Eight members of Penpol and Point WI met at the National Trust Carpark at Chapel Porth. This involves a drive down a rather narrow road which has a sharp drop on one side as you near the beach! Something the locals are used to but not holidaymakers. The women followed a very nervous driver down who decided to cower in a passing place on the opposite side of the road when he met another car.
While the group waited for the the tide to recede sufficiently for the walk to Porthtowan on the beach, they partook of the obligatory cup of coffee quickly followed by a comfort break. They set off at a brisk pace and there was an on shore breeze which picked up a little moisture, giving a hazy effect in the distance. The colours of the sea were still amazing; azure blue and brilliant white surf. Some of the members decided to go barefoot in a couple of places when they encountered some rather deep water courses which had sprung up.
There were also huge quantities of dried Velella or By-The Wind-Sailors which are a colony of hydrozoa. They move around by means of a small stiff sail rather like the Portuguese Man o’War, and these can be right or left handed. They usually live way out at sea but occasionally huge swathes of them get swept onto the beaches by prevailing winds. Radio Cornwall had reported this the day before.
When the walkers reached Porthtowan, they decided to sit outside for their lunch at the Beach Café, and luckily were ahead of the crowd. After a delicious meal, they headed back to the cliff path. This involved a very steep climb but was well worth it for the views. Half way along they found a bench which could have been for the Giant Bolster of St Agnes as it was very high off the ground.
Then it was all downhill back to Chapel Porth where it was ice creams all round.
Looks like a brilliant walk