Things are livening up in the Pentewan Valley

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Comments Off on Things are livening up in the Pentewan Valley

A secluded and sunny pitch

Well summer has now been well and truly upon us for some weeks now.  I am beginning to think there may be something in my very old school friends calling me “Mrs Jam”.  We could not have wished for better weather for our first season, and it seems very well set in.  We have noticed lots of umbrellas on site, but this time it just for shade.  The dogs on site are loving the stream, and their owners are loving the pitches with some lovely shade from the trees next to the stream.

Maisy the tipee tent

Lots of campers have booked to stay with us this summer, and apologies to all those we have not been able to accommodate.  Being a fairly small site, our numbers are limited.  Please do try us may be for an Indian summer break later in the season when things are quieter. If you are a “pc” – proper camper, then it is always worth giving us a call if you want a short camping stay in the summer holidays.  If you are “on tour” and just want hook up for an odd night, again do try but for anything longer

Regular Events for the Summer 

Blue Vintagr

Blue Vintage

1. Here at The Meadows Campsite close to Mevagissey, and Pentewan, we are very lucky to have are regular visitor booked in for the season, cooking up a treat.  Blue Vintage run by the lovely Gill will be visiting us here at The Meadows, every Thursday tea time (5pm ish).  Gill has a gorgeous blue vintage van, out of which she cooks up fresh pancakes with sweet and savoury fillings. Other snacks and cool drinks will also be served.  Gill will park up next to the deck so guests can enjoy the delights on the deck.

Thursday will be Gill’s regular day, but Gill and her van will also pop in over the weekend also, around the time campers are returning from the beach.

Go ducks go,

2. Duck Race – The Friday night duck race in the Pentewan Valley has already started.  The race is a charity even organised and run by the Lions Club of St Austell.  On a Monday tea time the club visit The Meadows, selling “Ducks” for a £1.  The Duck Race is every Friday, and the starting point is the stone bridge on the White River at Kings Wood. The first week around 600 ducks were released in to the water. Camp Dog Harvey and I went to watch to see our ducks race.  Camp Dog Harvey wanted to get in the water and help his duck along a little, but I had to explain that would be breaking the race rules!!  All very good fun I have to say, and very well supported.  Thank you to the Lions Club as I am sure the race takes a lot of organising.

3. Heligan Gardens – News and Events. You can rely on Heligan to make a real effort for the season to put lots of events on.  There is to be quite a few outdoor theatre events this season, which I am sure will be very popular indeed.  Have a look at Heligan’s News & Events and see if there is anything to take your fancy.

 

 

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John finding out about the catch of the day for the BBQ

4. Fishing with a Celebrity Fisherman as seen on TV – Chris from Aquila has been to see us and we are sure many guests will be going out on trips this summer. Unfortunately, we cannot try this one out ourselves first, so we intend sending out very keen fishermen from New Zealand who are staying with us next week.  The Meadows Team hope that our guests have super catches, much more than they can eat themselves, and they might be looking to offload some of their catch!!

Other Meadows News

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Henry the very round hedgehog doing his rounds

Henry the Hedgehog – I mentioned our visiting hedgehog in my last blog.  Henry continues to visit our campers, and we now have a picture of him. Henry has been seen dragging bags out of porches to  devour “take away” style.

Secluded Meadows Pitches – Our “proper campers” cannot get enough of these.  As the heatwave is set to continue, John will be out later creating some more.  As one camper moves off one, the next camper is straight on in there.

 

Lottie caravan enjoying her guests

Lottie & Maisy – both had guests at the weekend and lots of fun was had by all.  There is still availability for our “late additions” and please call, or email should you wish to enquire about availability or to book.

News from Camp Dogimage

Not much – I am sorry to say that this weather has beat me.  I have taken myself out of the office as this does not have air con ;.  My new spot is behind the bench next to “my girls”.  With a birthday suit like mine, it is too warm to do anything other than lie in the shade with a flannel on my head to keep cool.

 

Availability at The Meadows Dog Friendly Campsite, Pentewan, Cornwall – Camping and Caravanning

Except for odd nights here and there, our electric pitches are now booked out until the end of August.  Our camping area is also filling up, though we do still have a little room in August. Maisey and Lottie both have availability still. Lots of IMG_6785bookings are already coming in for those people who holiday later in the season, and now is the time to book for September and October.  You can book by contacting us here, or by telephone Lynn, or John on 01726 844383. We are of course very close to both Heligan Gardens, and the Eden Project which are both fantastic to visit all year round.

 

 

“Maisy” the Meadow Flower Tipee Tent is up…………….

