SECRET COVE Is it worth visiting Porthgwarra, Cornwall In the footsteps of a victorian author

We were inspired by a viewer's comment who told us about a Cornish author named TJ Blight, who wrote a book in the 1870's called "A week at the Lands End". His book documents his journey through the West of Cornwall in the mid Victorian era. We managed to find a copy of his book and decided to walk in his footsteps from Porthgwarra to Nanjizal Bay famous for a stunning sea arch known as the "song of the sea".
For Poldark fans you may recognise some of the scenery in the video as this was a filming location for the series. We both feel that that the stretch of coastline between Porthgwarra and Lands End is possibly the most stunning stretch of the Cornish section of the southwest coast path, watch our video and see what you think. PS Porthgwarra is also a great spot for a pasty!
The standard description bit…
We are Sarah and Andrew and we film our walks around Cornwall and publish on KZbin, usually weekly. Occasionally we stay in accommodation in Cornwall and upload our vlog. Sarah is fascinated by sea glass and likes to collect it so there may be the occasional sea glass video too! The channel is a hobby and we both have normal day jobs!
Frequency asked questions:
What camera do we use?
Since December 2018 we have used: Canon Powershot G7x MkII
How do I find the books you use?
Most are still in print although some we pick up in charity shops and may be available on Amazon secondhand. Please refer to the video for the titles. Every video shows the book three times. Sorry but we can’t put a link in every description.
Best time of year to visit Cornwall?
We love May, June for flora and fauna, July and September for spectacular scenery.
To embed this video please contact us. We have disabled this feature.
Our links:
Contact us by email: [e-mail]
Etsy Shop: for sea glass projects created by Sarah www.etsy.com/u...
Patreon: Join us on Patreon to support the channel and watch ad free
/ cornishwalkingtrails
Facebook: for news about video posts www.facebook.c...
Instagram: for lots of stunning images www.instagram....
Website: for more information about Cornish Walking Trails www.cornishwal...

[@oneviewcornwall8200]

Many a lovely walk to Nanjizal and Porthgwarra, and also Gwennap Head in the evenings 🌞

[@cynthiastogden7000]

Gone Bodmin, aw. Beautiful scenery. I am up near Looe and cannot travel anymore which I really miss. Your walks help. By the way get done good lightweight walking boots, so comfy.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Shoes sound good! We need to sort some lighter ones out for summer walks! Sarah :)

[@davidbowen5138]

Lockdown kept us away in 2020. The best walk ever. Your video stirred up such happy memories.

[@sallycarroll265]

Such a beautiful stretch of coastline & we are lucky enough to be staying here now. Wonderful cheerful video Sarah & Andrew.Thank you .

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Our pleasure! I hope you enjoy your stay! Sarah :)

[@randomdave30]

One of the best videos you've done. By your own standards, at an average they're all good and informative and entertaining, but some are outstanding.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Wow, thanks! Sarah :)

[@ColinGarrettUnderwater]

Did this walk today… absolutely stunning. At the bottom of the wooden steps at Nanjizal we stumbled across a seal pup… contacted BDMLR of whom said they would investigate to make sure he/she was ok and not in need of any assistance.

[@Walksandwanders]

Gorgeous walk. Andrew’s pasty wasn’t too shabby either! 😀

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

So true! Sarah :)

[@1Electricmoon]

Great Video!! Thank you so much. 😊 Regards, Nigel n Christine

[@bobspeller2225]

Great walk along the Cornish coastal pathway. Beautiful. Will be looking at your other walks. Thanks Bob

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it, Sarah :)

[@nicholaswiltshire6356]

Oh dear, seal of approval. Tut. Another great video guys. Nick on the bridge.

[@bobthetog7555]

What a great trip down memory lane, I spent many a summer starting in 1953 staying with my aunt and uncle who lived in The Three Chimneys, my uncle was a watchman at the Gyn Knap coast guard station.

[@susanbarganier2282]

Fantastic! Thank you both!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it! Sarah :)

[@highlandexplorer990]

Stunning walk. One to add to my list for Christmas.. assuming we are allowed to travel.

