Walk 8 - Water Lane, Wheal Butson and Jericho Valley

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This junction of the path and the road is where the road and the South West Coastal Path share the same route for about 200 metres. Our route is the west-bound coastal path. Turn left, follow the road for about 70 metres before branching off to the right over a stile adjacent to a wrought iron gate. This gate, with its Motorcycle Club emblem, gives a clue to the use of this very steep and rocky ascent; it is the Blue Hills section of the Lands End rally G and each Easter sees a host of motor-cyclists and motorists pitting their skills against the obstacle course that nature has provided. The hill is a challenge to walkers too but the effort needed to climb is amply rewarded by the views that unfold as you ascend; first the stream and some old mine-structures then the view opens out to encompass the entire valley from the road to the sea. The remnants of derelict mining structures show that the workings were widespread in the valley but give little evidence of what it must have been like when the mines were in full work; the floor of the valley was full to the brim with buildings and working equipment, lots of chimneys would have been pouring out black smoke, some areas would be emitting choking dust while others would be sploshing in water. A stark contrast to today's tranquillity. As one nears the the top of the hill St Agnes's special rocky outcrops are seen hovering out to sea; these are the Bawden Rocks or more popularly, 'Man and his Man'. These rocks sometimes seem to move, some days they appear to be almost within touching distance while on others they seem to be miles away. Each summer they provide a challenge to our keen swimmers; a "Round the Rocks" race takes place.

Having reached the cliff top a seascape panorama opens up. The cliffs reach out both to east and west with their breaks sheltering our beaches and coves. As the path follows the cliff edge it is soon possible to look straight down into Trevaunance Cove. Arresting though this sight is, it is recommended that instead of standing on the edge of a crumbling cliff it is better to continue down the path until a couple of seats are found on the right of the path. They overlook the Cove and afford a more comfortable viewing position. Like Trevellas Porth, this cove looked quite different some years ago. The pile of stones at the far side are the remnants of a harbour H. When in use it necessitated lifting cargoes from the schooners that delivered supplies to the mining industry up the harbour side which is a vertical cliff face. What a task that must have been, no massive cranes then, just man's ingenuity and horse power in the days when horsepower really meant horse-power. Another point of interest is that schooners were also built on this beach almost immediately under the point where you are sitting J.

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