Lizard churches

There's something nice about old, solid buildings with a history. So it was nice to pop into the church at Grade as our footpath went alongside it. Access to the church is by footpath only - I wonder who has walked these routes in the past. There is no electricity, so services are held by candlelight and gas light. Sadly, Storm Goretti had left its mark on the roof, but it could have been worse. The devastation to some of the woodlands near Praa Sands is remarkable. The church (St Grada and Holy Cross) is Grade 1 listed and has a mediaeval tower ...for more information click here. Then on our return to Lizard Point we came to St Wynwallow's Church - the most southerly church in the UK; founded in 600AD.

Steps into the churchyard.

Serpentine pulpit.

The stained glass windows, with the top circle featuring a Dove (I think) - that represents the dove that led the congregation of the church to Sir Roger Whalesborough, a washed up knight from the crusades, who had a piece of the holy cross, which he gave to the church - to be later stolen and never recovered. 

Old steps leaving the church. 

St Wynwallow's Church.

I love the way the two stone crosses barely stand out against the wall of the church, camouflaged by lichens. 

The Lizard round (Part II) - Kynance to Cadgwith and back to Lizard Point

From Kynance we headed up the valley, with a view of a Peregrine, to Lizard Downs. More or less immediately, a cracking view of a male adder curled up, alongside a sun-bathing female. Keeping the dog on a tight lead, we headed across the downs and rather than following the road we headed to the church at Grade and then the footpath down into Cadgwith. A good short cut! Arriving in Cadgwith it was nice to see cottages being re-thatched. With the wind really picking up, the fishing boats were being hauled up the beach on their wooden rollers. A challenging walk along the coastal path - because of the wind - I'm glad it was onshore - before heading inland to Lizard village. 

Lizard Downs - nice and dry for a change.

A glorious Adder.

Sun bathing.

Re-thatching in Cadgwith.

Heading down to the harbour.

Thatch detail.

They were pulling the boats up as we were there, ahead of the worst winds.

Cramp balls.

Choppy...

Looking towards Lizard Point.

And back through the 'chocolate box' lanes.

Lush...

Nice!

And then back to base at Praa Sands for a pint in the beach bar.

The Lizard round (Part I) - Lizard Point to Kynance

The wind was due to pick up (quite a bit) over the next few days, so we decided to head to the Lizard - at least half of our walk would be sheltered. A glorious day! We parked up at Lizard Point and then walked round to Kynance, before heading inland across Lizard Downs, down into Gadgwith, along to The Baulk and inland to Lizard village and back to Lizard Point. 

Setting off from Lizard Point with the Thrift and Kidney Vetch coming out. 

A lovely licheny wall...and below...

Looking towards Kynance.

Spectacular coast...

And the Spring Squill is spectacular...

Sheets of it...

In close up...

Detail.

A good 'spot', Thyme Broomrape.

And the sun came out - tropical.

And down, heading to the cafe..

But first a worship of the beautiful Serpentine that outcrops here. 

Snake's skin texture. 

Some nice reds...

Colourful.

Into the sun - pasty time!

Carn Galva

A quick detour on our way back from the Nine Maidens, of West Penwith, led to a nice scramble up Carn Galva. I do remember a few years back researching which lichens grew up there, but I've forgotten which they were - but there were a lot of luxurious mosses and lichens ...I'm sure there was a rare species - next time! A quick glimpse of a 'Blackbird' could have, probably was a Ring Ouzel, but I'll never know for sure. Carn Galva is an important as it is a Neolithic Tor enclosure. A huge fire in the 1600s revealed terraces and connecting walls that are now overgrown with gorse and heather. Since then archaeological surveys have confirmed the existence the substantial enclosure wall. Click here  for more information....and there are obviously stories of giants..... 

One of three Red Kites.

The rugged outline of Carn Galva.

Looking towards Zennor. 

And down over Bosigran.

Nice rocks...

..and views over the ancient walls.

And some nice lichens...