Thanking you kindly…………..

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Comments Off on Thanking you kindly…………..

Well, we are almost at the end of season number 4, and this one has definitely been the best!S7004656

Our last week is usually the quietest of the season, and so gives us a chance to reflect back on the five months that have flown by.

We continue to be lucky that we attract such a great bunch of guests to our smallish campsite, week on week which makes our job so much more enjoyable.  It gives us so much pleasure to see our guests enjoy their holiday here, and to hear about their adventures out and about around Cornwall.

themeadows-camping-food-and-drink-pop-up-barThis Summer there has been some fab evenings with impromptu entertainment to go with our Pop ups.  Some guests have great party tricks which you would never know guess when they check in.

After a couple of seasons without breakfast, it has been great to have our visits by The Cornish Maid who always has a smile on her face when cooking up her delights. themeadows-camping-food-and-drink-cooked-breakfast Also new for this season was Lazys Travelling Bar, and our guests have really enjoyed this experience.  The green stripey deck chairs have been in and out almost every day this season, and it has been a great indicator that something is happening at The Meadows, so don’t miss out!

There has been plenty to smile and laugh about this season on the campsite.  However, of course what happens at camp stays at camp.

What is noticeable year on year, is the effort our guests make to dress up their units, dogs, pitch area, and of course themselves to get in to the joys of camping. The Campsite is an abundance of colour at all times of the season, and only a part of that is our doing.  Thank you for this, and keep on doing it, as we love it :).

So, just a short one, as before we head off on our jolly, as we have a big mole hill to get stuck in before then.  Those tired pitches, will soon be brought back to life, and the wildflower meadow like its owners is getting a good end of season haircut.

Thank you to all our guests of 2016 for making our fourth season a busy, but very enjoyable one.

Thank you also very much to all of our Pops ups – Kernow Forno, The Atlantic Fryer, Anna’s Alfresco Lounge, Lazy’s Bar, and The Cornish Maid.  Our Lazys picguests have been so lucky this year with all of the food and drink offerings, and the sociable atmospheres these create.

News from Camp Dog HarveyS7000532

Thank you to all those four legged guests.  It has been just great, and I am pleased to report that I have not been required to deal with any major security incidents.

It was lovely to finish the season off with 8 Cavaliers on the campsite, even though the photo opportunity was missed.

I far exceeded my  sales of dog bandanas, and so I expect to retain the role of model for next season’s designs.

IMG_7102General Meadows News

Once the gates close at the end of our 2016, and the essential repair work (to the site, not us) is complete will be taking a break.  This means we will not be starting up our booking diary for next season until after this time, when our batteries are fully recharged.  For those wanting to book, please keep an eye on our home page banner, towards the middle/end of November.  In the meantime keep practicing your party tricks as we like everything to get better and better, year on year.

Thank you once again and we look forward to seeing many of you again in 2017.

For those who don’t yet know it, The Meadows is a quirky adult only campsite in South Cornwall, close to Mevagissey. We are dog friendly and campfire friendly too.

Lynn, John & Camp Dog Harvey – The Meadows

 

 

Two more sleeps until we open again.

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Comments Off on Two more sleeps until we open again.

IMG_7111Being the last in the valley to open our gates this season, it feels like a big build up for us, especially for those last few days.

It is a joy getting ready in the sunshine, with the grass all growing, the bluebells out and Camp Dog Harvey sunbathing on the deck.

This is just a short one really to let you know that we are ready for you all.  Good job too, as this weekend looks to be a busy one.  Our “proper camping” is just about full and we just have a few electric hook up pitches left for the weather watchers! 🙂

IMG_7114We open our gates at 12 noon on Thursday bang on the dot, bunting up or not. This is always the last job we do and it has become a bit of a ritual.  We are still doing practical jobs and I can see a big pile of stone for road repairs which is tomorrow’s first job. However, I have recently managed to sneak quite a few beautifying jobs in for John and I with painting bird boxes, and making curtains for signs (don’t ask).

 

This weekend – we have on offer for you

Saturday – in the evening from 5.30pm we have wood fired pizzas, courtesy of Kernow Forno.  I am using my Kernow Forno pizzasextensive powers of charm and persuasion to get one of our two pop up bars to attend and fingers crossed. Kernowforno were recently featured in The Times Newspaper no less in an article about the best pizzas in the UK!

Lazys picUpdate – Lazy’s Cider Bar will be in attendance on Saturday evening. That makes the winning combination of pizzas, cider & campfires.

Sunday – for bank holiday Sunday, there will be a breakfast trailer on the campsite.  This is the first visit and I understand it will all be local produce and very tasty indeed.

Firepits –  there is lots of wood at the ready, and some new fire pits as well as our existing ones.

All are the above I am sure will be very welcome to the Wild Swimming Camp here this weekend.  Good on you guys!

imageCamp Dog Harvey is all ready for his duties and indeed every time the office door is open he is straight in there.  Nothing like a keen worker.  Harvey took pick yesterday of his new bandana as we had a large delivery of homemade bandanas and bunting.  This year he has opted for the pirate theme, and so chief security by day, and pirate by night.

Bookings – everything is back to normal now follow our recent jolly.  You can book either by completing theIMG_6785 contact form, or giving us a call (landline number is best).  In case you do not know, we are an adult only and dog friendly campsite close to Mevagissey, South Cornwall.

Happy Camping and keep everything crossed for lots of sunshine.

Lynn

PS – you never know what you might spot here on the campsite.  This was a deer visiting the other day checking S7000480out our meadow.

 

An excellent, and different night out

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Comments Off on An excellent, and different night out

We are not “winos”, (honestly) but we do like wine, especially enjoyed with good food.

