Lands’ End Sunset

Starting the walk

along the farmers fields

It was chilly when we got up but the sky was clear. After yesterday’s antics on the roads Van-Man decided to leave Sally-Van on site and walk to Sennan Cove. He chatted to staff and photographed the instructions.

“We can have lunch at Sennan Cove, giving us a break before walking back,” he announced.

part way down to the beach

The footpath went through our camping site, across a couple of farmers fields and then through The Caravan and Motor home Club site. We went all the way around the edge of the rival site then spotted the short cut as we climbed the stile into a field of cows. The walk was easy on level or gently downhill ground. We reached the lane and dithered then followed a footpath down a sloping twittern. It grew steeper and steeper with steps in places. My heart sank at the thought of climbing back up to the top.

Gwynver Beach

The beach is closer than I thought,”
 Van-Man announced as we stepped onto the sand.

“There’s no cafe,” I pointed out.

Walking to Sennan Cove

“It must be beyond that headland.” Lottie charged into the sea and sat down to cool off. We walked along the beach then climbed back up onto the coast path crossing a small stream where Lottie had a long drink. The footpath climbed up and twisted between rocks. Often we had to scramble over them.

At last Sennan beach opened up before us. A sign showed that there was a dog ban still in operation. On the far side of the long curving beach was the cafe.

It's still a long way to the cafe

“We’ll have to go round on the coast path,” Van-Man said. I didn’t fancy that and pointed to a couple with a dog above us. It looks a long way,” I warned.

Van-Man turned back reluctantly but brightened up when I told him I had cereal bars and crisps in my bag.

On reaching the dog friendly beach called Gwynver beach we sat on some rocks and had our snacks. Lottie had another drink from the stream.

back on Gwynver Beach

We strolled along the beach towards the far end then had to catch Lottie who had gone scrounging for food. The lady had been hidden by the rocks from our sight but not Lottie’s nose.

Once the hound was captured we tackled the steep climb back. It was hard work with the knowledge there was over half an hour’s walk at the top. We were hot at the top but had drunk nearly all our water. At least we cut straight across the camp site this time.

After plodding back we reached Sally-Van at 1.30 for a cup of tea and a proper lunch. We’d been out three and a half hours. After lunch we put our tired feet up.

Rocks off Land's End

 Van-Man suddenly leapt into action.
“It’s going to be a good sunset tonight,” he announced. “Let’s go to Lands’ End. The parking is cheaper after 5.00.”

We set off at 17.30 parked up then went to look around.

clear water

We went under the sign saying Lands’ End into a shopping arcade with lots of food outlets which were now all closed.
A hotel hogged the land beside the arcade. Forty years ago this was just heather and rocks.
The views were still excellent. We walked along the coast path past a farm with llamas, rare pigs and a building housing exotic crafts. 
Beyond them was the coast path twisting along the headland above the sea. 

rock arch

Lighthouse or Land's End Monster?

We had a good walk and returned to Sally-Van with half an hour left to sundown. As it was getting chilly we waited in the Van until five minutes to sunset then strode to the spot Van-Man had chosen for his photos.

Rock Duck

We watched the sky redden as the sun sank below the Atlantic then hurried back to our warm van.Back on site as soon as Sally-Van was on her ramps to make her level the electric was plugged in and Van-Man put a hunk of meat in the oven.

Sunset

 When he went to take the meat out he lost his grip on the aluminium tray and the meat shot onto the floor. The sauce it was cooked in flew everywhere splattering the drawers, loo door and the cooker.
I rescued the meat before the startled hound got her teeth into it. Quickly I carved the outside off before serving smaller potions for dinner. Meanwhile Van-Man wiped down the splattered surfaces before the sauce stuck.

 We ate the meat with a big salad and then tackled the mess again. Van-Man lifted the dog carpet which I made from stiff blanketing to protect the new carpet from muddy hound paws.

going

going

 It had protected the real carpet from the sticky sauce and rolled it into a bundle with the sticky stuff on the inside.
           "What shall I do with this?" He asked.

I took it off him and folded it up smaller and put it next to the toilet. Fortunately the whole bathroom is a wet room so it will be easy to clean if any sticky stuff oozes out.

We settled down with Van-Man lamenting how the day’s meals had not gone to plan.

gone