Hessenford to Looe
This is the walk I did today and it's a current favourite. I start off by catching the bus to Hessenford which drops me right by the door of the Copley Arms ( I do mean right by, right in front of in fact!).
Then it's just a case of crossing over the road and taking the road towards Seaton for a short way. Just past the houses there is a gate to the Seaton Valley Country Park.
The next part of the walk is a rarity for this part of Cornwall, as it is flat. It is also shaded by trees and runs along the course of the Seaton River. It does tend to be wet or muddy in places, but there are board walks over the wettest bits. This is a quiet walk, particularly the first part and the main accompaniment is the sound of the babbling water.
Apart from dodging the odd muddy bit this is a relaxing, easy part of the walk. After a while there is a bridge, which is great for playing pooh-sticks, and it's time to cross to the other side of the river.
The path is usually much drier from now on, and there are a few more people about. Every so often there are wildlife markers and benches.
There is also a supposed fairy dell and a lovely lily pond.
Very soon the seaside village of Seaton is in sight. This part of the walk takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Seaton has a large beach, a small shop, pub, bistro and a very popular beach cafe. So this is an ideal spot for a break.
Once refreshed the more serious business of the walk begins. Take the road behind the beach cafe and start the first climb of the day. This road is quiet and there are lovely views to take in, and beautiful trees.
It's about a 10 minute climb until a gate on the left leads off of the road and onto the cliff path, and also some more uphill effort.
The reward for the ascent comes soon enough and from the top of the first hill there is the first glimpse of my destination.
The path is well defined but quite narrow and also uneven in places, it is fairly strenuous as it does dip up and down. The views of Looe in the distance are beautiful and it is a peaceful part of the Coast Path, much less used than the Looe to Polperro stretch.
After a bit it passes below the Monkey Sanctuary (no access from here) and today there was a lovely sound of children playing above. A lonely beach can be glimpsed below.
The next landmark is the cliff top labyrinth at Windsworth. This is a good spot to take a break, and maybe walk the course, there are explanation leaflets on site.
The views from here are wonderful.
The path wends on ahead and Looe gets ever nearer!
Before too long Bodigga Cliff comes into sight, this is a lovely picnic spot. This also marks the end of this section of the walk, although the sea stays in sight, this is the end of the lonely, rugged cliff path.
After maybe sitting at one of the picnic tables for a while, the path turns onto a short stretch of quiet road before descending to Millendreath, which is a place in the process of redevelopment, so there is building work taking place at the moment. The walk passes above the beach and follows steps up out of the village. The Coast Path meanders through Kellow and Plaidy on the outskirts of Looe and past Plaidy Beach.
After the beach continue on the road ahead, look out for the path by a house called Dove Rock, this runs back into East Looe and the end of this beautiful walk.
Allow a few hours for a leisurely stroll and time to stop and take pictures, and enjoy a coffee. Do take lots of water and keep sipping along the way.