Being lucky enough to have family in NZ, we have visited lots of the NZ wineries and they make for the best S7000201lunches, and a very good experience.  One of our most memorable days was a day out cycling around the vineyards in Martinborough on the North Island sampling fantastic wine and food, until we could do no more!

We have had our eye on Knightor Winery for some time and heard great things about it, and it was also recently featured in Coast Magazine.

Feast Night happened to fall on Camp Daddy’s birthday (April fool) and so we booked tickets and off we went.  It was a feast of foraged food mixed in with local meat, fish and Knightor’s wine.  Drinks and lots of wonderful green dishes with homemade wild yeast bread on arrival and a glass of fizz!! Off to a great start.  We met local forager Rachel Lambert and lots of other very interesting people, who all like us enjoy trying different foods and wine.

The meal was absolute fantastic and as I like it from time to time a set menu to get you trying different things.  There were mussels, large clams, mackerel, rabbit, panacotta and lots of other delights. Each course included foraged items and I loved all of them from Alexander, Wild garlic – (my fave), Nettle, Three Corner leek and lots of others.  John and I offered up clean plates and dishes all round.  As it was John’s birthday, John enjoyed the different wines to go with every course.  What was really special was meeting very interesting people and just a generally very good experience.

Knightor Winery – gets The Meadow’s recommendation and we know our guests will enjoy the tours, platters and the pretty courtyard and barn where food is served.  It is open during the day and many evenings, and I understand they do a great Sunday roast.  The winery is close to The Eden Project, Clay Trails and on a National Cycle Route, so you could easily be just passing by.

News from Camp Dog Harvey –  I have been collecting pictures in my album as lots of you are kind enough toDSC_6723 send me snaps when making your bookings, and after your stay.  This picture is still my favourite but I am sure it is beatable.

whippets-tea-partyNow unfortunately I am not going to be able to attend due to a very busy weekend, but the Port Eliot Dog Festival  & Whippet Tea Party is being held on Saturday 7 May 2016.  This will be such great fun and so if you are in the area, or staying with us at that time.  For me, may be next year!

General Meadows News

Our gorgeous meadow when in flower

Neither John, or I can complain that we do not have variation to our work.  We have both been very busy getting all the jobs done.  The girls (our caravans) have got their covers off, and are having an airing. Mabel has been painted out, and Lottie is next. We have been out today to a few nurseries and have got quite a few new plants which will be going in very soon, and we have been mulching and composting, weeding and nurturing.  All the outside painting is complete and there was a lot this year, and the grass is now doing its thing. The wildflower meadow has been topped again, and this years pitches which is very exciting.

We have taken a few deliveries this week too, one of which was some new fire pits.  Well,  there is no chance of us running out of wood this year!

Bookings – we are so pleased with how many campers want to stay with us this year. IMG_7111 Whilst we are happy being on the smaller side, we are sorry that we cannot accommodate all requests.  We do still have some availability, but this may only be for those who can manage without electric I am afraid.  In this regard, we charge phones, freeze ice packs, and we have a complimentary salon style hairdryer in our shower block.  To make an enquiry please contact us here

For those who don’t already know, The Meadows Campsite, just for grown ups (and dogs), campfire friendly, and in walking distance of  Pentewan, Mevagissey, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

 

Walking & Camping go hand in hand…………

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Comments Off on Walking & Camping go hand in hand…………

WalkingDSC_6759

If you are going to be visiting this season, then you will have seen from our website and my  previous blog that you are not going to go hungry.

This means you need to “walk” up an appetite and, how nice is it to combine foodie camping with walking.

Top tip

DSC_6544Prior to your trip have a look at a fantastic website for walking in Cornwall which we use a lot – iwalkcornwall.co.uk.  There are lots of very local circular walks around Pentewan, Mevagissey, and Charlestown, which can be walked straight from the campsite gates and without getting in the car.  There are also walks if you are staying longer and venturing further afield.

For keen walkers it is worthwhile getting the app and then for a very modest fee (worth it not to get lost)  you can download individual walks to your phone.

It is also worth looking at our own cycling & walking page for our walking highlights, of which there are so many. The location of The Meadows Campsite, (adults only & dog friendly) on the local bus route, and close to Mevagissey for the Fowey Ferry, means there are so many options to leave the car behind.

Harvey’ walking view image1

All you camping dog owners have got to agree that there is nothing better than a tired out pooch back at camp! Also most walks around here can include a dog friendly pub!

Just a short one for now as I need to work off all those Easter Eggs.

Lynn x

 

 

There’s camping, and there’s camping at The Meadows, Campsite

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Comments Off on There’s camping, and there’s camping at The Meadows, Campsite

IMG_7114Changing to “just for adults”, of course we expected a bit of banter, and it’s all been taken in good humour.  Indeed only this morning, we had a call from a gentleman who said he was ringing us as the adults only campsite he rang first asked if was ok with removing all of his clothes after checking in.  The poor man was horrified as he was only looking for a campsite, for a base for him and his dog to go out walking the SWCP.

Just so we are all singing of the same hymn sheet, here at The Meadows, it is clothes on, although in this heat just the basics are fine.  There is also no naked badminton, or ball games of any kind, and we have updated our camping etiquette accordingly.  Any more questions please, as I am extremely intrigued, and I have to say as a farmer’s daughter who grew up in the country quite naive even at the age of 44!!!  However, 15 months down the line, we feel we have learnt a lot about life on a campsite and it is all great fun.

Oneliners –  The Meadows team have a great sense of humour (good job), and so it seems have a lot of our guests. Just to share a few with you of our favourites IMG_6976– no naming names :-

1. “that’s it then now for you guys, from now until the end of the season, you just cut the grass and collect the money!”

2. “what do you (Lynn) do then after breakfast service, go to your proper job”.

