My passion for Cornwall - Free2Read

MID CORNWALLGolitha FallsGolitha Nature Reserve is a famous beauty spoton the southern edge of the Moor, an area ofwoodland occupying a steep-sided valley gorge,with the River Fowey flowing through it in aseries of spectacular cascades.To view the wildflowers of the area, it is bestto visit the site between April and July, howeverthe River Fowey and the waterfalls can be enjoyedat any time of year. Some 30 species of breedingbirds have been recorded at the site includingbuzzard, dipper, nuthatch and treecreeper and isalso renowned as a Mecca for moth fans. There are83 moth species supported on the site as well asseveral rare species of butterfly.The reserve is three miles north west of Liskeard,a mile and a bit west of the village of St Cleer.Mevagissey HarbourMevagisseyMevagissey’s narrow streetsand steep valley sides lead tothe harbour at the centre of thevillage. The distinctive, twinharbour provides a safe haven forthe many fishing boats bringingback their catch of skate, lobster,plaice, mackerel and sole.PortloeThe small picturesque fishingvillage of Portloe consists of acluster of cottages set in terraceson the hillside above a tinyharbour, which is much favouredby artists and photographers, andalthough a few new dwellingshave been built in recent years, iscompletely unspoilt. Although it isa small village, Portloe has a puband a hotel.For the energetic, there aresuperb cliff walks leading to andfrom the village, and safe bathingfrom the nearby beaches of Carne,Pendower and Portholland.PentewanPentewan Harbour is no longer inuse – it was silted up at the endof the First World War. It has beenseparated from the sea by thebeach and is now filled with freshwater.Heading inland from thevillage, many walkers and hikerslike to experience the three-milePentewan Valley Walk to the18th Century village with the oddname of London Apprentice. Theroute – through stunning areasof woodland – roughly followsthe track of an old narrow gaugerailway line which was used totransport china clay from theinland mines to the coast.The Ringaroundsand the Carne BeaconNear the road leading to CarneBeach are two ancient earthworks,the Ringarounds, a fortifiedencampment of the Iron Age, andCarne Beacon, a Bronze Age burialmound, which is one of the largestin the country. The Ringarounds isbelieved by some archaeologiststo be the site of a timber castleknown locally as Veryan Castle.Looe HarbourLooeThe historic twin towns of Eastand West Looe on either sideof the River Looe provide allyou could ask of a holiday inCornwall - safe beaches, qualityaccommodation, a wide choiceof restaurants, excellent walkingroutes, fishing trips and a wholevariety of outdoor activities toenjoy.The two towns are joined bya bridge across the river built in1853.It is more than a century agonow that people first started todiscover the charms of East andWest Looe, then just small fishingcommunities hidden away in thepicturesque river valley.The harbour is still a thrivingfishing port and an essential partof any visit is to get down tothe harbour and watch the fleetbring its catches in.At low tide a rocky reef isuncovered called Looe Islandor St. George’s Island by locals.Boat trips leave from Looe toexplore the caves and birdlife ofthe island. For a couple of days ayear when the tide is especiallylow it can be reached on footbut you need an expert guide totake you across to avoid gettinginto trouble when the tidecomes back in.Cornwall Tourism Magazine in association with www.cornwalltouristpass.com discover the extraordinary 37