We are almost ready to open the gates

Posted on April 19, 2017 by Comments Off on We are almost ready to open the gates

Well, the last winter flew by.  On the whole the Cornish weather was very kind to us and made light of all of the outdoor work.  It has not been all work this winter, and we have enjoyed some lovely holidays.  Our favourite holiday was a 3 week walking holiday in La Palma.  The Island made Cornwall walking seem like flat walking.  We certainly returned feeling fit, and as usual food and wine had been a big part of the holiday too!  Camp Dog Harvey has also had a couple of stays at his favourite health farm in Leicestershire.  Harvey also returned home after his 3 week stay looking a picture of health.

Our woods stocks have been replenished, which has now become the main part of our winter work.  We have stuck with our giant bee hive stacks as they are just the job, and hold so much in each one.  The majority of the wood is our own, with a few donations here and there of good unwanted stuff given to us for logging.  Plenty of wood for the ever popular campfires, and we are sure the stacks will be depleted as quickly as they went up.

We have also this winter put up a new “campers’ shed”.  This houses the ice pack freezer, and also a very nice handmade phone charging facility.  We realised that when our guests were on holiday they did not want to worry about getting back before our office closed.  Of course some of our guests also like a good lie in when on holiday and don’t want to be setting the alarm just to get up to collect ice packs.  The new shed will be open 24 7 on a help your selves basis.

We have been blessed recently with lots and lots of sunshine and so everything natural is coming in to its own nice and early.  The wildflower meadow has a few flowers already.  The yellow flag irises are coming on well too,  and the trees are already full of colour.  

There has been spotting on the campsite this winter of a Weasel, and not just a fleeing glimpse.  The woodpeckers are also still here, as is the nuthatch and of course the owls are always hooting well.

This week, we have been planning our pop ups for the season.  The bad news is that there will be no fish & chips this year.  Ross has swapped his chef whites for a nurses uniform and is now a fully qualified nurse.  We will miss Ross, Jen and their scrummy fish and chips and wish them both all the very best.

Wood fired pizzas are back – yeah :), and once again on a Tuesday.  Anna will accompany Simon and his team and will be serving up cocktails.  Anna has been working on a caravan this winter making a cocktail bar, and we cannot wait to see it.  If it is ready it will get a trial run for the first bank holiday weekend, but being a work in progress this is not a definite.

Pizza Simon has also now another string to his bow and will be here also on a Thursday with his griddle and oven.  Simon’s plan is to cook up his excellent burgers and may be also an oven dish.  There was a trial of Simon’s burgers last season, and our view was that The Hub Box would be given a run for its money.  As before Simon does look after the vegetarians out there.  Anna will also be making Thursday a regular night for cocktails, and so how lucky are we.

Anna and her cocktail caravan are also hoping to make some weekend appearances, but on a more pop up basis.  Anna is also hoping to do pop up food on certain weekend nights.  We will be getting all the boards ready to hang out to keep everyone posted as to what is popping up and when so you don’t miss out.

Breakfasts should also be happening here again at The Meadows.  Amanda has been on exotic solo travels this winter and so we are looking forward to hearing all about them.  We will keep you updated on breakfasts but we hope it will all be similar to last year.  

Bookings – these have come in thick and fast during the winter.  There are some weeks where all of our hook up pitches are booked out already.  There are not many weekly spaces available with electric, although there are still some if you get in there quick.

Our “proper camping” is also filling up as of our course our wildflower meadow with it’s secluded pitches is ever so popular.  We are hoping our campers’ shed will convert some of those usually taking electric to get further “down field”.

Map – for our first time visitors and as a memory joggers to our returning guests we now have a map.  It is we think a happy map, but it should give newbies a general idea of the layout of the site.  There is a pdf downloadable version on our website.

To book you can contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383.  For those visiting for the first time, we are an adult only campsite (no offence kids), and dog friendly in Pentewan, South Cornwall.  We are situate on the Pentewan Valley Trail (Coast to Clay) cycle & walking trail, which links up to the SWCP. We are great for Heligan Gardens as you can walk there on the trail and receive a discount for doing so.  If you are fairly fit, you can cycle from our campsite to the Eden Project.  Mevagissey and Pentewan are also in walking distance (1 hr to Meva & 30 mins to Pentewan).  We look forward to seeing lots of familiar friendly faces soon, and some new faces too!

Well, the sun is shining and those last minute jobs and the fresh air are calling !

Lynn, John & Camp Dog Harvey

 

 

Counting down to opening for our season number 4…..

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Comments Off on Counting down to opening for our season number 4…..

DSC_0439Spring has most definitely Sprung, and we have put away our working waterproofs for the time being.

We are on countdown to opening now which is fast approaching, but we have everything in hand, or at least we think we have.

It looks like for our opening weekend, we will have a regular group of “wild swimmers” staying with us for a training weekend.  If it is anything like last time it is wild swimming by day, and warming up around a fire pit by night.

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The “girls” like their pink house

The outside jobs, of which there are lots, are underway and the painting has begun.  We like being colourful and so we do this job every year to keep a nice fresh feel to the place.   There are even more things to paint this year.  Our grass which is of course extremely important is being well tended to and is far higher maintenance than I am!!  It has had a hard winter, but with sunshine and showers on the forecast ahead, it will soon start greening back up,  and growing.

The pressure washer has had his Spring outing and the deck is all smartened up, and oiled. We just now need new tablecloths, repotting of our table plants,  and of course the awning.

We have been doing a bird watch whilst working outside.  In one days we spotted great tits, blue tits, long tailed tit, chaffinch, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard, Nuthatch and an Egret.  There are also Moorhens nesting on the stream bank which is nice.

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Cornish hedge and wood stacks

The biggest job of the winter was our Cornish hedge being built, and managing all of the conifer wood.  The former took much longer than anticipated, but we are extremely pleased with the end result.  Our entrance looks extremely smart, and with the conifers gone you can better views up the valley. That is it for this year with wood, but our stacks do look very attractive if we say so ourselves.

