It was a day of sunshine and showers as we gathered at the jetty to await the arrival of the Cremyll ferry for a mercifully short journey as the sea was rather choppy in mid channel. We crossed from Devon into Cornwall where we met up with 4 more members making us a group of 18.

Wyn gave an introduction to our stroll in Mount Edgcumbe Park which began with a tour of the attractive and very well cared for formal gardens. The Italian garden is dominated by a vast orangery, now a cafe. A heavy shower sent most of us scurrying into the orangery for shelter and a cup of coffee and perhaps a cake. The rain soon cleared and we continued around the gardens. We encountered some interesting historic features concerned with the defence of Plymouth such as a block house built by Henry VIII and a battery for artillery. Soon we reached the peaceful shoreline at Barn Pool which is overlooked by the classical temple of Milton.

We continued through woodland to the Folly, a picturesque ruin with fine views over Plymouth Sound, a perfect place to stop and eat our sandwiches. We were entertained by the arrival of one of the big ferries from Brittany. Amazing to watch it spin around before proceeding backwards into Millbay Docks where the ferry terminal is located.

After lunch we followed the coast path for a while then turned inland to ascend the ridge, a climb rewarded by panoramic views of the city of Plymouth from the top. A short downhill stretch brought us to the former stables adjacent to Mount Edgcumbe House and another cafe for yet more refreshments (I sense a cake theme for this walk). Some members found amusement with a model railway layout and also a bat cam housed in the old stables. Mount Edgcumbe House was burnt to a shell by incendiary bombs in the war and rebuilt in the 1960's.

The return ferry crossing gave us a wonderful view of the impressive facades of the Royal William Yard, opened in 1835 as a victualling depot for the Royal Navy.

Many thanks to Wyn and Dave for planning and leading this lovely walk and to all who contributed photos.

Mike