The Annual Bolster Festival at St Agnes...... Legend has it that there was a giant called 'Bolster' that lived on the cliffs near Chapel Porth, where he used to terrorise the local community of St Agnes. After years of fear from the giant, the mayor decided it was time for him to be challenged. He was going to tax the giant Β£50 for every inch of his height. The Mayor and a Knight 'Sir Constantine' egged on by the villagers marched through the village gathering more support, marched down to the cliffs where 'Bolster' the giant lived. After much noise from everyone 'Bolster' eventually appeared, the Mayor raised his challenge but was beaten back by the giant. Next, Sir Constantine made his challenge, but again was unsuccessful. A beautiful maiden was wandering around the cliffs singing to herself. 'Bolster' was mesmerised, totally besotted by the sound that he heard, and the beauty of the young women, he declared his undying love for her. But the maiden was no fool, she tricked the giant by challenging him to prove his devotion to her. There was a gorge in the cliffs that unbeknown to 'Bolster' eventually ran down intro the sea. The beautiful young woman, who's name was 'Agnes', told the giant that of he truly loved her, he would prove it by filling the gorge with his blood, then she would truly know he loved her. 'Bolster' was eager to win the heart of 'Agnes' and was quick to take the step she had asked for. Bolster's blood ran down the cliffs in ribbons of red into the gorge, but because he didn't know that the gorge ran into the sea, the giant died. 'Agnes' was a heroine, the villagers and Mrs Bolster (who was made to constantly carry heavy boulders by her tyrannical bully of a husband celebrated their freedom from the 'Bolster the giant', their children were safe, and the giant was no more. The legend is celebrated usually on May 5th every year, with re-enactments of the story. It's a good walk, with merriment all round. Thoroughly enjoyed...
Β Β Β Read moreThis stretch of the Cornish coastline is both rugged and beautiful at the same time with weather and light conditions that change by the minute.
The Coastal Path is challenging and at times strenuous but the views are worth the effort and the weather even when quite bad can be refreshing to say the least.
For the Photographer it really is a must as the light and colours are amazing! Wheal Coates mining sett is located on the clifftops close to Chapel Porth beach and the much photographed Towanroath Engine house sits precariously below on the cliff path above the sea.
Car parks are located at St Agnes head and Chapel Porth Beach the largest being the former which provides a good cliff path to the engine house. The path from Chapel Porth is a little more strenuous.
The views along the Coast are wonderful and expansive and visitors will be impressed by the experience.
Chapel Porth Beach car park is National Trust and provides toilets and a small cafe but tends to be very busy in season. Please note disabled access is not available from...
Β Β Β Read moreWhat isn't mentioned is that Cornwall is very diverse. So like every area of the UK is different. Cornwall is also different. Maybe because those who have made it their home. Came from mainland and introduced their way of life into Cornwall. If you drove from town to town. You would find a local culture which resonates to that town. True Cornish aren't very inclusive of the blanket US. That is portrayed by the holiday or hospitality interests. They don't mind visitors. As long as they don't hinder their daily activities. Or prevent them from enjoying the place they call home. So no matter how it's painted or advertised. Calling Cornwall the eating capital of the UK or anything that suits commercialism. Remember this, how would you like to be in total LOCKDOWN. From Spring to the end of Summer? We love you. But not at the expense of...
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