IMG_7111Bookings – we must be doing something right, as we get busier year on year.  Already almost all of our hook ups are booked out from mid June until mid August, except for the odd few nights here and there. This has caught us by surprise.  There is still quite a lot of room for “proper camping” (none electric), for both tents, camper vans and those caravanners with their solar panels on board.  You can contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383.

We are a campsite close to Mevagissey and Pentewan, just for adults and very dog and campfire friendly. If you like walking, cycling, or just exploring then we are in an ideal location and just a mile from the South Coast.

S7000414News from Camp Dog – this is my favourite time of the year.  Being a little on the nest side, I tend to stay indoors on work days until the weather is good enough for sun bathing on the deck.  The last couple of weeks I have been outside and it has been lovely.

As it is staying lighter later, we have also been out after work down to Caerhays Beach, imageand also the lovely Vault beach.  These are two of my favourite beaches.  We also made it down on a Sunday morning to the Caerhays Beach Cafe.  It is great there for sitting outside, and I hear there are some great evening events planned for the summer season with guest chefs, music, and comedy.

It is so lovely to see in the booking diary so many doggies booked in already, including a lot of Cavs.  I am already booked in to the groomers, and I have one last stay at my “up country” health farm prior to opening.

Other Meadows News

Apologies if you got caught up with the blip in our “contact” enquiry system.  This was a temporary blip of which we were unaware as it was selective with those it did not transmit.

Posh Pasties & Cider – just mentioning this again as we think this is a great new addition to what will be Lazys pichappening here this season.

Well we are counting down to opening, and we hope that those booked in already are counting down too.  We know one of our guests has  even got a holiday countdown app on the go!

Happy Easter

Lynn

Happy New Year, and Happy Camping…………..

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Comments Off on Happy New Year, and Happy Camping…………..

DSC_0439Firstly and most importantly a very Happy New Year to all from The Meadows Team.

Time always seems to fly by when we are open, but it is also flying by just as fast for our “down time”.

Luckily we were full steam ahead when we first closed our gates, and took full advantage of the dry, sunny weather and got ahead of the game.  The grass has been growing even in December.

This time of year, we are a little at the mercy of the weather as to what jobs we can do. This means it has been the ideal time to holiday, explore the County and try out many of the fantastic eating places Cornwall has to offer.

For our main holiday this year we thought we would try something new, and so booked a cruise.  John was the organiser, and gave us absolutely no time to think about it, as research and booking took all of 5 minutes, after a night out at The Polgooth!!  With no flying involved it did seem a good idea at the time.  It was a cruise mainly around the Canaries, but also stopping at Lisbon and Madeira.  It was different, in a very good way and it was certainly a hassle free holiday.  The only things we really had to think about was  planning what to do when off the ship as arranged excursions are not really our thing.  We found the Canaries extremely well set up for walkers, with some great walks, and indeed we shall definitely return to La Palma another winter which was by far our favourite Island. We ate lunch in some lovely places and feasted on tapas, and enjoyed sitting outside in November, and we met some lovely people and had lots of laughs.

Whilst having to dress up on the ship was good fun, being a country girl, I was pleased to be reunited with my jeans and wellies!!

Back in Cornwall, we have done a great deal of exploring (the walking and eating kind), and we continue to be surprised.

Walking (our favourite pass time)

With having lots of woods on our doorstep, and the Luxlyan Valley close by, we have only just discovered Cardinham Woods (Bodmin way).  These really are super woods for both walking, and cycling, with one in particular very hairy cycle ride that nobody would ever get me to do! There is a fabulous cafe Woods Cafe which is known in particular for it’s scrummy carrot cake.

We have also been out walking on the Clay Trails again great for cycling and walking, and with some fantastic views.  You can pop in to Eden, or Wheal Martyn for coffee, or lunch, or even better literally just off the trail is the Knightor Winery doing tours, tasting and often coffee and lunch.

This year we had a quiet Cornish Christmas.  On Christmas Eve we were blessed with a day of sunshine and walked to Mevagissey on the Pentewan Valley Trail  for lunch at the Sharksfin, of beef tacos which were excellent.  When we lived in Norfolk we always used to have mussels and chips for supper on Christmas Eve.  When we saw mussels at Meva’s fish stall, we could not resist and so supper was sorted, and our return walk was on the coast path  A great day, all round.

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Crantock beach in the winter (NT)

Walking, beach style

I like a beach where you can get a good stride out and Pentewan Sands and Par are good for this, although for doggies Pentewan is only good for the winter months.

Another great beach, with a nice drive out to it is Pendower on the edge of the Roseland. There is a NT car park right on the beach  and some very good rock pools.  We headed out here on Boxing Day and then returned via The Roseland Inn at Philleigh.  This is a lovely pub and that day the fire was roaring and we had lovely prawn sandwiches and chips before heading home.

In 40 minutes, we can be over on the North Coast, and so based on which side has the better weather, we have been heading up north walking some days.  Our favourite beaches are Watergate Bay, Perranporth (2 miles long at low tide), Hayle and Crantock.  All of these are fairly close together and so it is possible to do a day of beach hopping with plenty of places for refuelling.

Eating (our second favourite pass time )

For one reason and another, until December, we had just not gotten around to trying The Hub Box on Pentewan Sands – big mistake!! We ventured out here for our Christmas Party and joined forces with Kernow Forno who were hub box regulars. If you like really, really good burgers then this place is a must visit, but go when you are hungry.  The sides are all home made and the coleslaw and burnt end beans were fab, and the burgers delicious and award winning!  Unfortunately it is not dog friendly in the summer months – boo hoo, and for us it is now closed until March.  However, we shall fit in another visit before we open and as it is right on the beach we hope by then be able to sit outside.

