Polzeath Walks

30/06/2025

My weekly “Wellness Wednesday” free Beach Art session starts at 4:30 pm this Wednesday.

Join me at the New Polzeath steps for a creative connected couple of hours. Everyone is welcome… especially those who might not normally be able to afford to pay for a Beach Art session with me.

So relax and simply connect with the beach and others as you get creative, all in line with "Blue Health" principles.

No experience needed so just bring your imagination and an open mind.

For those who are able to support my work, I also offer private sessions and workshops. Please feel free to connect directly to discuss options, or you can find and book sessions via CraftCourses. Your continued support helps make these community sessions.

27/06/2025

Very kind of Charlie Cooke from Magichour360.com to send me a link to this amazing Beach Art photo which includes the whole of Polzeath.
I run a free weekly “Wellness Wednesday” beach art session and Charlie was actually photographing Rabbit Hill in New Polzeath for the Waghorn family at the time.
Open up the link below to have a good 360 degree look around Polzeath!

https://magichourweb5.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/RabbitHill/RabbitHill/index.htm?noui

20/06/2025

Cathy and Julian are once again opening their truly remarkable garden at **Sliggon Field** as part of the prestigious **National Garden Scheme** later this month!

If you joined us for the Polzeath Echium Walk earlier in June, you'll remember Cathy and Julian's garden was an absolute highlight. Nestled right on the border of Polzeath and Trebetherick, their hard work (with a shout-out to their once a week gardener, Ben) has created something truly spectacular.

June 29th and June 30th
* **Location:** Sliggon Field, Polzeath/Trebetherick (Look for the National Garden Scheme signs!)

Whether you're an *Echium* aficionado, a keen gardener, or simply love exploring beautiful spaces, Sliggon Field promises an inspiring visit. Mark your calendar!

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18/06/2025

I've just got back from Cardiff where my son, Samuel, is setting up a legacy writing service. It occurs to me that many Polzeath Walks readers may be interested in his services. He'll be down in Polzeath soon if you have anyone in mind for a story that should be told. Perhaps it's your own! Obviously I'm totally biased but let me know if you have any questions.

In today's headlines, we see the Middle East gripped by escalating tensions, with Iran and Israel on the brink. It's a stark reminder of how quickly history unfolds and how vital it is to understand the complex threads that weave through global events and individual lives.
Samuel's doctoral research, combined with his Master's degrees, has given him a profound understanding of Muslim intellectual history, British-Muslim relations, anti-imperialism, and the history of the Middle East. He's delved into figures like Marmaduke Pickthall, who navigated colonial-era complexities, and explored contemporary issues like the Prevent strategy and Muslim home-schooling in Britain. He's also spent time studying in Beirut and Dhaka.
His unique background allows him to approach every story with an awareness of historical context, cultural sensitivities, and the human impact of global events. In a world craving understanding, Samuel's ability to carefully listen, research, and articulate complex narratives is invaluable.

Curious about how to start preserving your legacy? You can begin today with our Discovery & Interview Day for just £200.

This initial upfront fee secures 3-4 hours of focused, empathetic interview time with Samuel, either in-person (travel within 20 miles of Cardiff included) or via video call. It's a dedicated session designed to listen to your life story and gather initial memories, insights, and anecdotes, complete with pre-interview guidance to help you prepare.

Following this, you can choose to move forward with our "Life Snapshot" Report for an additional £750 (totaling £950 for the full "Life Snapshot"). This transforms your interview into a beautifully written, concise 5-8 page narrative (approx. 1,500-2,500 words), capturing your essence, key milestones, and memorable anecdotes. It includes professional transcription, one round of revisions, a high-quality PDF, and one beautifully printed and elegantly bound copy – a perfect, tangible start to your legacy.

Expanding Your Legacy
Should you wish to expand your "Life Snapshot" into a comprehensive book, 75% of your "Life Snapshot" Report fee (£562.50) will be credited towards the cost of a full Legacy Book project. These extensive memoirs (ranging from 20,000 to 80,000+ words) are completely bespoke, with typical costs ranging from £2,500 to £10,000+, depending on depth, length, additional interviews, and production details.

We also offer a Special "Celebration of Life" Funeral Tribute for £550. For urgent needs, Samuel provides a concise, heartfelt 1-3 page tribute (approx. 500-1000 words) for memorial services or funerals. This includes a rapid interview (up to 2 hours), fast-track transcription, and digital PDF delivery within 3-5 business days.