[@rosiehedges8579]

Lovely video! The stone seat at the top of the slipway at Porthgwarra is in memory of my Nanny, it has her name She lived there with my grandad for over 30 years, theirs was the house in the middle of the valley ❤️ Do you know where I could get this book from? Xx

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Hi there! How wonderful that they lived there. If I lived there I would be taking a dip as often as I could! The book was bought from a second hand book shop but I guess it may be available online!?! Sarah :)

[@bettinayoungs5876]

Wow! What a gorgeous walk! Loved the connection to the old book. Thank you for another wonderful, creative video. Well done! Bettina from Connecticut

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it! I think the book will feature again! Sarah :)

[@SuperJules57]

Thank you for another beautiful walk, i was sat on that same seat in porthgwarra on September 6th, it was hot and wonderful,i will be back same time next year! I will be staying in the lighthouse in pendeen, pop by for a cuppa ☺️

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Ooooo! Yes please! Sarah :)

[@SuperJules57]

@@CornishWalkingTrails will give you a shout next sept 😊

[@jameskrell4392]

Thanks for the mention Sarah and I'm glad you both found the book interesting. It is my favourite stretch of Cornish coast out of all the beautiful coastal walks. Andrew motioned a stone sat precariously on the cliff top. I don't know if it is or was a Logan rock but the old maps used to mark several in the area other than the famous one at Treen. Someone mentioned on here that beer goes well with pasties and you could indulge that pleasure sat outside the wonderful Logan Rock Inn at Treen. Combined with a walk to the Logan Rock its self and across the top of Pednvounder beach to Porthcurno is a real treat, stunning. Once again thanks for the mention and the films. Facing another lockdown they are a ray of sunshine and a real lift to watch with a cup of coffee, pastie, beer or even all three! Cheers!

[@cebusapella9125]

Beer and pasty at the Logan Rock Inn sounds lovely! Probably best to visit the Logan Rock before the beer cos it's a bit of a scramble! I agree the coast there is wonderful!

[@alisonalexandratou8723]

Really is beautiful rugged scenery, although a bit precarious in parts! 😯Love the little sandy coves you can dart in and out off on the way and listen to the waves 🌊crashing on the rocks. Interesting to follow a 150 yr old books' illustrations! Excellent filming really felt the vibe!👏💯

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Thanks 👍Sarah :)

[@cebusapella9125]

A really superb bit of the coast path, I always try and do this walk (usually Porthcurno - Land's End) whenever I'm back in Cornwall. Always see seals and usually choughs as well. I too love old books and will look out for Blight's book! Thanks again for a lovely and interesting video.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Cheers! A lovely old book, well worth looking out for! Sarah :)

[@phil7301]

What a stretch of coastline ! and what wonderful weather, but come on Andrew stop this pasty teasing !! That was a stunner ! You have just made me buy some pasties from 'Warrens' on line 😁. Did you notice the crow with the white tail feather land on the rocks when Sarah sat to read the first bit of the book at the start of the video ? Keep up the good work !!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Very observant! I will have to take a look... Sarah :)

[@jimnorris37]

As usual, your Cornish Walking Trails vidro gets my seal off approval. Many thanks to you both.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Very good! LOL! Sarah :)

[@sharonpearl9318]

That was lovely.

[@bookprincess612]

You made definetly my day - thank you both - little light in these days ❣ From Monday on here in Germany restaurants and hotels, theatres... are closed again until the end of november. Take good care of yourselves !!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

It seems to be gaining momentum again and here too, there is a lot of talk about a shutdown coming next week! Thankfully we have a few videos filmed already, but not enough if it extends for more than a month! Sarah :)

[@bookprincess612]

@@CornishWalkingTrails Oh, dear - please stay safe ! Here they try to shut down only places for leisure things like hotels, movie theatres and fitness studios etc. BUT to keep oben schools and kindergarten. All this for the month of November. They try to avoid a lockdown for December and Christmas !! Fingers cross that it may work 🙏🙏🙏

[@bobgeldof3751]

A great seaside walk and a happy couple with a chunky pasty to finish, what more could anyone ask for 👍👍

[@anjahelena]

What a wonderful start to the day to see your amazingly beautiful and joyful video! Thank you! ❤

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

You are so welcome! Sarah :)

[@theresacurran4012]

I certainly enjoyed my day at the beach with you both, and plenty of sunshine for you . That pastie really looked nice Andrew. Thankyou for a lovely day.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

I think it was good - there wasn't much left! Sarah :)

[@evelynnicholl5366]

Enjoy your pasty Andrew 👍

[@ianmiller4445]

A nice walk, a lovely view and a pasty. And a mystery to solve for another day. A really well structured video, Andrew and Sarah.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it, our pleasure! Sarah :)

[@michaelwood3099]

So many beautiful walks to choose from, but certainly in my to ten.