3. “We would love to run to a campsite – I could carry on working as normal, and my wife could just mow the lawns…………….”

4. “I bet these shower blocks are more or less self cleaning” – note -what like the cleaning fairy!!!

5. “What did you both do before semi retirement”.

Supporting local small business

Holidays are extremely important and we want to give our guests the best experience possible.   We have been taken by surprise as to the work involved, especially on the has to be done administration side.  This has meant that our ideas for chef John/Camp Daddy and me Camp Waitress and GD have been put on hold for the time being.

However, we are very lucky to have some fabulous and talented locals who are happy to come add to our guests experiences, and so far these are a very big hit. Firstly, we have the regular Tuesday night pop up wood fired pizza night between 5-8pm.  This is going down extremely well with our campers, many of whom are real foodies and so the locally sourced produce for the toppings is a real treat. The pizzas are cooked freshly to order on the wood fired oven and many guests enjoy theirs on the deck.

To accompany the pizzas, when the sun is shining, and we he can we have Mojito Steve serving up cocktails out of Sams Van.  The first night was the perfect night for it, clear blue sky and a lovely chilled atmosphere on our deck.  Even Camp Mummy and Camp Daddy enjoyed a few gorgeous Mojitos.  Mojito Steve will be making impromptu cocktail visits throughout the season on fine evenings.

 

We also have regular visits especially at the weekend by Thirstea Company serving up tea, coffee and cakes out of Earl the Citreon H Van.  Seth and Jodi also do cream teas on the go. Being sited just inside our entrance holidaymakers and locals enjoying the trail are also welcome to pop in for a cuppa and cake.

 

Other Meadows News

Well this season has got off to a great start with so much hot and sunny weather.   Our campers have been enjoying the fine beaches around, and Gorran Haven, Hemmick, and Caerhays have been the particular favourites .  Swimming in the sea in June is a real treat.  It has also been so much warmer in the evenings, and there has been lots of bbqs and fire pits being enjoyed, and so lovely smells wafting over to the office.

Mevagissey Feast Week starts at the weekend, and that will be a real bonus for those campers coming in.  All the decorations are up ready, and there is a full programme of events.

As our new stock of handmade bunting, made by the “Bunting Boys” has arrived, we have seen some extremely well dressed tents, and all buntings are different. The Meadow field, and the secluded meadows pitches are still full of flower, and the meadow has been very popular during this very warm spell, in particular the soft meadow grass for siestas.

New pitches  – our new stream side “proper camping” pitches are now in use and the camper vans and tenters are loving these.  These pitches are for campers who like to pitch next to their car as opposed to opting for the wilder camping experience down in the meadow field.

Our new proper camping wing, also opens tomorrow, and we have a group of 10 in to christen the wing.

Bookings – We cannot believe how popular we are!  Some of it has to be down to the fantastic reviews that our guests have been very kind to give of The Meadows.  We are just so pleased that everyone is enjoying their stay with us.  Unfortunately, as a small natural site, we do have a limit on numbers, and we tend to go on the conservative side for advance bookings, as the weather is of course unpredictable and out of our control.  This means for you that we are now only taking booking for last minute stays, (i.e a couple of days before), or those who just like to turn up on foot, or not. You would be extremely lucky with hook up if we can accommodate you now, for anything other than a couple/frew days in between bookings.

News from Camp Dog HarveyDSC_6686

Loving the hot weather, and most of my day is spent under the tree keeping watch on my girls.  I have been very lucky to go out in an evening to Gorran Haven, which is quiet at night, and so good for a bit of skinny dipping.

Kingswood Bar & Restaurant – Just to let you know that dogs are welcome here when the weather is good for al fresco dining on the deck at the rear.  The bbq is lovely on a Sunday evening  On the very plus side, the walk to Kingswood is along the trail by the River and so nobody needs to drive either – happy owners, make happy dogs. This one is on the dog friendly list of places to go.

 

 

 

Going where the sun is shining

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Comments Off on Going where the sun is shining

Well March is here, and everything crossed that this is the turning point for the weather.  The weather is certainly a lot quieter, and there is a lot of lovely warmth in the sun when it is shining.

IMG_7106We are very well placed here at The Meadows Campsite, Pentewan for getting out and about, and no part of Cornwall is very far away.  As we have had less than our fair share of sunshine recently, we like to ensure that on the occasions the sun is just with the North Coast, that we go in search of it and enjoy.

It is a half an hour drive over to the north coast, and of course the contrasting coastline is lovely to see any way.  Camp Dog Harvey and I thought we would go and check out a particular area for our guests good for a day trip. It is always good to have someone do the research for you.

First stop – Crantock Beach.  Camp Dog’s favourite beach in Norfolk was Holkham, and this beach did remind us of so much of the Holkham dunes.  Crantock Crantock Beach 2itself is a beautiful village, with lots of lovely little cottages, and a cafe, 2 pubs and a shop.  For the beach there is a large NT car park right next to the beach itself.  The beach is dog friendly, large, so great for a good run around, and absolutely gorgeous.  Joining the SWCP there are then some lovely walks, and we set off in the direction of Holywell Bay, and the other direction would take in the River Gannel Estuary.

This walk was fantastic with lots of little diversions on the way, depending how close to the edge you like to get.  It started over a grassy common area, with views over Crantock and passing by a nice bar and bistro which getting the timing right would make a good place for a stop off.  On this occasion, we had taken our flask with us.