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Comments Off on “Maisy” the Meadow Flower Tipee Tent is up…………….

Maisy awaiting her first guests

Just in time for the July heatwave, our floral meadow tipee tent which we have named “Maisy” is up, and available to rent.

This tepee tent already up and ready to go is ideal for last minute fun holidays/weekends in a glorious meadow setting.  Bring your sleeping bags, towels, food and your favourite drinks! You can start relaxing as soon as you get here, without the hassle of packing and putting up a tent.

Maisy is set up in a lovely spot right in the meadow field, and gets more than her fair share of sun. There is plenty of standing room in there, and a shaded outdoor area.

This would be a very fun way of camping for a group and we will have Maisy set up at The Meadows Campsite, Pentewan during all dry summer periods so just give us a call to book.  The pitch price is the standard pitch price, plus £15 pn for the rent of Maisy. Maisy sleeps up to 10 people.  Of course you get to enjoy all of the Meadows’ usual campsite facilities, including our top notch shower block.  John’s breakfast baguettes and homemade cake  can also be delivered to you.

Camp Dog checking out Maisy

We are The Meadows Campsite, Pentewan, St Austell Cornwall,close to Pentewan Sands, Mevagissey, Fowey, the Eden Project and Heligan Gardens.  We are in a sunny sheltered spot with a cycle trail and bus stops right outside the gates. We are also dog friendly, welcoming, and permit campfires (off the ground). Other similar secluded pitches are available for “proper camping” during dry periods. This area is fabulous for walking and cycling around St Austell, visiting the different bays and Cornish villages.

Any questions, or queries call John, or Lynn 01726 844383/07712599745, or email us here.

Get set for basking in the July sunshine

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Comments Off on Get set for basking in the July sunshine

IMG_7111Well staying dry for Glastonbury, and Wimbledon running on schedule, were good signs, but the best is yet to come!!!

Positive thinking, cosmic ordering, who knows, but the sunshine much needed by the Meadows Team for our first season in the Pentewan Valley is arriving this afternoon.  It will not just be a fleeting glance, once here it is hanging around for the summer. Check out the weather forecast here!!

We have already had good spells of dry weather, which have also fell when we have been busy, like for whit sun, and also the last weekend for Eden Sessions campers.  Our campers have already been enjoying our new secluded meadow pitches created recently.  They are so popular as people like the feel of wild camping, and waking up to the sight of our yellow flag irises, and pitching by the stream is also very popular.IMG_7085

In view of the red hot July ahead, today’s task is to make a large secluded pitch right in the meadow area, for our Meadow Floral Tepee Tent which is going to arrive tomorrow.  This is going to be available for festival style camping, with room to stand up in it and sleeping up to 10 people.  This will be set up as a tent only, erected and ready to go, and in view of where it is to be sited, suitable for “fair weathered campers” only.  This is going to be ideal for those last minute campers, and please telephone 01726 844383 or email us here to book.  The tepee tent will be the usual pitch price, plus an additional £15 pn for the tent rent.  Not bad shared between a group.   Pictures to follow once pitch and tepee set up, which should be by lunchtime tomorrow!

Another late introduction is of course the gorgeous Lottie our 1960s vintage caravan decked out beach hut style.  Again Lottie is great for hassle free camping, great fun, and ideal for last minute holidays in July.  Lottie is all set up ready for guests, and please contact us here should you wish to book for Camping in Mevagissey/Pentewan. Please also see Lottie’s page for more information.

We are in walking distance of Pentewan Sands beach, and other beaches, and also two great pubs,The Ship Inn, Pentewan, and The Polgooth Inn, Polgooth (both dog friendly). You can also walk from our site to Mevagissey, and Heligan Gardens, and cycle to the Eden Project. We also have a freezer full of Roskillys Ice Cream.

For this weekend, and the coming week full of sunshine, we do still have pitches available, both for “proper camping”, and with electric hook up.  You can just turn up, but if electric hook up is essential we advise that you telephone 01726 844383 or email first.

 

Blowing our own trumpet……………………well you have to sometimes!

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Comments Off on Blowing our own trumpet……………………well you have to sometimes!

deb's pictures 019Well, our first month since opening our camp gates at The Meadows has flown by.

We are so lucky with the weather, as we have had some gorgeous deb's pictures 024sunny days. Being in a sheltered spot our campers have really felt the warmth of the sun.  Our campers have been going home looking relaxed, and with a very healthy glow about them.

All members of the team (that’s me Lynn, John & Camp Dog Harvey), are new to the campsite business. This 2013 venture has been a real adventure for an ex fire-fighter, ex lawyer, and ex settee/log burner hogger.