As a result of Storm Frank, we had a daytime without power. We saw this as an opportunity to have brunch out and went off to Griggs Farm Shop.  The shop itself is great for outdoor gear, work gear, eggs and pickled onions, but the cafe is just a real treat.  I had a half Cornish and John  a full Cornish breakfast and it was very, very tasty indeed and kept us going until power was restored. There was even enough for a doggie back for Harvey who had waited patiently in the landy.

On our trips out exploring, and with the guidance of Alistair Sawday’s website, and of course trip advisor we have tried new places.  We like cosy pubs, good food, and a friendly welcome so not much to ask! We got all of these at both The Halestown Inn, Halestown (near St Ives), and The Ship Inn at Wadebridge.  We always like to have a memory bank of dead certs, plus a few on our list still to try, and a few very special favourites.

Work on site

Our Cornish hedge is slowly but surely coming along.  The first part is complete, save for the hedge itself to be planted in the top.  The next section is well underway, but the weather has been making it tricky for hedger Tom.

Wood – our regulars will know that fire pits are a big thing here at The Meadows, and indeed many have commented on our woodLots of towers required for 2016 towers. We have a very good back up wood source, however, we would like eventually to keep up with supply and demand from our own towers.  After hearing such good reports from farmer Bowler about his log splitter run off an old Renault tractor, we have bought our own splitter to be delivered today.  The old Fordson Dexter had been feeling redundant since we bought our new tractor, and so is pleased to have been chosen to run the splitter.  We have made our very own mini production line, so trunk to stack should be a fairly slick operation, or that is the idea any way.

For everything else left to do, we are poised now waiting on the first signs of Spring.  However, wood will keep us busy until then, and will also keep us fit.

News from Camp Dog HarveyDSC_6680

Happy new year, and happy walkies to all my four legged friends out there.  It is nice enjoying my large garden once again, and getting out and about on some epic beaches.  Whilst my owners were away cruising I spent two weeks “up country” with the farming side of the family.  I was very happy as in reality I just went from one sofa and log burner to another!

I enjoyed a Christmas time feast of cockerel (lots of), roast ham joint, short rib of beef, and all the trimmings each time, except I don’t do peas! There has been lots of walks on the beach, 3 a day on some days and lots of dog friendly pubs with log fires, and hot chips under the table. Life for me is pretty good, and so on that basis I have signed a new contract for next season as Camp Dog.

BookingsIMG_7102

We are well in to taking bookings now, and indeed some summer weeks, we are already getting fairly limited on hook ups.  The system is the same as before, keeping it fairly simple, just how we like things.  We continue to add information to our FAQs and keep the information on the website up to date, useful and interesting!  To book you can contact us here, or if you would like to speak to us please call 01726 844383.  Our gorgeous caravans Lottie and Mabel are also available to rent again this year for a special stay.  For newbies The Meadows is an adult only campsite, dog friendly and quirky, on the South Cornwall Coast, and great for walking cycling and campfires.

Here’s to a great 2016 with lots of sunshine and fun along the way.

Lynn

 

 

 

The third and most fun season so far……….

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Comments Off on The third and most fun season so far……….

IMG_7102Well, we have survived another season and in so many ways (other than the weather) it was the best so far. This year we did feel a little mean expecting our guests to leave right slap bang in the middle of a fab Indian Summer.  We thought we might have to tow the last ones off.

First and foremost is a big thank you from the three of us (me, Lynn, John & Camp Dog Harvey) for all guests who have stayed with us during this season).  We think this is a special place, but it is our guests who make it come alive and help create such a relaxed, friendly atmosphere on the campsite, and which keeps people coming.

Due to the mixed bag of weather, we finished looking  still very green on the campsite. Taking full advantage of the Indian Summer all pitch repairs, and reseeding has already been done.  The new tractor and tools made much lighter work of the 30 ton of loam soil, as our lovely Fordson Dexta did struggle last year. The meadow has also been topped, and sadly all the bunting has been packed away until next year.

It is always nice to sit down (yes we do sometimes) and think back over the season, which always seems to fly by.  There has been so many highlights, surprises, and so many lovely people, and dogs that have passed through our gates.

Biggest surprise – that our wood piles diminished so quickly!  We were determined not to run out, but we imagedid as the fire pits get more and more popular.   With the extra wood brought on to the site, it would be very interesting to know actually how much wood our campers did get through keeping campfires burning.

Most memorable event (unfortunately for the wrong reason).  This was the Saturday night when Mr Bee the African Grey Parrot staying with guests on the campsite escaped.  Kevin and Pearl were with us for 3 months, and so I mention this as many of their neighbours met and took a shine to Mr Bee who was an extremely well behaved Parrot. There was  just the odd wolf whistle here and there, and definitely no swearing.  Unfortunately this tale does not have an ending, as despite hours spent looking for Mr Bee he has not been seen again since.

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Top Model

Another thing that sticks in my mind is the flurry of activity around the office/shed/tourist info board, small shop when the first box of handmade dog bandanas arrived on site in August.  Harvey was top model, and we had dogs of all shapes and sizes looking the part with camper vans, and all things camping., boating, spotting, flowering and just gorgeousness and fun. The group photo opportunity was just not happening.

On a similar note the effort made this year has been incredible with bunting, lights, flags, flower pots, bird feeders, butterflies, and so many enter in to the spirit of it.  I had to check out for myself a recent rumour of a campsite in Cornwall that does not allow any of these things – I thought my leg was being pulled, but it is true!! Next year we are thinking of having a weekly best dressed unit competition, but this year some weeks that would have been a tough call.

Very well received – a big thank you to Simon & Sarah, Ross & Jen and of course Cocktail Anna for looking after our guests with fabulous wood fired pizzas, scrumptious fish & chips and very grown up cocktails and cider.

What happens now…………..

We get asked this quite a lot as our guests show a genuine interest in what happens when the guests close.  Our guests also like to know plans for the campsite.

