Callestock Blog
19
Jun
2017
2017
Grown-up Cornwall
Yes there are the popular seaside towns with their shops and beaches. There are also plenty of family attractions where you can ride log flumes, shoot paintballs and sail pedalos. But if you want to escape the crowds and discover real Cornwall, you have to think more creatively and dig a little deeper....
Here are our top five days out in Cornwall if you want something just a little different and a lot quieter.
5. Stepper Point, West Pentire
Stepper Point is a headland on the North Cornish coast, close to the busy harbour town of Padstow. You can easily spend a day exploring the area, including the shops and restaurants in Padstow, before heading up to Stepper Point via the coast path.
It's approximately 3 miles each way, but is well worth the effort with plenty of opportunities to sit and rest along the way. Explore the deserted coves and bays as you go, and, if you're lucky, you may also stumble across one of the holy wells, believed by Romans and Celts to possess healing powers.
4. St Just in Roseland
This coastal walk is relatively easy, starting at the sub-tropical gardens of the St Just in Roseland church, just 40 minutes from Callestock.
Take the little winding path down through the churchyard to the small working boatyard, before following the well-worn path of Carrick Roads to St Mawes Castle. In St Mawes you'll find plenty of little cafes, gift shops, pubs and bars, as well as a small beach.
3. Polly Joke
Offically called Porth Joke, this unspoilt sandy beach near Newquay is more commonly known as Polly Joke. In early Summer its headlands are flooded with dancing red poppies, and you'll most likely not see another soul as you wander through the fields down to the sands below.
Once you get to the beach you'll be able to cool your feet in the gentle waters, and explore the many rock-pools which are alive with crabs, baby shrimp, cuttlefish and sea anemones.
2. Lantic Bay
You really mustn't tell anyone else about this one as it's one of the most stunning locations in Cornwall but also well off the main tourist trail. It's easily a day's worth of peaceful escape from the busier areas.
Park your car in the seaside town of Fowey and catch the ferry across to Bodinnick, a small fishing village in the heart of Daphne Du Maurier country. From Bodinnick you can walk along the cliffs and down to Lantic Bay, which is owned and managed by the National Trust.
It's a steep climb down to the beach but that's what makes it all the more magical when you eventually step onto the shingle and take in the expanse of clear blue water.
Once you've had your fill of peace and picnics, catch the little passenger ferry back from Polruan to Fowey.
1. Nanjiza, Land's End
It was no surprise when Aidan Turner topped the list of most memorable TV moments in 2015's National Television Awards, with his shirtless scything.
But we also rather liked the scene where he took a dip in the crystal clear waters of Porthgwarra Beach off the West Cornwall coast.
Beautiful at any time of year (even without Ross Poldark), this secluded cove is approximately an hour's drive from Callestock. It's a picturesque fishing hamlet but the main draw is the small sandy beach, along with the Poldark connection, and the Caribbean-style blue waters.
What have we missed? There are literally hundreds of breath-taking walks around the South West coastpath, all worthy of a visit, but these are the some of our favourites.
Visit Callestock Courtyard for yourself and let us know which walks you'd add.
