Was I in the right place? I asked myself when suddenly my phone pinged. ‘You have just driven right by me.’ It was a message from Mr Word Loft, whom I had missed waiting for me on a roadside bench at Forder, Saltash.
I was minutes away at Antony Passage. Although it was unintentional (I’m always taking wrong turns), I was pleased to have discovered the charming Cornish hamlet taking its name from Antony village on the opposite banks of the River Lynher. The two places were once connected by a ferry.
I sold numerous paintings depicting the waterside location at my arts and gift shop years ago, so it was good to see the artists’ inspirational spot at last.
The arrangement had been for me to meet Mr Word Loft at Forder, partway along one of his long hikes, so I travelled back to the preplanned destination.
Success. How could I have not seen him, he was wearing a vivid blue jacket. Probably because I was admiring the houses and countryside of the conservation area, and looking for the stone railway viaduct erected further on in 1908.
The village is tranquil and has also been portrayed in art, but was different throughout history when it thrived industrially. From the Medieval Era, stone was hammered and chiselled from quarries and lime produced in arched kilns.
The picturesque creek with its array of boats is observed by buildings that have changed identity since becoming homes. Most striking, is the old Methodist chapel, built in 1846, which shut its doors for worshipping decades ago.
Walking up the public footpath through woodlands towards Churchtown Farm, we found evidence of a more recent quarry discarded in 1915. It is now a habitat for wildlife. Lowhill Quarry was a 19th-century venture providing material for roads. It’s a shady secluded glade, and I was surprised to see the plants there are still verdant for the season, when other foliage all around is turning golden.
Further on, it’s possible to go underneath the viaduct. Its immensity becomes apparent – such a grand construction dominating a small corner of Cornwall. And as we stepped into its shadow, a train rolled and clattered rhythmically overhead. I’ve travelled on the London/Penzance line on hundreds of occasions, taken in the scenery below, and I can vouch it is even more beautiful at close hand than it appears from above.
Until next time,
Sue. X
PS. Please click on photo to see full image.