Cawsand is a perfect Cornish Cove. Locals swim in the bay throughout the year, and Rame Gig Club is based there. When the weather allows, the rowers practice during winter in preparation for the gig rowing season when they compete in events.
On arrival, the village square was lively, a happy sight after the past few years.
“Oh dear, maybe we should have booked for lunch,” I said to Mr Word Loft, but no worries, the staff at The Bay fitted us in. The restaurant has sea views across to the opposite coast in Devon. In the past, we have tramped over that countryside, so we sat eating, chatting, and pointing out landmarks. My pan-roasted chicken and trimmings were delicious, and the pannacotta extraordinaire was a work of art as well as being scrumptious.
Some calorie bashing was essential, so after ten minutes on the beach overlooking mirror-like rockpools and admiring an unusual rock formation, we headed off to Kingsand.
Many houses and cottages on the narrow streets have decorations inside windows and wreaths grace some front doors. Swathes of bunting can be seen fluttering here and there too.
On the main thoroughfare stands The Old Ship Inn’s façade. Historically a smugglers’ haunt, the whole building burnt down in 2013. Thankfully, it is now being restored by a community project. It wasn’t open, but I could see glimpses of the work being carried out, and on the ground floor, tables were set with vases of flowers in the middle.
Grandest of all is Kingsand’s clock tower. There are pubs, eateries, a general store, and a few gift shops. One is situated in the old post office and, further up the hill, Periwinkle Gifts sells all sorts of high-quality products, including toys, soft furnishings, and fragranced goods, to name just a few types of stock.
Down on the shore, the terrain has volcanic similarities and is uneven, but worth venturing over to see the panorama with Fort Picklecombe in the distance.
At the end, green banks with a footpath lead up to a field rich with horse parsley. The fresh celery tones are pleasant as they drift from the yellowy florets.
From the high vantage point, the views over Kingsand are amazing. With Cawsand hidden behind the hills and the sun low in the sky, we decided to track back.
Through a gateway, a green hand-knitted heart was tied to a post. I wondered about its story, and who had made and left it there – I still do.
Until next time,
Sue. X