Weather: mild, grey skies , no wind. Still a lot of leaves on the trees, just turning into autumn colours.

9.15-11.15.

The walk starts at St Mellion (388661). There is parking in the lay by opposite the old entrance. Walk towards the hotel and on the road through the golf course (green dots on the map) keeping an eye out for flying golf balls, the thwack is a little unnerving. At some maintenance sheds keep straight on and start to drop down the hill past a natty nine sided building- loos for golfers.After the nonegonal building walk down what looks like a stream bed for about 50 yards(you can see the exit) which has potential for being muddy and wet and emerge at the far reaches of the golf course. Walk straight ahead to the river and the track which crosses it and follow it up the other side of the valley. At the end of the track there is a useful bench and great views across the Lynher Valley. Turn left past High Kernock where there is a barky dog which stayed within its confines and then left again down the lane with the crows foot at the sign post that says St Mellion and Polborder.Follow this quiet lane recrossing the river with Great Down Wood on your right. About 50 yards after the sign post to Polborder and Trehill there is a footpath and sign on the left pointing across a field. The exit from the field exactly follows the line indicated by the sign. There is high cow potential here. The footpath leaves the field via a stile and gate on the main road.It is probably safer to walk round The Glebe than on the main road.Rejoin the footpath in the village and then turn left past the church following the road to Horsepool and rejoining the road through St Mellion Country Club where you started and turn right to return to the lay by.

Birds: somewhat sparse apart from the Lynher Valley buzzards.

Flowers: in somewhat dank and drear hedgerows, now looking very sorry for themselves the occasional knapweed and stalwart red campion provides a small splash of colour.

Small joys: just being out and about, walking in a t shirt in late October in the DRY!