The first thing we did was head off to The Pandora Inn at Restronguet taking full advantage of the gorgeous sunshine for a celebratory lunch on the pontoon. We had already slipped out of the gates a few days prior to enjoy the Mevagissey circular walk, and Scallops on the harbour from The Fish Grill caravan.

Well, right at the moment, Operation Conifer Removal is in full swing. All the big conifers that start at our gate running up the lane are coming out.  This is an historical problem and had to happen at some point.  These will be replaced by a Cornish hedge.  For our campers it just really means a better view up the valley towards the Polgooth Inn.  The Cornish hedging is being done by a local chap called Tom and so he will be working here now for a good few weeks, as there is a lot of hedging to build with 50 ton of Cornish stone being delivered tomorrow.

Our holiday plans are still in discussion, but we think for the most part it will be Uk holidaying for us, which we love.  Log burner, great walks, and great cosy pub are on tick list, but we think we shall do a bit of a tour.

As for the campsite itself, we have the usual maintenance works and of course wood stock replenishment, which will all be taking place over the winter and spring. There is also a desire to add another Quirky let to our two gorgeous caravans.  At the moment the sticking point is what and where to put this, so watch this space.

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View from my daily circuit walk

I am deserting the team tomorrow and off on a family jaunt to Spain.  For this I have been on a last minute get fit campaign just really so I can eats lots of Paella and tapas.  I seized the opportunity to find even more local walks and variations from the gate, especially taking in to the Heligan hill which is a great initial workout.  One of my tasks for the winter is to put together some of the walks for our guests, as I am even still amazed myself at the number of fantastic off road walks there are.

News from Camp Dog

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Where has everyone gone?

Thank you all for coming, and I am presently wondering where you have all gone as my garden is empty. I have been saving up all of my treats, and shall enjoy putting them in the rucksack for my walking treats over the winter months.  I have just been put on a new drug by the vet for one of my conditions! My mum did smile when reading the info as one of the possible side effects is anorexia, and another is lethargy.

Bookings – we shall be doing our little review, and start taking bookings at the start of November.

Well, I shall shall save the rest of the news for my next blog which I plan to be a walking one.

Lynn on behalf of The Meadows Team

 

 

 

We will accept a season full of sunshine………..

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Comments Off on We will accept a season full of sunshine………..

IMG_7102Well with less than two weeks to go until opening for our third season, we are feeling very excited.

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Our new pitch signs

The Meadows has never looked so smart in the weeks coming up to opening, as we have not had to recover from any major disruption this winter. With all the painting now completed, and the grass as green as can be, we are looking very colourful.  The bluebells are starting to flower, and we have been adding plants, and repotting existing ones, and the leaves are all coming on the trees.

This week we have been painting by numbers, and making our new pitch signs. They are very “handmade”, but just really a better way we think than just a number.  Once varnished, they will be put in place next week.

It will soon look like this

Our popular wildflower meadow is starting to grow and John has mown a pathway through it whilst he still can.  We have also made a board walk for part of it, but we are still waiting to see where the flowers are going to be best before strumming out the secluded pitches.  The new camper van pitches are proving popular and we have a few savvy campers who are to be operating solar style!

The bank and hedgerows are looking lovely, and there are some good signs of some lovely wild flowers starting to come.  We have filled a few ton sacks of old wood to make room for the new life coming through.

S7000232The weather has been gorgeous and so it makes sense to concentrate on the outdoor jobs first.  The sun just keeps shining, and so we should get all our outdoor work completed this week.  Next week will be a super clean, setting up Lottie and Mabel for their first guests, and erecting bunting and butterflies.

We have got ourselves out and about quite a bit recently too and we are loving the SWCP.  The flowers and colour are amazing, and you can still often have sections of the path to yourselves.  You won’t find that peace and quiet at Trago Mills!!

A great walk from the campsite is a circular walk taking in Charlestown on the SWCP joining it in Pentewan off the trail, and back via Roseweek and the trail.  This is a very good strenuous walk, but fab.  The cafe in Porthpean made a great cool drink stop, and of course there is a choice of refreshment stops in Charlestown. The walk back is shorter so no stop needed!  You should allow a good 4 hours walking for this, but a beautiful walk.

S7000206Another great section of the SWCP is parking at Carne Beach on the Roseland and walking around to Caerhays.  We did this the other weekend, but we did do the walk in two halves, and made a circular walk each time.  The first time we had lunch at The Ship Inn, S7000198Portloe which was very nice indeed.  The second time with the leg from Portloe to Caerhays we stopped off at Portholland to check out the latest film set and had coffee at Pebbles Cafe.  There was no filming as it was Sunday, but the set itself was amazing and so very S7000201real.

Today we met up with friends at Porth Farm on the Roseland and walked around St Anthony’s head with a very good wind blowing.  We were lucky to see seals and again lots of lovely wildflowers along the way, and sandy bays.  We stopped off at The Plume and Feathers at Portscatho for our first crab sandwich of the season, and a bowl of Cornish chips – gorgeous.

 

Well, as for other meadows news ……………….

Fish & Chips – this is now pretty much a definite for the season courtesy of The Atlantic Fryer.  Check them out and we are sure you will agree they look good!  Just need to sort out the start date, and numbers are good so hoping it could be June.

Cocktails & Cider – this is still part of the plan for this season, but we are just sorting out the finer details. This is likely to be on a pop up type of basis on sunny days (hoping there are lots of those).

The Hub Box – is now open for business on Pentewan Sands, and the early reports are very good indeed, but busy!

Buses – The Western Greyhound unfortunately closed for business.  There are plenty of buses around, and so the bus is still a good and reliable way to get around.  Of course you can also walk and cycle to lots of places from the campsite, which is cheaper and much healthier, but probably the bus is best when it gets dark, or for further afield.

News from HRH aka Camp Dog Harvey

I am doing very well indeed, and loving the sun, especially as I have just had a drastic pre season haircut.  My haircut is a smart one so as not to let the side down, and I was even given a dash of aftershave.

