SWCP: Portwrinkle to Cawsand

One of the challenges of this trip has been the logistics of getting to start points and then back to Plymouth from finish points. Friday and Saturday not too bad (no Wembury buses on Sundays or bank holidays, which is why I walked there on Friday) but today and tomorrow was another story. Very few buses, so I had to plan carefully. Last night I decided I’d get the 10 o’clock bus to get me to near Portwrinkle. But because there was no air con, I slept in till 9.30. Cue a breakfast that didn’t even include time for a cup of tea! Horrors. The bus dropped me in Sheviok (very nice bus driver) and I walked the 25 minutes or so down to join the coast path.  Via…

Leaving Portwrinkle behind

Walked across a golf course with breathtaking views across the bay, and came to Tregantle Fort, a huge circular fort built in the mid-1800s to defend against French attack. Still used by the MOD, and there are firing ranges between it and the sea.

Huge, largely empty, pristine beaches all along Whitsand Bay. 

The 14th-century chapel at Rame Head can be seen from far away, perched on the hill. There were wild ponies in and around it. A very beautiful spot with views of Whitsand Bay and across to Heybrook Bay.

Lots of these walls everywhere

Decided to catch the five o’clock ferry (the last one of the day) from Cawsand instead of trying to walk all the way back. I can do that last 5 miles or so on Monday morning. Joined a big queue on the beach at 4.45 and spent a tense quarter of an hour worrying that the boat wouldn’t be big enough and I’d get stranded in Cawsand, but it was OK and everyone got on. Apparently it normally takes 70 but has a licence in peak weeks to carry up to 100. 

Leaving Cawsand

A doggy enjoying the view

Back in Plymouth, I went to get my luggage from the Premier Inn and walked to my new abode, down in West Hoe. Lovely views from the shore front.

My Airbnb is tucked in on the right.

Went to buy a falafel wrap (had a craving for one) from Cosmic Kitchen, only to find they were no longer serving hot food. Bought a delicious bowl of vegan stuff instead and took it home to eat. Wonderful sunset en route.