This morning we went to Kit Hill for a walk and to scatter Mum's ashes, near to Dad's. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kit_Hill_Country_Park) 

Kit Hill is a place which is special to our family, and we all have memories of walking up there, especially on sunny winter afternoons.  From the summit, much of Cornwall and Devon can be seen, even Eddystone Lighthouse, on a good day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddystone_Lighthouse).

The Summit of Kithill is marked by the stack of South Kithill Mine. Rich in tin, copper, arsenic and (particularly important during the First World War) wolfram. 
Worked since Medieval times, many of the v shaped surface workings of the early tin streamers, to the spoil heaps, adits and shafts of the late 19th and 20th century workings though overgrown are still visible- so it's important to take great care and keep to marked paths. Keen walkers and horse riders will enjoy the waymarked circular trails. The granite quarry was worked until the 1950's. Many older local people remember the incline in use. 
There are Neolithic long barrow, field systems and round barrows from the Bronze Age. Extensive areas of heathland are now being restored, after loss of grazing in the last few years led to a gradually loss of parts of the precious heath, gorse, and whortleberries ('herts' to Cornishmen - a sharp tasting berry about the size of a small blackcurrant). 
It is home to numerous small reptiles including the adder. and is usually the breeding site of birds such as the meadow pipit, dartford warbler, linnet and stonechat.

above and below: Kit Hill

On the way home we had a rather good meal at Turtley Corn Mill, near Avonwick where we ate in 'the library':  there were bookcases on three sides of the room, with fourth being windows with a French door leading to the extensive grounds.

We raised our glasses in a toast to 'absent friends'. 

Wish you had been there too!