We have really enjoyed our first few weeks.  It has been hard (but in a nice way) work, but 2 out of the 3 of us like hard work. As for the 3rd member of the team we are very proud of Camp Dog as he has happily shared his playground with all visitors, even though he has yet to break out in a sweat.

Of course, we feel we have done well, but it is not what we think that matters, it is what our guests feel about their experience here that is really the judgement!!!

The main camping bible seems to be UK Campsites, and it is here our guests have been reviewing “The Meadows”.  We would invite you to have a look at our reviews, to see what our first guests say and you can do so here.

imageAfter only a couple of days of being open, Martin Dorey, the campevan cookbook man visited us with his family.  Martin was writing a feature for the “Camping” Magazine on the South West, and booked a visit after checking out our webiste. Our site has now been featured in the July issue as an ideal campsite for visiting gardens of Cornwall, in particular Heligan Gardens, and the Eden Project.

imageThis is an extract of the article:-

“John & Lynn have transformed what was not much more than an illegal caravan graveyard into a lovely meadow site with a heart of gold. With no mobile homes in sight, it’s just my kind of camping. The refurbished amenities block is spotless (and with some powerful showers too), there are no allotted pitches, or a long list of regulations……………………. and dogs are welcomed. The meadow itself is lovely – we saw kingfishers darting along the stream and heard owls hooting at night.”

Martin also said

“I think this little gem could be one to watch for the future”
“They plan to serve up cooked breakfasts, (note – we have now served about 70 of John’s baguettes,) put in a small lake (note – winter project), open up walks through the woods (note – winter project) and get chickens (note – our girls are settled in and now laying to order!!!). These plans will only add to the basic but friendly nature of the site. I’m looking forward to going back.” – Martin Dorey

Other news:-

image“Lottie” We are counting down the days until Lottie arrives as we are all very excited.  Lottie will be available for rental from 17 June, and please call 01726 844383 or email us for further details.

Meadows Springwatch – we have seen baby woodpeckers here, baby blue tits and our campers at the bottom of the meadow field spotted deer again this morning.  We also have a very cheeky squirrel at the moment, who fascinates Camp Dog.deb's pictures 017

My New Zealand sister Deb and my parents are here with us this week.  As a result of their visit, we have an owl box going up made by my dad, and some fantastic photographs of the site made in to collages which my sister has taken and which are amazing. Watch out for some changes to the gallery and there will be a board of photos going up in the office.

Mum and Dad Bowler came in their caravan, pitched stream side and have been enjoying caravanning at The Meadows and chatting to other campers.

Mevagissey feast week is fast approaching and is on between 23-29 June.  John is a member of a team for the Sunday Raft Race and with his fellow team members is busy planning and building the raft, and they are taking it all very seriously!!  Please give The Pentewan Pirates a cheer along if you are joining in Mevagissey Feast week.  There is a full programme of events so it is going to be a fabulous week.

Heligan & Eden are both getting geared up for the summer season and there is so much going on at both.

We have had some very keen walkers staying with us recently enjoying the South West Coastal path.  The area around Black Head is a particularly stunning part of the coast, and our guests all say the steep ups and downs are well worth it.

News from Camp Dog Harvey

deb's pictures 006

Unfortunately, due to having a had a poorly paw, I have not much to report.  The last few days, I have been mainly office based, resting up.  I am now on the road to recovery so will be back out and about on inspection and exploring duties soon 🙂

This is a really lovely time to visit the Gardens of Cornwall, and to walk parts of the gorgeous and stunning coastal path, or just to explore the many beautiful coastal towns and villages, such as Mevagissey and Fowey.  Of course it is also a quieter time, as we still have a few weeks before the children break up from school.  We would invite you to give The Meadows a try, as we are a very welcoming and friendly small and dog friendly site.

We cater for motorhomes, caravans, and tents of all shapes and sizes.  You can either book in advance and contact us here, or by telephone 01726 844383.  Alternatively just pack your tent/van and turn up and just your pitch on arrival. The Meadows caravan and camping park is great for holidaying close to Pentewan, Mevagissey and St Austell.

 

A day in the life of Camp Dog Harvey……………………

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Comments Off on A day in the life of Camp Dog Harvey……………………
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Deck security duty

Good Evening, or hi di hi to all of my camper friends, four legged included, and all general admirers out there.

It seems quite a while ago since my past life of being  Hrh, or just plain “H”. Well I am not quite sure how it happened,  but I am now Camp Dog Harvey, and loving it, and camp life is anything but boring!

