith — Huer’s cry, Cadgwith

We remind ourselves to walk the other side of this pretty fishing village soon but don’t hang around as we’re fairly wet now. Up the hill via the pathway through the centre of the valley, passing St Mary’s Church – a little corrugated iron building – and a quick glance back down the hill at the village before we turn onto the road and back to the car.

Associated artwork for Ricketyrambler by Andrew Major:

http://www.andrewmajorart.co.uk

http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/Andrew-Major

As we were going to St Ives….

February 28, 2015February 28, 2015ricketyramblerLeave a comment

Saturday 28th February 2015, (Day 6, week 8)

Good afternoon,

I hope you’re all enjoying the weekend.

Mr RR and I took another trek out along the coast path from St Ives today, this time carrying on along past Pen Enys Point and Trevega Cliff before turning inland and following the footpaths through farmland back to St Ives. The walk was taken from ‘Walkingworld.com’ – a website all about walking with some great treks (there is a small subscription).

Enjoy reading

Julie

Target: 1000 miles in one year. Weekly goal 20 miles.

Total achieved so far: 170.3 miles (target 160 miles)

Achieved this week: 20 miles

St Ives circular via Pen Enys Point, Trevega Cliff and Trowan (7.9 miles)

We came without gaiters today, just walking boots and waterproof trousers (my fault – I left them out in the rain and they were soggy!). Big mistake……if ever there was a walk requiring protection from the mud, this was it!!

St Ives was cloudy today but with that silvery green light that only St Ives has; the horizon so hazy you could barely see where the sea and sky met. Calm in the harbour, choppy along the rugged coast, but not cold, just a bit breezy at times.

We walked along the front and followed the road past Smeaton’s Pier and up over to the Tate St Ives Gallery. Surfers were finding good waves off Porthmeor Beach and children, well wrapped, were playing in the sand. The coast path passes the putting green before the view opens out towards Clodgey Point. Looking back at St Ives the tumble of houses are bathed in that unique light.

Last time we came this way, we were mesmerised by the hundreds of gannets (a Gannetry of Gannets!) all swooping and diving out to sea. Today we see one or two only. Maybe they are just difficult to see in the misty distance, or maybe they’ve moved on to better fishing grounds.

The path now becomes rocky and very muddy, at times we are wading through streams cascading down to the sea below. At one point a boardwalk has thoughtfully been provided over a swamp, but most of the time we’re walking through water and mud. It is indeed a scramble of a ramble.

As we clamber up one particularly steep rocky outcrop, I think to myself that this probably wasn’t what my physio had in mind when he said, to a rickety middle aged woman with two dodgy shoulders, that she should start walking!

We’re practically alone on this part of the coast, we pass only two other walkers taking a break at an improbably placed picnic table. To our left, the land is wild, almost desolate, treeless and covered in bracken. On our right is the sea, far below, pounding the rocks. But the views are incredible. Scrambling up another photo opportunity (‘steep hill’ in RR speak) we ponder the absence of birds. Aside from the gulls, a couple of buzzards circling over the cliffs and a cormorant or two on the sea, we don’t see or hear any birdlife. No food here perhaps, or no shelter, or just taking a day off and huddling safe in their roosts. Who knows?

At last ahead of us we see the disused mine that tells us we’re nearing the point to turn inland, first passing a stone circle known as the Merry Harvesters on our left. The myth is that these stones were once 13 old farmers and one maiden from St Ives caught by a local magistrate dancing an ancient fertility rite. He immediately turned them all to stone.

Just past the mine we climb a stile and turn inland.

From here on we’re walking across grassy fields, through gateways surrounded by mud baths and over innumerable stone stiles. My walking guide calls these stiles ‘pestilential’, a word I have had to look up. As I thought, it means ‘plaguelike, virulent, epidemic and contagious’. Not quite the right word for these but I know what he means! A pest is a thing that annoys by imposing itself when it is not wanted and these steep, irregular granite obstacles are certainly that. We must have crossed about 20 of them, some with a complicated gate structure seemingly designed to increase the struggle to ascend or descend.

A 'pestilential' stile — Mrs RR climbing a ‘pestilential’ stile

Finally, exhausted, we find the road back down into St Ives, just as the rain starts to fall. A short diversion to pick up some lunch and we’re back at the car, where we gingerly pull off the mud encrusted boots before heading home.

