Angle Peninsular  Saturday 7th August 2021

 Nineteen Ramblers set off from the carpark by The Old Point House on a breezy overcast day.  We took the coast path along the Haven past the coastguards and the Chapel Bay Fort, pausing for a short break by Thorn Island, the fort there originally built around 1854.  We continued across Angle Beach, then followed the coast path passing some hard to spot cist graves in the cliff above the beach.  In spite of very gusty winds we stopped for a break at the remains of the East Blockhouse, originally constructed on the orders of Henry VIII.  As we sat, half blown away, we were treated to the sight of the Irish Ferry manoeuvring through the buoys into the Haven.  We made our way along the coast path past the remains of various hill forts, a group of friendly long haired shaggy horses, a couple of kestrels and some choughs and several quite steep downs and ups to lunch at a large hill fort near West Pickard Bay, hunkering down out of the wind within the fortifications.  After a few more dips and climbs in the coast path we came into sight of the beach of Freshwater West stretching out before us, the wind whipping waves into a frenzy.  No surfers around.  Before reaching the beach we turned inland making our way to two fields high with maize.  Even our tallest walker had trouble seeing his way through.  We managed not to lose anyone and arrived at a point on the road near the Rocket Cart House.  This originally was built as a base for the cliff rescue team (about 20 people) with rockets, lines and breeches buoys.  It was used until the 1930s.  There is a cart house and a three storey lookout tower.  We followed the road a short way then took a quiet wooded lane on the right past the remains of a mysterious mansion house (Bangeston) and ferny valley opposite down to Angle Bay and back to The Old Point House via a drive festooned with wild birds and forest creatures and bees.

 Vanessa