The Festival of Walks was a phenomenal success this year, with a total of 20 walks the length and breadth of our proud Duchy.
Some were short like the churchyard tours at St Martin’s (East Looe), led by Mark; and St Martin’s (Liskeard), led by Brian, whilst others like those at Goran (Michael), Coverack, and Philleigh involved a “braev stank.” Liz and Len at Newquay pulled off a very successful bi-lingual walk which coincided with “Speak Cornish Week.”
Martin’s walk at Saltash, Nicola’s walk at Egloshayle, and David & Beatrice’s walk at Porthleven all ended with lovely teas, Dis walk at Biscovey ended with a pasty lunch, whilst Mike’s walk at Philleigh culminated in a terrific pub lunch. Geoffrey’s exploration of the industrial archaeology in Gover Valley was a revelation, whilst Adrians walks at St Dennis & Roche seem to draw ever bigger audiences for his well researched histories.
Trev’s knowledge of Hayle is second to none – how does he remember all of those dates? Priscilla, and Cury & Gunwalloe OCS were brilliant, putting on no less than 4 of the walks. Martin’s walk at Kenwyn was illuminating, and Joanie’s walk of Trelavour Downs sparked a community debate on the future of “Flatty & Pointy.” The exploration of the “drangs” of Padstow was another unexpected pleasure. We learnt so much about the history of Madron from Val, and the evening ended with their fabulous mid-summer bonfire.
We have all learned a huge amount about the history and heritage of these lovely communities. The walks have also sparked a legacy, with talks of books, community projects, and archaeological discoveries.
Several members were seen on multiple walks – who managed the most? Please let us know.
We want to make this bigger and better in future, so please think about what walk(s) your OCS could do next year.