South coast of Cornwall - Mevagissey - Day 12

Friday, September 23, 2016

We had a beautiful sunny day for our one hour drive from the north coast of Cornwall to the south coast.

Some of our group chose to go to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, but 15 of us intrepid souls chose to go on a 7 mile hike from Dodman Point to Mevagissey.

The south coast is beautiful, but not as rugged as what we have seen. Our hike today followed the coastline on a narrow but well-manicured path.

There was quite a bit of elevation gain and loss (about 900 feet total) but most over pastureland. 

The coastline is dotted with little fishing villages. We had lunch in a very tiny one called Gorran Haven.

We chose to eat carry out or food we had brought so we could just enjoy the view of the coastline.

Then we continued on our hike through Portmellon.

From there it was a short distance to Mevagissy where we met the other members of our group.

This area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and the first record of a hamlet dates to 1313. It was once the center of pilchard fishing and a fishing community still exists here today.

Looks like some elegant homes above the harbor.

We walked around looking in the shops and along the wharf. It was very crowded with tourists (as all these little villages have been). All the streets are very narrow and people drive on them, which makes it very difficult for pedestrians. We finally just had some ice cream and rested before our one hour trip back on the bus.

Tonight we enjoyed a lively cocktail time before our 7 pm dinner and turned in early to rest before our last day of hiking.