Walks: The Wild and The Wonderful

One of the greatest things about Cornwall is the sheer amount of natural, untouched landscapes that are just ideal for a day of exploring. There’s no better feeling than reaching the top of a hill, looking down and just admiring the view and what you have accomplished. So why not make up some sandwiches, put on your wellies and go on your very own Cornish adventure. You’ll find a whole book of walks at the farm but here are a few of our favourites:

·       Gorran Haven and Dodman Point 

A 4 mile walk of moderate difficulty, however the views from Dodman point over Veryan Bay towards Nare Head make the slight struggle all so very worth while. Look out for the HUGE granite cross at Dodman point which was placed there in 1896 as anavigational aid for seafarers - it's also the perfect spot for a scenic photo! 

      Hall Walk 

Second up is the Hall Walk in Fowey. Meandering around the lower banks of the River Fowey, this particular route has been listed in Britain’s top 100 walks and is not too strenuous for the whole family to enjoy. If the promise of probably the best estuary views in the county isn’t enough to get you walking, then the many tea rooms and the thought of a cream tea should be.   

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       Luxulyan Valley

       The Luxulyan Valley can be described as nothing less than breathtaking. It’s thickly wooded terrain and steep granite sloops surround the fast-flowing River Par, whilst playing home to some quite extraordinary early 19^th century industrial remains which are completely unique to the West Country.   This 3 mile walk is one you will remember, and also the perfect spot to enjoy a proper Cornish Pasty!

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Photo Credit: Christopher Dart and Reading Tom (Flickr) 

The Real Cornwall

Cornwall, a holiday for many and a home to others but why do we all love it so much? There’s so many reasons, it’s impossible to list them all but one thing I particularly value is the great local produce that’s available year on year. From bacon for your breakfast to the world-famous clotted cream, we’ve got the very best produce right here in Cornwall.

If you’ve stayed at Tregongeeves before you’ll have had the pleasure of trying some of the best Cornish produce in your welcome pack.  We think it’s about time to shine some light on those responsible for producing such tasty food. 

Niles Bakery: You can always rely on the team at St Austell to provide you with a nice fresh loaf or if you’re feeling like a sweet treat their pastries are on a whole new level of deliciousness.

TrewithenDairy Farm: As their slogan says “Happy Healthy Cornish Cows” and if that wasn’t enough to put a smile on your face, the creamy taste that runs throughout their produce definitely will be.

Kittow’sButchers: Famous for their sausages, this award-winning butchers is based just down the road at Kilhallon Farm in Par. They are the ideal of a family business and if you like you can even follow their blog to find out what’s going down on the farm including how Laudamus, the Pedigree Ruby Red Devon Cow, is getting on with all his wives.

These are only a few of our favourite producers - we haven't even mentioned all the amazing fishing folk! -  but it's thanks to them that our guests get a delicious taster of real Cornwall. 

Say hello to our new arrivals

I feel it’s only right that this week’s post begins with a bit of appreciation for the fine British weather, hasn't it been glorious? All the animals up here at Tregongeeves have been very glad to enjoy a spot of sunbathing, however for a few it is a long awaited experience.

We’ve recently welcomed a few new additions to our farm in the form of 18 chickens that were very much in need of some TLC. Sadly, these chickens had spent their lives in cages in a battery farm; can you imagine never seeing the great outdoors? Don’t worry though, thanks to the British Hen Welfare Trust we were able to give them a new home right here at Tregongeeves.

In just under two weeks they’ve settled right in with the other chickens and are even ruling the show a little bit! It’s so lovely to see them stomping around the field knowing that grass is a totally new experience and although they don’t look 100% yet, they’re well on their way.

Keep checking our Tregongeeves news to find out how these chickens are getting on in their new walk of life.

Glorious weather, yet we are buying umbrellas!

New umbrellas

This morning when we arrived at Tregongeeves we were transported onto the set of 'I'm Singing in the Rain' - except there was no rain and the back drop was Tregongeeves.  You see Judith was let loose in Truro this week and as well as getting some lovely new garden furniture for various cottages she stumbled across the most beautiful umbrellas with various animals on them - so much so every cottage now has one for those occasional Cornish showers.  The umbrella display that greeted us was not exactly how I expected to start the day!

This week we have had glorious weather, the sun is really warm - in fact I even got sun burnt sitting in the garden.  We ventured to Cardinham Woods this week.  It is a really lovely spot for both families with young and older children and dog walkers.  There are a series of trails varying in length - we always do the Lady Vale walk as it is short and doable for toddler legs.  The worm trail keeps them entertained too.  There is a lovely natural play area and a beautiful cafe called Woods Cafe which offers yummy homemade cakes.  I am very excited about the woods as we have just signed up to the new Forest School running there - keep an eye out for one of events in the holidays run by the brilliant Claire.  We completed a term at a different venue before Christmas and the girls loved it so we cant wait to start again in April.  Over Easter Claire is offering various courses for families - their sessions fill up very quick as her reputation goes before her so book early to avoid disappointment.