In the summer, there looks to be a super cafe accessed by a foot ferry. Check out www.fernpit.co.uk

polly jolly beachEn route we came across the most fantastic beach, and I have to say on a par with Caerhays and Hemmick.  It is a much smaller beach than Crantock, dog friendly again, golden sands, rocks and caves. It was very quiet indeed, and Camp Dog had warmed up enough to appreciate a dip in the sea.  We then sat on the hill at the top of the path out, and enjoyed coffee and chocolate biscuits (me) and water and boneo (CD).  There is also a pub along the way, so more than one option for a stop off.

Holywell Bay was also very nice, and there is a pub, and also a car park next to the beach so the walk could be done the other way around, as Crantock is better for lunch (in my opinion).  This walk is 3.5 miles, so a nice length.  Returning, with the diversions on the path, you can make it a different walk, and as soon as we could, we dropped down on to Cranctock Beach, and so walked the last mile on the beach.

Marks for the walk – 10 out of 10 from both CD & I.  Also CD had a bath in the sea, and then straight in the car, so no proper bath required.

Second Stop – Perranporth – lots of our guests last season talked about Perranporth.  It came highly recommended as a sandy dog friendly beach with a dogperranporth beach friendly pub right on the beach (The Watering Hole).  We did not think that much to Perranporth itself, not for any particular reason, but yes the beach is good.  The pub has lots of tables outside with great views, and so I enjoyed a proper coffee after our lovely walk on the beach, and took in those views.  Yes, I can see why this beach is popular and worth a ride out to.

photo - st agnesThird stop – St Agnes. This is now a bit further down and towards Truro.  Lovely large picturesque village, and the best of both.  Very nice little shops, choice of eateries, galleries, and also a lovely beach, (one of 4) with a pub, fish and chip shop and great walking.  We did not spend long enough here, and indeed thought it a place that warranted a full day for a good explore.  However, we did head off on the St Agnes Beacon Scenic drive, before our last stop which was

Fourth and final Stop – Chapel Porth – as members of the NT Love my Outdoors, I had seen this in the guide book, and as we were photo - chapel porthso near thought I would drive down.  It is a very steep narrow drive down (not my favourite), but there is a lovely  cove, and a very nice cafe.  There was a stream running through, and this looked to be a good place for walking that part of the SWCP, which lots were doing.  Again, another place to return to, as on googling Chapel Porth on my return, it looks for scenic walking, and this is now a walk on my list www.southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/201

All in all a great day out, and CD snored loudly all the way back to camp, in the back of the Landy

Other Meadows News

The land drainage work is now complete on site for which we breathed a huge sigh of relief.  The weather was very unkind for work of this type, but now onwards and upwards.  The pitches are all now getting ready for guests, and we are “beautifying” the campsite. We still have lots to do, and one job I keep trying to get to the top of the list if Mabel Caravan’s garden.  Mabel is having a pitch by the stream. For the gorgeous summer on order, there is to be al fresco dining, and lots of sitting in the sunshine.

Plants and the like are now starting to grow.  Primroses are on their way on our pretty stream bank, and the yellow flag irises are starting to sprout too in the meadow and wooded area.

As there is still lots to do, we always do a list at the start of the week to keep us all focused and working hard.

Kernow Forno pizzasSTILL HOT NEWS – new for 2014 – Kernowforno will be visiting weekly through the season cooking delicious wood fired pizzas for our guests. We are indeed very excited about this, as you can never eat too many homemade pizzas.

IMG_0955

It’s a camp dog’s life

News from Camp Dog Harvey – a little q & a,  to give you a little more insight in to my world

Q – My favourite sleeping spot –  A – On the back of the settee

Q – My favourite treat –  A  -prawn crackers

Q – My favourite walk –  A – a round walk on the Pentewan Valley Trail to Mevagissey, and back on the SWCP.

Q -My favourite beach A – Hemmick Beach, closely followed by Crantock Beach just discovered.

Q My favourite pub – A The Polgooth Inn, very closely followed by the Roseland Inn

Q – My favourite haircut – A – short school boy style, and definitely not the woolly sheep look.

IMG_7102Bookings – we remain extremely surprised, and very pleased at the popularity of our change to “just for adults”.  Indeed, my next job is to mark up some weeks where we now have limited availability for hook up pitches.  If you are wanting to holiday with us here at The Meadows, especially in July and August, then please confirm your booking as early as possible so as not to be disappointed. You can book here, or by telephone – 01726 844383.

 

Let’s not talk about the weather!

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Comments Off on Let’s not talk about the weather!
IMG_6785

We will be soon!

We are very busy looking forward to the start of season, and we remain extremely confident that both the campsite, and the owners will be sparkling by then. There is still lots to do on site, but our plan is all coming together, and everything is taking shape.

The team (that’s me Lynn, John and Camp Dog Harvey) are really looking forward to sharing some of our new discoveries with our guests – old and new.

What’s New – well, that’s new to us

Lanhydrock pool

Lanhydrock outdoor pool

Gardens – On a lovely sunny Sunday morning we headed off to Lanhydrock Estate as this is somewhere we have been longing to visit.  The formal gardens, and house were not open, however we actually really enjoyed a good long walk around the fabulous extensive estate grounds.  There were so many walks to choose from and we took ones off the main estate road walks and did not see another person.  In the summer, there would have been nothing better than a dip in the outdoor pool.  We were of course able to view the house itself and gardens from outside the gates, which look magnificent and definitely something to look forward to for a return visit.

tip view

The view from our tip

Harvey’s new walk – Camp Dog has been feeling during the recent storms, that his little world has gotten a bit small as lovely as the Pentewan Valley Trail is.  As this winter we have been getting rid of lots recycling that we cannot up cycle, I managed to find a lovely walk to enjoy on the way back from my frequent tip run. Before the walk, I must just share with you the view from our local tip.