The long walks during “down time” have worked wonders for my waistline.  The vet weighed me this week and confirmed I had lost 10% of my body weight since we closed the gates, so handsome I am.

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Caerhays beach

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Caerhays gardens

I have been enjoying helping out this week, checking out the wildflower meadow, and with the mulching of the flower beds.  However, there has also been a few lazy afternoons where I have been caught snoozing in the shade under the tables on the deck.  Of course, I do not want to peak too early in the season, as with the booking numbers, it looks to be a busy time for some.

Cornwall is so very pooch friendly, and I can highly recommend for the early visitors Caerhays.  Great for garden lovers, and lovers of all sniffs like me, a fab sun trap courtyard cafe, and then a paddle in the sea afterwards. What more could a dog and his owners want. The Caerhays fete on 21 June should be a jolly affair and I would say worth a visit.

Bookings – for July and August, we are very nearly fully booked, especially for hook up pitches.  There are a few odd gaps, if just a short break is the order of the day.  We are once again this season keeping casual pitches, for last minute bookers, and those doing the Poldark tour of Cornwall, or similar.  If you want to book then you can contact us by email, or telephone – 01726 844383.  The new Cool Camping Book is out very soon, and we are looking forward to seeing our entry, as three years ago we would never have imagined featuring in that.

 

 

 

 

Testing the one hour theory………

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Comments Off on Testing the one hour theory………

IMG_7106The Meadows Campsite is on the south coast of Cornwall, and one of the slimmer parts of the county.  This makes us situate in a very beautiful part of Southern Cornwall with lots to explore on our doorstep, but also a great base for getting out and about in the county.

We love our girls (the chucks), but during down time, they do restrict our getting away on short breaks, so days out are ideal.  We can then make sure we are back late afternoon when it is still light to give them theirdeb's pictures 019 tin of sweetcorn, and put them to bed at dusk.

IMG_0929Our walking is also a little restricted just at the moment, due to Camp Dog having poorly paws, and so it is short walks only until they are better, and so we combine these with scenic drives.

Being nice and central, we can be anywhere else in Cornwall in just about an hour, and so everywhere in the county is doable for a day trip.

This weekend we had a lovely mooch around Padstow on Saturday afternoon, and it was even warm enough to sit outside on the harbour front.  Padstow is never quiet even in the winter, and it even manages to have 3 pasty shops in a row, as well as lots of great eating  in places, and all the very popular shops if you like a spot of shopping.

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Seaton & Downderry

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Portwrinkle Cafe

My favourite magazine is Coast, and this is where you often learn about the not so talked about places.  I think this is often as these places are off the beaten track, and are beautiful just for their naturalness, and you really have to seek places out, and some of the best places you will only see if exploring on foot. On Sunday I was tour leader, and we headed off to the Rame Peninsula which is known as Cornwall’s forgotten  corner. We were heading for lunch in Kingsand, and our first stop on the way was Seaton & Downderry.  We parked up on the front and had a lovely walk on the sea wall, basking in lovely warm sunshine between the two villages, and back along the SWCP which runs on the village coast road where the lucky residents have the most amazing view around to Looe and beyond.

Next stop on the coast road was Portwrinkle, another gorgeous coastal village with a very popular country club and golf course.  We stopped for our morning coffee at the cafe which must have one of the best views in Cornwall right on the cliff top. Portwrinkle is at the start of Whitsand Bay which is quite simply stunning , with very dramatic scenery and sandy beaches.

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Kingsand & Cawsand

Still en route to Kingsand we passed three beautiful old forts and took in the view at Rame Head.  The head looks a fabulous section of the SWCP, but unfortunately H would not have managed the ups and down of the coast path that day, so back on the coast road to Kingsand.  By now the blue sky had changed to a more stormy setting and so we parked ourselves in The Devonport Inn in one of the window seats, and had lunch of fogey river mussels (me), and homemade Cornish pasty and a pint (Camp Daddy), and lots of treats for Harvey from the nice ladies in the pub.  Kingsand and Cawsand are very beautiful villages and fabulous to wander around, but the houses there do take frequent batterings, with all houses on the front having window shutters and flood gates. We have only visited here once before and it was summer time, and we caught the Plymouth ferry over to Mount Edgecumbe and walked around.  Then it was very busy, and a really hot day and we sat outside the same pub where they have trays attached to the habour railings which is a great idea as there is limited room for tables and chairs.

We took the direct route back home, but reading up about the area later, we should have stopped at a couple of places on the other side.  Next time we shall take a look at St John’s lake (twitchers’ paradise), and St Germans Church.   There are also the historic country properties of Anthony, Mount Edgcumbe and Port Eliot.

So for a great day hour whilst holidaying with us at The Meadows, the Rame Peninsula is highly recommended, and indeed we shall be visiting again before we open and exploring more on foot.

Other Meadows News

S7000019We have been getting on with our winter jobs, and a lot of time has been spent “doing” wood! A lot of trees have been taken down mainly random ones in our working area, and also a couple stream side. All the big stuff has been logged and we have completed our first huge log tower ready for fire pits. All the smaller stuff has been shredded and the chucks got the first lot for their pen, and we have ton sacks lined up ready for our new planting areas, along with some stumps for our new stumperry. Still lots of tree work to be done.

Next week is set to be drier and is our last good week to get our plants in, and we have lots of them.  We have some lovely granite boulders, trunks and stumps to make the beds.  All the planting is to be Cornish style, and informal.

We have also been collecting things on our outings, to use for our pitch name signs.  Just when our guests thought they had worked out our pitch numbering system, and you did well as I often get confused, we are giving our pitches names.

On the more practical side, our very skilled Cornish digger man Frank is coming back in the next few weeks to clear out all of our ditches, to keep the land drainage system flowing.  We are also going to be putting in more “grass protecta” soon on to the fore meadow to create our four none electric camper van pitches.  This will enable camper vanners to mingle with the tenters and enjoy the evening sun in the meadow with a view of the Mevagissey hill.

