Hell bent to Hell’s Mouth

Seven of us met at Union Corner on Wednesday and had the usual ‘where are we going?’ discussion. Don suggested Hell’s Mouth so off we went – Barbara, Denise, Don M, Sonjia, Ann, Jane and myself. Barbara left us at Halvasso after deciding to turn back, and we continued via Penmarth, Carnmenellis, Troon, Barripper, under the railway at Penponds and over the A30. The traffic seemed to be flowing again after being closed earlier for a police incident (apparently a body?) Maybe that accounted for the high volume of cars and vans on the smaller roads. Then over the Treswithian Downs – no model aircraft today – and down to the cafe at Hell’s Mouth, where we enjoyed coffee, bacon baps and/or cake at a table in the back garden. A visit to Hell’s Mouth isn’t complete without a walk over to the cliff edge, where sadly, some people have ended it all, but we admired the view and watched three seals in the turquoise water below. A helpful visitor took a group photo for us on Denise’s phone.
Then it was homeward bound along the B3301 with Reskajeage Downs and Carronnel Downs on our left – (thanks Croyde maps!! every cyclist should have one, to check on where you’ve been after you get home – Phil S has a boxful at £1.50 each.) Before Portreath hill we turned right, and Sonjia led us along a short cut to Illogan, then Park Bottom, under the A30 this time, to Pool and along the Great Flat Lode under Carn Brae. It was a relief to get off the busy roads for a change – you can relax and enjoy the scenery when you haven’t got huge lorries coming up behind you…so we crossed the Buller Downs and dropped down into Penhalvean and the top of Stithians. Jane headed home and Denise and Don went for a coffee at the lake, while Sonjia, Ann and I went through Stithians and back via Halvasso. The traffic on the A394 was a busy as ever and faster than usual – no one was prepared to slow down as we crossed into the Halvasso turning, but we made it ok – thank goodness! and from there it was a relaxing seven miles to Falmouth. A good ride in sunshine and excellent company – 49 miles for me. Liz