Coverack to Kennack Sands (South West Coast Path 54)

Coverack

Today's starting point was the lovely beach at Coverack - which was visible today as the tide was out.

We followed the line of the bay, turned the corner and presented with a choice of paths opted - obviously - for the more challenging coastal route rather than the softer inland one. We were soon looking at the rocky Chynhalls Point.

 Having passed behind it, we entered the area of Chynhalls Cliff. This was quite hard work, very rocky underfoot and never on the level. This is reflected in the view back.

Once we joined the inland path the way ahead to Black Head was pretty flat. The Head is marked by a small hut.

We headed onwards through Beagles Point and could now see the Lizard Point on the horizon, with the rocky Carrick Luz on the right.

Here is another view with the tiny Lankidden Cove on the right.

We had seen a few butterflies: Speckled Wood, Large and Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Wall and the first Small Heath of the year. But now we saw something much more exciting: a Small Pearl- bordered Fritillary. The first of the year of course and only the second I have ever seen. Sadly, my photo was not up the mark.

The next section was quite hard work. It was very rocky underfoot and mostly gorse-covered heathland: not the most inspiring country. At length, we descended to Kennack Sands and walked across the back of the grey sand beach.

We climbed the hill back to where we had parked the car. This is the view, taken earlier in the day.

Conditions: warm, but quite hazy.

Grading: Moderate, Strenuous in parts.

Distance: 5.0 miles (distance now covered 323.3 miles).

Map: Explorer103 (The Lizard).

Rating: three stars. Hard and not very rewarding going.