A Grand Day out...

One of the areas we are really keen to develop, and indeed enjoy working on, is our local guide in the welcome pack that awaits people staying at the house because  we truly believe that this is the best part of Cornwall and away from the 'hot spots' are so many more wonderful things to see and experience.

Anyway now that the kids are back in school, the house is finished and Mother-in-Law invited said kids to tea, last week we took a break from working on the website and our new projects, loaded up our bikes and with a blue sky and warm sun to cheer us headed for the Camel Trail at Wadebridge.

Although widely known the trail is something we had never ridden, yet it had been my intention to ride it for far too many years ever since discovering John Betjeman's Cornish poetry, writings and observations when I was a teenage surf bum working the summer trade at Watergate Bay and living in my mate's Mum's shed.

About 50miles from Sennen, and taking around an hour its a day out more than a quick flit. But with a Starbucks for coffee en-route, the delights of Wadebridge itself (some interesting shops and a great music store), Anne's Cottage surfwear clearance store on the way back at St Columb Major (better deals in the winter btw) and if you fancy some lovely motoring take the coast road out to Watergate, then via Perranporth just keep going until you get to Hayle, its a worthwhile day out.

Our spoiled Jack Russell, she's only got little legs!

And the trail itself is a delight. Very flat, a really easy 7mile ride (that feels more like 5) and even at a slow pace (we had the dogs) can be cruised easily in 40minutes each way.

And the best bit for me (actually two best bits, more of the second in a minute) are the views, which if you read Betjeman's descriptions of coming on the train to Cornwall (you'll find a copy of Betjeman's Country on the bookcase in the house), you will recognise.

It must have been amazing for him to leave the thickness of London, sit on a train for many hours until finally stepping out onto Wadebridge station before taking the trap to their home at Trebetherick.

'On Wadebridge station a breath of sea

Scented by the Camel Valley! Cornish air,

Soft Cornish rains, and silence after steam...'

Go on spoil yourself, you've earned it!

So I mentioned a second best bit, well you will find that awaiting you at Padstow. Whilst I freely admit I was expecting to be very dismissive (all hype and just cashing in on the brand) I will publicly go on record as saying that you simply have to buy some chips from Rick Stein's Chippy, they are lovely and as for the mushy peas quite simply the best I've ever had. I'm already planning a 'must do' repeat trip so I can sample his Cod as well!

As a day out then, its a grand one! And yes, full details will be going in the book should you wish to enjoy it too.