Bere Peninsula Walk on Tuesday, September
24th
A lively
group of 8 stalwarts gathered outside The Olde Plough (sadly closed on Tuesdays)
for our annual circular tour of the Bere peninsula. Despite Jane having new
boots, she couldn’t try them out on Bere Peninsula mud as she was STILL on jury
service, much to her disgust!
We walked
backwards, as it were, taking the path along the river Tavy instead of through
the village. Unusually, the river was high and there was much watching of foam,
sticks etc as people wondered whether the tide was coming in or going out. A
phone call to a local ancient mariner elicited the required information at
10.25 am : High water was at 10.40, but the boats had already swung due to the
fresh water coming down the river. After all, we had endured downpours for the
previous few days. So everyone was right!
Leaving the
river, we pursued the track through autumnal Hallowell woods and up to our
usual lunch spot BUT the useful tree trunks had gone, so we stopped for coffee
at the junction of two fields below Well Farm. The owner then appeared with
saddle and bridle to catch one of the horses we had just passed. She recognised
me and I her, but I still can’t remember her name!
Suitably
refreshed with COFFEE (or tea) we crossed the main road and walked along a
track past Harlings Farm which seems to have become an equine and dog centre,
but saw no evidence of either or indeed any humans. I saw one sign (amongst
many) that I thought said COFFEE – big excitement for Jon?), but on closer
examination it actually said ‘Offices’ – Specsavers needed?
We continued
through an orchard brimming with apples, maize fields with clear paths through
8 foot plants, past the bizarre farm with old bikes and notices nailed to the
barn walls, over the Furzehill railway bridge, through Cotts and along to the
main road to Weir Quay. A slight change of route here took us along the old
road to Bere Ferrers (known locally as Gerald’s back passage-he’s the local
farmer!) I was trying to locate the field of trees we had seen on Charlie’s
walk through the Maristow estate, but as usual my navigational skills were
lacking!
By this
time, lunch was being talked about and I promised a beach picnic, once we had
negotiated Liphill paths on the Tamar Discovery Trail. We got to the path down
to Thorn Point and I ventured in, only to find myself almost stuck in the mud,
so picnic plans changed and we started up through fields towards Bere Ferrers.
Those in front stopped by a cattle trough, so lunch was sorted, with a view of
the Tamar. Eagle eyed ornithologist Anne spied goldfinches and a murmuration of
starlings while the rest of us munched.
Suitably
refreshed, we made our way down the hill and back to the cars. The tide was
rapidly going out by this time, so plenty of mud was now visible and there was no
confusion. We covered around 7 miles and weather was kind. Thanks to all for
excellent company.
PS Jane’s
jury service ended in time for Phil to collect her – HURRAY!
Liz Rowley