[@idatipping2428]

What an inspiration, as always stunning, thank You

[@peterdovey5182]

It really is a great part of the S.W.C.P. and your film brings back fond memories of days spent wandering along admiring the views.

[@daskrummelmonster5384]

Hi Sarah and Andrew, what happend to all that Sand ? Amazing this Change....i watched this Video over and over...with this grazy again Lockdowns i am really yearning for something different , i hope i will be able when time comes to pack up my Greyhound Boy and walk parts of the south West coastal Path, what a blessed Place in Britain....Thanks for sharing, Take care Dagmar ❤🤗🤗

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it, and yes, the sand seems to come and go! Sarah :)

[@Snopper100]

Probably your best yet! Thanks so much, Andrew and Sarah. One of the best walks I`ve ever done (did it from Land`s End though) and was interested in the triangular markers close to the Coastguard Station which warn passing ships of the dangers of the Runnel Stone. Got to say Porthgwarra is probably the most beautiful place along the south coast - especially the cafe. Thank you again - and up the Saints.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Unsurpassable stretch in my opinion - you could say almost 'saintly'! Sarah :)

[@susannortham11.11]

Gorgeous part of the coast - the best of Cornwall maybe. Andrew, "seal of approval" was definitely one of your better ones :D

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

I think so too! Love this stretch, one of my favourites, Sarah :)

[@ncammann]

My wife and I (and our dog) are trying to walk all the South West Coast Path in bits. We try to do loops. Park just off the coast, walk down to and then along the SWCP. Then loop back inland across the fields etc (and occasional short bits on roads) back to the car.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Sounds like you may like our channel as we do that a lot! Sarah :)

[@louisefrohock1]

Great video, Will add that to my list of walks to do on the far west side. I am walking the south west coastal path on the Lizard Peninsula ( from Porthleven to the Helford passage) in small sections. My thoughts are as long as you walk the coast path to a point, for example Coverack to Black head, then you can come inland to get back to your car or get your pastie. However on the next step in the coastal path you need to start at the point you went inland ( Black head) and then carry down the coastal path to your next destination.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Same! We still have vast swathes to cover in Cornwall! Sarah :)

[@louisefrohock1]

@@CornishWalkingTrails Sarah, Have you and Andrew got an OS map and marked all the areas you have both walked in the last few years? Might be a useful winter task as you can highlight areas you might want to explore in 2021.

[@ytubechannel997]

Really enjoyed this walk. The colours and ruggedness of the land were beautiful. Thanks.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Many thanks, Sarah :)

[@mikeoglen6848]

I cannot stress enough the importance of the correct footwear when out on rough dangerous ground.

[@helenbosworth627]

Still stunning place very beautiful. Love seeing the seals in the lovely blue sea . Andrew having his Cornish pasty you canit beat the Cornish pasty . Thank you for sharing this video a great walk.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Thanks 👍

[@JoannaLouise200]

What a stunningly beautiful walk! - I'm missing Cornwall so much this year. It was quite an emotional experience watching this, especially with the wonderful sea-level camerawork capturing the turquoise waves coming in at Nanjizal. It reminded me of a trip I had to Portherras Cove a few years back which was equally magical✨ By this time of year I've usually had two breaks in Cornwall, but we have to respect lockdown, and it's still too risky. I hope it's not too long before I can 'touch base' with this amazing part of the country. It beckons me so strongly that, when I've crossed the Tamar Bridge, it really is like coming home. Thank you for bringing all this refreshing beauty to us x

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Cornwall will still be here! We were surprised as it has been quite busy this autumn, still hosting plenty of visitors; we think they may be those unfortunate souls that were rebooked from May and June, plus some half term visitors! Glad you enjoyed our video, Sarah :)

[@JoannaLouise200]

@@CornishWalkingTrails Thank you Sarah...CWT is keeping all of us sane - especially those of us 'locked-down' in overcrowded London! So looking forward to some beachcombing in Cornwall when things hopefully get back to normal😊Please don't walk across narrow coastal causeways when there's a hooley blowing...you two are far too valuable to us!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

@@JoannaLouise200 LOL! We will be careful! Sarah :)

[@esthermorrissey1454]

Aww!! Beautiful in every way. Beautiful walk, Beautiful weather & Beautiful scenery, really enjoyed the connection with the book. This tragic young man may have passed on but, his memory lives on. Wonderful drawings & maybe it was a little bit of poetic license from him was the reason that you couldn’t replicate the image in the book. However another day you could prove me wrong. We have indeed had some lovely days in September & October the calm in this otherwise turbulent times. Love what you do & thank you.