Associated artwork for Ricketyrambler by Andrew Major:

http://www.andrewmajorart.co.uk

http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/Andrew-Major

Porthleven circular via Penrose Estate and Loe Bar

February 26, 2015ricketyramblerLeave a comment

Dear Everyone,

Mr RR and I are back in Cornwall. I have to say that, despite the excellent company and the charming streets of the city of Oxford, it is a joy to be walking in the countryside again!

We’ve had a night of rain so we stepped out all geared up for storms today, but we were lucky and returned home dry if just a little muddy!

Thanks for reading

Julie

Target – 1000 miles in one year. Weekly goal – 20 miles

Total achieved so far – 162.4 miles (target 160)

Achieved this week – 12.1 miles

Porthleven Circular via Penrose Estate and Loe Bar

Well, here we are, back in Porthleven and keen to get out for a walk despite the overnight rain. So with boots and gaiters on and waterproof trousers packed, we headed down through the village and alongside the inner harbour towards the coast path. The swans were safely dabbling among the moored boats and the outer harbour boards were in place for protection as the tides are high and the sea already rough. It’s not as cold as it has been over the last few days but its very cloudy and threatening rain with a blustery wind churning up the waves.

We walk along the coast towards Loe Bar, then turn left up the steep hill to the new Penrose Path. Out to sea a huge container ship is at anchor but otherwise there’s nothing to see except a guillemot swimming like a duck in the water and diving every now and then for food. This bird lives most of the year on the open sea, coming to land only to breed on the cliffs. It feeds on fish – cod or whiting, sand eels or sprats – and this one is dipping and diving frequently, so either he’s hungry or he’s found a good feeding site and is having a feast!

We plod on through the mud which is exceedingly slippy on this path, noting a buzzard sitting calmly in the middle of a field, perhaps waiting for a rabbit to put in an appearance. Past the fields, some newly planted and some with last year’s crop still evident, and along the top ridge from where we can look down on to the lake.

Once we round the corner past the farm, we’re headed through the woods. The fir trees are black in the dim light, their trunks saturated and eerie looking. The dog in the photo below is not mine by the way – he just, very cleverly, inserted himself into my picture, but he was a nice dog so I let him stay! (No RR jr. – it’s not Alfie!!)

Further down the hill, the ground is covered by rust coloured bracken, quite beautiful against the dark trunks and just peeping through, the new shoots of bluebells, reminding me that in just a few weeks these woods will be carpeted in blue. A sight worth seeing if you get the chance.

Now we’re out of the woods and on the tarmacced path alongside the lake. The walls are lined with pennywort with their shiny green leaves – also known as navelwort, nothing to do with ships as I thought (!!), but because the leaves look like your navel apparently!!

I’m pleased to note that the herons are back right on cue – you will remember that the females arrive in February to start nagging the males to get on with the nest building. We see three of them, across the lake in the usual spot. Also a family of great crested grebe – two adults and a juvenile. On checking the book about collective nouns for birds I see that I should have said ‘a posse of herons’ – not sure I like that, sounds a bit wild west to me, but a ‘waterdance of grebes’ is just lovely isn’t it?

As we round the corner back onto the coast path the wind whips up and we hurry along towards Porthleven, eager to avoid the rainstorms. However, we get back to the village without any sign of them and indeed the sun is trying to shine, breaking up the clouds to reveal a watery blue sky. A quick stop in passing to collect pasties for lunch and we’re home!

Associated artwork for Ricketyrambler by Andrew Major:

http://www.andrewmajorart.co.uk

http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/Andrew-Major

Harcourt Hill to Oxford City

February 23, 2015February 23, 2015ricketyramblerLeave a comment

Sunday 23rd February 2015 (Day 1, week 8)

Hello people,

We are still in Oxford and had intended a lovely walk around the many waterways of that city today. However, freezing rain and bitter cold put a stop to that, so instead we walked into Oxford City from the apartment along the Thames, had a meander around town and then, after pizza and wine, caught a bus back. Too cold even for photos!

Thanks for reading

Julie

Target – 1000 miles in one year. Weekly goal – 20 miles

Total achieved so far – 156.7 miles (target 160)

Achieved this week – 6.4 miles

Harcourt Hill to Oxford City

Leaving our apartment we walked downhill, under the busy A34 and through an industrial estate to reach the River Thames. By now the rain was coming down hard and we stopped to put on waterproof trousers. A few ducks and a ‘lamentation of swans’ greeted us on the river, but it was too cold to linger in the hope of other interesting wildlife, although we did spot a couple of hybrid geese and some greylags pecking away at the grass on the opposite side.

