Thursday 10 June: St Piran’s Oratory

I’m woken in the night by the screeching of a Barn Owl. Probably better than noisy neighbours in a hot tub!

It is overcast and still a bit of drizzle in the air but we are unperturbed and venture off on a circular walk advertised on the notice board of the next door campsite. Initially inland across Cubert’s Common and through ancient wooded areas to the sandy burrows of Penhale Sands behind Perranporth. We see the ancient cross and remains of a chapel and oratory dedicated to St Piran, a 5th century missionary washed up from Ireland who is the patron saint of tin miners. Avoiding the large holiday park we navigate through the dunes onto the impressive stretch of sand at Perran Beach enjoying the hazy vista. We picnic on a rock at the end of the beach before clambering up to rejoin the coastal footpath. Wild flowers line the path as we reach Holywell Beach and explore the impressive cave with its stalagmite formations. More dune climbing and around the headland to Polly Joke, now more impressive at low tide. West Pentire is resplendent with poppies and field marigolds as we try to do justice with photos. Back to our campsite for a well earned cup of tea and a bit of chillin’ before M&S tinned Chicken Tikka Masala washed down with some vino and strawberries for pudding. This is the life!