Firstly some people think I am trying to use “the grumpy cat” as my role model, and if you have not seen the grumpy cat on you-tube, see it here.   I can assure you that I neither want to have a cat as a role model, or for you to think I am grumpy (all of the time).  It is more a serious face,  as I keep wondering where did all these people, tents, and vans come from, as this was my playground until 1 May.

I take my role of Camp Dog very seriously indeed, as I want to look after all of our guests and ensure that they have a most enjoyable time at The Meadows, and exploring this lovely part of Cornwall.

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Time in the office

Today I have been in the office, assisting with getting the booking diary up to date, and replying to emails, as most of them are to me, or asking about me.   Whilst in the office, I googled “Camp Dog Harvey” and lots of pictures of me came up on the computer – how cool is that.

Well I thought I would share with you, what a day in the life of a Camp Dog entails, well this Camp Dog anyway.

Out hunting for garlic

My owners are early risers, and so we usually take an early morning stroll along the Little Winnick River, or through Kings Wood whilst our campers are still snoozing. Sometimes we venture out  further to Hallane Beach, should we need to replenish our stocks of wild garlic. I also try to find  new local walks all in the name of research, so that I can report back and add them to my other walks.  The Hallane beach walk is my particular favourite, and has now been walked by many of our guests, who love it too.

Checking on my girls

As soon as I return from my walk, and after eating my breakfast (not one of John’s breakfast baguettes unfortunately) I am straight to work.  One of my first jobs is to check on “my girls”, let them out of their little homes and open up their feeders.  At this time, I take the opportunity to remind them that they also have a job and that is to lay as many eggs as possible for the shop, cakes and breakfast baguettes.  No pressure girls ;), and we had our first “full house” yesterday so well done girls.

Out on my rounds

Next on my list of duties is site inspection, checking that all of our campers are happy and well, and taking orders for breakfast.  By the time I have finished site inspection, order and baguette delivery duties, it is tea break time.  My breaks are taken on the deck, but I am never off duty.  Whilst on the deck I have one eye open ensuring that I am ready to spring in to action when called upon to do so.

After tea break, I spend a good few hours in the office catching up on admin, and updating my “Dog Friendly Information”  welcome leaflet, and marking up maps to show you how to find my favourite “Dog Friendly” places.  Please have a look at my page on the website prior to arrival if you are bringing  your four legged friend.

Now this is where  it gets a bit hazy, as before you know it my owners are taking me for an evening walk, and then it is my dinner time.  I am sure I am not the only one who at the end of the day goes “where did that day go”.

Meeting and greeting

Does the grass need a mow?

Well you must be thinking “it’s a Camp Dog Life”, well I have to say you are not wrong most of the time.  My owners and I feel very lucky that we have had such lovely guests, who have still been happy and smiling even when it has rained.

If you have not already booked to visit this season, we do still have some pitches available.  You can just turn up and we will always try and find you a pitch.  However, booking in advance will secure you a pitch, and you can book here, or telephone my owners Lynn/John 01726 844383.

We are a small, sheltered campsite in the Pentewan Valley, Cornwall catering for camper vans, motorhomes, caravans and tents.  We are both dog friendly, and camp fire friendly, and we are just generally friendly. The walking around St Austell is fabulous, and we are great for camping and caravanning in the Mevagissey/Pentewan area. You can also walk to the fabulous Lost Gardens of Heligan from The Meadows, which is now dog friendly all year round.

Look out for our sign

I (that’s me Camp Dog Harvey), and my owners Lynn and John look forward to seeing you all this summer.  All we ask is that when you pack you bring the sunshine with you.

 

 

 

 

How lucky are we……………………

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Comments Off on How lucky are we……………………

This weekend has been fabulous at The Meadows Campsite, thanks to our guests, and also to the weather.  The small team of three has worked very hard, but it has been most enjoyable looking after our lovely guests of which we had quite a few.

The weather has been so kind most of the time, and we have had buckets full of sunshine.  Yes, it has been a little chilly at night, but our campers are very hardy, and came well prepared, and have been very snug in their units.  Our hot push button showers have passed the campers test, and in particularly were very welcomed on Sunday morning after our campers woke up to see jack frost had visited overnight.

Our fire pits have also gone down well this bank holiday weekend, for a birthday celebration, and just those enjoying the clear sky in the evening sitting out, relaxing and enjoying “camping” life.  John has been up and down the field a lot setting up the fire-pits, so they were ready to light, delivering the barrows of wood and collecting and cleaning the fire-pits out in the morning ready to set up again for the next night. We were well prepared as a lot of chopping had taken place beforehand and our wood store was pretty full, and one job for this week is more chopping for restocking.