Why is a legacy story so important?

Connect Generations: Bridge the past, present, and future by sharing personal histories.
Preserve Wisdom: Pass on life lessons, values, and insights that might otherwise be lost.
Celebrate a Life: Honor significant achievements, challenges overcome, and the unique spirit of an individual.
Create a Lasting Gift: Give your loved ones a tangible piece of your history that they'll cherish forever.
Samuel works closely and compassionately with clients to craft narratives that truly reflect their voice and spirit. Whether it's a personal memoir, a collection of family anecdotes, or a tribute to an ancestor, he's here to help.

Ready to explore how you can preserve your unique legacy? Send us a message here on Facebook or contact Samuel directly:
Phone: 07938895935
Email: [email protected]

Let's ensure your story lives on, adding your unique voice to the tapestry of history.

15/06/2025

And just like that, the inaugural Polzeath Walking Festival drew to a close with its grand finale 5 AM walk this morning! While many showed interest, it turns out the early bird truly gets the worm... or in this case, the entire path to himself! So it was just me, Bill, leading the final charge as the sun rose over our beautiful North Cornish coast.

Setting out from New Polzeath, the early hour meant wonderfully empty lanes. I quickly reached Port Quin Cross and then Plain Street, where I ventured onto some OS map-marked footpaths that promised to cut through the fields, bypassing Trelights and emerging at Scarrabine Farm above Port Quin, via Burrow Park.

Now, to call this a "challenging" footpath would be a significant understatement! What looked straightforward on the map quickly became an adventurous scramble through an unexpected barbed wire obstacle course. I was more than a little grateful to be tackling it solo! For anyone thinking of following in my footsteps, take my advice: stick to the well-trodden highways or the glorious coastal paths. The latter, which I thankfully returned to, were an absolute delight in comparison.

As I neared Port Quin, a playful family of stoats darted across the road outside Trevose House – a special wild encounter to punctuate the morning. And on the final stretch back, I was happily greeted by Amie and Chloe heading the other way. Apologies to them, but by that point, I was a little too tired to walk with them!

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# # A Heartfelt Thank You & Looking Ahead!

What an incredible week it's been! A massive, heartfelt thank you to every single person who took part in the Polzeath Walking Festival, whether you joined us on a walk, followed our adventures online, or simply cheered us on from afar. Your enthusiasm, company, and shared love for Polzeath's history and stunning scenery made this festival a truly special event.

From hidden Quaker burial plots to the historic Pleasure House, and even a brush with Sir Isaac Newton's legacy, we've explored, learned, and connected in so many wonderful ways.

This festival has shown just how much appetite there is for exploring Polzeath on foot, uncovering its stories, and building a stronger community. We're already thinking of ideas for next year and beyond!

**Did you enjoy the festival? Do you have any suggestions for future walks, themes, or even ideas for how we can make the next festival even better? Perhaps you'd even be interested in helping us organize or lead a walk next time?**

We'd love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts and comments below!

14/06/2025

What a fantastic Saturday morning we had on our historical walk, led by Bill! The sun shone, the stories flowed, and we discovered even more of Polzeath's incredible past.

We kicked things off with a lovely tea outside the new **Carl Jung Cornwall Library**, a fascinating project born from the interest in Jung's world-changing 1923 visit to Atlantic Terrace – a truly pivotal moment that saw his fortunes shift "like a turning tide." Huge thanks to Peter and Juliet for hosting this delightful start!

It was brilliant to welcome two more **Polzeath Walks Facebook readers**, John and Howard. What excellent company they were! Even though both are familiar with Polzeath, they hadn't heard some of the history we shared, nor had they explored so many of the hidden gardens and winding lanes that led us to the **Quaker burial walled plot**. Peter from our group even mentioned he'd driven past it countless times without ever knowing it was there! Just goes to show, there's always something new to discover.

Early on, we realised we had a double dose of **Newcastle University alumni** in our midst – John and the recently graduated Minty, Peter and Juliet’s daughter. How synchronous!

The track along the golf course was a little muddy, but we navigated it with ease, using plenty of dry lanes to reach the windy **South Winds campground**. This spot brought back memories of that famously blustery Top Gear episode where their motorhomes blew over! We even recalled Andy Cameron from Wavehunters stepping in for a "surfing" lesson while Clarkson’s vehicle got caught by the incoming tide – clearly a set-up for the cameras!