We hurried along the tow path, following the city centre signs for a couple of miles. The river was fast flowing and murky on our left and on our right the Oxford Nature Park – probably worth seeing in spring but we had no enthusiasm for it today. Eventually we reached St Aldgates, the main road into Oxford City Centre and, stopping briefly to remove waterproofs, headed straight for Oxford City Museum cafe for hot drinks!

The rest of the day we spent loitering around the city, visiting Christ Church Picture Gallery, The Pitt Rivers Museum and shopping, before catching the bus home.

Associated artwork for Ricketyrambler by Andrew Major:

http://www.andrewmajorart.co.uk

http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/Andrew-Major

I’m Currently reading:

Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit

Oxford City and Parks

February 22, 2015February 22, 2015ricketyramblerLeave a comment

Sunday 22nd February 2015 (Day 7, week 7)

Hello lovely people,

Mr RR and I are visiting with RR junior and Ms K in Oxford, where I have to say, February is in full swing…..it’s freezing here! Undaunted we set off this morning for a walking tour of Oxford with a printed guide called The Parks and Spires of Oxford from Walking.com; and then moseyed around Oxford for the afternoon attempting to keep warm and dry.

Now, before proceeding with the ramblings – I just have to say that I’m a little disappointed that no-one noticed my error in the rambling mileage calculations – I’ve now corrected this and can confirm that at the end of week 7, I’m still ahead of target – yippee! (and I expect more focus from you all in the future!)

Thanks for reading

Julie

Target – 1000 miles in one year. Weekly goal – 20 miles

Total achieved so far – 150.3 miles (target 140)

Achieved this week – 22.4 miles

Oxford City and Parks (6.9 miles)

We left our lovely apartment (www.theoxfordapartments.co.uk) bright and early and walked up the hill to the Harcourt Hill campus of Oxford Brookes University from where we can catch the bus into Oxford City Centre. Arriving in High Street we made our way straight to The Grand Cafe for a hearty breakfast. The Grand Cafe claims to be the first coffee house in England and is indeed ‘grand’.

Fortified against the cold we made our way back up High Street towards the University Church and turned right into Radcliffe Square, home of the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library. Then across the cobbles towards Catte Street and Parks Road, passing the New Bodleian Library – now freed from its hoarding and scaffolding, which has surrounded it on all our previous visits, and looking very smart. Along Parks Road we pass the Pitt’s Rivers Museum, also refurbished and Keble College with its intricate red brick patterning.

Then we turn into Oxford University Park and walk around the perimeter towards the River Cherwell. The University Park is full of facilities for sporting activities, cricket pitch and pavilion, rugby pitches and croquet lawns apparently. A little research tells me that there is a famous nude bathing spot here called Parson’s Pleasure – I’m glad to say we saw no nude bathers today, not surprisingly. It’s soon obvious that we’re entirely out of place, sporting no lycra or iPod, we seem to be the odd ones out amidst crowds of runners and joggers. However, we pick up the (walking) pace – after all it is freezing – and make for the lake with its tribe of mallards quacking away loudly in the hope of crumbs.

Now at this point I have to deviate from rambling to tell you that Mr RR has bought a new book. Its called ‘A Conspiracy of Ravens’ and its a gorgeous little ‘Compendium of Collective Nouns for Birds’ compiled by Samuel Fanous and complete with 18th century illustrations (wood cuts) by Thomas Bewick. My point is that, from now on, I will be able to keep you educated about the correct terminology for ‘flocks’ of birds. And I can begin with mallards – ‘A sord of mallards’ is the appropriate term. Here is one of the illustrations from the book:

Anyway, this sord of mallards were joined today by a pair of Canada geese, the first of many we saw today. Not having any crumbs with which to quiet the ducks we hurried on to walk alongside the fast flowing Cherwell, a complicated river which splits so that at one point we are walking between the two rivers. Passing the University sports field we can see that a ‘gaggle of Canada geese’ have taken up residence.

Eventually we reach a pretty cottage right on top of the river, with a flood gauge practically in the garden. The sluice gates are open and river water is cascading through, with the river opposite looking worryingly high to us.

