Four of us gathered at Readymoney Cove car park keeping fingers crossed that the weather forecast was accurate for once. While the name appears to indicate a connexion to Fowey’s smuggling past it actually is a corruption of the old Cornish name for the cove-Redevan- meaning a shallow ford or stepping stones.
Our first visit was to the beach café for hot drinks and flapjacks for some before setting out across the beach to climb up to the coast path passing the Rashleigh
Mausoleum which was hidden in the trees with only the cross on the top visible.
Along the path we then looked down on St. Catherine’s Castle. There was a settlement here in the iron age and then in 1530 Henry VIII had the castle built to defend Fowey Harbour after splitting from Rome.
In the 19C it was modified during the Crimean War and then again during the 2nd World War when it had 2 Anti-Aircraft guns and an ammunition store was built.
Then along the coast to Polridmouth below the Menabilly Estate, and up to Gribben Tower. Along the path, muddier even than the week before, but views across to Par and the China Clay driers, the harbour and beach on our way to Polkerris.
Regrettably the Rashleigh Inn which had been open the week before and had signs saying it is open every day and all year, was closed. Fortunately everyone had drinks and food to keep them going.
So after a short break it was back to Readymoney via the Saints Way with just a brief shower to finish our day.
Peter