S7000002It seems from an article published in Practical Caravan Magazine this month that The Meadows is getting known as a bit of a foodie campsite.  We like this as we love food, and we do agree that there is so much wonderful food in the area, not just with Lobbs Farm Shop along the trail, and some amazing eateries, but also with wood fired pizzas, paella, breakfasts and cocktails made on site, we hope guests will continue to enjoy such delights.

Bookings – we are now taking bookings for 2015, and please do contact us by either email or telephone to book for next season.  We are a smallish friendly campsite just for grown ups one mile from the sea on the south coast.  We are close to Mevaggisey, Heligan Gardens, Charlestown and lots of other fabulous places.  We are also an ideal campsite if you are keen walkers, or cyclists with lots of walking and cycling routes  starting from the campsite gates.

Well, that’s all for now and it’s time to light the log burner…………

Lynn

 

 

 

 

 

Camp Dog Harvey walking off all those summer treats

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Comments Off on Camp Dog Harvey walking off all those summer treats
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More wood piles required

IMG_7111Our last few days of the season were quiet ones, and so it got us used to the idea of being “quiet”, but it still seems strange to have the gates closed and the place to ourselves.

Making the most of the continued good weather, we have been getting stuck in to the jobs where there is a big plus sign to getting them done as soon as.  The grass is growing under our feet, and we are really pleased about that. The meadow has been topped and we are making the most of Heligan’s half price plant sale and getting down to planting and further beautifying the site.  We have also been “logging” as we can never have too much wood with the popularity of our fire pits, and our own love of our wood burner in the winter.

 

As a lot of our guests will know The Meadows Team (me, Lynn, John & Camp Dog Harvey) are very keen walkers.  Some of you now know better than to ask one of us for a suggestion for a good  walk, as we do sometimes get carried away wanting our guests to see as much as possible!!

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Gorgeous Mevagissey

Pont Pill (Hall Walk)

Pont Pill (Hall Walk)

The Mevagissey circular walk starting right from our gate which is about 6.5 miles is one of our favourites, and we are now very used to the good climbs.  It is a great walk for stop off whether it be coffee and cake at Heligan, or at the new Cafe on the Quay at Mevagissey serving proper homemade delicious cakes.  Depending on the time of day it could be fish and chips, or Cornish pasty time.  We usually stop for a drink in our local pub The Ship Inn, in Pentewan before setting off on the last mile home up the trail. Polstreath beach which you pass along the way between Meva and Pentewan is lovely and quiet even in the summer as the only way down is via 200 steps!!!

Lantic Bay, near Fowey

Another of our favourite walks is the Fowey Hall Walk, with an extension to include Pencarrow Head, and Lantic Bay (dog friendly).  We talked ourselves in to diverting down to the bay, and we were sooooo pleased we did.  We had the beach to ourselves and the sky was blue, and it was just amazing.  It is a very tricky climb down, but apart from the steepness the climb back up seems somehow easier.  Lunch stop was at The Luggar Inn, Polruan and the walk has two different ferry rides along the way.

 

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Roseland Peninsula

To go with a very good walk, we like a good lunch and have enjoyed a few lunches out as we have really been missing those.  The Sharksfin at Mevagissey is excellent for fish, and I love their crab sandwich with a bowl of chips.  One of our favourite areas for walking is the Roseland Peninsula.  On Sunday we had a walk around St Anthony’s Head, a paddle in the sea, and a cup of tea with Thirstea the old Citreon H Van that visited us here in the summer at Town Farm.  On the way home, we stopped off at the very cosy Roseland Inn at Philleigh for lunch which was lovely, and the pub was full.

One of our other favourite pub lunches is at The Pandora Inn near Mylor on the Carrick Roads.  This is a beautiful area with lovely creekside walking. The walk around to the pub from Mylor is lovely with great views of the boats and fabulous waterside properties.  It was a very sunny day, but the wind was a little too chilly to brave lunch sitting on the pontoon.  We opted for mussels (me) and our two friends, and John had a pulled pork sandwich with spiced apple chutney.  Food was all delicious, the sandwich was huge and full of pork, and another cosy pub with log fires.  Both pubs highly recommended, and both dog friendly, as of course Harvey accompanied us on both occasions.

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Luxulyan Valley

Our guests shady walk during the many really hot days last season as the Luxulyan Valley, known as the hidden valley. This is our mizzly walk as there is lots of tree cover, although soon to be less when all the leaves are off.  This walk is beautiful whatever time of year, and great if you like walking next to water.  The pub in the village itself is on our list of ones to try as we have good reports.

Whilst out and about, we have been getting inspiration for our winter work at The Meadows, and we have some good ideas.  As we have now uncovered the whole of the campsite,  from beneath the brambles, and completed our major work, any more changes will be smaller ones.  We are just as excited about this year’s work, and this is of course phase 3 for us with our second season of learning behind us.

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Deer “up country”

A few days after closing we made a trip up country to visit our families.  We all had a lovely time, and enjoyed lots of walks along the River Soar, and around Bradgate Park, pub lunches, and a visit to Melton Mowbray Cattle Market.  Harvey enjoyed spending times with his cousins, well most of them any way (sorry Billy).

General Meadows News

Bookings – we have now opened our diary for 2015, and have booked lots of guests in already.  Always good to have a holiday to look forward to and we are certainly looking forward to ours!  In case any one is wondering, yes our holiday does involve camping, walking, wine, beaches and sunshine – our winter version of a camping holiday at The Meadows!  If you would like to be an early booker with us for next year then you can contact us here, or call 01726 844383. For new guests, we are a quirky smallish adult only campsite in the Pentewan Valley, South Cornwall. The Meadows is also a very dog friendly campsite.  We are an ideal campsite, for those who like the gardens, particularly Heligan and Eden, and those who enjoying walking the SWCP, or cycling as we are right on the Coast to Clay Trail.