We exit Oxford University Park here and cross the road to Headington Hill Park, noting the beautifully sculpted, ornate mosque on our right

and walking briefly uphill before turning and heading downhill again, admiring the snowdrops and crocus just coming into flower amongst the trees and grass. This park was originally owned by the Morrell family but is now leased to Oxford Brookes University by the city council. It is the venue for open air Shakespeare performances and other events. Leaving this park we walk down the road, over Magdalen (pronounced ‘maudlin’) Bridge and pass the Oxford Botanical Gardens, the oldest botanical gardens in the UK, before turning into Christ Church Meadow, an area of pastureland bordered by the Rivers Cherwell and Isis (Thames), maintained by Christ Church College. Christ Church is the grandest of all the Oxford Colleges, founded by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525.

We leave the meadow by the war memorial garden

and head back into the city centre, stopping for a little essential fabric shopping on the way. Then back up to High Street and along Cornmarket Street to the Ashmolean Museum for a cuppa with RR junior.

Leaving the men to enjoy a William Blake exhibition, I then continue my perambulations of the city streets, although it is pouring with rain now and I am forced to take shelter in various bookshops along the way! We meet up again later and eventually find our way to a bar for a glass of wine before, defeated by the weather, we catch the bus back to Harcourt Hill.

Associated artwork for Ricketyrambler by Andrew Major:

http://www.andrewmajorart.co.uk

http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/Andrew-Major

I’m Currently reading:

Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit

Hayle Estuary, The Towans and Phillack

February 19, 2015February 22, 2015ricketyrambler1 Comment

Dear readers

Something strange is happening in my world.

Last night as I sat studying an OS map and contemplating tea and cake in M&S while waiting for the car to be serviced today, some words suddenly popped out of my mouth:

‘We could always go for a walk while we wait for the car’ I said.

This is unprecedented, I’m not sure what’s happening to me……

Enjoy the ramblings.

Julie

(P.S: I forgot the camera again today – all photos are Mr RRs)

Target – 1000 miles in one year. Weekly goal – 20 miles

Total achieved so far – 143.4 miles (target 140)

Achieved this week – 15.5 miles

Hayle Estuary, The Towans and Phillack (4.9 miles)

So we did……we left the car to be serviced, walked straight past Marks and Spencer and followed the path up over the A30 and along the main Hayle road turning right to walk alongside the estuary with its reed beds and marshes. The tide was out and the river bed was buzzing with birdlife (do river beds buzz? Anyway – you know what I mean).

We saw dozens of wigeon – you may remember that we have previously been confused about the duck population, however, we are now fully signed up members of the RSPB (something strange really is happening to me!) and we have the book! These were definitely wigeon, with their little wedge shaped bright yellow patch on their heads, foraging in the weed. We saw a flock of lapwing (love these!), shelducks, redshank, a curlew, an oyster catcher and a heron (another favourite!) sitting regally in the middle of the river. And then we saw a solitary little squat grey bird with a short beak, we had to consult the book – a grey plover!

As you continue along the banks of the river you enter the George V Memorial Gardens, a subtropical garden completely maintained by volunteers. It’s stunning in Spring and Summer. Not much going on at the moment but the volunteers are hard at work pruning and tidying.

Coming out of the gardens we crossed the road to North Quay, which has been recently redeveloped to provide moorings for boats and will eventually have waterside cafe’s and restaurants and easy access to the beach as part of the Hayle Redevelopment Masterplan. We walked down onto the beach and round the corner away from the estuary, taking a look across at Lelant Church on the opposite hill, before ascending onto Hayle Towans via the South West Coast Path.

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Hayle Towans – (from the Cornish ‘tewyn’ meaning sand dune) – includes the area from Mexico Towans to Gwithian, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. We’re heading for Mexico Towans – no idea why it’s so called – following the coast path across the dunes with the sea on our left and Godrevy lighthouse ahead.

At Mexico Towans we head inland, climbing a high dune for an excellent view of the area and a discussion about which way to go. We can see Phillack Church ahead so we follow the path out of the dunes and through the houses to the church, then down over a steep hill – on which someone has thoughtfully provided me with a chair, in case I was thinking of climbing back up the hill!

At the bottom of the hill we’re back at the estuary and a short walk across the road and round the corner finds us having a quick cuppa before reclaiming the car!

Estuary Mixed Media Andrew Major — Estuary
Mixed Media
Andrew Major

Associated artwork for Ricketyrambler by Andrew Major:

http://www.andrewmajorart.co.uk

http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/Andrew-Major

I’m Currently reading:

Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit

Carbis Bay to Clodgy Point via St Ives and return

February 18, 2015ricketyrambler2 Comments

Wednesday 18th February 2015 (Day 3, week 7)

Hello All,

Mr RR and I had a good walk today, we thought it was going to be a short stroll and got all grumpy, but it turned out to be 6.5 miles so we were well pleased in the end!

