A travel blog of Ireland, Europe, and New Zealand

Exploring The Lizard

The Lizard is a peninsula in the south of Cornwall – in fact, it is the southernmost part of the British Isles (and who of you duffers thought that was Land’s End)? A strange name, but nothing to do with looking like a reptile. Apparently it comes from Old Cornish Lys Ardh meaning high court (thanks Wikipedia).

Much of the coast is very rocky and it has been a graveyard for ships over the centuries. It was easy to see how the wreckers or smugglers had operated from the many small coves, each hidden from the next by steeply-rising cliffs. (Poldark fans may remember a shipwreck taking place in just such a cove. But we never saw anyone riding along the cliffs…)

So we travelled to the southernmost point down a very narrow road with high hedges and blind corners. Many Cornish roads are like this although I think this one was the worst we encountered, having to reverse a number of times when meeting oncoming traffic. We also had a great lunch at the Housel Bay Hotel, perched high and looking out over the sea.

Pip and Vivienne
Showing the valuable serpentine in the rocks
Spot Mr Bumble!
View from the Housel Bay Hotel
Housel Bay Hotel

2 thoughts on “Exploring The Lizard

  1. mel

    FANTASTIC HIGH RES SHOTS, BRUCE . I ESPECIALLY OVE THE ONE OF THE ROCKS JUTTING OUT OF THE SIDE OF A HILL.
    XX

  2. Vivienne Bruce-Young

    Great photos Bruce, you’ve really captured the magic of Cornwall. You’re expertise in photography is giving us all great memories and a window into so many places you’ve travelled to. Thank you for the time and energy you put into it. Xxx

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