Tom's Country

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  Cornwall Coast Path

  Part of the South West Coast Path, Cornwall boasts 300 miles of coastline to walk. We like to think we not only have some of the finest (and quieter) stretches nearby, but are also graced by local coastal contrasts…

  Barrett’s Zawn is the nearest access point to Tom’s Cottage. Drive (or cycle/walk) the 1¼ miles to Middle Hendra entrance, park on the verge and walk down through the farm and valley until you reach the Atlantic. Turn left for Port Gaverne and Port Isaac, or right for Tregardock, Trebarwith and Tintagel. Or just take a picnic and relax on the grassy banks of the stream by the rocks (known locally as Freshwater).

  Both directions of this section of the coast-path involve steep valleys; but the able-bodied will be rewarded with breath-taking scenery, an everlasting impression of the true character of Port Isaac Bay; and a satisfactory sense of accomplishment.  

  

  

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  Port Gaverne

  3½ miles away – cyclable on unclassified roads (with just the B3314 to cross) as long as everyone has the legs for a couple of uphill pulls on the way home. This is Tom’s Cottage’s closest beach, is an excellent family cove and is dog friendly.

  At low tide an expanse of sand is exposed as well as Tag’s Pit on the right-hand side. Steps from The Main (the headland) lead down to this area – the rocks being a suitable spot to sit at mid tide. The waters are considered generally safe here current wise but it is not a lifeguarded beach.

  Cornish Rock Tors operate from Port Gaverne’s old fish cellars and offer a plethora of sea-based adventures and activities from the beach. Advance booking advisable in peak season.  

  Pilchards Café and the Port Gaverne Hotel are both located across the road from the beach. Both have a good reputation for food and make a good evening out. The hotel serves as Port Gaverne’s pub.

   

  

  

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  Port Isaac

  The neighbouring fishing village to Port Gaverne, and is of course famed as Doc Martin’s Port Wenn. Still a fishing harbour, Port Isaac retains a village feel to it and is home to the Fisherman’s Friends – that group of sea-shanty-singing lads that hit the big time.

  The back streets of Port Isaac are well worth exploring for old-time quaintness – be sure to find Squeeze-belly Alley. Guided walking tours of the village are available with Port Isaac Tours (07815 156632) which include local history with a good dose of Cornish wisdom!  

  The harbour is where to catch a boat trip: check out Wavehunters or ask around in the harbour/fish cellars.

  Look out for the mid blue Cornish pilot gigs of Port Isaac Rowing Club in the waters between Port Gaverne and Port Quin. 32’ of locally built, clinker rowing boat; crewed by 6 oarsmen and a cox; these boats traditionally raced out to incoming ships – the first to reach said vessel got the job of putting their pilot aboard to navigate safe passage into port (and hence got paid).

  A resurgence in gig racing in the last 30 – 40 years has preserved these fine Cornish craft: built to withstand local sea conditions but also for speed. Port Isaac Rowing Club was formed in the early 1990s, launching its original gig Corsair soon after.

  If you fancy ‘a scat out’ find PIRC on Facebook or take pot luck and see if you can find them launching in the harbour on a Sunday morning or either a Tuesday or Thursday evening.

  Nathan Outlaw has two restaurants in Port Isaac, Doc Martin fans in particular may fancy eating at The Old School; and The Motte (on The Platt) also has a good reputation for food. The Golden Lion is the pub in the heart of the village where everyone congregates (complete with small balcony overlooking the harbour).

  Several more good eateries and watering holes are dotted around the village, and if you fancy a pizza (eat in or takeaway) we recommend The Angry Anchovy at the top of the village. Also along the main road into Port Isaac is Tom’s Cottage’s nearest Co-Op.

  

  

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  Polzeath

  A quarter hour drive (8 miles away) Polzeath makes it into Tom’s Country as the local surfing mecca. Golden sands greet the Atlantic swell and life’s a beach!

