The Meadows Team welcomes SWCP walkers

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Comments Off on The Meadows Team welcomes SWCP walkers

S7000004As most of our guests know when they get talking to us, John, CD Harvey and I are very keen walkers. For us walking the SWCP is hard to beat for a long distance walk.  Indeed just walking sections, around this area, using the bus, or circular walks can make for a fantastic walking holiday in Cornwall.

All part of the service

Always happy to lend a hand

It is always a pleasure to put up hikers and also cyclists for the night who are on a personal walking, or cycling challenge and want to lay their head down for the evening. Our “park & pitch” is ideal for this and with the Pentewan Valley Trail linking up to the SWCP both in Mevagissey, and also Pentewan, The Meadows is an ideal stop.  Our guests who arrive under their own steam usually choose a spot out of the way and in our car free zones,  with a pitch in the wildflower meadow often being the chosen spot.

Once set up, which is usually a well oil machine when they reach us, time for one of our hot powerful showers, a S7004656free charge of the phone, and if timed well a feast of wood fired pizzas, fish & chips or chilli nachos with a cocktail or cider!  In our little store around the back, there is an assortment of chairs that we keep to loan out to our guests who arrive with just a pack on their back for a comfier evening. If the bar is open the green stripey deckchairs will be out!

S7000010For anyone planning on walking the SWCP, we have now signed up and are a Business Member to support the Association and to help walkers find our Campsite. The best point of exit is in Pentewan, and you will find us then 1 mile up the Pentewan Valley Trail walking alongside the river which is nice and flat!! If exiting at Mevagissey you can either walk on the Trail to us (50 minutes), or hop on the bus.

This week a group of four walkers stayed with us, and after hearing what was on offer, their words were – “you really have thought of everything, and so what time is breakfast”!  They were lost for words when our response was 8am courtesy of The Cornish Maid!!  With a doorstep sandwich and filter coffee  on our sunny deck, a catch up on wifi, off they went on their way to Charlestown.

So for you walkers and cyclists out there – The Meadows Campsite welcomes both, and will always find you a spot (advance booking not required).  You will get discounted pitch fees (25% off), and a very warm welcome indeed.  Being adults only (and dog friendly), the campsite is generally relaxing, being just what you want after a day of walking, or cycling. You can also enjoy a Campfire experience should you wish as part of your stop over.

Having walked ourselves all Coastal Sections of the 105 Ordnance Map, and the majority of the Fowey 107, one of us will always be happy to pass on our knowledge of things not to miss along the way, and how much fuel you need for the next section ahead!

For a walling holiday in Cornwall – I cannot recommend enough www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk for excellent walks, local to us and further afield

Other Meadows Newsthemeadows-camping-food-and-drink-pop-up-bar

Our “pop ups” are going down a storm already this season.  The last visit made by Kernow Forno saw 70 plus pizzas consumed, and our biggest concern was them running out before getting ours! They served topless once again as despite a little bit of a showery week, the sun shone on the righteous as it always does!

Judging by the queues I saw whilst on duty in the office, as many (or may be more) cocktails and ciders were served too.

Breakfasts courtesy of The Cornish Maid are being well received, now that word has got around that The Meadows once again does breakfast, even if this time they do not cook it themselves. This

Being a small business ourselves, the “pop ups” are a great opportunity for us to support other equally “small’ and themeadows-camping-food-and-drink-fish-and-chipslocal businesses. The combination works well and they team up together to do food and drink on an evening, which is ideal for our campers, who often like to spend the evening at camp. This evening we have Chilli Nachos, washed down with Mojitos.

Newspapers – this is something we have been toying with for a while now, and is something a lot of guests enjoy.   For any one visiting from this point onwards, Newspapers are available but on an order by 7pm the night before basis.  It will also mean more newspapers in the recycling which will get used by John for the fire pits, so that will be a bonus!

For those arriving with us this season for the first time, if you have not already done so please check out our facilities page, and also our FAQ page on our website should you have ??s.  You will find lots of  information that is felt to be useful to you before you arrive.

S7000534News from Camp Dog – thank you for all your lovely comments (sarcastic and otherwise) with regard to my new sign.  It is indeed a very true likeness as was painted from an actual photograph of me.  It seems to be working well, and there has not been any incidents  and all dogs have been very well behaved. Still counting down the days to my high season haircut, as am sure many dogs are doing similar for their holiday haircut!

