To briefly repeat myself: It's very pleasant walking from
the car park to Polperro, everybody seems to be on holiday, and
there's a easy, relaxed feeling in the air. If you've not been
here before, then explore the village a bit; it's not very big
and well worth looking around.
This time you need to walk on the left side of the village,
past the museum and the steps down to the harbour walls. Go up
the hill, passing the rows of seats; although you can sit for
a while and look at the view if you wish, then past The Warren.
The path goes downhill, briefly, before a steep-ish climb. Take
care to take the path that appears on the right - you don't really
want to keep climbing, although you end up in the right place;
Follow this path around the point (Downend Point) and as you
walk round after the war memorial, you'll see Freathy and Rame
Head down the coast, and Talland Bay in front of you. As you
go down the path, be warned: The path is
very rocky - it's slate - and if it's wet,
it'll be very slippery indeed! Join, and follow, the
drive of "Westcliff Old Court Hotel" and where the
drive veers to the left, you'll see the Coastpath sign in front.
Turn right when you get to the (steep) steps at the end, and
stroll down to Talland Bay.
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This is one of my very favourite places in Cornwall, I don't
know why, but it's just got a nice feel to it.
Follow the road away from the café, past the toilets
(very useful), then to the right. There used to be a car park
in the field on the right...but it's blocked off now with granite
boulders: We sat here for a few minutes, just enjoying the view.
Further along this road, turn right by The Smugglers Rest, through
the kissing gate, and walk up what seems like hundreds of steps!
You now get to Hendersick, owned by The National Trust; if you
look back and above, you should see the markers for The Measured
Nautical Mile; which have been built for naval speed trials.
As you round the point, the path enters open pature, and you
can see Looe Island in front of you.
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As you walk around Portnadler Bay, you can see the path ahead,
and to the right, the roofs of the large guest houses at Hannafore.
When you climb the next stile, you'll see the path stretching
on: We stopped here for our celebration lunch..it was one year
after we started our walks, and we suprised John & Dot with
candles in some doughnuts!
Continue walking this pleasant terrain, and you enter a large
field just before the houses of Hannafore. Up to your left are
the remains of a Celtic chapel: Though it is quite steep here,
so we didn't bother. Through a sort of kissing gate, and you
are now on pavements for quite a while. Follow the esplanade,
and eventually Looe comes into sight; you can get down alongside
the river, and it's very pleasant along here. Cross over the
bridge and turn right into the bustle of East Looe. Stroll around
if you wish, there's a lot to see: The harbour, beach and Guildhall
are all worth a visit, but the road you're looking for is Castle Street, on the left-hand side
of Fore Street, with a big pasty shop on the corner. Walk up
here; then, at the top, straight across to East Cliff; and you're
back on the footpath.
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There are extensive views from here; across to Hannafore
and down to the beach and harbour. Now the path is well-made,
mostly tarmac and quite comfortable to walk on: Follow down to
Plaidy..there are some very nice houses here, we felt like tip-toeing
through the place!
As the path rises away from the beach, look to your right,
the coastpath is up an alley, and is easily missed. A short climb,
and soon you're overlooking Millendreath with the car park visible
through the trees. Down a lot of steps to the holiday complex,
across a little bridge, past the swings and you're back at the
car. Walk easy and completed .
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