Walk 9 - Jericho Valley and Cross Coombe

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Although climbing makes the going harder, this path is just as idyllic as the route through the valley. The high hedges, in the main, restrict the view but the wild flowers and the chattering of the birds make up for it. Occasionally some wild creature is to be seen, even though it may only be a rabbit. At the top of the hill the path flattens and passes a pink house on the right and soon it joins a road. Now follow the road in the same direction. Soon is seen the first evidence of a nearby airfield as its bright orange wind-sock comes into view. This is the Perranporth Airfield, which was a busy airfield in wartime, housing a number of Spitfire squadrons. It is still active in a more peaceful, civilian role; now providing a base for several light aircraft and a Gliding Club G. It is also the destination for private pilots for business or holidays in the area. (Why Perranporth Airfield when it is in St Agnes parish? It is believed that it was to ensure that servicemen left the train at Perranporth, the official pick-up point, rather than at St Agnes).

The road jiggles left and then right as it passes Trevellas Manor Farm on the right.

These farm buildings have a fascinating Dickensian look about them; they also look as though they will still be nestling there after another century. However, a caravan site on the left shows that it really is of this century. In a couple of hundred metres turn left at the T-junction towards Cross Coombe. Now the airfield is over the hedge on our right but there is very little to see in that direction. However if you look to the left a panorama of St Agnes is displayed. It takes in the village against a backdrop of the Beacon, it shows where the coves are carved out of the cliffs and, with its display of many engine houses, reminds us once again of our industrial heritage. Shortly the Blue Hills Touring Park will be seen on the right. At this point H you are invited to make a choice; either to continue down the road or to detour to the cliff path, a more scenic but more rugged route.

Firstly the Road Walk

No more directions are required now; just follow the pretty little road downwards as it narrows almost beyond belief passing the cottages tucked into the hillside. Soon a wonderful view of the entire cove is revealed as the last corner is turned. It even seems that the Bawden Rocks have been towed into place to complete the picture I.

Just a few more strides down the hill will take you back to your starting point. Take time before you leave, to cross the bridge J and explore the beach and notice another adit to your left as you descend the rocky steps to the beach.

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