Weather – after an unsettled week, the barometer is moving well, and fingers crossed more settled weather is on its way. Even with the showery weather, there has been good spells of very warm sunshine in between.  It has been a case of lucky with the showers, one day, and unlucky the next!!

Bookings – Introduced to our home page is a new section for late availability/cancellations and those IMG_7102who plan to just turn up and take a chance.  You can always call too to check what we have, or drop an email detailing any flexibility on your dates.

Look forward to seeing many of you soon.

Lynn ( on behalf of the meadows team)

 

 

 

 

Our campers have been getting in the water…….

Posted on June 11, 2016 by Comments Off on Our campers have been getting in the water…….

We have had a super couple of weeks of very warm and sunny weather, and with lovely warm evenings too.

Our guests have certainly been making the most of the fabulous weather, and getting out and on, and in the water.  A number of our guests have taken up my recommendation of kayaking down the Fowey Estuary, and have thoroughly enjoyed this.  Kingfishers and all sorts of wildlife have been spotted, and the less experienced guests have not found it too difficult. Have a look at Fowey River Hire for more information.

DSC_6727The sea must also have warmed up since we opened, and our Wild Swimmers had their first swim camp.  There has been lots of sea dipping, and swimming both by dogs and humans. Our most popular coves for swimming seem to be Caerhays, Gorran Haven and Duporth.

Also out on the water Mackerel fishing trips are also very popular already, and we have smelt them cooking on the BBQ, so campers are being very lucky and getting a good catch.

Lazys picJohn and I find every week to be a completely different week on the campsite, with a new group of campers.  Our guests always seem to be a friendly bunch, and this is probably one of the most commented upon points about our campsite.  With our pop ups, and our lovely sunny seated deck, guests love to share their experiences and enjoy a cocktail and fire pit together! There has been some impromptu (always the best), singing and guitar playing, and even The Cornish Maid gave us a lovely tune one evening.

The green stripy deckchairs are becoming the most used “communal” deckchairs out, being used for breakfast, pre-dinner beer and cocktails, and even for devouring pizzas and fish and chips around the fire pit.  I have even joined in with my outdoor office, when my little shed was just a tad on the warm side, and so Harv and I moved outdoors.

Now so far, based upon guests’ feedback, these are the most popular places so far this season:-

  1. Caerhays Beach  – for swimming and sunbathing, with a gorgeous cafe for drinks, ice and lunch. This cover Caerhaysis also popular for parking up with your campervan, with a sea view on a showery day, ready to make a sharp exit and put the kettle on !
  2. Duporth beach (close to Charlestown) – in recent fab weather times, it is like being in paradise.
  3. Knightor Winery – for wine tours, and lunch outside in the lovely terraced courtyard.
  4. Kayaking – for novices, the most popular is a trip down the Fowey Estuary to Golant with Fowey River Hire. Our more experienced kayakers, like Porthpean and have been seal spotting from here, and Pentewan and Polkerris are also popular.
  5. All our pop ups are going down a treat so far this season as already mentioned.  Our campers feel very lucky themeadows-camping-food-and-drink-pizzato be able to sample one of top ten pizzas in the Country (as featured in The Times).
  6. S7000414Homemade (not by me) dog bandanas and bunting. Ours campers love getting in the spirit of things. In one day, I sold 13 bandanas, and so The Meadows must have the best dressed dogs in Cornwall.
  7. For food, our guests are loving The Hub Box, Sams on the Beach, The Kingswood Restaurant, and The Polgooth when there isn’t any food on offer at the Campsite.
  8. Heligan Gardens and Trewithen Gardens are looking fabulous at the moment as reported by our guests. The majority of our guests are enjoying walking up to Heligan and the £3.50 pp discount for doing so is Henry Cav - Ferrygetting them up the hill.
  9. As always the Mevagissey to Fowey has been on a lot of our guests must do things, and the welcome cooler air out at sea has gone down a treat.
  10. Walking – we have a new favourite. Our guests are all enjoying a circular walk from Mevaggisey to Gorran Haven SWCP, and then back via footpaths taking in a lovely wooded valley bringing you back out at Portmellon.  If you want to do this walk, just ask us the way. Of course the Mevagissey circular walk remains as popular as ever, picking up Lobbs Farm Treats, and fish from Mevagissey harbour on route.
  11. Even during the heatwave,  our fire pits have been very popular.  Some days, delivery has required the use of the tractor and trailer with all fire pits, bbq and wood deliveries as the legs and wheelbarrow did just not cut it.

