Sometimes an autumn weekend works out just perfectly with some late summer sunshine, a beguiling walk and sense of well-being and so it was yesterday when we set out towards Tregirls from Padstow. A familiar walk, it’s true, but some new and unfamiliar scenes awaited us as we strolled away from the still busy harbour up towards Stile field and the Monument.

The tide was coming in, gently lapping over the last mound of exposed sandbank in the estuary, as we gained a little height. The purpose of our mission appeared shortly after passing the Water’s Edge flats. At first it appeared that just an area of hedge had been removed and a new fence laid but walking along it was clear that a wonderful view had opened up and we were walking above Padstow’s secret harbour,

Although the old boatyard quay is visible if you take the ferry, or indeed any boat out to sea, it has been obscured from the path for many years and it provides a fascinating glimpse into Padstow’s past.

The harbour walls are believed to be circa 1534 and form part of an unusually complete group of structures. The two piers enclose a small dock at St Saviour’s Point and contain a later dated slipway to the SW corner. The piers curve inward to provide a small opening and a walkway is protected from the sea by a seaward shelter wall.

Since the 13^th and 14^th century Padstow was of some importance as a safe haven for boats on the north coast and later for exports of fish, tin and cloth and, in the 17^th century, for slate. Shipbuilding was one of the main activities and slipways with a dry dock were an important feature. Latterly the yard continued to repair and refit schooners and ketches and then housed an ice factory and fish packing shed.

The work on the hedge removal had been organized by Padstow Town Council and well worth the short walk from Padstow habour for an ideal bird’s eye view of this fascinating historical site.

Photos to follow when the site allows me to post them!