SWCP Day 1: Land’s End to Treen

Placing one foot in front of the other while en route to a new destination feeds our souls. We were quickly reminded of this as we left the touristy bustle of Land’s End and headed east along the coast path. Quite simply, God’s creation is glorious!

We could immediately tell that this walk was going to be different from previous ones as the raw coastline continuously energizes the senses. Sound oscillates between crashing waves, wind whistling through rocks, and the calm peace of the trail surrounded by gorse. Around every bend was another picture-perfect postcard scene, from a holey rock to a deserted pristine beach or a tiny fishing village. Perched on top of every distant rock were Choughs, black birds with red beaks that serve as Cornwall’s cultural symbol. While we sat to eat a yummy flapjack, a Robin reminded us that it wasn’t just about the Choughs!

We knew the coast path would be hilly, and it lived up to this expectation. We were thankful for clouds and a cool breeze, and one 30-second long rain sprinkle. The legs certainly felt this short 6.5-mile, 1,500-ft-ascent day. I hope they will have found their stride before the 12-miler! It was wise to have an easier first day, not only for the legs, but also as there was so much for the sense to take in!

We stayed in a small studio apartment about a mile off trail. We weren’t so keen on the extra walk, but we love such accommodation compared to a hotel. Not that there was much option. It also allowed Janet to introduce herself to the local cow herd!

Our B&B generously provided some provisions for us to make breakfast. About half of them made a perfect light dinner, just what we wanted!

We closed out the day watching Goodnight Mister Tom at the Minack Theatre, an open-air venue carved out of the cliff overlooking Porthcurno’s beach. The play was about a twelve-year old boy being evacuated from London in 1939. My Dad was twelve that year, and also evacuated London during the war! The moving scenes at the beginning of the show were framed by a backdrop of cliffs reddened by the setting sun, with the closing scene’s lighting augmented by the full moon. It was very well done.

And now to tell the day’s story with pictures!