NEWS from Camp Dog Harvey –  If I was on commission for bandana sales, I would be holidaying inS7000534 Barbados this winter! Am always happy to pass my opinion on colour and style, and  whether it makes your bum look big ;).  I am counting down the days at the moment to my high season haircut, as I am starting to resemble a woolly sheep.

One of our regular guests arrived this week, with a new sign for me, and it is nice to see how seriously my role here is taken.

Arriving with us this week? – Falmouth is the place to visit.  Between 17-19 June there is the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, and the Falmouth Classics Regatta. Our pop ups will all be popping up too!

S7000293BOOKINGS – we are at present pretty full for both hook ups and “proper camping” from now really well in to August.   For late availability, you are best to give us a call to see what we can do.  Our booking system is a flexible one, so we have people coming and going every day, which means we do have the odd gaps here and there, and cancellations do come about.

 

For those who don’t know, we are a smallish adult only campsite in South Cornwall, close to Pentewan and Mevagissey.  We are a good campsite for walkers and cyclists and those who want to enjoy the gardens of Heligan and Eden. We are campfire and dog friendly, and we have visiting pop ups throughout the season.

Lynn x

 

Great weather for doing…………

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Comments Off on Great weather for doing…………

IMG_6820With only two pairs of hands, oh and four paws there is always a job to be done running a campsite.  Whilst I have been quite good getting my camera out whilst out and about on the campsite, this has not followed through until today as a Blog post.

Well, before we knew it, August was here, and now we are almost half way through August too. Quite fairly, I suppose  all our guests seem so far seem to be getting a mixed bag of weather.  There has been lots of sunshine, a little bit of rain (well quite a lot on a couple of occasions), and some hot days, and some not so hot.

The very big up side of this summer’s weather is that it is great weather for “doing”.  Our recent guests have certainly been doers, and have been out and about on land and sea.  Kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding is extremely popular. We have had quite a few guests kayaking between the lovely Porthpean and Carlyon Bay.  Of course Carlyon Bay has Sams on the Bay and now a fish bar too, so a great stop off place.

Walking – it has not been too hot for long walks, on a lot of days.  A lot of guests are big walkers, and we agree that you see so much more on two legs.  The current favourite walks are:-

DSC_65441. Number 1 – the Mevagissey Circular Walk, heading there joining the trail at our gate, and then returning via the SWCP, and of course also via The Ship Inn, Pentewan and back up the River.  A lovely day walk.  This one I expect will always stay at number 1.

DSC_6758Number 2 – another great circular walk to the gorgeous Charlestown.  Again this walks starts at our gate, joining the trail going in the other direction linking up to the Coast Path.  The return leg is via footpaths from Porthpean, and then through the hamlet of Roseweek, and finally back down the river home.  Another great, walk, but this is a workout walk as it involves a lot of climbs, but with great views and coves along the way.

Tip –take your swimmers and great spots for a dip are Hallane Beach, and Duporth Beach.  Porthpean is a great stop off for a refreshing drink, and Charlestown for lunch.

Another tip – should you be flagging at Charlestown then you could hop on the bus and be dropped off just outside.

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Chapel Point & Colana Beach

Number 3 – Starting off as walking 3, and then continuing on the SWCP to Gorran Haven, via Portmellon, Chapel Point (gorgeous) & Colana Beach.  There is a circular route back via The Barley Sheaf, Gorran Church town through a lovely valley in to Portmellon, or you can catch the Gorran Bus back. to camp.

ferryNumber 4 – This can be car free, by either walking or busing to Mevagissey. Our guests have done a combination and a lot have borrowed one of our walking books for this walk. Catch the Ferry to Meva to Fowey Ferry, then hop on as a foot passenger to Boddinick and follow signs for the famous Hall Walk.  Our walking books all add an extension on to the SWCP taking in Lantic Bay (gorgeous). The walk finishes at Polruan and The Luggar Inn is highly recommended for food, especially fish. Cross back over to Fowey on the Polruan ferry and then either bus, or ferry back to Mevagissey. Fabulous day walk, and fantastic views.  Some of our guests got to see the huge Cruiser Liner in Fowey at the start of this month.  There is never any shortage of boats to look at.

Other highly recommended “doing” days:-

1. Heligan Gardens, of course.  At the moment it is great if you can get tickets and combine the gardens, with Kneehigh Theatre, with a pre-theatre Bar and BBQ.  Bring a torch as you can walk there and back on the Trail. This show is getting extremely good reviews by all.