[@2me2u100]

Went there a few weeks ago 500 mile road trip around Cornwall its a lovely part of the UK 🇬🇧 keep safe guys

[@elizabethmcleod246]

I did it last summer. Cornwall rocks!

[@2me2u100]

@@elizabethmcleod246 we loved it it definitely rocks

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

WOW! - didn't think you could cover 500 miles in Cornwall!! Sarah :)

[@2me2u100]

@@CornishWalkingTrails it was 500 mile round trip from westmidlands and back so works out around 300 around Cornwall

[@judybee]

The essence of Cornwall! We sat on that little bench above Porthgwarra Cove where you sat Sarah with some homemade sarnies, as the time of year we went, sadly the cafe was closedso no Pasties! It was a Poldark walk holiday week following in the footsteps of Ross & Demelza! ....and he's not THAT short Andrew (seen him close up at a theatre in London when he was on stage down here!! :-)) Where have those sunny days of September gone eh? Been raining cats and dogs here for over a week! J x

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Been raining non stop for two days here and as for the wind! So I have been decorating our son's room (now abandoned!) which was much needed! I am hoping that a good day will coincide with a day off so that we can top up our video banks before they lock us down again - maybe! Sarah :)

[@judybee]

@@CornishWalkingTrails Ooooh Sarah!....Get out there quick, come rain or shine and get those vids in as soon as you can, as he is indeed locking us down again on Thursday!....Us mere mortals out here in You Tube world will need a blast of Cornish sun (or rain!) to keep us going through the next four weeks! x J x

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

@@judybee We are fine for four weeks, might be more difficult after that! Wet and wild today, visited Gunwalloe for Friday's video! Sarah

[@judybee]

@@CornishWalkingTrailsCan't wait! One of my most favourite places with the little church on the beach :-))) x J x

[@mistymint7983]

It was interesting to see the changes from the book to 2020, that was a brilliant idea, what a beautiful place ❤️

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

I think we will explore the Sennen side of Land's End, once again using this lovely old book! Sarah :)

[@Trond_travels]

Amazing!

[@stephenjohns3817]

Excellent video finished off by a great looking Oggie!

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Made my mouth water when I was editing the video! Sarah :)

[@penwithperambulations7900]

Beautiful walk, did it back in the summer.

[@amardeepsm1]

Where can I find this book? The copy you have looks immaculate! I've seen alot of rough copies online. Please point me in the right direction. Love your channel! Giving me major inspo for my girlfriends birthday trip. We're staying on a farm in Polgigga beginning of Jan! Any more recommendations/tips are welcome! She loves AGA cookers and vibes so I'm lucky! She loves reading, this book will make her so happy! I've heard about minack castle/St Michael's mount but any other hidden vibes please let me know!

[@barriewood9336]

Great video - albeit with rather a heavy south coast bias! Could you consider an accessible gem beaches list for those with some level of disability?Duckpool near Bude is a favourite as it is a nice drive down the valley. No ‘distractions’ when you get there either!

[@properjob27]

[@MrAnderson321]

Lovely video.👌 My aim would be a ‘beer’ and pasty!😉 You two need to get a some proper walking/approach shoes...maybe try and get a sponsor and they’ll give you some?

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Great idea! You never know.... Sarah :)

[@TravellingTorunn]

Hi Sarah and Andrew! Oh, I sit here longing for this amazing area :-) I remember this walk (from Sennen to Porthcurno) as a very pleasant and beautiful one. And what an intriguing story about the tragic destiny of Mr. J.T. Blight! I see the book can be bought on bookdepository.com. I'll put in on my wishlist. Lovely drawings! :-) I missed seeing you swim at the cave ;-) I thought you said it was a warm day...??? ;-) Now for your Q & A :-) Inger and I have the goal to walk the whole Cornish part of the South West Coast Path, walking one of 5 sections per year. We have done 3 so far. Hopefully after those 5 we will do the 4 remaining sections and complete the whole SW Coast Path. We are quite conservative regarding sticking to the path, or else we haven't really walked the whole path ;-) No cheating!!! :-) But of course we walk inland to get to our B&Bs and some times we have a day "off" when we explore the area where we are staying. But we always start the nest leg where we stopped the previous day. We walk between about 12-24 km every day, so there is not always much time to walk inland and explore during the walking days. So no - we have no gaps in the path ;-) And thank you for the lovely video! Torunn