Charlestown lookout station

Charlestown Lookout Station

For this walk, or the alternative of just a good sandy beach walk we park up in the Carlyon Bay free beach car park. We have done the long beach walk returning on the coast path a few times now.  On one stormy day when we parked up the steps down to the beach were closed as the sea conditions were considered to be too dangerous to the public.  Of course, we did not want to get back in the car, so we headed off on the SWCP in the direction of Charlestown.  This turned out to be a fabulous alternative walk starting off through grass fields with fab views all the way, and passing at the back of the very exclusive Carylon Bay Hotel and some super smart house in Carlyon Bay and the Charlestown Coastguard Watch.  We walked all the way to Charlestown, had a meander around Charlestown, and then wandered back as the view walking in the other direction are of course different.  A very nice walk, indeed and Camp Dog Harvey’s tail was wagging all the way to Charlestown and back.

Eating out – Second visit recently, and just as good The Roseland Inn at Philleigh (en route to St Mawes/King Harry Ferry).  This Inn is really something special, and very friendly to both humans, and dogs.  Fish is their speciality and their crab and pea risotto was excellent, and their home made chips are also very delicious.

Happenings on site

Trout – Since the de-silting of our stream large trout have been spotted.  The ducks are also more frequent visitors and so we may still get a resident duck in the duck house.  There has also been many sightings of the kingfisher doing a spot of fishing.

2013 - the meadows no2-001

Our top notch shower block

Shower Block – this has all been painted out.  The rather small basins in the wet room cubicles have been replaced with some better bigger ones.  There are also some extra shelves going up inside for make up/hair stations, and an extra dishwashing sink going in outside.

Planting – so far we have planted a nice row of holly “down field” to add to the existing row of boundary trees, and other plants.  We are waiting on the delivery to Heligan of their first stock of giant rhubarb (gunnera) which we will be planting next.  Also we de-brambled one area “down field” which is to be left somewhat to mother nature.  For this area we are going to be planting meadow grass, and meadow flowers  in particular for encouraging wildlife.  The RSPB have also sent us some very interesting ideas for planting up our ditches to both be more attractive, and to encourage wildlife.

Prior to getting some tlc

Groundwork – Please feel free to skip this section, but I do know lots of our guests who stayed last season were very interested in the next phase of our work. The campsite road originally stopped at the shower block and then it was grass, with grass protecta for the remanding access section.  The road has now been extended and forks off left and right with a small turning area.  The top coat still has to go on but this will be done just before opening, so that we have a nice clean road for our guests.  To demonstrate road ending, and the non vehicle/wild camping area, we are parking our up cycled plough and hay turner at the road ends.  These make lovely features, and will also stop any enthusiastic drivers driving in to the ditches!!

The Meadows is a natural site, but we want to ensure that when it does rain, the rain leaves the site as quickly as possible after we have been watered.  This work has been our main winter work, of which the ditches are a part, the de-silting another part, and land drainage pipes another.  The ditches and de-silting are all done, the Council have cleared all the adjoining ditches leading to the river then the sea, and so water fires off the site.  The land drainage pipes are all in now running alongside the road, and a lot of the spars off for individual pitches are done too.  During the next couple of weeks, this work should be finished and you can be that will be when the indefinite drought starts.

Lots more “grass protecta” is on order, as this works really well for protection of our grass, and in adverse weather. This will mean all our hook up pitches (including our new ones) will be served by grass protecta, and our camping pitches will also have parking areas with grass protecta.

The site will always have natural lumps and bumps, but some of our excess soil this winter, has been used to fill in any big dips, and to build up the stream bank.  One of the top stream side pitches is also being given up for Mabel our vintage caravan.  We will be getting on with Mabel’s garden very soon, as both caravans are been booked for a photo shoot at Easter.

Food, glorious, food – It is without any doubt that John’s breakfast baguettes will be on offer again this season.  It is also expected that the Blue Vintage Crepe Van will also be visiting at least one a week during busy times, and at least one regular night a week in high season.  New for this season is to be wood fired pizzas courtesy of Kernowforno.  At present we are still working out the detail, but Sarah and Simon should be cooking up pizzas here one regular night a week, which we feel looking at their menu is very exciting news indeed

Weather – I managed to get nearly to the end without doing so, but this has to get a mention.

Apparently, according to the experts there may be a very big up side to the winter wet and stormy weather.  It seems that the positioning of the jet streams means that a very hot summer is set to follow this wet and windy winter.  We will very happily take that, and so please do save all of those umbrellas purchased to keep you dry, as you will be needing them when that sun just get too hot to handle.

IMG_7106Bookings – Just for adults, is a lot more popular than we anticipated.  Whilst we have availability still for all weeks, some weeks hook up pitches are getting limited already.  We hope to see lots of new faces, but we do not want to disappoint the guests of our first season who want to return and see the changes we have made. If you know when you want to visit, please contact us here to book, or telephone 01726 844383.

Mabel – we are still without in situ pictures for Mabel Caravan, but Mabel’s set up will be on a par with Lottie Caravan, and we are now taking bookings from May. IMG_7114As we now have two caravans, there is flexibility on changeover days, and lengths of stay so please just ask and we will always try to accommodate you.

“whatever the weather you can cosy up and feel cosy in one of our caravans.”

 

 

It’s strictly all go at The Meadows

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Comments Off on It’s strictly all go at The Meadows

I find it hard to believe that nearly a month has passed since my last blog.

Newest team member “Digger”

We have been making the most of the dry weather, and really getting stuck in on site.  The newest member of the team “Digger” has been working so hard, and does not mind at all getting right in there, and very dirty.

At the moment, we are very much in the middle of everything, and so it is the “during” stage.  Progress in all areas has very obviously been made, and the site looks for one so much bigger.

Many of my days have been spent following behind the digger getting out any remaining brambles, and many evenings spent in front of the log burner picking out brambles thorns!!