2. Kayaking on the Fowey Estuary to the gorgeous Golant.  This is not as strenuous as kayaking on the open sea, but don’t be fooled!! All guests who have done this have loved it.  We have the full programme of river expeditions in our office, and booking numbers, so go on you know you want to………….

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Chris from Aquila. Actual pictures not being accepted at present!!!

3. Camp Daddy organised our first adult only Meadows eCampsite xcursion this month.  This was an early evening and very successful mackerel fishing trip.  The fishermen and fisherwomen thought positively as all BBQs were out on hire by pre-order that night.  Thank you to Chris from Aquila as our guests thoroughly enjoyed the fishing and the fish supper.  We had our fish in a red thai fish curry which was delicious.

4. Eden Project, and with the annual pass you can do it in two sessions.  Tip – get there for opening time, and get out by lunchtime!

5. Regattas – we have already had Charlestown’s Regatta, and it is currently Falmouth Regatta Week, but there is still Fowey Regatta to be enjoyed.

Pictures – here are some taken over the past few weeks.S7000376S7000368S7000393

ooooops, I appear to have a picture uploading issue.  At present new pictures are not being accepted, which is such a shame :(. Will speak to the technical department, and try again later.

Bunting update – a new bunting queen, and a very good one has been found.  Laura came to stay with us and I particularly admired her homemade bunting, and home made windbreaks.  We now have a good selection in our little shop, although it is selling fast.  There is camping bunting, and campervan bunting, and nautical bunting, amongst others.  The first batch sold out quicker than our Roskilly Salt Caramel Fudge, which is to the bunting Queen’s credit.

We love seeing all the bunting and other decorations including flags and fairy lights on the campsite.  All the decorations and fires burning in the evenings make the campsite what it is.  Our guests make a real effort, and all this enhances our campsite, so thank you for joining in!!

Foodie Events – our guests are all loving the food on offer here at The Meadows. Pizzas, fish and chips, and gourmet burgers are all well received.  Anna’s cocktails are also very popular indeed, as well as the good Old Rosie Cider, which I steer well clear of with my early starts.

Of course, we also have some excellent eating places near by.  The Polgooth Inn, and The Kingswood remain our guests favourites, and if you don’t mind a drive then Sams on the Beach and the Salamander (busable) are also extremely popular.

IMG_6785Bookings – if you are planning a late summer holiday, to tie in with our Indian Summer, then we do still have a little bit of space, although not much.  For hook ups, then except for our casual pitches, we are full until the middle of September.  For “proper camping” (none electric), we are full until around the 7th of September.  In very good weather times, we do offer some late availability, but this is usually taken by those calling a day or so before hand, or just turning up.

We are an adult only campsite, close to Mevagissey, Pentewan and Heligan Gardens.  We are a great campsite for those who like walking and cycling in the day, and campfires, relaxing, and food in the evenings.  All well behaved dogs (and other pets) are welcome.

Walkers & Cyclists – just a reminder that you don’t need to advance book and you can just turn up.  We will always find you a spot, and the pitch price is discounted by 25%.

News from Camp Dog Harvey – there has been a lot of temptations in my office this season, but so far I have managed to resist. I did also start to flag a little in July, but revived myself with my very short back and sides.  There has been some lovely visitors to the campsite, and Wink (the one eyed pug) was one of my favourites. I was also very pleased to see the return of the trio of cavaliers who stayed last year.  As well as dog, cat, parrot and tortoise visitors there has been lots of wildlife spotting on the campsite.  We have had a family of hedgehogs, barn owl, very large slow worm, and so many different birds, moths and even baby bats.  One of our guests was lucky enough to watch a barn owl flying over the site, as most guests only hear them.

Finally ……………..Well, for those whose holiday has been enjoyed, thank you very much indeed for choosing to stay at The Meadows.  Thank you also so much for all the lovely reviews, message and pictures that you have taken the time and trouble to post/send.  These are great for newbies thinking of booking to stay with us.  For those who have their holiday still to look forward to, we shall see you all very soon.

Lynn (on behalf of The Meadows team of 3)

 

 

 

 

 

It is all in the planning………….

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Comments Off on It is all in the planning………….
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The Meadows – for camping close to Mevagissey

Most of our visitors for the 2015 season are now booked in, and counting down to their holiday.  With a bit of good planning and thinking ahead, you are sure to get the most out of your jolly.

Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your Cornish camping trip, especially for all those Cornish virgins out there:-

1.  First and foremost, buy a map of the local area.  The ordnance survey explorer maps are great for “exploring”, and also a great tool for planning walks, cycle rides and scenic drives.  For us, covering Mevaggisey, Truro, Falmouth and the Roseland, Map 105 is the best one.  We do sell here the little yellow maps which are very popular and may be enough if you are just on foot/bicycle.

2. Have a look at the What’s On guide for Cornwall, and check out what is happening in the county during your stay.  It is so easy to get around the county from base camp, The Meadows, and so worth the drive for something special.  There are some great country fairs and vintage rallies, such as The St Ewe Country Fair and the Bocconnoc Steam Rally.

For the month of May, I have done this research for you, and here are just a few of events happening, and most of these are near by.

May –

Helston Flora Day – today, and so one to think about for next May!

Fowey Festival of Words and Music 9-16 May

Port Elliot Dog Festival – 9/5.  This has to be lots of fun.

Eden Classic Cycle Ride  – 10 May.  A chance to cycle around the whole of the Eden Project.

Lostfest – a one day Festival, with lots packed in with stalls, foodie, cider/cornish ale, music and just generally lots of things happening to make for a full day of fun. This is in Lostwithiel.

Not an event, but always a wonderful place, Heligan Gardens and the fabulous little piglets.

My understanding is that the film set at Portholland will be in place until around the end of this month.  Good idea to park at Caerhays and walk around to it on the SWCP.

3. Check out any offers for the Gardens of Cornwall, in particular those local to us, Eden and The Lost Gardens of 

Heligan. Last year Gardeners World did a great offer, and the gardens themselves had a great offer for those visiting both.  You should also look at arriving at the gardens under their own steam as there is often a reward for doing so.

4. Whilst away on holiday, this is a time to check out the lovely Country pubs that a stay cation is so great for. One of our favourite books, for ensuring you are heading for a great pub is to check out those in the area in Aistair Sawday’s Special Pub Book, or the Sawday website.  For those bringing their four legged friend, doggie pubs is also a great app to have on your phone, although Cornish Landlords and Landlies are far more accepting of dogs than other areas of the country, and it is unusual for a dog not to be welcome.

5. Check out your camping gear before you get here.  This will avoid spending the first day of your holiday visiting the camping shops to replace, buy things you have forgotten, or that you broke last time, and intended to replace, but never got around to it.

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Catch mackerel with Chris from Aquila

6. This high season we hope to be offering food on two evenings of the week, but we know our campers like to cook up their own delights.  Holidays are a great time to try out new dishes, and being a fishy area Paella is a good one, and of course freshly caught (by you) mackerel on the bbq.  Bring some recipes with you, and have on board all your essential ingredients.  For campervanners we like the list The Campervan Cook Martin Dorey did in his book, and we have tasted his cooking, and it is good!!

 

Other Meadows News

We had a great turn out for May day bank holiday weekend, even though the weather was not the kindest.  However, early campers are we find a hardy bunch, and they all had their bbqs and fire pits going and did not let a bit of the wet stuff spoil their first camping trip of the season.  We had dogs in coats and hoodies, adults in hats and scarves one minute and tee shirts and shorts the next.

Cosy up in Mabel

Lottie and Mabel Caravans both were blessed with guests for the weekend who cozied up in them as they both have heaters, and thick duvets and so guests keep toasty warm.

The meadow flower is growing nicely, and at bank holiday a lot of the secluded pitches were occupied, and once again, those furthest in were the most popular.

Poldark – nearly all our visitors so far have made a visit to Charlestown to check out the harbour that featured in Poldark.  We even had guests walk there on the SWCP on one of the blustery days, which was very well done indeed.

Buses 

Following the sudden ending of the Western Greyhound busy company, we are now getting used to the new local bus services.  This service First Service 24 is proving very popular and reliable  John has even made a new bus stop sign as before it was a very Cornish bus stop and nobody wants to upset the bus driver by standing in the wrong spot.

It is great news that we now have a bus going to Gorran Haven, and also to Polgooth, handy for the Polgooth Inn.

Checking everything out from the bank of bluebells

News from Camp Dog Harvey –

Bank holiday was great for me, not too hot for working, and lots going on for me to look at. I also managed to fit in some nice walks along the river to the village checking out the bluebells, campion, a dipper, yellow wagtails  and some swifts along the way.