  From stand-up surfing to bodyboarding, from surf lessons to good old belly-boarding (our preference – using traditional wooden boards): Polzeath is where the fun’s at.

  Surf schools include Surfs Up, Wavehunters and George's Surf School. Plenty of board/wetsuit hire and surf outlets.

  Lifeguards on duty Easter to October half-term.

  

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  Daymer Bay/Rock/Padstow

  Round the corner from Polzeath (a flat stretch of the coast-path) is Daymer Bay. In the mouth of the Camel Estuary this is an altogether calmer beach than Polzeath and perfect for young families. Great swathes of sand and shallow waters at mid tide make this sandcastles and picnic haven.

  Another level stroll along the coast-path lies Rock, otherwise known as sailing-central. Camel Sailing offers sailing lessons and is also a powerboat centre, while Rock Sailing and Waterski Club is the organiser of local races and events. Rib hire/charters are available with Solent Rib Charter or Wavehunters.

  The River Camel provides a calm environment for water sports that just aren’t going to happen elsewhere on the North Atlantic Coast; and Rock is renowned for being ‘a coat warmer’ than the rest of the district.

  The ferry to Padstow is caught from Rock (our favourite bit of a trip to Padstow) where the Camel Trail ends, Rick Stein’s fish restaurant is located as well as his St Petroc’s Bistro (our preferred eatery) and other attractions such as the National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow Christmas Fayre (reinvented for 2025 by fresh organisers); and most importantly in the Cornish calendar: May Day ‘Obby ‘Oss celebrations.

   

  

  

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  Tregardock & Trebarwith

  Heading ‘up the cliff’ (away from Port Isaac), Tregardock is symbolic of the local coast and only reachable on foot – either by walking the coast-path from Barrett’s Zawn or down the footpath through Tregardock farm (on the Treligga road). With no beach at high tide this is a quieter and striking spot.

  Trebarwith is further along the coast-path (in a steep valley) but is also accessible by road. Popular in high season with locals and visitors alike, there is sand at low tide and usually an Atlantic swell. The waters here are to be respected. The Port William overlooks the beach and serves good food, and is popular to sit outside with a drink to watch spectacular sunsets.

  

  

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  Tintagel & Boscastle

  Tintagel

  Famed for the ruins of its castle, Tintagel is the local epicentre of King Arthur legend. The large village somewhat reflects it being a tourist hotspot, but the castle on the cliffs is well worth a visit.

  Tintagel Castle is an English Heritage site and in 2019 - to great local excitement - they installed a new footbridge between the clifftop and the rocky outcrop that the castle sits on. The old access of steep steps cut into the cliff are no longer open to the public, but are plainly visible. At low tide there is a small beach in the shadows of the castle.

  Bosiney and the Rocky Valley

  Bosiney is a pretty little beach between Tintagel and Boscastle, lying next to the Rocky Valley (across the road from St Nectan’s Glen). The glen is where Knights of the Round Table are reputed to have been blessed prior to setting off on their quest for The Holy Grail. An admission fee is payable to walk around the waterfall (although the mile walk beside the wooded stream is free) and has been thought of as a sacred spot for centuries. The valley is an SSSI - fairy enthusiasts and Middle Earth devotees will love a visit here.

  Boscastle

  Home of a picturesque harbour and the Boscastle Buoys (another shanty singing group). A pleasant village with cliff walks and good watering-holes. Put back (as it was) after the devastating flood of a fateful day in August 2004. Also home to galleries, various eateries, hiking shop and Witchcraft Museum.

  

  

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Category: Tom's Country

Tom’s Cottage Cornwall is within easy striking distance of several wonderful designated cycling (and walking) trails, that lead through a variety of countryside. Traffic free and the nature-lovers’ haven; these are the pathways to fresh-air freedom…

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  The Camel Trail

  Tom’s Cottage’s nearest designated trail - a flat, 18 mile stretch that follows the River Camel on a converted old railway line.