All of our guests have enjoyed getting out and about on foot and on bikes this weekend, enjoying the beautiful area, and the sunny weather.  The Pentewan Valley Trail, in particular the part up to Heligan Gardens has been walked and cycled a lot, as have the gardens themselves, and the coffee and cake enjoyed at Lobbs Farm Shop Cafe. This walk really is a lovely walk from The Meadow up to Heligan and gives lovely views, and really adds to what is a fabulous car free day out.

One of this weekend’s visitors

The prize goes to this VW for being our most gorgeous visitor this bank holiday.

Almost all of our guests have also had at least one outing to the beach this weekend, and a drink at The Ship in the centre of Pentewan Village.  The keener walkers have  walked the round walk to Mevagissey along the trail, and then back via the south west coast path and this is the current favoured walk.  The four legged walkers have been keen to try out Camp Dog Harvey’s recent recommended walk and scamp down to Hallane beach.  All of Harvey’s new friends that persuaded their owners to take them there, gave it the “paws up”, and most also stopped off at Harvey’s local for a pint before walking back to camp.

Guests enjoying breakfast on our sunny deck

This weekend has made us feel quite European, as we have welcomed Swiss, Italians, and a few German families as guests  here at The Meadows.  John’s food seems to have gone down extremely well, in particular with the German families who have been enjoying breakfast baguettes on the deck, home-made cakes with Cornish clotted cream, and our home-made wild garlic pesto.  The pesto was so popular, the first batch had gone by Saturday morning.  We made a second early morning trip to Hallane and picked more wild garlic for another batch.

Our “girls” have felt the pressure this weekend, keeping the supply of eggs going just for the breakfast baguettes.   It was also great ice cream weather, and our choice of Roskillys Ice Cream flavours seems to have been a good one, though we shall soon be ordering more.

As there was a big German football match on Saturday, and our pub were hosting the quiz so the tv was off, we happily gave up our lounge so some of our German guests would not miss it.  We had supporter for both sides, and crowd control was not required.

This is our first season, and we really appreciate campers giving us a try for the first time, supporting us and for all the positive feedback we have received.  John’s breakfast baguettes delivered to the unit were the most popular of our “extras” this weekend, and the favoured filling by far was good old bacon & eggs. Lobb’s farm shop bacon really is the best bacon, and although we are biased our “girls” really do lay tasty eggs.

It is our guests that have now brought our campsite alive, and seeing so many happy faces makes all the hard work getting ready well and truly worth it.

Well the sun shone, for bank holiday weekend, the bbqs and campfires have been burning, and summer is now well and truly on its way. The forecast is also good now for some dry and warm weather.  For those, preferring the quieter times out of school holidays, then there are now a good few weeks of those for getting away.  You are more than welcome to book in advance with us, or to just hook up your van/pack your tent after watching the good old Countryfile weather forecast and just turn up.  If you want to book in advance, you can contact us by email here, or telephone me (Lynn), or John – 01726 844383.  Let us know whether you prefer the morning, afternoon, or the evening sun, and we will do our best to reserve a pitch most suited to you for when you arrive.

The Meadows small and sheltered campsite,  is great for Mevagissey and Pentewan camping and caravanning.  Our campsite is also  ideally situate for visiting the wonderful Lost Gardens of Heligan  (walking distance), and also the Eden Project. We cater for caravans, motor homes, camper vans, and tents (of all shapes and sizes).  If you arrive under your own steam (i.e without a car) then you will receive a discount off your pitch fee. Dogs are most welcome to camp  here with their owners of course, and we like to see campfires (off the ground).

Camp Dog was up early today checking out a new walk…………..

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Comments Off on Camp Dog was up early today checking out a new walk…………..

Camp Dog Harvey has been feeling a little neglected over the last 7 days, as “the girls” (our chucks) have been getting lots of attention. CD also does not want to let his guests down by not follow up on information he is given on dog friendly walks, and beaches. Before recommending walks, and quite rightly Camp Dog insists on checking them out for himself.

Camp Dog on the descent down to Hallane Beach

This morning we were up at, 5.30am and set off out of camp gates to find “Hallane Beach”.  The most straightforward way, (of course, we did not do this) is to walk down in to the village along the Pentewan Valley Trail and pick up the South West Coast Path going in to the opposite direction to Mevagissey.  Walking along here for about 20-30 minutes, you reach access to two lovely, and very importantly “Dog Friendly” beaches.  The first is Polruddeen (very steep access), and the second is the gorgeous Hallane Beach.

