Author Archives: Ruth Livingstone

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About Ruth Livingstone

Walker, writer, photographer, blogger, doctor, woman, etc.

124a – Portreath to St Agnes Head

It is a lovely August morning. The air is clear and fresh and I fall into an easy rhythm and feel I could walk a hundred miles without tiring. Then I fall off the end of the map… Continue reading

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123 Hayle to Portreath

I see this long, wriggly thing on the damp sand. At first I think it is a snake. Then I think it must be an eel. But it has no fins and no apparent gills. In the end I believe it is a slow worm. Continue reading

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122 – St Ives to Hayle

Lelant station is lovely. Tubs of flowers, a nice wooden seat, and the place is kept spick and span. Best of all, there is an amazingly beautiful view across the estuary. Sitting here, you wouldn’t care if your train was late. Continue reading

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121 – St Ives (cont)

Artists come to St Ives for the light and for the views. I was expecting to be disappointed, as I often am, by this tourist-hyped place. But it defies my expectations. It is gorgeous, beautiful and utterly enticing. Continue reading

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121 Gurnard’s Head to St Ives

I discover a Mermaid’s cove and meet my third adder. The first one was a fully grown male, the second a baby and this one, too, is just a youngster. But still, an adder! Continue reading

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120 Botallack to Gurnard’s Head

I leave the path to take a photograph, I find myself plunged into a state of panic. Because of the covering of low bushes and the narrowness of the way, once you step off the path it is impossible to see the path. Is this really the right way? Or am I on a sheep track? Continue reading

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119 Land’s End to Botallack

People say that Land’s End is a disappointing place – dominated by a large hotel and shopping complex. The Lizard is more attractive, both in ambience and scenery. But Land’s End is Land’s End and will always have a special significance for long-distance walkers. Continue reading

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118 Lamorna to Porthcurno to Land’s End

The poor weather makes me very resentful. The day before yesterday my walk was ruined by pouring rain. Today it is ruined by thick mist. I know this section of the coast line would look very beautiful in clear weather. It is just a shame I can’t see any of the views. Continue reading

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117 Perranuthnoe, Penzance to Lamorna Cove

As I pass by one of the fish shops, I look through the open door at the wonderful display on the counter. But there – right in the middle of the display – is a huge herring gull, chomping his way through the fish. Continue reading

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116 Porthleven to Praa Sands

I decide to ’embrace the wet’. This sounds like a good mantra. I start reciting it as I march along in my cloudy, wet world. ‘Embrace the wet.’ The path is overgrown. Wet branches lash against my legs. Through gritted teeth I chant, ‘Embrace the wet.’ Continue reading

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