It was March 2021 and we were about to put the clocks forward. All of us were hoping for a bit of warmth and drier weather to get out in the fresh air after a long winter. What better than a walk from Cawsand to Rame Head. This walk is 6 to 7 miles and is fairly easy-going with made-up footpaths.
I finish work earlier on Fridays and I had the opportunity to take the car. So I headed off to Cawsand and parked up.
It was a gusty windy sort of day with a possible heavy shower, as threatened by the weather services. So I had packed some wet weather gear just in case. Off I set towards Penlee Point on the South West Coast Path.
This first section is through a wooded area, but it’s very pleasant. The path splits in two, and it’s worth taking the lower route to see a lovely house that has fantastic views across the bay to Picclecombe Fort.
As I turned the corner at Penlee, the full expanse of dramatic sea and sky came into view. Rich contrasts of blues, turquoise, greys, greens, and whites. Looking toward Rame Head was enough for me to get the waterproofs on but wow, what a scene!
I walked down partway to Penlee Point to grab a few shots of Queen Adelaide’s Grotto and beyond before walking on to Rame Head.
This is a nice easy walk and takes in some of the best scenery in the area. To the west is Rame Head and the little chapel on top. While to the east, you can see across to the Mews Stone and beyond.
As I arrived at Rame, looking further west along the coast, I could see a massive hail storm coming my way. The temperatures dropped and it was all I could do to get my camera packed into my backpack and a waterproof cover on before the storm literally lashed out. I just had to hunker down with my back to it, but I could feel it lashing into my back.
It didn’t hang around for long and I managed to get a few shots of its departure as it headed over to the Mews Stone.
At this point I was going to take the lanes and road back to Cawsand but, such were the photographic conditions, I changed my mind. I decided instead to walk back the way I’d come.
Luckily, I didn’t get hit by the hail, but I saw another storm coming in that I managed to snap.
If you are visiting this area, I very much recommend this walk. It’s around 6 or 7 miles and takes around 2.5 hours. You can visit the chapel atop Rame Head, which has a huge concrete base on the south side. It’s really good for taking in some pre-packed food and refreshments and admiring the view. The chapel offers some shelter if needs must.
If you are new to walks like this, read my article: A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking and Walks.
This area of SE Cornwall is a great holiday location. Look here for some great hotels and holiday properties in Cawsand, Kingsand and SE Cornwall.
Grab a book on Cawsand, Kingsand and SE Cornwall to inspire you while you are relaxing on the beach or on the terrace.
