My personal philosophy of walking

Port Isaac and Port Quin walk

Posted in blog

  on Saturday, 14 April 2012 10:47

• < Prev
• Next >

Yes there are loads of captions one could write. I won't succumb. The photo says it all. This was on the path that goes inland from Port Isaac to Port Quin with the folly of Doyden Castle in the background which was built by a local wealthy but infamous man, Samuel Symons as a pleasure house where he could enjoy life outside his tidy marriage with gambling and drinking. It can now be hired as a weekly residence from NT.

Port Isaac has now become synonomous with Doc Martin and the Fishermans Friends choir and it was a pleasure to see it out of season without the crowds. It is a testament to the people of the village that they have not made a big tourist trap of this wonderful fishing village that has changed little from when John Wesley preached here so many times, the last time in 1789. Most of the buildings are from the 17th and 18th century and it still remains a workng fishing village with a close knit community. With a smattering of galleries, food and gift shops it hasn't "sold out" and become over burdened with its popularity and gone the commercial route. The majority's request for privacy has been respected and this has to be celebrated and applauded.

The inland route to Port Quin could be better signposted in the Pine Haven valley but it is a fabulous mixture of grazing land, woodland and scrub. Birdsong and wild flowers abound. The circular walk includes what I always describe as "undulations", the word that many foreign visitors understand much more once they walk the paths of Cornwall even if they don't pick up many more new words. The coast path between the two villages is great for the calf muscles.

I look forward to coming back in a few weeks time in May with a group of 7 ladies from America.