Cornwall - the land of pasties, mines and amazing roads

Now Cornwall is a beautiful place. I know, I grew up there but whenever any of my friends think of Cornwall they picture the beaches packed with tourists with buckets & spades and endless traffic.

My mission for the long weekend was to prove there is more and believe me there is.

Having lived in St.Ives for 20 odd years I'm starting with one of my favourite roads, it ends at a famous landmark and quite literally, the end of the country. The B3306 from St.Ives to Lands End.

Setting off from London far too late in the afternoon I sadly rushed the beautiful ride of the A303 past stonehenge.

I arrived at my destination ready to explore.

First thing to remember for those that like to explore

A little colour at the start of the exploration despite the British Easter weather trying it's hardest to ruin play

Keep it comin

While in town I couldn't help but notice this sign.

An optimistic name all things considered

One last one of the town on my way out as the sun broke out for a bit

So, off to the road from St.Ives to Lands End.

The late great Colin McCrae once said this road would be one of the best WRC courses in the world. Right now I was interested in 2 wheels not 4.

The road hugs the North Cornwall coast all the way to the end of the country with the next stop being New York if you want to get wet. The scenery is breathtaking and the road has everything, long sweeping curves, tight hairpins and twists, switchbacks and plenty of places to stop and take in the beauty.

Quick warning - I grew up here and learnt this road like the back of my hand. If you plan on riding your bike like you stole it beware there are numerous points on this road that if you come off you will land a long way down and out of sight from any passing help.

In my youth I put a car off this road that virtually disappeared into bracken and heather, not sure 2 wheels and a person will show up any better.

You have been warned.

While flying down the road this came to light.

I had to explore



I went further down the path for more investigation



A look back and an iconic image of Cornwall presented itself



The bike wasn't going any further despite my best efforts!



Time for a quick look at my surroundings before setting off again.

Sat on the side of this cliff was numerous ruins of old mine workings and small features that caught my eye








Now onwards!

Gorgeous photography! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks!

So if you hadn't guessed by now I'm easily distracted. If I see something interesting I need to explore. I love riding bikes because it allows me to do just that.

I hate having to get somewhere at a set time, I do that all week for work. Timetables turn a beautiful ride into a chore and that defeats the object.

If I need to be somewhere on time I might as well take 4 wheels....

So riding along I came to a village called Pendeen.

This coastline is littered with small villages that sprung up around the mines and are still here. The mines closed many moons ago but the villages stayed so don't expect a modern tourist orientated feel about them if you explore.

Infact think more the land that time forgot...

Coming to a sign for a lighthouse I obviously had to take a look!



Even the bike appreciated the views



I saw somewhere I wasn't supposed to be, naturally I had to take a look



That will be why you aren't supposed to be here! Don't look down.....



But what a view, definately worth almost falling off a cliff (note to self, motorbike boots while riding good, while climbing wet slimy rocks on side of cliff, not so good)



Here's the road

Next place that caught my eye was Levant mine just past Pendeen





Some of this place has been restored with a working beam engine that was used for pumping the mine




These guys were crazy working in mines 600 meters down and 2.5 km out under the sea with just candles strapped to their helmets.

Not sure I would have been going down this hole!

......I hope you've got some pictures of pasties: I'm drooling already. Super pictures, interesting industrial archaeology, engaging writing style. Great stuff. More?

Nick

Thanks!

Would have got pictures of a pasty but thanks to the UK Government putting VAT on them nobody can afford them

Next location to explore on the route was Cape Cornwall and Priests Cove.

The monument at the top was erected in commemoration of the Heinz Company buying the Cape for the nation (Yes the ones that make beans/soup/ketchup)



Never knew stones from a beach were so important....



Not sure I'd be off out in these little boats



Especially out of this Cove



It wasn't particularly rough but I wouldn't fancy it in something so small

For those with good eyes that's the Longships Lighthouse in the distance on the far right, so I'm nearing Lands End




I took the trail out the other side of Priests Cove and looked back, what an amazing view



Then looking across to my next stop Sennen Cove



So after here I picked up the road again. Having seen the Lighthouse I knew I was nearing Lands End.

I must take a trip into Sennen Cove although a slight detour as there's only one way in and one way out.

That reminds me so much of my Wales. Great photos. Haven`t been back to Cornwall for many many years. Been too long since I`ve been back to Wales too.

Sennen Cove is lovely on a good day and a much better place to stop if you want a bite to eat etc than Lands End.

The only reason you want to go to Lands End is to see the edge of the country.



And yes people, I got soaked just after getting the shot below. Fast movement on wet rocks in motorbike boots just doesn't work.....





So now wet and thoroughly regretting my decision to take that last photo I walked, squelching back to my bike, shaking my head in despair.

Next stop, end of the country

And here it is!

I know the Africa Twin has a reputation to go on and on but I doubt at this point without some serious modifications I can go any further...



Views from Lands End looking back the way I had come that day to the right



To the left



And straight ahead towards New York



Whenever I'm at Lands End I can't help but have a moment of reflection. When I'm looking out from the edge of the country at nothing but an expanse of sea, at that view, it is a moment of clarity that hits you like a brick. It's a realisation you only have when faced with such an open space, a realisation that the world you see every day and live in is such a small part of the world around us.

For me that's what motorbiking is all about, trying to make that world a little smaller and grinning like an idiot while doing it.

Have you considered fitting the wading kit?

Think it may need a little more, is there an amphibious kit?

the First and Last House




At this point I decided I had reached my intended destination and a blast home would be just the thing to finish the day off with a smile on my face.

But I remembered a part of the coastline that is still in need of an exploration and a photo....