If you’ve already had a read of Monday’s post, you may be interested to know that I’ve added some of Mr RRs illustrations to the post.

Also – this is exciting – you’ll recall that Ms B and I saw a pair of crows having a loud conversation sitting on a drystone wall – well – having checked the RSPB bible (Mr RR and I have now joined) and the internet for sightings, it seems that what we actually saw were a pair of ravens – Mr RR tells me that this is a good spot! So well done us Ms B!

Enjoy todays ramblings.

Thanks for reading

Julie

Target – 1000 miles in one year. Weekly goal – 20 miles

Total achieved so far – 138.5 miles (target 140)

Achieved this week – 10.6 miles

Carbis Bay to Clodgy Point via St Ives and return (6.5 miles)

Today we had an errand to run in St Ives and we decided to walk along the South West Coast Path which follows the St Ives Branch line into the town. We were hoping to start our walk along the path at Carrack Gladden, the headland separating Porth Kidney Sands from Carbis Bay, but we were foiled by a lack of parking space and we didn’t have time to walk all the way from Lelant so it was a slightly disappointed pair of ricketyramblers who started the steep descent on foot, down the hill into Carbis Bay.

As we walked down – and down – I tried really hard not to think about walking up – and up – on the way back! You know how I hate those steep hills! The sign post onto the coast path told us that it was a mere 1.5 miles into St Ives – just a flipperty-jibbet of a walk for seasoned ramblers like us! Never mind, the climb up the hill over the bridge crossing the railway line and on upwards, reminded me that I might be glad it was only a short jaunt.

Reaching the top of the hill we could look back at the view across St Ives Bay to Hayle Towans and see Godrevy Point with its lighthouse. The sun was shining and the sand stretched for miles shining golden against the blue-green sea.

The coast path follows the lane between two rows of houses now, posh houses these, overlooking the bay with large landscaped gardens and fancy gates. The weather is taking no notice of the fact that it’s only February; it’s warm walking, dressed as we are for a winter stroll, so we stop to allow Mr RR to remove a layer, resting against a drystone wall lined with miniature daffodils.

Reaching the end of the residential lane we round the corner and pass the Hewer’s hut or Baulking House as it is known here. This was the lookout point from which watch was kept for shoals of pilchards in the bay, so that the boats could be directed to the best fishing spot.

As we walk on down over the hill into St Ives itself a robin joins us chirruping happily in the sunshine.

Also enjoying the sunshine, children are building sandcastles on Porthminster Beach, such a strange sight in the middle of February.

We walk on into St Ives and along the sea front. The tide is out and a pair of turnstones wander hopefully along the promenade, careless of the human feet just inches away.

After a quick stop for a cup of tea and a scone, we decide we have time to continue our walk along the coast path and walk up through the pretty cottages heading towards Porthmeor Beach.

On the way through the town we have to pass my most favourite gallery in all of St Ives, The Blue Bramble Gallery on Island Square (bluebramblegallery.co.uk). I’ve rarely managed to leave this little shop without buying something, so we agree that we won’t go in today. But …what is this? Suddenly I find my feet ascending the shiny clean slate steps and before I know it…….I’m in the door and having a conversation about the weather! I’ve no idea how that happened! No matter, we’re in now and so glad.

There are new displays and new artists selling here – in particular the wonderful work of Gwen Vaughan – (gwenvaughan.co.uk) – must be mentioned. Gwen works in a black clay with washes of coloured slip and her work is delightful. We are very impressed – most especially Mr RR, who, being a ceramicist himself is not so easily impressed – and sorely tempted to buy but manage to steel ourselves away with promises to return another day. If you get the chance you must visit but beware – something magic happens when you step inside!

We hurry on along the coast path, eager now to see how far we can get before we have to turn back. As we leave the town behind the landscape changes and we enter a world of large rock formations and scrubland.

We manage to get to Clodgy Point before, reluctantly we agree that we have to turn back – I have an appointment with my physio who is trying his best to help me back to my pre-rickety state.

Before we leave though we stand and watch as hundreds of gannets circle above the waves. Every now and then a group of them will plummet into the sea in a synchronized diving display, it’s fascinating to watch. Also just below us in the sea, a seal is enjoying the sunshine and a trio of cormorants float on the choppy waves. Mr RR is very pleased that I made him bring the binoculars!

