So today we woke up to an overcasting windy day, not what we had become accustomed to over the past few days. Not that the weather would hold us back. Today we were off to explore Lizard Point and Kynance Cove. The Lizard is roughly a thirty minute drive away so not too far at all. We drove past HMS Culdrose on the way, a Navy Air Squadron base, as a training jet took off over the car, much to James' delight. The other thing we saw from the base were helicopters. These were overhead for most of the day and the boys had great fun spotting them.
When we arrived at the point, car parking is free for National Trust Members, I knew I had made a mistake in my clothing choice. We had come to the only sunny part of Cornwall, and there was I dressed in trousers and a hoody! It is a short walk down to the point itself. To be honest, there is not a lot at the point other than a couple of cafes and a road down to the old fishing station. The views, however, are spectacular. We walked down to the beach by the fishing station. This is not a beach to spend any great amount of time on, however it was good to let the boys explore the rock pools and the the small caves.
What can we see here?
Carefully does it
What do we have here?
There was one interesting thing on the beach, a giant cement filled cone. If anyone could tell me what it actually is, that would be great!
What is this?
After looking at all the sea urchins and walking up the steep climb back to the cafe, it was time for lunch. Conveniently placed is the Polpeor Cafe. We sat outside to take in the views. You could not get a better position for a cafe. The food was simple but tasty. The children's meal were the star of the show, they fed the boys with some left over for us.
When is lunch coming?
Lunch with a view
After lunch we headed back up to the lighthouse itself. We did not go in as we wanted to head to Kynance cove, but just had a walk round the grounds. Not a lot to see outside but I explained to James what the lighthouse did and why it was there so hopefully he got some understanding out of it.
Who is loving the cuddle more?
Backwards we go!
After that it was back to the cars and off to Kynance Cove. It was a drive of ten minutes at the most to get there. Again, it is a National Trust carpark so free parking if you are a member. It is a fifteen minute walk down to the cove itself, or thirty if you have two tired boys with you, and if you are inclined, there are lots of footpaths to explore around the area and across the headland.
The tide was almost in when we arrived, so there was only a few minuted for the boys to have a paddle and build a sandcastle before the sand disappeared and we were just left with rocks. Not that it mattered as they had loads of fun.
View from the beach
After we had scrambled back up the beach, it was time for a cup of tea and a cake. Now, Lyns and I had come here a few years ago and the weather was truly horrendous, very dramatic, but not the sort of weather to go outside in. This time I was going to make the most of the nice weather and explore a little. Sacrificing my tea and cake, I followed the footpath up onto the headland past the cove and what views there were, well worth missing out on cake for. It was a shame everyone could not have come and seen them, however it was not suitable for the little ones.
Overlooking Kynance Cove
Further up the headland
I had half an hour to explore then headed back to walk back up to the cars. With one last look it was time to head off.
Last look before heading back to the car
Both the boys did very well with the steep walk back up to the cars. After getting James settled in the car, we were off back to the house. James was asleep before we left the carpark. We managed to get back to the house for around 5:30 and transfer him straight to bed where he slept for a solid fourteen hours. We had one very tired but very happy boy.