Friday, 26 May 2023

Five Degrees West .. a Cornish Retreat .. Cornwall pt. 1

We have mistimed our trip to Cornwall to coincide with half term. So we are more than grateful that we have found a quiet retreat away from the crowds at the bijou residence
Five Degrees West

The cottage is just a short walk inland from Cape Cornwall, the Botallack Tin Mines, and the Queens Arms. All of whom we intend to explore in fine detail as this week progresses.

The rental is also within easy striking distance of Botallack and Truthwall Common, and Carn Kenidjack. After settling into the cottage – we headed straight out onto the heath to visit Tregeseal stone circle situated on the south-west edge of Truthwall Common.

The footpaths are overgrown, and in full flower – as we walked through the tall vegetation we flushed numerous butterflies, bumblebees, and hoverflies. Of the latter I was happy to get a photograph of Volucella bombylans an instantly recognisable species, but one I am entirely unsure as to whether I have seen before?



Volucella bombylans

Reaching the open vista of the commons, we could hear at least two Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) in full song – from the directions of Carn Bean and Boswens Common. High overhead the joyous scream of the local swifts (Apus apus) made us smile.

The stone circle itself, appears to be in good condition – the result of restoration in the 1930’s. A second circle recorded by Borlase in the mid-19th Century, was subsequently completely dismantled by the 1960’s (Historic England 2023).

Tregeseal Stone Circle



We climbed Carn Kenidjack, then turned for home.
Carn Kenidjack

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