De-silting of the stream has taken place, which was not John’s favourite job, so he was pleased to reach the end. This has not been done for years and years, and so a lot  was extracted.  Luckily a lot of it was just the old bank, and so good soil.  It has been drying out nicely, and now has lots of worms.  It is being used to build the bank back up, and I have been breaking up the soil and raking it.  That whole area is getting ready for being rotavated, and seeded after Christmas.  The bank is going to get a lot more light after the very overdue haircut of the trees on the other side of the bank.  It is so lovely to see all of the stream, as before it was hidden by a mass of brambles.  This is our new pitching area, with gorgeous hill views.

On the other side (shower block) afternoon, and evening sun side, we have continued where we left off last year.  Brambles out, and historic big humps in the meadow are no more.  The trees have been cut and coppiced, and new shrubs are being planted to replace those that have gone to plant heaven.

John is at this very moment digging a trench there, for the cable for our four new hook up pitches.  James and Charles our excellent electricians are here today and this is their last job.  We have fans in the shower block now too.

There is still lots to do, and this week we have spent quite a bit of time in our little wood attending to the neglected trees and generally clearing so “Digger” can get in for ditching work. December is going to be busy, as that is when our new road, or road extension goes in and the wildlife pond dug out, and ditching work done.  This means that there will be lots of soil coming out which will be used on our wings for levelling.

We are certainly keeping fit, with lots of physical work, and in the fresh air, but we are both really enjoying seeing the changes.The valley setting is such a lovely one, and looking back over the site from the wood towards the Polgooth hills makes anyone smile.

Of course, we are both very keen to get stuck in to painting, and expressing our personalities out there, but that has to wait for now!!  At least we get plenty of thinking time, for when we get back to the more finer detail.   The hay maker, and plough are still waiting for attention too, but there is still lots of time.

We always find time in our week to get out there walking, and exploring.  There are so many places to see, and we already have our favourite walks, which we like to do as well as new ones.image

Here is a snapshot of what we have been up to.

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St Ives

CD Harvey has recently had poorly paws, so one Sunday, we did a bit of a driving tour.  We drove to St Ives, and had a meander round this magical place, and a stroll on one of the lovely beaches.  After crab sandwiches and chips at The Sloop Inn right on the front, we drove down nearly as far as Lands End, but not quite, getting as far as St Just. We stopped off on our return at Mousehole, which John had visited last about 20 years ago.  The Christmas lights were being put up, and we could only imagine how fantastic they would look as they really go to town, but in a very tasteful way.

The drive back was via Portleven, and Helston, and then skirting around Falmouth.  It was a very enjoyable day, and we saw lots of places that we shall be returning to as Camp Dog’s paws are now on the mend, and he is raring to go.

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SWCP walk – great for dog friendly beaches

We did this walk and gave it a Len’s 10, and it was truly FAB U LOUS! The views over Caerhays were amazing from the first hill we climbed, but I forgot both the camera and my phone :(, so no pics, but a good reason to return.  This walk is highly recommended, but you would need either a pack up, or one of John’s breakfast baguettes to keep you going until you return as Caerhays beach cafe is open in season. Two dog friendly beaches on this walk, Caerhays, and also the gorgeous Hemmick Beach.

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Mevagissey Harbour

The Mevagissey, Heligan, Pentewan Sands circular walk has been enjoyed a few times recently and we love it every time.  Camp Dog loves pheasant time, but it is all in the chase with him, so no pheasant casserole for us as yet.

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Postbox at The Pandora Inn

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A boat along the way

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The Pandora Inn

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A view along the way

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Some houses only accessible by car at low tide

Venturing slightly further afield, and more than worth it we went off to Mylor Bridge, this side of Falmouth.  This is a walk enjoying the Carrick Roads, along the edge of the creeks.  A fairly flat walk, passing lots of lovely boats, and houses, with amazing views.  The place to stop for lunch is The Pandora Inn, which I spotted in Alistair Sawday’s excellent pub guide.  It is right on the water’s edge with a platoon over the water for al fresco dining, serving scrumptious food, fantastic views, and two log fires.  This walk was amazing, and got another Len’s 10.  Flushing is on our “must see” list, but although it was very close by, we are saving that for another time.

Camp Dog Harvey had his first ride on the King Harry Ferry, and on the other side, we had a very nice walk indeed at Trelissick Gardens.  We saved the formal gardens for another time, and enjoyed the woodland walk which was about 5 miles of lovely woodland walking, with great views.  The estate is extremely well looked after, and for a mid week day, it was very busy and it was warm enough to sit outside and enjoy our coffee and cake at the end of the walk.  Another highly recommended place, and my parents found the gardens to be fabulous when they visited in September.

Other Meadows News

Our website updates are still in hand, and we hope will be live shortly.  If you have not already heard then as from 2014 The Meadows is to be an adults only campsite, oh and those on four legs too. Sorry once again to all the kids out there.

Superfast broadband has reached this part of Cornwall.  We will have this up and running for our wifi zone by next season.

The wood pile grows daily from all the tree work being done, and so we are looking forward to seeing some super campfires burning in 2014.

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Camp Dog having a paddle

News from Camp Dog Harvey

Unfortunately, I have been on “light duties” for a lot of November, due to poorly paws.  I have spent quite a lot of my time on the back of the settee keeping watch out of the window to make sure no one is slacking! My paws are now much better, and so I expect to be back on to normal duties next week.  This weekend, we are all off to Padstow Christmas food fair, and no doubt I will be sharing the boot with lots of food treats on my return.

I can agree with all of the above comments on the walks and pubs from a dog friendly point of view.  The Pandora Inn at Restronguet was my favourite pub, and the Caerhays walk my favourite walk as the pheasants were in abundance around there.