[@bcoxal]

The Internet Archive has a downloadable or read online copy of the book: archive.org/details/weekatlandsend00blig/mode/2up

[@TravellingTorunn]

@@bcoxal That is brillant!!! Thank you. I downloaded the pdf-file now :-)

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

We will complete the whole Cornish section one day! But I think you will beat us to it! We don't want to be too quick about it or we would run out of coast to film, unless we follow up by doing it in reverse!! Sarah :)

[@TravellingTorunn]

@@CornishWalkingTrails We will need 2 more summer vacations to complete the Cornish part and 4 more to complete the whole path, which is our goal :-) We don't know if it will be possible to go to the UK in 2021 either... And by all means, dont rush it. I love the videos :-) Especially when I have walked the sections myself :-) But I also like to make notes on Google Maps when you show something I'd like to see and do later :)

[@TravellingTorunn]

@@CornishWalkingTrails Hi again! I just wanted to watch this beautiful video again, and I cannot find my answer to your question about sticking to the path or not :) We walk in one direction and don't need to get back quicly or to find a pasty inland :-) And since our goal is to walk the whole path, we are quite conservative and want to really walk the WHOLE path, so we stick to it all the time. If we need to walk inland to find our accommodation, we walk back again the next day to where we left the path and continue from there. Have a great weekend and stay safe :) Torunn.

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

That ladder the book referred to! By the look of his drawings, it could have tumbled into the sea over the past 100 years. Maybe that’s why you couldn’t find it. Bye the way Andrew. That pasty looked mighty good.

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Amazing how those granite boulders just teeter but never seem to fall! Sarah :)

[@gerhardwiechmann8153]

Schön!

[@idatipping2428]

Wow, you are so famous, we get advertising every three minutes, Hope it reverts to you

[@Louisa93able]

Do wise Cornish men stock up with a pasty or more before going to places that may be perilous and demanding?

[@martinstorey3139]

We were watching the Choughs last year nesting in the blow hole..

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

That's an interesting tip! We will be more aware on our next visit! Sarah :)

[@jdh_images]

I have that book which is really good - another good one is St Michael’s Mount by Rev T Taylor. Or Unknown Cornwall by C.E. Vulliamy.

[@miranda4903]

Just wondered. Where can you purchase these old books?

[@chrisneedham5803]

@@miranda4903 ....... at your local 'ye oldie bookety emporium'

[@miranda4903]

@@chrisneedham5803 Thanks for that. I think there may be one in the market in Truro.

[@chrisneedham5803]

@@miranda4903 ...... it was a joke ....... I don't know 🤡🤡😂😂

[@jdh_images]

@@miranda4903 I am a bookbinder, like to buy old books like these off the internet and rebind them in leather and gold tool them - look on eBay or just do a google search.

[@atombomb31458]

John Thomas Blight looks like Mungo Jerry

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

LOL! Sarah :)

[@mariotucci3]

summer 2200 there's loads sand there when tide is out

[@minimaxi802]

The last village before Lands End.

[@TheSWolfe]

Tragic tale re John Thomas Blight. Altho he did suffer a breakdown prior to hospitalization/incarceration, there were patrons eager to avoid making good on payment to him for commissions he completed per their request. Makes me suspect JT's dying in asylum after 4+ decades may have had sinister origins. It wasn't uncommon, but this is strictly opinion. "Blight's recording of Cornish antiquities includes many that no longer exist. (Wiki) His descriptions and illustrations of them provide a most valuable source for archaeologists and local historians" -- might be interesting to check some of 'em out to compare geographical/landscape/architectural changes over time.

[@idatipping2428]

Buy your pastie and bring it to the coastal path, dont leave the coast 😄

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

Great idea!! The best of both worlds! As for the adverts, if they are getting in the way, we are now uploading an ad free version of our videos on Patreon, Sarah :)

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

Andrew you and your Pasties 😅

[@CornishWalkingTrails]

He loves a pasty! Sarah :)