A good excuse for getting out after a lot of rain, we were to have no electricity at home today. Off we went on the 10.40 am bus from Liskeard to Padstow. We arrived at lunch time so went straight to Rick Stein’s Fish ‘N Chips.  Brilliant as usual, two haddock and chips for us – crispy batter, lovely fresh fish, chips done in beef dripping, two coffees, all set.

We sat in the window…to avoid the door draughts..and for the view…..no prosecco this time, just tap water with lemon.

We felt warmed up on a bitterly cold day and ready for our walk. First of all through town where the harbour as seen above had little activity (unlike most of the year), and then on to the war memorial overlooking the estuary. The views were sweeping as the tide was on its way out…and it was very interesting to see the ferry which normally lands us in Rock looking for suitable sites to disgorge much further along the beach towards Polzeath.

The path soon gave us brilliant views of Doom Bar

and we soon found a route down to the sands (the first couple of turns involve a bit of scrambling over rocks which F. didn’t fancy).

All lovely and deserted…

And, as promised, the sun deigned to appear which puts an entirely different complexion on things..

Plenty of little coves amongst the rocks and caves (grand for smuggling) with stony seats for us to rest and have our hot chocolate (an experiment, tea and coffee taste awful in a flask, but the chocolate was lovely).

On the way back we noted the dredging going on (a continual task to keep access free down the estuary)…

and we noted there were more than enough benches provided for weary travellers!

All in all a very enjoyable way to spend a day out of the house…wrap up well and you’re fine!