My girls’ eggs were very popular over the bank holiday weekend and sold out quickly.  At present I am trying to increase productively, but so far this is not going well.

Bookings

It is great that we appear to be popular, and we like being on the smaller side, but this does mean we cannot accommodate all who want to stay. For the coming bank holiday, we are fully booked now on our main pitches, so all we have are our casual pitches and “proper camping”  (none electric).  However last bank holiday, we did have a few cancel at the 11th hour so we are always worth a try for cancellations and telephoning is best. For first time visitors, we are an adults only campsite, and dog friendly, close to Mevagissey, South Cornwall.  We make a great base for a walking or cycling holiday in Cornwall.

For the rest of the season, give us a try and let us know if your dates are flexible in any way, as we try to be ourselves.

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Look out for our camper van signs

You can call 01726 844383 or contact us by email .

For those who are booked to stay with us at Bank holiday, we are hoping that there will be fried eggs in the sky this time.  As usual if the weather is not so kind John and I will take full responsibility as Campsite Owners.

 

Happy Friday

Lynn, John & Camp Dog Harvey

 

 

 

 

 

 

Countdown to opening has begun……………

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Comments Off on Countdown to opening has begun……………
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Last day of Feb

We seem to have returned in time for the first signs of Spring, and some lovely sunny days. January and February can be a little wet in Cornwall which limits the work we can do on site.  It was a good time to be away, but it was a good time to return, and we are loving working outdoors again.

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Porthcurno

Getting lots of jobs done in the week, we still have time for our Cornwall outings at the weekend.  If it is grey in one place in Cornwall, you can usually find sunshine in another part, so we tend to go where the weather looks best.  Last weekend we took a trip out to Porthcurno, and walked around on the SWCP past the Minack Theatre to another couple of beautiful coves, and a nice surprise of a little beach cafe for a coffee stop.  Cornwall is just so full of surprises.

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We drove back the scenic route, through Mousehole and stopping off at Newlyn and the very popular Tolcarne Inn for a late lunch A lovely old pub, serving delicious fish and dog friendly too. It was John Dory for me with mussels and my first taste of polenta, and good old fish and chips for John.  A small blackboard menu and the fish was as fresh as fresh, a good choice and one we shall definitely be returning to. Newlyn has a very good fresh fish shop so we picked up some scallops and squid and then returned home to light the fire.

On Sunday we headed off to Fowey and walked on the lower path to Golant which is very lovely, and then returned on the higher path for the fabulous views.  At the moment, we are trying out parts of The Saints Way, so that we can add this one to our walks, and give some first hand review of it. We stopped off for a drink at The Star at Tywadreath on the way back which is another good and proper pub, and then it was home for roast lamb.

Monday was back to work, and opening time is fast approaching, and there is still lots to do.

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Five towers, and all still standing

We now have a whole row of wood towers ready for the ever popular fire pits, and surely we cannot run out this year!  The hedge has had his hair cut, this week, and the chickens got new bedding as what comes off all goes through the shredder as we don’t like wasting anything here.

The butterflies are on order……………… watch this space – inspired by something I spotted whilst lunching in a NZ winery, and I have been on the hunt since!!

Pitch names – we downed tools early yesterday as it was bright blue sky and so very sunny, and headed out to Vault Beach and collected some material for our new signs.  The Brooks’ family are the artists and so when everything has been collected, Camp Daddy John will be getting in touch with his creative side, and I shall be directing!

New for 2015

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Gorgeous Mevagissey

Since we arrived in South Cornwall, we have noticed changes in Mevagissey, and it seems to be going up and up.  There are some lovely places to eat, and new places opening all the time.  Our favourite coffee stop is The Cafe on the Quay, and for lunch we like The Sharksfin, especially now it is warming up and the doors are open on to the quay.  There are some lovely little shops in Mevagissey, and of course being a fishing village there is no shortage of places to call in to for a pint or two. You can buy fresh fish on the quay, cornish pasties, and fish and chips.

Recently Fat Face have opened up on The Quay, and we look to be getting stand up paddle boarding opening up too.  Paddle boarding was huge in NZ, especially in the calmer harbour waters, and down the rivers.

If you like holidaying early summerthen Mevagissey Feast Week is a great time to visit. You can walk in to the Mevagissey on the trail which takes about an hour, or catch the bus and avoid car parks. Feast week this year is 28 June – 4 July and the first day is a usually a great day to head down, especially if you like food.  Check out what is happening for the week.