Back in St Ives the surfers are now out in force on Porthmeor Beach and the town itself has become very busy with visitors enjoying the half term sunshine. Up over the steep hill out of town, not stopping too often to catch my breath and along the track to the railway bridge. Down over the hill to Carbis Bay and then that steep, steep hill back to the car, two ponies being escorted up ahead seem to be making light work of the climb – I would pay real money for a ride!

Associated artwork for Ricketyrambler by Andrew Major:

www.andrewmajorart.co.uk

www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/Andrew-Major

I’m Currently reading:

Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit

Kynance Cove circular via Old Lizard Head and Lizard Village

February 16, 2015February 17, 2015ricketyramblerLeave a comment

Monday 16th February 2015 (Day 1, week 7)

Hello Everyone

Hope you’re all having a good evening whatever you’re up to. Here are the latest ramblings from a great day out with Ms B.

Thanks for reading

Julie

P.S. At the end of the post are some pictures of pen and ink drawings by Mr RR – have a look, they’re lovely!

Target – 1000 miles in one year. Weekly goal – 20 miles

Total achieved so far – 132 miles (target 140)

Achieved this week – 4.1 miles

Kynance Cove circular via Old Lizard Head and Lizard Village (4.1 miles)

Well, what a treat I had today! I was joined on my first walk of the week by my very good friend Ms B, who kindly collected me from home and drove us both to our starting point. It’s good to walk and talk with a friend and today, having discovered that my previously ‘good’ shoulder is now not so good, proving that I am indeed ‘rickety’, a walk and a talk followed by a wholesome lunch – and a little chocolate – was just what I needed.

The earlier downpours had abated and we set off towards the Lizard, in bright sunshine with just a few fluffy clouds overhead. Standing and looking out over the choppy waves we could see Kynance Cove with its dramatic rocky islands to our right.

The heathland behind us is a conservation site and is managed by several organizations including the National Trust, Natural England and Cornwall Wildlife Trust. It has many national and international designations, which help protect it, as it is host to a range of rare plant and invertebrate species.

As we walk along the cliff path we hear the raucous sound of a pair of rooks having a lively conversation perched atop a drystone wall. They are enormous, these birds, with deadly looking bills – as we watch they seem to have reached agreement about which direction to take, and fly off towards Kynance Cove.

Walking on we scramble down over the hill and up the other side before passing through the electric fence enclosing the grazing ponies. Here every year, this herd of pretty Shetlands, are brought in to help conserve the heathland; they are gentle and quiet, though I’m not convinced about their proximity, being as I am, wary of large four-legged creatures. Ms B, however, does not worry about such things and approaches slowly for a chat:

Ahead of us, silhouetted against the skyline is Old Lizard Head, with his nose pointing to the sky as if checking the weather.

And indeed, as we walk towards him, the rain starts to fall, although it doesn’t last long.

We go down over the hill towards Lizard Point – no choughs to be seen – and I point out that sign, remember the one that made me smile before? The way down to the beach is steep – if you climb down, you may not be able to get your dog back up the ladder!

Back up the other side and from here we can look down on the old lifeboat station, now disused, but stationed here for over 100 years until the mid 1900s when it was moved around the coast to Kilcobben Cove. We carry on past the lighthouse with its spooky foghorns, silent today as the horizon is clear, but I’ve walked underneath these monsters in the fog – and they are loud!

Carrying on along the coast path we scour the bay for seals, but they’ve moved elsewhere today and all we see down on the rocks are gulls. Down over the steep path to Housel Bay, a little inlet, but with the wind now whipping up ferocious waves its not a place to linger – except to watch a wagtail hopping about the rocks between the waves before fleeing the sea to take shelter further along the coast.

Here we decide that it’s lunchtime and head inland, following a tumbling stream uphill to the road, and then walking through Lizard Village in a quest for lunch at my favourite café – sadly it’s not to be! Still closed for a winter break. So we move on across the green to the high path along the hedgerow, giving us views of the whole walk that we’ve completed so far from Kynance Cove to Lizard Village. The wind is getting up now and its bitingly cold up on this high wall but a couple of stiles and muddy fields and we’re back at the car and heading off to Mullion Meadows for lunch.

Illustrations may be for sale – please contact the artist if you are interested in finding out more – amajorart@yahoo.co.uk