We wrapped up the walk in around three hours, I think, and came away with so many new stories from everyone. A special shout-out to **Alison from Shilla Mill**, who joined us and gave us a glimpse into the exciting developments at the mill, including their future tearoom and their gravity apple tree directly related to the apple that gave us this wonderful stuff we now call gravity. Where would we be without it? Likely floating around in space.

We also heard from **Susie**, who shared the fascinating tale of how her tiny house started life as a garage owned by two old ladies. And a big thank you to **Abigail** for explaining the three-courtyard roofing system for her house, appropriately named **Endellion** after the Abigail Harrison Endellion character from a save-the-footpath campaign promotional film.

The weather was perfect, and we received so many invitations for future visits, including to the historic **Pleasure House**. Built in 1823, it was one of Polzeath's very first buildings right on the beach! Sadly we ran out of time so perhaps on another walk.

What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning, connecting with history and each other.

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**🗓️ Tomorrow's Walk (Sunday!):**
For the early birds, Bill is leading a walk starting at **5 AM down on Atlantic Terrace**. This walk is estimated to last about 4 hours (depending on who turns up and the weather!). See you there if you're an early riser!

14/06/2025

Polzeath's Hidden Histories Walk starts today at 10 am from outside Trevose View on Atlantic Terrace (where Carl Jung famously stayed!). Free and just turn up for a free cup of tea before we set off thanks to Peter and Juliet.

Step back in time with us as we explore layers of Polzeath's past, from ancient geology to local tales. This morning's walk will take us through the backstreets, up to historic meeting places, and back via Shilla Mill. All are very welcome to tell your own stories too!

We'll start right outside Trevose View on Atlantic Terrace, a spot famously associated with Carl Jung's 1923 Polzeath Seminars! As we walk through the backstreets of New Polzeath, we'll pass by houses with fascinating pasts, including 'Winwaloe'. This particular property holds a poignant story, as it was here, in 1956, that Archbishop Cardinal Bernard Griffin passed away while on holiday. These homes stand as quiet witnesses to both significant historical events and the quieter moments of summer holidays.

Our path will offer a chance to view Polzeath from the beach itself. From here, we'll see the beautiful pale green to purple Polzeath Slates, formed 360 million years ago, a testament to the immense forces that moulded our region. We'll discuss how events like "The Trebetherick Thrust" dramatically shaped these visible rock formations.

The geology leads us directly into Polzeath's significant mining heritage. As we pass over and by Tinners Hill, we'll discuss how a rich lode of minerals once ran right beneath it, giving rise to mine shafts either end. We can pinpoint where the mine's drainage tunnels, or adits, would have once emerged directly onto the sands. You'll also get a chance to see key buildings from this era, including the Mine Captain's original 'Beach House' (built in 1830, initially known as 'The Pleasure House') and the Mine Office (which later became Polzeath's first Post Office), both integral to the lives and operations of Polzeath's mining community.

The flexible route may take us to the historic Bryanites Meeting House, offering a glimpse into the vibrant non-conformist religious life of the past and a little further on if time, we'll discover the forgotten Quaker Burial Ground, established in 1690. This tranquil spot, with its distinct high walls and the fascinating detail of different trees planted on each burial plot, holds centuries of quiet faith and sometimes forgotten community history.

On our return, we'll pass by ancient Shilla Mill, which was a working corn mill right up until 1885. But the walk isn't just about dates and facts; it's about connecting with the layers of history, from prehistoric times to the stories of the people who shape Polzeath today. Come along, discover something new, and enjoy the company of other walkers.

13/06/2025

A huge thank you to Sue, Pauline, and Trevor for joining this morning's walk with me! We made it to St Enodoc church in the golf course just as the heavens opened, turning our return journey into a wet but happy adventure. I’m not sure we noticed the “thyme-scented paths” and “pale sea-pinks” in the rain, before reaching the roses for this photo.
Retreating from the heart of golf country reminded me of this beautiful poem by John Betjeman, which I meant to share on the walk, but didn’t, so here it is:

The Hon. Sec.

The flag that hung half-mast today
Seemed animate with being,
As if it knew for who it flew
And will no more be seeing.

