The Cornish Riviera

A vivid portrait unfolds of Cornwall’s rugged coastline, wind‑blown harbours and the quiet villages that cling to its cliffs. The author weaves together legend, folklore and the region’s Celtic heritage, inviting listeners to imagine saints’ wells, ancient crosses and the lingering sense of a place once felt as foreign to its own countrymen. The narrative also celebrates the transformative power of the railway, showing how Brunel’s engineering feats turned a once‑isolated strip of land into a thriving seaside destination.

Through detailed descriptions of stops along the Plymouth‑to‑Penzance line— from the Albert Bridge over the Tamar to the bustling harbours of Fowey and Newquay— the book paints a picture of a county best explored by rail and foot. It highlights the balance between spectacular seascapes and the modest, pleasant countryside that lies between them, encouraging travelers to pause at historic towns, enjoy the gentle walks along the shore, and feel the lingering charm that has long drawn poets, painters and curious visitors alike.