Kernowforno

We are pleased to say that Kernowforno will be here again next season cooking delicious wood fired pizzas.  John will also be serving up breakfast baguettes again, although this may not be every day.  We are thinking of tasty porridge for some days as we know this is popular with campers.  We are also hopeful that Big Pan Parties will come again to cook up their delicious paella on site, and Sams Cocktail Van with Mojito Steve on board knows he is always very welcome here.

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What a good idea

Harvey has been thinking up new ideas for his guests on four legs, whilst also getting out there finding new walks and dog friendly eating places.  Harvey has also been finding life rather strange since the gates closed.  He still makes his way to the french doors in the morning, but cannot understand where everyone has gone.

Hope you like the pictures, which are a bit of a mix, and I shall keep them coming over the winter as it is a good way of keeping in touch.  It also answers the ? we get asked most in the summer ……… “what do you do in the winter?” :).

Lynn on behalf of The Meadows Team

 

 

 

If I was holidaying at The Meadows this month……..

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Comments Off on If I was holidaying at The Meadows this month……..

Well high season is over, and the county has started to quieten down just a little, but not that much in view of the current fabulous weather.  However, there might be less people about but there is still so much to see and do in this beautiful part of the Country.

These are some of the ways we would spend our days holidaying at The Meadows, Pentewan, South Cornwall.

1. A walk to Mevagissey, and a nice one, at that starting with a good up.  The walk is on the Pentewan Valley Trail skirting around the edge of the Heligan Estate.  We would then have a wander around the village, and then devour fish and chips sitting on the harbour watching the boat and fishing activity.IMG_0957

The return leg would be on the SWCP taking in the amazing view of Black Head, and around to Fowey, then stopping off for a couple of drinks in our local, The Ship Inn right in the centre of Pentewan Village and then back to camp along the river.

2. Everyone is talking about the “Piglets” at the moment up at Heligan Gardens.  The gardens and wider estate grounds always look fabulous but seeing the two sets of piglets just tops it off.

Throughout September, Knee High Theatre are putting on a show Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs).  The reports are that this is a great performance, and very funny indeed, so good for a laugh.  Heligan Kitchen are serving up a two course pre-theatre meal, and drinks are also being served from the Kneehigh Asylum Bar.

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Crantock Beach

3. Take a ride over to the north coast and visit the fabulous Crantock Beach, walking around on the SWCP to the just as lovely Polly Joke Beach.  You could time this with the Newquay Fish Festival and visit that too, picking up some lovely fishy delights.

4. Travel by ferry taking the Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry.  See dolphins and basking sharks (if it’s your lucky day), but a joyful ferry ride any way.

Whilst in Fowey hop on the ferry to Polruan and walk the famous hall walk returning back to Fowey.  When back in Fowey head to Sams or one of the other many delightful eating places.  Also whilst in Fowey visit the Fowey Fish and Wine Shop, or the pasty shop and purchase some tasty treats to bring back to camp.

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Gorran Haven

5. Spend the day on Gorran Haven, or Caerhays beach with a good book.  You will pass the fabulous Lobbs Farm Ship on the way for picnic goodies.  Walk between the adjoining and gorgeous beaches of Vault and Hemmick.  For the current fabulous weather conditions, of fried eggs, it is definitely beach weather, and we are sure Mabel and Lottie’s deck chairs will be making a few outings.

6. The Meadows team love the Roseland Peninsula, which is great for a day of exploring.  Here you can find secluded coves, pretty creeks and tranquil beaches.  It is an AONB and large parts National Trust and has many dog friendly beaches.

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St Just in Roseland Church

If you get chance visit the wonderful little church of St Just which is amazing.  St Mawes and the walk around St Anthony’s Head are also highly recommended.

For a good feed, The Roseland Inn at Philleigh (en route to the King Harry Ferry) is a fabulous pub, with a brewery next door.

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The Pandora Inn

7. On a nice sunny day take a drive out to Mylor Bridge near to Falmouth and walk around the head to Restronguet and have lunch on the pontoon at The Pandora Inn with amazing views and lots of boating activity going on.

Here  is now hoping that you have booked the extra day for another day of fine walking those cornish ups and downs.

8. Walk on the SWCP to Charlestown taking in the beautiful beaches of Hallane, Porthpean and Duporth along the way.  This is a good walk, with lots of big ups, and fabulous views in return.  You will get a lovely crab sandwich and a bowl of chips for lunch.  The walk back along the lanes, and coming back through Kingswood is shorter,  and an even easier route back is on the good old bus.

Don’t miss the photo opportunity on Hallane Beach where there is Hallane Mill with a pretty waterfall and hole in the rock.

General Meadows News

Thank you guys for more of your amazing reviews. This is only our second season running a campsite, and so the feedback is extremely helpful, and we like to see happy campers.  We know we will never please everyone, but we do take negative feedback on board, and this year, we are still green, but a lighter shade of! There here are some things outside of our control, and also to run this site as a couple and still be sane at the end of the season,  we do have to have a few cut off points.  Sorry if this upsets anyone, as it is not intended, but The Meadows Team will not be in fear of trip advisor!!!

Our campsite is looking very green, and there are always new flowers coming up in the wild flower meadow, and the secluded meadow pitches remain popular.  We had a group camping on the stream wing last week who were very lucky to have a few sightings of the kingfisher.

Over the last few weeks, we have seen many guests arrive here under their own steam taking advantage of the reward they receive for this.  Carrying everything on your back, or on bike trailers deserves a 25% reduction on the pitch price.  There are also far less trips for them with the glamorous wheelbarrow for our “park and pitch” scheme, and we have put some benches in the meadow as walkers are usually chair less, but in need of a sit down.