He loved each corner of the links—
The stream at the eleventh,
The grey-green bents, the pale sea-pinks,
The prospect from the seventh;

To the ninth tee the uphill climb,
A grass and sandy stairway,
At the top the scent of thyme
And long extent of fairway.

He knew how on a summer day
The sea's deep blue grew deeper,
How evening shadows over Bray
Made that round hill look steeper.

He knew the ocean mists that rose
And seemed forever staying,
When moaned the foghorn from Trevose
And nobody was playing;

The flip of cards on winter eves,
The whiskey and the scoring,
As trees outside were stripped of leaves
And heavy seas were roaring.

He died when early April light
Showed red his garden sally,
And under pale green spears glowed white
His lilies of the valley.

The garden where he used to stand
And where the robin waited
To fly and perch upon his hand
And feed till it was sated.

The Times would never have the space
For Ned's discreet achievements;
The public prints are not the place
For intimate bereavements.

A gentle guest, a willing host,
Affection deeply planted—
It's strange that those we miss the most
Are those we take for granted.

It’s a simple poem which runs deep with meaning especially in the last verse and perhaps serves as a poignant reminder to embrace a mindset of gratitude in all aspects of our lives. Ned clearly enriched Betjeman’s world…partly by being the Hon. Sec. of the beautiful St Enodoc Golf Club.

13/06/2025

Today, Friday at 10 am: A Gentle Stroll to Daymer Bay & towards Rock, Through Golf Course History. Leaves from Tubestation.

Walk with us in the landscapes and lanes that inspired Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman. This gentle stroll will take us along the tranquil back tracks to Daymer Bay, leading us right through the historic St. Enodoc Golf Course. We'll learn how golf was first played here by undergraduates in 1888, with the club formally established in 1890, making it a renowned links course designed by the legendary James Braid. You'll see the church nestled amidst its fairways – Betjeman himself loved playing here and even penned "Seaside Golf" after a memorable birdie! We can read a poem about it if you’re curious.

We'll uncover tales of Betjeman's beloved St. Enodoc Church, his final resting place, once almost entirely buried in sand. But the history here goes even deeper! We'll visit a holy site with ancient legends linking it to none other than Jesus himself, believed to have visited Cornwall in his youth. Whether you appreciate literary history, ancient religious lore, or the story of a world-class golf course, this walk offers estuary views and much more.

Tomorrow, Saturday at 10 am: Polzeath Backstreets & Hidden Histories leaves from Atlantic Terrace, New Polzeath.

Join a fascinating dive into the lesser-known past of Polzeath. Beyond its reputation as a surfing Mecca, Polzeath boasts centuries of history. This walk will take us through the muddled backstreets, uncovering tangible links to the past:

Ancient Industries: Discover the legacy of lead and silver mining, which boomed at Pentire and Pentireglaze from the 1580s right into the 19th century. We'll learn about the hardworking "Bal Maidens" who were central to these industries.
Dramatic Shipwrecks: Hear the sometimes tragic tales of maritime life, including the sail barge carrying lead ore that sank at Polzeath in 1819, and the brig Isabella whose cargo of figs was famously fought over by Bal Maidens and locals on St Minver Common in the same year!
Farming and Settlement: Explore the sites of early farmhouses, such as those at Trebetherick from the 1630s, and learn about the old Shilla Mill from 1590, which milled corn for centuries.
Hidden Markers: if time we’ll detour to the site of the 1690 Quaker Burial ground, with its unique history of different trees planted on each burial plot, and hear about the 1796 sixty-five-foot whale washed up on Polzeath beach, whose bones were even used to build 'Whale House'.
Literary Connections: We'll touch upon the influences that drew figures like Carl Jung to Polzeath for his seminars in the 1920s and why fans are now working to create a library overlooking the beach in his name.
Both walks offer a unique opportunity to connect with the past, enjoy the breathtaking Cornish scenery, and hear captivating stories that connect us all. As John Betjeman wrote in "Old Friends “
As I reach our hill, I am part of a sea unseen"

Come and learn why the Polzeath area is so much more than just a beautiful coastline.

Don't miss out on these insightful and engaging walks! Both start at 10 am.