We all love Mevagissey and the neighbouring Port Mellon walking out on to Chapel Point too.

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Well, we will be soon

Bookings

After two great summers, we all seem to have faith in making it three in a row and our bookings reflect this.  Don’t hang around if you want to come and stay this summer, as nobody else is.  We appreciate that not everyone wants to holiday Saturday to Saturday, especially with the delightful A30 and so we offer a flexible booking system.  This does make our pitch planner, look a bit of a miss match sometimes, but we don’t mind that and it always allow space, for those just dropping by whilst touring this lovely county.  If you want to advance book a stay at The Meadows Campsite then you can contact us here or by telephone  – 01726 844383.  Just a reminder we are an adults (16 and over) only campsite.

News from Camp Dog Harvey

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Vault Beach in the winter

It was nice having my early morning walks on Pentewan Sands, but unfortunately 1 March has passed, and so it is once again out of bounds for me.  However, Vault Beach and Gorran Haven are my favourites anyway and I quite like being chauffeured some days to my walks.

I cannot say I am working too hard at the moment, as being Head of Security is an easier role when the gates are closed. Now it is warming up, I shall be swapping the back of the settee for the sunny deck for my afternoon siestas.

 

 

Food, glorious food…………………..

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Comments Off on Food, glorious food…………………..

The Meadows Team themselves (including CD Harvey) love their food, especially when on holiday. As well as advising our guests about local walks, cycle rides and beaches, we are very happy to “talk and advise” about food!!!

Polgooth Inn

The Polgooth Inn

In Cornwall our Campers are so lucky with such a great choice of local food available, and so many fabulous restaurants and foodie pubs. A lot of our campers start their day with one of John’s breakfast baguettes.  The most popular filling is  the traditional British Bacon & Eggs. The Bacon is scrumptious and supplied by the superb Lobbs Farm Shop at Heligan Gardens.  Eggs are freshly laid, if not by our girls then by other local Cornish girls with bright yellow yolks, and very very tasty.  Our girls are feeling under even more pressure than normal, as the cakes we have been making are also being snapped up, and we have lots of guests at the moment to feed.  Our deck is full this morning, with breakfasting, as our deck is soooo sunny in the mornings.

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The topic is “catch of the day”

As we are by the sea it is so nice so have so much fresh fish available.  Lots of our campers have been out on very successful mackerel fishing trips, and have been kind enough to let us sample some of their catch.  Catches recently have been good, and one of the local Mevagissey fisherman very generously dropped off a whole big bag of mackerel fresh off the boat which I handed round the campsite.  There were some lovely bbq smells that evening, as you cannot beat fresh mackerel on the bbq.

Anyone for a Crepe?

Thursday night is our regular evening for Blue Vintage, and our very lovely Crepe Lady Gill.  The Crepes cooked fresh to order on the van, with sweet and savoury fillings have been going down a storm.  The Meadows Special is Banana & Toffee.  Blue Vintage also calls in when possible on a Saturday which is the main setting up day, with lots of tired people needing a Crepe to perk them up and save them cooking!!!

On the days the weather has been good, which have been more so than not, our campers love to bbq.  As well as cooking their mackerel, our campers have been cooking up some real delights from Lobbs Farm Shop, as it is nice to have special treats on holiday.

All you want after a hard day.......

Camp Dog waiting for his local to open

When the weatherman has been mean, and sent some rain over the Campsite, our campers have been heading off out to eat.  Dodging the showers, lots of our campers enjoy the walk down in to the Village at The Ship Inn at Pentewan.  In the daytime lots of campers enjoy the circular Mevagissey walk, stopping off for fish and chips in Mevagissey Harbour, and stopping again for a drink at The Ship Inn, Pentewan on the return leg.

For evening meals, especially larger party bookings, the Polgooth Inn is proving extremely popular indeed.  The food is all home cooked, with vegetables and herbs grown in their own garden.  The menu has a fab choice, with lots of fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes.  Without any exception all visitors to the Polgooth have thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and we even have guests eating there almost every evening !!

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The gorgeous Sams on the Beach

One of our guests who was camping alone treated himself to one very special meal as he was camping on a budget.  After asking my advice of place, and what to eat (no pressure!!!) he trotted off to the Salamander in Mevagissey and feasted on scallops and John Dory.  Our guest enjoyed feasting like a Mevagissey King, and the whole atmosphere of such a lovely small restaurant and service.  Big thumbs up. Another fabulous place for a special meal is Sams, or Sam’s on the Beach.  Booking at Sam’s on the Beach is advisable and for Sam’s there is a nice bar area upstairs to enjoy a drink whilst waiting as there is no booking at Sams.

