Cornwall in 2012

Another September, another week in Cornwall. Our eleventh annual visit to Port Quin, the first eight were at Doyden, and the last three at Lacombe, a National Trust cottage used many years ago in the TV series Poldark. Above is the view from a new elevated patio that had only just been finished.

On arrival on the Thursday afternoon, after a straightforward journey down, we took our normal stroll along to the headland towards Port Isaac. Friday started very windy, but after a short shower while Alison did an early run, the sun came out. We headed off to Polzeath for some bodyboarding and we were greeted by a pretty deserted beach (where we park our car) and some spectacular surf. This meant that we were able to catch some good waves, especially when we caught a double wave. The second pushed us on a further good distance. After changing, we treated ourselves to a pile of chips at The Beach Cafe, me with double egg and Alison were her favourite cheesy chips. In the afternoon we took a short car ride to Rock and walked along the beach of Daymer Bay.

Every year at the weekend, if the weather is fine (and it normally is) we do the coastal walk towards Polzeath. Saturday was calm and sunny and despite being a little tired from the bodyboarding, we set out with a packed lunch. It is only half an hour to Lundy Bay, our favourite place in Cornwall.

We were also lucky that the tide was out, which meant we could explore the beach and coves which are cut off at high tide.

We were at Lundy for well over an hour which meant we only arrived at Rumps, our first destination, in time for a late lunch looking out towards the tiny island of Mouls.

In the last couple of years we have then walked on to Pentire Point, with views over Polzeath, but we felt that we had done enough, so we headed back to Port Quin. The tide had come in as we passed Lundy Bay.

Sundays also take a regular pattern. Alison runs from the cottage to Rock and takes the ferry over to Padstow. I take the car to Padstow and hire a bike to cycle the Camel Trail. We meet up at lunchtime and I have fish and chips at The Quayside cafe. The highlight for Alison this year was that she shared the ferry with Sir Richard Branson and family. And then after we both met up, Sir Richard was in the queue outside waiting for a table at Rick Stein's Fish and Chips. We could have advised him that the Quayside is cheaper, just as good and no queue. After our lunch, we walked up to the monument and sat on a bench in the sunshine, looking over to Rock.

On the Monday we usually go further afield, and this year we decided to revisit St Ives. Another sunny day, and we parked at Lelant Saltings to catch the park and ride train. After a stroll on the beach, we had lunch at The Tearoom. This is one of the nicest cafes we have ever visited. The decor and furniture was first class. The special was a Pea and Goats Cheese Tart which we shared, and very good it was too. I have put on a link to their website. It was a surprise that it was just not that busy. The prices are slightly higher than normal, but value for money is exceptional. After lunch we walked around the harbour, and down the slipway where people were waiting for a boat trip.

Alison was delighted that a seal followed the boat in and came right up to the slipway where she took this photo.

It had become quite cloudy as we walked over to Porthwiggen Beach, so when we arrived there we enjoyed a welcome coffee and hot chocolate outside a cafe overlooking the beach. As we started to walk back to the harbour, a very light drizzle persuaded us to divert to the shops, an area behind the seafront we hadn't seen before. Just as we thought about making a move for the train station, the sun came back out, so we stayed for a while on a bench opposite the harbour, before finding our way back to the train.

Tuesday had been forecast to be the best day, and although it started sunny, it was very windy. So we changed our plans from a strenuous coast walk, and instead visited nearby Port Isaac. First out to the sea wall as it was low tide, and then up the hill for the great views over the harbour.

After lunch back at the cottage, we decided on a run down the Camel Trail from Wadebridge. I managed four miles and had a rest while Alison went on to do five. It ended up being a very enjoyable day. We must do that again.

We were back well in time to get ready for our dinner at "Fifteen" at Watergate Bay. Every year (this was our fourth) we say that was best time ever. What made this time special (apart from the wonderful food and service) was our table next to the window wall overlooking the bay. For the first time on our visits, the tide was in, and the strong waves seemed to be rushing in under our seats.

Wednesday was our last day and, as we always do at the end of our holiday, we parked at Rock and caught the ferry over to Padstow. It was cloudy and breezy to begin with, but after a walk around, and a climb up the hill above the centre, we took the path out and headed up the far hill up to the monument where we had a choice of benches to eat our packed lunch, in what was now a lovely sunny day.

We did a little shopping, but having only chosen four hours for parking, there was no time to make Rick's Deli at the far end of the harbour, so no curry paste this year. But it did mean we were back at the cottage by 3pm, and it was so nice to site on the new patio having tea and cake.

It had been an action packed week, given the great weather, and it was the first time we able to really chill out. Our cottage is just perfect for the two of us, it is detached, with a little garden and great views. Maybe here again next year?