Views from the Coast Guard Hut

This weekend we are going to take the girls to the coast guard hut at Caerhays.  It is the most stunning hidden gem.  Follow the signs for Caerhays Beach and on the sea side of the road you will find a pull in and see the top of a small hut.  Walk down to the hut and have your breath taken away.  The views are stunning in all directions, over looking the sea.  The small hut offers shelter from the sea breeze and the enclosed gardens lets little people explore whilst staying very safe.  It is the most amazing place.

We are going on a chick hunt...

There is a book that is loved in our house called 'We are going on a Bear Hunt'.  Well tomorrow Grannie, with two granddaughters in tow is 'going on a chick hunt'.  As you do!  Apparently there are some rare chickens available in near Falmouth that lay brown and green eggs (I am certain Judith will give you a much more accurate account of names and breeds than I can).  All I know is we are soon to be mothering 10 chicks under a lamp for a while whilst they grow strong enough to go outside.  Eggs have been a bit thin on the ground of late so hopefully over time this new members of the coup will get producing for us.

The rest of the animals are doing well.  The sheep very much enjoyed seeing their friends Pippa and Sam who are returning young guests, and enjoyed the attention they got from everyone during half term.  Alice also enjoyed having her hair trimmed by guests recently whilst the pigs enjoyed the extra food they got.

Over half term our younger visitors had fun not only feeding the animals each morning but also partaking in a bit of 'Tin Can Cooking'.  The feast was made even better by homemade shortbread.  We also had lots of fun creating crafts to decorate the Recreation Room windows.  We hope over the year our younger guests will help us make lots of lovely hand prints.

Today a very rare event occurred; my two girls fell asleep at the same time in the same place - the back of the car.  I can count the times this has happened over the last 10 months on one hand!  So what do you do in Cornwall when you have sleeping children in the car - you take in the view and the gloriously amazing spring sun.  I head to Caerhays Beach


when you can park and see the sea.  It is a must just for the view but it is a fantastic family beach too with a castle behind you it is a truely magical place to inspire young minds.

Grannie Day Care

Today Grannie Day Care is full to capacity with all three grandchildren insitu.  We have Jessica who is 2 1/2 years, Bethany and William who are both 10 months.  It is mayhem I am sure.  In fact the very reason I am able to write a blog is because I do not have a baby or toddler trying to help me type right now - so thanks Grannie!

Grannie herself has been very busy preparing the cottages for the half term visitors.  As usual we have had our winter makeover with painting happening throughout, new curtains, plastering and lights in various cottages.  It is always a mad dash in January to get everything done but we are finished and ready to welcome guests for the February Half Term.

Spring is really springing in Cornwall, it is getting warmer and there are flowers out left right and centre.  If you are visiting in the next few weeks here are some great ideas of things to do:

• The Lost Gardens of Heligan - not only do children get in free in February but you can try your hand at making a wildlife hotel, explore the garden and try out the rope bridge.
• The Eden Project - try your hand at survival skills at Eden
• Cardinham Woods - one of our favourite pushchair family walks with a fantastic cafe and children's play area
• The Maritime Museum - discover the history of tea this half term - you might even get to enjoy a cup!
• Spring coast walk - enjoy a refreshing stroll on the north coast followed by lunch at Lenwinnick Lodge watching the waves crashing, both child and dog friendly.

Spring is springing

One of the many joys of living in Cornwall is that Spring seems to come that bit earlier.  The snowdrops are out in full glory and the daffodils are starting to appear all over the place.  We went for a lovely walk to The Lost Gardens of Heligan this week with the balance bike in tow for our two year old - it was absolutely delightful and perfect for the younger riders who can't make it that far.

We have also been making the most of stunning sunny weather here with breakfasts on the beach, long walks and lots of playing outside.  Why not come and stay at Tregongeeves and make the most of the early sunshine?  What's better than taking the camping stove down to the beach and listening to the bacon sizzling in the pan - we were the envy of the beach that is for sure.  If you don't fancy bringing your stove then why not enjoy breakfast Lenwinnick Lodge.  The family friendly restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views nestled on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the North Coast.

Our younger guests can make the most of the ice skating rink at The Eden Project.  On Wednesdays they have a dedicated toddler skate in the morning which is great fun for all the family and over half term there is Survival event for you all to take part in.  If flowers are more your thing then why not take in the 7000 daffodils that make up the Mawgan Church Daffodil Festive - well worth a visit on 14 - 16 February.  The Lost Gardens of Heligan are hosting a Love Wildlife event with trails and events for all the family.