Bookings

Although our website, is on catch up, we are now taking bookings for next season.  You can either telephone, or contact us here to make a booking. The Meadows is ideal for visiting the gardens of Eden and Heligan.  We are also in a great position for walking this section of the SWCP, and exploring the area on your bicycle as we are right on the coast to clay trail.

We look forward to seeing as many grown ups as possible for our second season at The Meadows Campsite in the Pentewan Valley.

This may very well be my last blog of 2013, so a very merry Christmas, and a happy new year to you all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Busy bees – work & play time at The Meadows

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Comments Off on Busy bees – work & play time at The Meadows

Well the campsite gates are closed, and the bunting has been taken down and washed and ironed 😉 ready for next year. Lotttie and Mabel Caravans have been dressed up for photos, and now dressed down for winter, and our small  campsite seems very quiet indeed.image

To mark closing and surviving our first season I was treated to a new outfit – a green Boilersuit! It takes me back to when I was about 10 and my mum and dad bought me a Massey Fergi Boilersuit for Christmas. The new one has had lots of use already as we have been working very hard “down field”. It is now possible to see all the way down stream to our small wooded area. The view from what will be our new stream side pitches, is gorgeous over the hills with the sheep and cows grazing. The view is worth every one of the extra few paces to the showerblock in my opinion. We are certainly loving taking in the views working “down field”.

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Not quite an “amazing space” 

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For making hay when the sun shines

Before the “big storm” lots of the trees over the stream had already received a drastic haircut. The mass of brambles have also been attacked with some vigour, which is what they needed. Unsurprisingly, our finds have included a haymaker, 15 old aliminum windows, 2 old trailers, and an “amazing spaces” horse box.  These are in addition to our other recent finds, and our dumper truck has made life easier getting our finds up  field.

The wood we have taken down, has been logged, and is now seasoning, for all next years campfires so we have wood a plenty. Our wood piles are huge, and there is no danger of us running out.

We have almost finished the clearing stage of the work, and the bank area is to be raised from what we take out when extending the road, and creating our wildlife pond.

Our next task which we start on Monday is to de-silt the stream, and we have already made our sandbags. We expect it is years since it has been done, and another task that is new to us, and for which our digger will make easier. Once done the stream will have a much better flow, the water table on site should be lowered and it will look a much nicer feature. For 2014 we will have some new perches for guests to sit by the stream, made by Camp Daddy out of some of our biggest logs.

News from Camp Dog HarveyHarvey's day off

Boot-camp is well under way, and is great fun. We have been checking out lots of new dog friendly walks, beaches, and a few dog friendly pubs along the way.

The new SWCP walking book is getting lots of use, although the walks are never followed to the letter, and usually involve an extension or two.

What is amazing is how many fabulous walks there are so close to my home at The Meadows Campsite and which I can share with my guests. The beaches round here are all so lovely, and at the moment, Caerhays is my current joint favourite with Hemmick Beach.

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Mevagissey harbour in November

My favourite walk from Camp Gates is the Mevagissey circular walk, especially on a Sunday morning.  The walk there is on the Pentewan Trail skirting the edge of Heligan, stopping off at a nice little cafe in Mevagissey for coffee. There is usually a couple of old boys in there who enjoy a gossip! As the “pooch ban” is off now for Pentewan Sands, we return on the coast path, scrambling down to the cove that joins up with Pentewan Sands and finish the last section with a stroll on the beach, and a bath in the sea. We all like this walk, and I am off my lead for almost all of it, and the scenery and sniffs are just fab.

I was sent out on a mission to check out a few beaches close to Camp, and how good they are for those on four legs.  We all like Duporth, and we parked in Charlestown and had a very lovely walk to both Duporth and Porthpean along the coastal path.  The two beaches are very similar, and both very lovely indeed. The walk and views are lovely too, looking out to the Gribbin Head daymarker and around St Austell Bay.

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Carylon Bay from its best side

Carlyon Bay, is a little bit odd.  It could be fantastic, and if you look ahead out to sea and ignore the unfinished work it is.  This is a great big beach, so great for a fun.  Parking is also free, but there are a few steps to climb down.  We walked the whole length, scrambled up at the end and walked back on the coast path dodging golf balls along the way.

One afternoon, we knocked off early, and took a lovely walk from the gorgeous Gorran Haven, along the SWCP to Vault Beach.  I like this beach, and there were lots of sniffs, feathers, and best of all we had the beach to ourselves.  There are lots of lovely walks to be done taking in this beach, and also my favourite Hemmick Beach.

Note to my four legged guests – Carlyon Bay, Duporth & Vault Beach are all year roundpaw

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St Just in Roseland Church

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Gorgeous Towan Beach

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St Mawes

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St Just in Roseland

Just a little bay along the way

In view of our busy time ahead, we took this weekend off to recharge our batteries.  We have enjoyed two long, but fabulous walks around the St Mawes area.  We visited Towan Beach, Porthscatho, Gerrans Bay, St Mawes itself, St Just in Roseland and Froe Creek.  Here are just a few little pictures of our days out.  St Mawes is gorgeous, The Royal Standard at Gerrans Bay made a lovely lunch stop, and the whole area which is really very close to Camp is fantastic.

My girls (our chucks) are laying very well indeed at the moment so must be happy hens.  Its a good job we all like eggs, in one form or another and my favourite is softly boiled on top of a bit of Bakers.  Keep up the good work girls.

Other Meadows news

The parts of the website, best left to the experts are currently being updated to reflect our 2014 changes.  If this is not complete by the time you read this, then it will be so in the next few days.  We are amazed how much thinking ahead everyone is doing, though the 2013 heatwave has no doubt helped everyone is doing for 2014.  Great though to have a camping or caravanning trip already planned for 2014 to look forward to.

