Of the Cape and the Castle .. Cornwall pt. 2

A late start this morning, leaving the cottage around 11:30AM - following the road down to Botallack, then the footpath down to Nancherrow. In the fold of the valley where the path crosses the stream before heading south - I caught sight of a Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) at rest. Grabbing the camera I completely failed to get on to it, before the butterfly flew – and then again at each turn around its circuit.

Taking the coast path southwest to Cape Cornwall we heard Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) calling on the wing, and Whitethroat (Curruca communis) singing from within the cliff side scrub.

Reaching the Cape, we visited the remains of St Helen's Chapel a mediaeval chapel in association with a small earth and stone enclosure, and a platform suggesting that a residency was also present. Distracted by the remains of a putative ancient cross lying in association with the chapel, which on closer inspection revealed the suspect stonework had gate hinges attached.

St Helen's Chapel

not the rems. of a cross!

Chough flew over calling, as we enjoyed the wildflowers on a slow walk up the Cape to the monument at the top.

English Stonecrop (Sedum anglicum)

Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima)

Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)

Navelwort (Umbilicus rupestris)

Sheep's Bit (Jasione montana)

Cape Cornwall monument

Lunch consumed – we set off back along the coast path, recrossed Kenidjack Valley and passing several old tin-mine remains before reaching Kenidjack Castle.

Kenidjack Valley tin-working rems.

Kenidjack Castle is an Iron Age promontory fort, with a series of three ditches and banks clearly visible above the cliffs on the north side of the site. A family group comprising 5 Raven (Corvus corax) "cronked" and chased each other about the top of the promontory.

Kenidjack Castle
ditch and banks from above

Kenidjack Castle
ditch and banks from the east

Returning to Botallack we took refreshments at the Queen’s Arms, sampling the “Cros-an-Wra” from Penzance Brewery. A very hoppy pint with a strong nod towards Proper Job IPA.

Historic England - St Helen's Chapel

Historic England - Kenidjack Castle

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

Historic England - Tregeseal Stone Circle

Tregeseal Stone Circle - Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network

We climbed Carn Kenidjack, then turned for home.

Carn Kenidjack