September is a very busy month for us, and so this means Pizza Tuesday will be continuing for now, and is always very well supported by our guests.  The pizzas are delicious and it is great watching them being cooked fresh to order in the wood fired oven.  What will The Meadows team do on a Tuesday when we get to end of season?!  We are missing Mojito Steve since the opening up off Sams on the Bay.

We are getting around to thinking about work for the end of season.  There are unlikely to be any big changes taking places, as we did the major work last winter. This time, the work should be more about continuing to enhance the natural beauty of the site and more planting and adding character to the site. The first job to do is the topping of the meadow field with our little Dexta Tractor.

 

IMG_7106Bookings

It is very encouraging that lots of you are keen to book for next year.  At the moment, we are keeping all your requests in order, and will be in contact around the end of September/early October.  By this time, we will have made the changes we are being forced to make over deposits and balance payments.  Our late cancellation/no show numbers have now reached an unbelievably (to us),  and unacceptable  high number,  This is very unfair to those who have tried to book when we were officially fully booked, and not good for us as a small business, and it makes admin a nightmare.  However, we are sorry for those who are still in the majority who accept that a booking is just that.

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Apologies on behalf of the team for the recent blip in the weather.  We all tried very hard to chase off the rain, and send it up country, or to stay out to sea.  We failed for a short time, and it was a bit wet and cold.  However, the good weather is back, and we are once again basking in glorious sunshine so all is good for September.

Now is the time to come clean and admit that it was me that insisted Camp Daddy light the wood burning stove in the lounge with the smoke blowing over the site, whilst our campers and their four legged friends tried to stay warm and dry in their tents.  I have taken my punishment and spent time on the naughty seat and will not light the burner again until the gates have been firmly closed.

I would also like to take this opportunity of thanking guests for the many gifts I have received during the season. One can never have enough gravy bones, or prawn crackers, and the big bags of Bakers came in handy when my needs got missed off the weekly shopping list.

DSC_6526Indian Summer

It is at the moment, and fingers crossed the national press have reported it right as extended in to October and beyond.  We have availability for those who don’t mind “proper camping” late season in good weather.  For hook ups, we are quite limited until around 20th September, except for odd days here and there.  After that we have availability for 7 days plus, if you still have your holiday to book.  You can either telephone us, or send details online.

Our Caravans have been extremely popular this season, and they think they need another sister to help with demand.  A Cheltenham Springbok would be nice, if any body knows of one.

There are still dates available for Lottie and Mabel, and so do think about getting cosy in a caravan (both have heaters).

Well, bye for now

Lynn on behalf of The Meadows Team, consisting of John, Camp Dog Harvey and I.

 

 

 

 

 

How lucky are our campers

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Comments Off on How lucky are our campers

It has been, and still is very hot down here in the valley of sunshine.

All campers are happy ones,  basking in the sunshine, and the lovely warm evenings have made our fire pits nearly redundant.  There has been ots of fabulous bbq smells and tonight is cocktail and paella night, courtesy of Sams Vans.  This means a double dose of cocktails this week, but I am sure no-one will mind that judging by the queue on Tuesday which resembled a festival.  Mojitos and Dark and Stormies were the order of the night, to go with freshly baked pizza from the lovely KernowForno.

It has been a little warm for our campers to do the usual long walks that they so enjoy.  Instead, there has been lots of beach hopping, kayaking and swimming in the sea with early morning, and late evening strolls. The current favourite beaches are for those without a doggie friend Porthpean, and of course our local Pentewan Sands.  For those with their four legged friends, Caerhays, closely followed by the quieter side of Gorran Haven, are hitting the spot, and lots have been having a drive out to the oh so gorgeous Crantock Beach on the north coast.  For the snorkelers out there, Vault beach is a good one, and kayaking at Porthpean, Polkerris and around Black Head is a great way to find the secret coves.

This is “Teapot”

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Bettyboo

Camp life is never boring, and each week is so different, with all the comings and goings and different people coming on and off.  This week has been a campervan and bell tent week, with some lovely colourful vans and tents to brighten up the campsite.

Here are a few pictures of our week of sunshine, blue skies, pizza, cocktails and all things different.

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Think of wearing a fluffy onesie all day, and that has been me this week.  Luckily the Little Winnick River is on my doorstep and so each evening, after my duties are done, I go for a big dip in the river to cool off.  Most of our four legged guests are doing similar,  and they are also enjoying long swims in the sea and sunbathing.

photo 4As it is very hot everyone is out side all of the time, and boy are there some nosey dogs on site.  They don’t miss a trick, especially where pheasants and squirrels are concerned.

Charlestown – lots of you like to visit this lovely historic port.  Next time you are there, get your owners to take a walk out on the SWCP towards Porthpean and to take you on to Duporth Beach.  We are most welcome on this quiet beach provided your owners behave themselves, if you know what I mean.

 

Other Meadows News

Wood Fired Pizzas are still proving extremely popular, and so far it has been sunny for every visit, and so that is the season standard.  Cocktails are also very popular indeed, and so far nobody has fallen over, or if they have we missed seeing it!

Camping wings – these are now fully open, and our guests are sussing out the best spots for sunshine, and for enjoying camp life next to the stream.  The secluded meadow pitches are also still popular, and there are always different wild flowers and butterflies making an appearance.

Breakfast Baguettes & Ciabattas – during our very busy period, and in view of the distance to the end of our new wings,  our delivery service will not be available. This means enjoying your breakfasts on our sunny deck, or ordering and returning to collect them.

Bookings – it is now late availability only until the second week in September I am afraid –  the teachers, are taking up all the pitches!!  Please give us a call if you are wanting to come just for a few days, and we will see what we can do.  Cancellations do happen, and it might just be your lucky day. We are a campsite just for grown ups, situate in the lovely Pentewan Valley close to Mevagissey and we are very dog friendly.

Well it is a hi di hi from me, and a ho de ho from Camp Daddy and Camp Dog Harvey.

For those making their way down to sunny Cornwall, have a safe journey and ensure you pack your swimmers.

Lynn