Mabel Caravan – has been treated to some gorgeous bits and bobs ready for her 2014 guests.  Being on the classy side, I treated her to some gorgeous pearl fairy lights.  I have also made some nice liners for her cupboards, and lots of other bits and bobs.  One sunny day, I set up the table and took some pics for the website.  Mabel Caravan’s garden will get completed in early Spring.

Mabel and Lottie Caravan are both lovely for a special stay away as rather “quirky accommodation”.  If you want to book a stay in one of our vintage caravans, then please contact us by telephone or email.

Bookings – if you want to book in early at The Meadows Campsite, Pentewan, and have a holiday to look forward to, we of course are happy to book you in.  Please either contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383 to make your booking.  We are a small quirky campsite, close to Mevagissey, and great for Heligan Gardens and Eden.  We are also dog friendly, a park for adults only, and cater for campervans, caravans, tents (all shapes and sizes), and motorhomes. The Meadows is ideal for a walking, or cycling holiday in South Cornwall.

 

 

Lottie Caravan is getting a sister…………….

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Comments Off on Lottie Caravan is getting a sister…………….

LottieLottie, our gorgeous vintage caravan has been so popular this summer.  We have been saying Lottie Caravan was on the lookout for a sister, and we have now found her one.  No pictures available just yet, but watch this space……. Lottie and her sister will both be available to rent for vintage caravan holidays in 2014. Lottie can still be rented this season for a cosy autumn stay, as she comes with a heater.  Her beach hut lights also now look lovely with the nights starting to draw in.

The Meadows Team were very quick to christen our new caravan, and she is called “Mabel”.  At the moment Mabel is still in Leicestershire, gettingIMG_7013 ready for her journey down to Cornwall to meet her sister Lottie.  Mabel is another Castleton Vintage Caravan, but a different model to Lottie, and has her own personality. Castleton Caravans are quality caravans, (the Rolls Royce of their time) and it is unfortunate that their members’ club closed down in August this year. We had hoped for a members trip to The Meadows, and a line up of different Castleton Caravans. Mabel is going to be sited next to the stream, looking down the meadow field, and is a good sized two berth caravan.  My head is full of ideas, for making Mabel beautiful and fun, and so I cannot wait for her to arrive on site, so that I can get stuck in. This is one of many autumn/winter projects for The Team, and Camp Daddy will be in charge of Mabel’s outdoor space.

We have had some very hardy campers staying with us this week, who have managed to smile through the rather poor weather.  Those who picked this IMG_7085week, have been very unlucky, but they have still had a good time. Our campers still got out and about in their wet weather gear and wellies, enjoying the local walks, and escaping the rain in the many fine pubs, that we are lucky to be near to.  The lucky campers are going to be those joining us this weekend, as next week looks to be lovely and warm, with quite a lot of sunshine.  That will make next week a fabulous week for long walks, pub lunches, and back to camp for a cosy evening in your caravan, campervan, or tent. Looks like great evenings next week for sitting out with a firepit, toasting marshmellows :).

We have hook up pitches available next week, and “proper camping” pitches for the hardy autumn campers out there.  Hardy campers, can visit at least knowing that they have fab hot and powerful showers to warm them up.  Lottie Caravan is also available Friday, to Friday for either a weekly or short break stay.  Lottie has a lovely view right down the meadow field so great for watching camp life, and it looks like deckchairs on the beach weather so they are all there ready to go.

IMG_6785So for all those lucky folk out there, who have either picked this coming week to take their holiday, or those who can just pack up and go we would love to see you.  You can book in advance, or just turn up and choose your spot on arrival. Contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383. Check out my last blog, to see all the events still happening in the area, for those  days off from walking & cycling!

News from Camp Dog Harvey

The ratio of females to males in this Meadows Team is rather worrying!! I now understand we have Mabel arriving on site shortly.  I shall be checking Mabel out, as soon as she arrives on site.  Camp Daddy and I have our own ideas to balance up the numbers.

 

I have had a school boy hair cut recently, and so am looking very smart.  My shorter hairstyle also shows off my neckerchief to a treat.  Unfortunately (for me) the “its all hair” not longer works, so it has to be muscle from all the hard summer work.

The best news of all is that in return for all of my hard work over the season, and ready for “down time” my wish for a log burner for my lazy winter Fat dog slim evenings has been granted.  I do not have any difficulty with communicating that I want the burner lighting, as I had lots of practice in my old home.  There is also no doubt in the house, about who has pole position when the burner is lit.  All my hard work over the summer has been worth it just for that!!!

The deer have been spotted on site again recently, and the owl continue to hoot and toot loudly at night.

Polgooth InnI enjoyed my first night out since Camp Gates opened this month.  The choice as to where to go was mine, and I opted for The Polgooth Inn.  Being seated under, not around the table the carpet is comfy, I get treats, and my owners are very happy as the food is so good.  The Polgooth is very dog friendly, and just as humans like people watching, the Polgooth is good for a bit of dog watching.

 

We hope to see you soon, and before the end of our season if you can make it. If you have not been before, The Meadows is a small dog friendly campsite in Cornwall, on IMG_7102the edge of Pentewan, and close to Mevagissey. We are ideally placed for walking as there are lots of walks on the doorstep including a walk up to Heligan Gardens on the Pentewan Valley Trail.  We are also close to Charlestown, Fowey and the famous Eden Project.  The site directly adjoins the Pentewan Valley Trail, which forms part of National Cycle Route 3, and also links up for walkers to the SW Coast Path. We also have bus stops either side of the road, and so this makes holidaying in a motor home much easier.