We did not go for the straightforward route, as we took a path up through Kings Woods, out and through a farm with some cute little calves,and lots of cow dung (watch out), and then along the lanes.  We came through to Hallane via Trenarren, and this is a fabulous approach.  You walk through a little hamlet with gorgeous houses, past Hallane House, and Mill and then down a footpath which was full of wild garlic, pink & white campion,  and bluebells.  It is quite steep going down, but it is absolutely stunning, and the beach has a waterfall and we had it to ourselves when we were there.

Picking wild garlic for our Pesto

As the wild garlic there was prolific we are sure a little bit will not be missed.  After enjoying some wild garlic pesto recently that our friends made for us from a Fowey supply, John has been very keen to make some of his own for our shop stock.  The garlic has been picked, the rest of the ingredients sourced, and the whizzer is out.  This weekend is a busy one, and we can highly recommend to our campers cooking up a pan of pasta, throwing in some of our wild garlic pesto, and finishing with a sprinkling of black pepper and parmesan on top.  My mouth is watering at the thought of it, and we shall be trying some ourselves to quality check of course.

For the return walk, we joined the South West Coastal Path which is lovely in itself and headed back in to the village, and up the Pentewan Valley Trail back to Camp.  For all those campers who thought the owners had unusually had a lie in this morning, now you know that was not the case :).

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How to find the gorgeous Hallane Beach

This is a great walk, for quite keen walkers with or without their dog.  Limited parking is also available fairly close by, if you do not fancy such a good walk, and just want a shorter (but still steep- note) walk through the gorgeous hamlet and on to the beach.  To find the parking take the road out of Pentewan Village up the very steep hill. Up the hill when you reach the first cross roads of little lanes, take a right to Trenarren, and follow the road around to the left. You will reach a parking area, and for the walk you set off on the path to the right. See the little map extract taken from the Mevagissey Ferry leaflet.

Camp Dog Harvey really enjoyed this walk, and he is so annoying as he makes the very steep ups seem so easy.  He also often does double on the ups, as he comes back down to see how the one at the back is doing (which is usually me), and gives some moral encouragement to get me to the top.

The steep climbs are all more than worth the effort, and this place is a real Cornish beauty.  This will definitely be a walk The Meadows Team will be repeating quite regularly, especially in wild garlic season, and if the pesto goes down well for restocking.

As we made the walk a circular walk, it gets a 10 out of 10 from both Camp Dog, and I.  As we were concerned that there would be a queue of campers waiting to order breakfast baguettes, the return part of the walk was more of a march, but at least it got our appetites up for our breakfast.  It was indeed all quiet at camp when we returned, as of course holidays are for lying in, and quite rightly so.

Other news from Camp Dog Harvey

Four paws are "greener"

Four paws are “greener”

This weekend we had a visit from Three Hairy Bikers, but not the hairy bikers.  I got my first ride on a Harley Davidson.  It was ok, but I would rather keep my paws on the ground, and any way I refuse to wear a helmet.Three Hairy Bikers

No picture yet, but at the moment one of our campers is staying with two dogs (one like me & another fluffy one), and a parrot!!! Yes, I said a parrot. So far the parrot who is called Bertie has been following the camping etquette and has been on his best behaviour. Early days as they are here until the weekend, so watch this space.

No duck eggs yet in the duck house, although they have had a look as there is lots of duck poo on the roof.

Lots of scrummy eggs from some of “the girls”, and there are now eight girls.  The latest additions are two blue pekin bantams, though they have so far brought nothing to the party, and seem quite posh.   In view of lots of eggs from our “laying girls”, then along side sausage & bacon from Lobbs farm, we are now offering Smoked Salmon and scrambled eggs as a breakfast baguette option. Boxes of freshly laid eggs are also available for sale from our shop.

Twitching – woody woodpecker now visits us daily, and so is a “common” sighting.  The owls have been screeching so loud some nights, you can hear them above my snoring. There has also been further sighting of the Kingfisher, and The Meadows are now “tweeting”  on twitter, so follow us if you like.””

All part of the service

All part of the service

“All part of the personal service” – if you lose your key then the team will help you try to find it.  If that fails one of the team will saw off your lock for you to enable you to continue your journey.  On this occasion, our German visitor was also given a chocolate brownie and Cornish clotted cream for being our first visitor arriving under her own steam.

If you have still not booked your summer camping holiday, then you must be like us thinking this summer has to be a good one.  Our understanding is that June is looking to be dry, with lots of sunshine and so why not visit us before the mad summer rush.  To book in advance contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383  Alternatively, we are always happy for you to turn up, pitch up and relax at The Meadows. Our site is small and dog friendly and is a great campsite for camping close to Mevagissey and Pentewan. Tents, caravans and motor homes are all most welcome.