The Meadows Team are still favouring fish and chips at The Fountain Inn Mevagissey, and as I type this Lottie Caravan’s guests have just shared with me their Fountain fish & chip experience last night.  They also got to hear the Mevagissey Choir who were singing both on the harbour, and then in the Fountain Inn itself.

We also must mention Roskillys Ice Cream as today one of our guests was on to a caramel crunch tub before 9am!!  It is gorgeous organic ice cream and our favourite is the Salt Caramel although unfortunately it only comes in a big tub, and it is not advisable to put the lid back on.

Food always tastes better when you are very hungry and so it is good that our guests are all so active.  Most venture out for the day on either two feet, or two wheels, and if in the car there is often a boat or bikes on board.

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Our “Lottie” Caravan

Keep fishing, eating, and generally being foodies whilst in Cornwall staying at The Meadows Campsite.

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My new neckerchief

Whilst I am still Camp Dog, I am also living back up to my old name of “HRH”.  My heinz 57 friend “Tubs” as in Tubs by name and Tubs by nature 😉 very kindly bought me a neckerchief.  I had been admiring Tubs’ red one for a while, and now I have one the same in Blue for Blue Vintage, as Tubs is a member of the Blue Vintage Crepe Van Team.

I am still very busy in my role of Security, in particular continuing to guard the Roskillys ice cream.

We have lots of four legged friends on site for their summer holiday, and I have been sharing all of my knowledge on the local area, including the best beaches, river and wood walks, pubs that give you gravy bones, and as to the best breakfast baguette filling – if you are lucky.

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Such temptations for Cd

I very nearly broke Camp Dog rule last week and fell in love, but I held back and remained professional, and we are “just good friends”.

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Look out for our sign

For all those not committed to school holidays, September can be gorgeous, and we still have availability.  To book a stay with us here at The Meadows small, and dog friendly campsite, Pentewan contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383.  Lottie is also available for some of September and for October too. Have a look at Lottie’s page and see if you can be tempted for a special stay. We are so conveniently placed for Heligan Gardens & Mevagissey (walking distance), the Eden Project, Fowey & Charlestown.

 

 

 

 

Enjoying a day off duty being Camp Dog!

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Comments Off on Enjoying a day off duty being Camp Dog!

imageI, Harvey/Camp Dog am still with my owners in our temporary abode awaiting the installation of our kitchen and bathroom.

We are staying in the lovely harbour town of Mevagissey and so have lots of lovely walks direct from the door.  Our retreat is at the top of a very steep hill and so each walk finishes with a very big climb.

This walk was taken on a Sunday (our day off) and we joined the south west coast path in the harbour. We followed this passing through the picturesque Port Mellon, and the Rising Sun Inn although no pit stop there this time was it was before opening hours.  My owners are early risers!!

We then followed the coastal path round with a few climbs and descents down to Gorran Haven and past the chapel of St Just. I had a run here on the beach which was very quiet and the sun was shining. Gorran Haven is a very beautiful fishing village and I shall go back in the summer when the sea is a little warmer.

As it was nearly lunchtime we headed off through the lanes and along the “school path” up to Gorran Church Town, and the Barley Sheaf Pub for a snack. This is a very smart pub with good beer, treats for us dogs, and a nice log fire. The pub has lots of events of a music type and is very welcoming.

My owners seemed to enjoy their lunch of homemade soup, and smoked mackerel pâté.

We went a different way for part of the return over some grassy fields with one very steep descent. We then rejoined the coastal path and back in to Mevagissey, and the final climb back home.

There were lovely views of Gorran, Mevagissey, and Port Mellon along the way.

A good walk which I give a score of 8 out of 10. The walk has to be a full circular walk with no doubling up on the way back to get full marks.

My owners would be delighted to show you this walk on a map.  It would be possible to start this walk from The Meadows if you were feeling energetic. You would then pick up the coast path in Pentewan village.

Please do come and stay with us at The Meadows caravan and camping park this summer. We cater for caravans, motor homes tents of all sizes. You might prefer to book in advance and if so you can enquire here or telephone Lynn or John – 01726 844383/07712599745. Alternatively just turn up and we will always find you a pitch if we can.