DAY 117: Port Isaac

On 1 September I drove from Tintagel to Port Isaac, which you could see in the distance from the YHA. Port Isaac has been made famous by the TV series Doc Martin as Port Wenn. Those of you who have watched it... remember those beautiful views, the country lanes, the green fields and hedges? The quint stone and whitewashed houses, the steep, very narrow streets? Well, that is exactly how it is... except for the many, many tourists!!

Port Isaac is a small fishing village and the fame that came from hosting this well-loved series, would have brought not only business, but also a lot of changes and irritations for the locals.

I parked as suggested in the large parking lot before you get to town because believe me, you would not want to try navigating that. There are actually signs telling you that you won't be able to park or turn around, so do not enter. Good advice. The locals do drive in as they have limited parking at their homes of course. But I feel sorry for them because not only are the streets so narrow, there are people everywhere.

I loved it, tried to stay out of the way of the locals, strolled through, found Doc Martin's cottage and the building used for the Large Restaurant and the of course the harbour and beach where Doc Martin several times does that funny little run of his to go save someone. I walked up the hill o the other side of the village and got some very lovely shots from there too. Spent a few very enjoyable hours in "Port Wenn" so now, when I watch Doc Martin, I can be reminded of being there.

Doc Martin's Cottage

It really is quite small!

Walking up the hil on the other side of the village.

The old part of town is very compact.

Proof that I was there!

The breakwater protecting the harbour.

Entrance to the harbour

If you blow this picture up, you can actually faintly see the Norman church by Tintagel a little to the right of that dip in the coastal cliffs.

A boat coming in.

Narrow and steep.

One of the beautiful large stone houses high up on the cliffs above the harbour.

One of the whitewashed homes. The gardens are tiny, there is just no space for more.

This is the building where old man Large had his restaurant. I seem to remember that they had a pergola attached to the building on this side. Obviously something added just for the movie.

The "restaurant" is right on the cliff b the harbour. great location for a restaurant.

Looking up to the village from the beach.

On the beach. I picked up a little stone here, which is going home with me.

Did not want to get my feet wet so this had to do.

So pretty.

Yup, imagine driving down this "street".

Church right on the edge of the rocks above the harbour.

This stone house is held together by steel cables.

Slate roof.

Also walked up the hill on the other side of the village.

Wild Blackberries. Sadly they are never as sweet as they look. Quite tart.

I loved "Port Wenn." So glad I made the effort. I spent the morning and then drove on to St Ives where artists rave about the light being amazing...