Our campsite, is right on National Cycle Route 3, which also forms part of the Pentewan Valley Trail.  This gives great access to Pentewan Sands, Mevagissey, Heligan Gardens (walking & cycling), and Charlestown, Fowey, and the Eden Project (cycling). This makes us an ideal place for an overnight stay for all your cyclists out there, and we will make you very welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

What a fab few first days………………….

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Comments Off on What a fab few first days………………….

imageWell, we have been blessed with sunshine and fantastic guests at The Meadows at the start of our new, and indeed first season here.

The site has really come alive with our guests setting up their pitches, and relaxing in the sunshine.image

Spot the tent - secluded pitch.

Spot the tent – what a secluded pitch.

All our facilities have gotten the thumbs up especially the hot power showers in our wet rooms, and our new deck.

The reception and shop are looking very colourful, and out of the window it is like spring watch with the bird feeders full of goldfinches, blue tits, great tits and coal tits. Unfortunately, the Kingfisher did not make an appearance this weekend, but the owls have been hooting well in the evenings.

To celebrate our opening weekend, we had a bbq on the new deck with John’s home-made burgers, sausages & home-made coleslaw. The stove was properly christened too with some onions and garlic slowing cooking – ooh ooh the smells at the Meadows this weekend.

Our first cakes have been made, and so our first guests were our guinea pigs and with a dollop of Cornish clotted cream everything went down a treat. We need to get baking again, to replenish stocks for our next guests.image

Martin Dorey was a guest here as well this weekend, with his lovely family. In true Campervan Cookbook style Martin cooked up a paella on a very smart dutch oven, so there was a trade of goodies, and aromas. The paella was delicious, and the recipe is on it’s way to us. There was also some traditional marshmallow toasting over the fire. We shall be looking in to one of those ovens for our “dish of the day” nights in the summer. There was certainly no shortage of food this weekend.

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The Meadows shop declared officially open by Martin Dorey

Martin was very kind enough to “officially” open The Meadows Camp Site shop, and try out our eggs, supplied by “friends with hens & ducks” in Pentewan. The eggs are already very popular, and so we hope the chucks can keep up with the demand. Hopefully, we will soon be getting some of our own chucks as well so that will take some of the pressure off.

http://twitter.com/campervanliving/status/330728261267111936/photo/1

Camp Dog has been enjoying all of the fuss he has received from the guests, but I don’t think he quite knows what to make of it all.  At the moment he is sitting under my desk in the reception, and this spot seems to be second favourite to the deck, for sleeping of course, not working!!! He has been out walking down the Pentewan Trail this weekend, and he also participated at the BBQ

We have been very keen to get feedback from our guests this weekend, and so far so good.  Ladies (and any gents with a blow drying need) the complimentary hair dryer, and mirror are on order, and will be here soon. Ice cream will be on its way in to the shop, and I am just completing my ice cream research before placing the first order.  It is at present between Roskillys & Callelstick, and both are absolutely delicious, with lots of great flavours.  John is at this very moment making the phone charging cabinet to be installed in our reception, another example of up-cycling as it will be a bespoke wooden one!

All of our guests seem very pleased with the naturalness of the site, the setting and the general rustic feel. Our guests have also been admiring the restored treasures on display, and most now containing plants.image

It would be our pleasure to welcome you to The Meadows as your base to enjoy this beautiful area of Cornwall.  Why not leave the car on camp some days, and enjoy the walking to Pentewan Sands, Heligan Gardens, Mevagissey, and exploring Kings Wood.  We are happy for guests to just turn up, and pitch up.  However, to book in advance, please contact us here, or telephone 01726 844383/07712599745.  Our touring park is 3 miles from St Austell, dog friendly and caters for tents of all shapes and sizes, motor homes and caravans, and we look forward to seeing you this season.

 

 

All we need now is our camping guests…………

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Comments Off on All we need now is our camping guests…………

The sunshine is booked, for opening, bank holiday weekend, and beyond.Come on in campers

Thanks to having friends who enjoy a ‘working holiday’ we have got so much done the last week, and the facilities have been tested and given the thumbs up. In particular the hot push button showers have gone down a treat, as has the stove on the newly erected deck. The deck gets the sun until it sets, and Camp Dog has soon found the best spot for sun sitting. Whilst christening the deck and stove in very late evening, we have seen two deer strolling through the site.  We have also been listening to both barn and tawny owls, though it was too dark to actually see them, but they were most definitely there. imageShower cubicle/wet room

The shower block is looking fabulous if I say so myself, and finished off with some ‘quirky’ signs, and nice bits in the cubicles.  This was done late as I did lots of research as to what made a good shower facility, so you should not be missing anything – boys or girls.

