Nigel's Photo Blog

  Introduction This evening, I am providing information on Newquay in north Cornwall, England (pop 24,000), a popular visitor site.   Unusual architectural feature (one of a pair) overlooking the harbour.        Information on Newquay     Newquay is mainly orientated towards domestic, U.K. visitors who are attracted by the sandy beaches, wide range of activities and, generally, benign weather conditions. Newquay Harbour    The town can be accessed by road, rail, bus and air.    Newquay is probably the premier surfing destination in the U.K. Additionally, there are a wide range of other activities and visitor attractions including: aquarium, zoo,hiking, cycling, photography, fishing, paddle boarding, tennis, golf, coasteering, riding, kayaking and go karting. Visitors are accommodated via a wide range of hotels and b&b type establishments. The town has a long-standing sea fishing industry as a consequ...

 Introduction This evening, I am reporting on the Trethevy Quoit in Cornwall, SW England.Location is about 32 miles east of Newquay at St.Cleer.  Information on Trethevy Quoit This is a chamber tomb which contains a stone chamber in which the dead were laid. The most conspicuous of this type of structure are known as 'cromlechs', or colloquially as 'quoits'. There are nine such 'quoits' in Cornwall. The Trethevy Quoit is a good example to visit as it is well preserved and presents a dramatic appearance due to the capstone sloping at a precarious angle.  Quoits are usually associated with the Neolithic period of 4000BC-2500BC.They may once have contained the remains of people from Cornwall's early farming communities. This quoit was originally formed of six large granite slabs.These uprights supported the huge 20 tonne capstone.At the east facing entrance is a small entryway called an antechamber but only one of the original two upright stones survives. A s...

 Introduction This afternoon I am reporting on the Cornish seaside resort of Padstow.     Information on Padstow Padstow (pop 3000) is situated on the north Cornish coast, about 17 miles north of Newquay . History: The name is derived from  Sancte Petroces stow of the 11th century.This translates as  'Holy Place of St Pertroc', a Cornish saint's name. Chief Activity: A fishing port.  Access: Road only. Very tight parking in summer season. Known for: Celebrity chef, Rick Stein who operates four restaurants plus bar, cookery school, shops and hotel accommodation in Padstow. Because of the Rick Stein influence the town has acquired the humorous nickname of 'Padstein'. Festival:The Padstow Obby Oss. A fun event celebrating the Celtic feats of 'Beltane' in recognition of the fast approach of summer.Held each year on May 1st (unless a Sunday) and takes place in Padstow's narrow streets and around it's beautiful harbour. Harbour:  The town is situated on...

 Crantock Beach   Introduction This evening I am providing information on Crantock Beach near Newquay in Cornwall , SW England. Information on Crantock Beach  When the tide is out an expansive sandy beach is exposed. Restricted surfing opportunities are available but due to strong rips such activity is closely controlled by life savers.  During the peak summer season access by car can be challenging. The road from Crantock village is very narrow and can barely cope with the volume of traffic. On top of that parking is very tight. Persons wishing to visit the site should arrive as early as possible. Access on foot is possible along a bank of the nearby Gannel estuary although this can be rugged in parts.  River Gannel at Crantock  Swimmer in the Gannel  Surfers  Life Savers  Nearby cliffs with poppy field on top  Beach and surf  Hyper active Yorkiepoo Another view of the beach at low tide Beach scene with surfing controls Kite...

   Introduction The Gannel is a tidal estuary that sits between Newquay and Crantock village in Cornwall , SW England ..This is where the River Gannel flows into the sea over the expansive Crantock Beach.  The Gannel at low tide.    Information and Images on the Gannel  The Gannel lies SW of Newquay with access near the Gannel Link Road.There are various foot bridge crossings but care is required as all are subject to immersion by tidal movements.During the Summer Season an on-demand foot ferry operates from the Fern Pit Cafe between 10.00am and 6.00pm. During the industrial era of tine mining and large scale pilchard fishing the estuary was frequently dredged to facilitate access by vessels to transport the foregoing goods plus coal, timber or sand for onward shipment by rail, tram and road. The Gannel is popular with water sport enthusiasts.There is also wildlife including wading birds, and various types of fish. Subject to tidal movements, there is a w...