Portloe to Mevagissey

Portloe to Mevagissey - Thursday 5th September 2013

Path Facts - Length: 12.3 miles, Ascent: 2375 feet

Breakfast at the B&B was a bit of an SWCP walkers war room. We met the couple from yesterday and another couple of chaps who would be walking on to Mevagissey like us. A few hardcore walkers who had put in some serious mileage.

Left at 9 am. It was sunny quite early and we were anticipating another hot day after a relatively cool one yesterday. The last couple of days had been substantial undertakings and I think the cumulative effect was being felt more than a bit. There were a few staircases early on today and it felt tough!

Today would take us to 60 miles for this trip which is more than we'd done on any previous trip... and we'd also planned a short one for tomorrow to take us on to Charlestown / St Austell. Although short, not a stroll on the beach. More on this tomorrow. 
 

Have to share this. My path description from SWCPA describes the first point of civilisation we would come across today thus:

West Portholland comprises just a couple of rows of cottages, a chapel and two limekilns on the beach.

then,

East Portholland is a slightly larger community, with a sub post office which is open for 3 hours on a Tuesday...

Stopped at the intriguingly named Porthluney for a cold one on a hot day.

In the vicinity is Caerhay's Castle.

The path was moderate for the next stretch...

 

...before the ascent to Dodman Point which is the high point in this area. The name means Dead Man and is so called because of the number of wrecks here.
  

The view goes right out West beyond Coverack on the Lizard where we were four days ago. And shortly the view would open out Eastwards towards Fowey, Polperro, Looe and right out beyond Plymouth.
 

 

Gorran Haven was the first available lunch stop today at approx 9 miles. We got there about 1.30pm.

 

There's a great little cafe here on the south side of the town, right on the path before descending to the centre. The bargain offer was a jug of Elderflower for £3. Also good sandwiches and cakes, and very friendly. SWCP Blog Award!
 

Here's a view out towards St Austell and the remnants of the china clay industry.

Stopped for a bit of a rest at Porthmellon just before Mevagissey. This place is apparently especially prone to flooding and a local lady was telling us about the sea going right up the street and spray going over the roofs of the houses.

Arrived at Mevagissey 3.30pm. Dropped our packs off at the B&B, had ice cream and narrowly missed the museum which closed at 4pm.

 

The B&B was great, really central and full of character with low ceilings up a windy, narrow street. These houses would have apparently had several fishing families living in them. There are still 50 or so fishing boats operating out of Mevagissey according to our local sources.

Info

Accommodation - Kervernel
  

Location *****
Room ****
Facilities ****
Noise ****
Food ****
Ambience *****
Price **** £60 for the room

Food – The Ship Inn

Quality **** pasta
Price ***
Beer - Proper Job *****

The Walker's Strategy Section

Portloe to Mevagissey elevation:

These elevations are only approximate as Dodman Point is 114 m which is more than shows up below. Nonetheless,  I think it gives a good indication of the ascent and descent.