 

imageBeing new campsite owners, we are a little nervous that one of our first guests is The Campervan Cookbook man Martin Dorey off the TV. Martin picked the site to visit and do an article for a camping magazine.  For anyone coming and pitching near his red van, you can expect some good camping food smells. I took one of his books on our campervan trip in NZ so I am hoping to get this signed. Camp Dog is hoping Beardie Bob, the camper van dog will give him some info on a camping dog’s life. In return Harvey will tell BB about life as Camp  Dog, and also his favourite walks, and dog friendly beaches.

It is not only the site that is looking great the Pentewan Valley itself is looking very colourful. Walking by the Little Winnick River you will still see lots of primroses, and we now also have blue bells. Although quite late everything is really greening up now, and the weather is also warming up a treat.

If you are still undecided about what to do for May bank holiday, you still have time to organise a trip to The Meadows our small touring park, three miles from St Austell. We are right on the Pentewan Valley trail close to Mevagissey, Charlestown, and the lost gardens of Heligan.  The Eden Project is also only a short drive away. We have lovely pitches next to the stream, and are dog friendly.  You can enquire here, or telephone 01726 844383.

If you cannot make it this weekend, then you might want to consider booking for the fabulous Mevagissey Feast week which is not that far away. Check out what is going on for this www.mevagisseyfeastweek.org.uk

Countdown to opening has begun……………….

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Comments Off on Countdown to opening has begun……………….

Here at The Meadows, we (John, Camp Dog Harvey & me) are all really pulling all the stops out for opening to welcome guests on 1 May.

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Ready for laying……..

Well firstly we laid 800 square metres of ‘grass protecta’ finishing last Friday evening.  It took the  two of us almost three days to lay, with camp dog supervising.

Hardstanding grass pitch waiting for a mow

Hardstanding grass pitch ready for mowing

It is green in colour and so blended in straight away. After day one the grass was already coming through the first ones laid.  Now after a week a lot of it is barely visible which is just amazing. Good job I was quick off the mark getting an initial picture.  We cannot wait for our guests to try out our new pitches which are ‘hardstanding green grass pitches’. We are so pleased as the natural look of our small touring park has been retained.

The old harbour railings found on site have now been sanded, painted and finish off our new shower block steps lovely with a big thick rope though them.

There has been a lot of digging going on, and my dad got stuck in with this on a recent visit.     Having not been tended for many years there were some humongous weeds that came out of the ground. We are ready to plant up now our new beds which John has edged with old sleepers and stone found on the site. We are thinking of lavender and hydrangeas, and we also have an old granite trough to plant up too.

This weekend the shower block is being painted and there will be some more landscaping. going on. Erecting our shop will be last before opening.  I could name and shame the company who have let us down with delivery, as the first delivery was cancelled because we live in Cornwall!!!! We are at least getting on with the base and the deck where our guests can enjoy their breakfast baguette, or coffee and cake. John’s sister Jayne from Devon came to visit last weekend with a sticky date and ginger cake. It was the nicest cake I have ever eaten and so that is one ‘we’ will definitely be making.

Everything here is really greening up, and the birds seem to be having a great time. We seem to have our own resident kingfisher which has been spotted now a few times fishing in the stream.  We think this is really special and hope it stays.  We also have a large buzzard’s nest at the top of a tree which may get used this year.

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Quality control

Camp Dog has been keeping the pigeons at bay who have been trying to feast on grass seed. This has been in between fiinding all the best places to snooze in the sun, on site, whilst still managing to keep one eye open for his supervisory/security role ;). CD has also been testing the quality of the stream water for drinking. It has got the ‘paws up’ and indeed CD says he prefers it to his usual Evian.

Thank you to everyone who has already booked to stay at our lovely small & dog friendly touring park on the edge of Pentewan, St Austell, and close to Mevagissey.  We look forward to welcoming you with sunshine. If you have not already booked, then please do give The Meadows touring park a try.  The Pentewan Valley really is a beautiful spot, in Cornwall and so close to the likes of Heligan Gardens and Mevagissey.  John is also all geared up for cooking his breakfast baguettes, and we will both be baking.  You can enquire here, or telephone 01726 844383/07712599745. We welcome motor homes, caravans, and tents of all shapes and sizes.