Bimbling around St Ives

Yes, I've been away for my Birthday. I took a trip down to the south west of England, it's 390 miles to St Ives in Cornwall from North Lincolnshire. I had a nice B & B. Booked in advance found on the internet. I look at the booking agencies first to get the information I need, then contact the owner direct when I have found one that I fancy that can accommodate me for the dates I need. It wasn't cheap but prices down in the south west are generally a bit more expensive than the midlands and north. It was my birthday treat, and this is why I live a frugal life so I have money to afford holidays and days out.

This is not my B & B, ha ha, but an example of the many houses, apartments, and hotels that overlook Carbis Bay where I stayed. A lot of them are holiday lets.

On the first day I went a walk to St Ives. Heading down the hill, over the railway line, past the station to join the South West Coastal Path.

Must have a beach walk and a selfie. A bit windy today, but dry and warm.

The place has a look of tropical gardens. This rock garden looks newly laid and planted.

There are eateries overlooking the beach.

Further along the path as it starts climbing, I look back at the views.

A little bit of tranquility in the centre of St Ives.

There were plenty of people about, browsing shops and sitting in cafe's.

This was a cute little sheltered courtyard with seating in the middle, and gift shops to browse. When visiting places I always take my food and drink with me.

I sat on a bench and watched the surfers playing in the waves.

The Tate Gallery beckoned me so I paid the £6.50 entrance fee. Have to say that there wasn't much to rave about. A few interesting modern art paintings, but most of it just went right over my head. The building itself is unusual and interesting, and has a rather grand entrance, but the exhibits didn't inspire me. I went to another art gallery and found some art that was just my thing. Textile art with lots of colour. The lady who had made it was there so I had a lovely chat with her. I'll do another post with pictures.

If you want golden sands and big beaches, Cornwall is the place. In the time I was there, I struggled to find any litter anywhere. It seems to me that leaving rubbish lying around is not tolerated.

On the way up to St Ives Head and the Lookout Station, I sat down on the grass and took in the wonderful sea views. A bobbing head on the rocks below caught my attention. Someone sketching. The zoom on the camera is pretty good.

I love to see the sea splashing over the rocks.

Back down into St Ives again and I wandered around the waters edge.

This boat was unloading it's catch.

Crab nets stacked up on the pier.

Pleasure boats parked up.

Time to walk back to Carbis Bay. I took the road rather than the path, it's a bit higher up.

7 miles walked today. That is a guestimate, I was on my feet all day, except for ten minutes sitting here and there. I can't be doing with being idle for any length of time. I like to keep moving to see more places.

More Cornwall posts coming up.  Toodle pip.  ilona