Archive for May, 2007

Dallying In Wells

Sunday, May 6th, 2007

Although not strictly part of my “Coast & Cornwall” trip, I took the opportunity to stop off in picturesque Wells, in Somerset, on my way back home, via a stop in Wiltshire to visit friends. I’d seen the Cathedral on a previous trip, but I had never visited the Bishop’s Palace Gardens, which are well worth a visit:

[The Bishop's Prison is in the garden, tucked away in a shady corner]

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Coast & Cornwall Day 9 - Tintagel & Boscastle

Saturday, May 5th, 2007

I set off from Padstow this morning with a hazy sky above, but by late morning it had burned off a bit. I had a look around the ancient village of Tintagel and King Arthur’s alleged castle. It’s a stiff climb up the cliffs but the views from the top are worth it:

[View from high up on the cliffs at Tintagel, with ruins and the rocky cove below]

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Coast & Cornwall Day 8 - Lappa Valley & Padstow

Friday, May 4th, 2007

My first stop after leaving St. Ives was the Lappa Valley Steam Railway, a few miles south of Newquay. They have a narrow gague track which was running a lovely little engine called Zebedee today:

[Lappa Valley Railway No. 1 "Zebedee" chuffing off from East Wheel Rose station]

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Coast & Cornwall Day 7 - Newlyn To Land’s End

Thursday, May 3rd, 2007

Another stop-start day, with a bit of driving followed by a break for pictures.

My attention was attracted first off by the ruin of an old mine near Cripplesease, as I was heading for Penzance & Newlyn. Both had lovely harbours, but Newlyn’s was a little more picturesque:

[Float My Boat - just how many fishing floats does one boat need?]

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Coast & Cornwall Day 6 - Goonhilly, Lizard & St. Ives

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007

My first stop of the day was at Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station, where visitors can see lots of the dishes and even get a guided tour round one. I guess the old engineer in me never dies! Here’s a shot of Arthur, built in 1962 to track the fast-moving Telstar satellite - apparently it can do one full azimuth revolution in 3 minutes!

[Arthur, the oldest dish at Goonhilly, and you can tour round inside]

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