12/06/2025

Despite heavy overnight rain and some pretty serious weather warnings, a small but mighty crew of 2 embarked on our Port Isaac to Polzeath walk today. It was indeed wet, but honestly, not quite as bad as predicted! Umbrellas were definitely useful but pushing though the overgrown paths and puddled sections meant we got very wet from the long grasses and bracken. Although we encountered a remote four-man council mowing team, only a small part of the path was cleared – much of it was still a well-worn, muddy rollercoaster, especially in the early sections.

Getting to Port Isaac was an adventure in itself, with a thrilling ride on the top deck of the 96 double-decker bus. Hats off to the driver for navigating those tight corners and high speeds like a formula 1 driver and nice to chat to fellow passengers from Zurich and Utah enjoying top deck views.

Today, it was just Peter and I out walking, but we had some memorable encounters. About a mile outside Port Isaac, Peter gallantly offered carrot cake to two soaked girls coming the other way– one a final-year photography student from Falmouth University, and the other a former student nursing a knee injury after wild camping in the storm around Lundy Bay last night.

Along the Salt Path film location outside Port Quin, we were watched by three inquisitive seals. And in Port Quin, we enjoyed our sandwiches surrounded by skylarks, who seemed to be feasting on insects after the rain eased.

We also had some lovely chats along the way, stopping to talk with Fiona in her beautiful garden at Pentireglaze, Tony ever friendly from the National Trust, and Sharon who was serving in the cafe. The sea views were stunning with perfectly formed sets of waves rolling in but we were happy to arrive back in Polzeath around 2 pm, having caught the bus at 10 am. Boots, trousers and socks completely soaked, but Peter was good company and shared his stories and sandwiches with me at Port Quin, as we sat by the old mine shaft next to the folly, looking out over where the Port Quin seaweed farm would have been, if not for the successful campaigns led by Barnaby Kay and his new formed Port Quin Sailing Club.
Walks are a great time to think and I’m pleased to say we spent a great deal of our walk discussing a new project: the Carl Jung Library coming to Polzeath! This initiative will celebrate the great man's seminars held right here in Polzeath in 1923. Peter is now seriously thinking of converting the room where Jung stayed at Trevose View into a library for those interested in exploring Polzeath’s connection. Membership for the library will be opening to Jung fans around the world and if you’re interested in becoming a member or helping with the project please keep an eye on my website, www.northcornwallcoastpathwalks.co.uk, for more details and how you can be part of this walking idea based on Abigail Harrison’s catchphrase: Freedom to Walk, Freedom to Think!

Thanks to Peter for being such indulgent company today!

Tomorrow's walk is a gentle one around the local area, leading to the holy well where Jesus and Joseph of Arimathea are said to have come to buy Cornish tin. Methodists will consider it appropriate that we’ll be leaving from The Tubestation in Polzeath at 10 am, and it's likely to take about 3 hours. Hope to see some walkers there ready to brave whatever the weather has in store for us.

— Bill Bartlett, Founding Father of the Polzeath Walking Festival!

11/06/2025

Thanks to Sally, Ian and Peter for their good company on the Deep Time Walk this Wednesday morning . I think I learned more from them than I was able to pass on to them and it was wonderful to share the walk with such knowledgeable folk whose family connections went back many generations living or holidaying at Pentire View houses from 1894! Sally told me about Dead Man’s Bay, above Cowrie, which I had never heard being called that before.
The Wellness Wednesday Beach Art session introduced the talented Sarah Lace to the art found on Polzeath sand. Again I think I learned more from her than I was able to pass on myself! Sarah is a specialist in Stained and Leaded Glass, including restoration projects and Illuminated Lettering Artist, including 14th Century gilding techniques and even pointed out to us that the sound of the rake on the sand itself was an important part of the experience! Thanks again to Peter Noble Jones for his support and enthusiasm!

11/06/2025

Monday’s opening festival walk was a gentle one around to Daymer with Sharon and I ending up at the Holy Grail of all Tin Mining wells( So important that they named a golf course after it and I’m sure we heard a golfer shouting “Jesus”). Whatever the case there were other gems to hear and see, although I’m not sure what John Betjeman would have said about the bin placed so brilliantly to spoil the view of St Enodoc. Compare it to the wonderful picture by Joan Cockett in this month’s Link magazine (issue 244 Summer 2025). Thanks to Sharon for her great company and for coming up from St Columb to open the festival!

The evening talk turned into a film festival (in German) with German walkers on the Salt Path enjoying a ZDF production about www.northcornwallcoastpathwalks.co.uk and my Beach Art.