April 2018. A trip to Penzance with Charlotte, Nick and Malory. We stayed at a cute Airbnb in the town and used the excellent public transport. The younger, fitter folk (i.e. everyone but me) went off to do a strenuous walk on the north coast leaving me to do something more sedate. Penzance to Mousehole is a gem of a walk, along the seafront to Newlyn and then around the headland to Mousehole. Newlyn is worthy of exploration too. The sea was benign the day I walked but passing the Penlee Lifeboat Memorial is a stark reminder of the terrible night in December 1981 when the lifeboat Soloman Browne went to aid a vessel in distress, MV Union Star. 16 people died that night including the 8 lifeboatmen. Mousehole is quaint indeed; a vibrant fishing village with many literary associations. Around the village are images of cats, a nod to the wonderful book by Antonia Barber – The Mousehole Cat. Plenty of ice cream available here but for the stronger stomachs this is the home of Stargazy Pie. At Christmas time the village is famed for the festive light display. The lights are turned off for one hour every December 19th in memory of the Penlee lifeboat crew who were nearly all from Mousehole. Don’t miss Rock Pool cafe for an excellent lunch in a fabulous setting. On another day, we all walked from Marazion back to Penzance. Different day, different weather and we did get caught in a downpour. It’s a flat easy walk, headwinds notwithstanding, but always Mounts Bay with spectacular St Michael’s Mount in view. Mount Haven restaurant is a good lunch choice and dogs are welcomed. Btw anyone who walks with Nick will know geocaching is compulsory on any walk!
Trailing acorns 