Cornwall Branch Social Secretary Steve Buxton kindly organised a CAMRAmble for us on Saturday 4 April. What is a CAMRAmble? Simple – it is a pub crawl involving rambling across country between pubs!

The weather was dry but with a biting cold wind, at least on the exposed parts of the walk. We started at the Blue Anchor at Helston having arrived by bus.

Suitably primed by some Spingo, we headed down to the Cober valley, entering the National Trust Penrose Estate beyond the Coronation Boating Lake.

The trees were sprouting leaves, and the bluebells were out on the 1½ mile stroll towards Penrose House. The Loe Pool looked calm enough, but the onshore wind made for very rough seas beating against the coast.

We were hoping for a coffee break at the Penrose Stables café, but there was no room for our large party, so we soldiered on over bracing Penrose Hill to descend into the top of Porthleven via Shrubberies Hill.

At one point on the hill, we had to choose which pub to head for. Knowing that the Atlantic had a beer festival but not knowing whether the Loe Bar sold any real ale, we went for the Atlantic. Yes, I know that I am a silly s*d.

On arriving at the Atlantic Inn, we found the expected beer festival in the pub. On the pub bar were regular beers Sharp’s Doom Bar and Atlantic (what else) and Tintagel Arthur’s Ale. In the cosy rooms round the back were the 24 casks of the beer festival with tables and chairs.

Having sampled several beers and some lunch, we reluctantly dragged ourselves away from the comfort of the Atlantic and headed down into town.

The Ship Inn sits on the opposite (northwest) side of the harbour and some of our crew made it for a pint.

The harbour area was quite busy with people. We all passed the Harbour Inn which some called in for a pint.

At the top end of the harbour behind the bus stop lies a line of three industrial units. The middle one is Shoals Brewery and Taproom, which was the final destination before taking the bus back up to Helston and onward home.

Thanks to Steve for organising a grand day out with good beer and a pleasant parkland walk.

Cheers,

Steve Barber