  The full route can be broken down into 3 roughly equal stages, running from Wenford Bridge on the edge of Bodmin Moor to the outskirts of Bodmin, from Bodmin to Wadebridge and Wadebridge to Padstow on the coast. Other, less busy, access points are located along the trail; usually serviced by small car parks and not much else.

  Although flat by Cornish standards, there is a gradual gradient running the overall length of the Camel Trail: Wenford Bridge (by our calculations) being 50-70 metres higher than Padstow at sea-level. So, if planning an out and back route, choosing the right starting point may make the return leg easier going.

  There are a few country road crossings en route (all clearly marked), and an unavoidable stretch of road through Wadebridge – our local town that coincidently has a good vibe to it.  

  Wenford Bridge – Bodmin, 6¼ miles

  Tom’s Cottage to Wenford Bridge: 6¼ miles

  Tom’s Cottage to Dunmere, Bodmin (Borough Arms car park): 11 miles

  Other access points: Poley’s Bridge, Shell Woods, and Helland Bridge

  In the valley below the moorland villages of St Breward and Blisland rests Wenford Bridge, and the Snails Pace café Hire bikes here and enjoy a light lunch or the fabulous cakes from a family friendly establishment (we also recommend the salads that cater for all diets).

  The trail itself sets out past the old Wenford Dries that once dried china clay quarried at Stannon, passes through Shell Woods to Hellandbridge; and continues through more woods to Dunmere.

  On the approach to Dunmere, there is a 1½ mile side-path that leads to the historic Bodmin Jail on the edge of Bodmin. The town is home to Bodmin and Wenford Railway which operates steam train trips with various ‘specials’ throughout the year.

  Bodmin – Wadebridge, 5¾ miles

  Tom’s Cottage to Dunmere, Bodmin (Borough Arms car park): 11 miles

  Tom’s Cottage to Wadebridge (Lidl car park): 7¼ miles

  Other access points: Boscarne Junction, Polbrock bridge, Grogley Halt and the Guineaport end of Wadebridge

  This section runs through valley meadows with wooded glades direct to Wadebridge.  

  Trail users cycling its entire length will need to navigate the town roads to follow the River Camel to the start of the Padstow leg, but this pleasant town has a good array of refreshment stops and interesting shops; and happens to be Tom’s Cottage’s choice of local towns.

  Wadebridge – Padstow, 5½ miles

  Tom’s Cottage to Wadebridge (Lidl car park): 7¼ miles

  Tom’s Cottage to Padstow (harbour car park): 15 miles

  Other access points: Tregunna and Old Town cove

  Several bike hire companies are located in Wadebridge near the start of the Padstow section.

  The most popular leg of the Camel Trail, the trail runs alongside the river’s transformation into an estuary. Waders and waterbirds make a notable change from the songbirds of other legs, and the open watery vistas lures cyclists and walkers on toward the coast.

  On reaching Padstow there’s the harbour, notable eateries and boat trips to be had. Side roads leading away from the harbour house several good shops, particularly of the clothes type.

  Don’t miss Padstow’s Lobster Hatchery in the harbour car park, a ferry ride to Rock and a walk out on Stepper Point – make for the War Memorial and beyond for Harbour Cove: a beautiful beach looking out over the infamous Doom Bar; with the old coastguard’s station clearly visible along the beach at Hawkers Cove.  

  

  

  

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  Other Trails

  Cardinham Woods

  Distance from Tom’s Cottage: 16 miles

  Run by Forestry England Cardinham Woods has a wide variety of walking and cycling trails, the latter being more of the mountain bike kind.

  From nature adventures for little-legs, to a gentle amble or a vigorous hike; this makes a real change of scenery. The Woods Café is worth a try too.

  Lanhydrock Estate

  Distance from Tom’s Cottage: 16 miles

  A National Trust property, Lanhydrock house and gardens are probably best known for a visit (very nice too); but they also have a range of graded cycling trails that are for ‘bike use only’.

  There are several walking trails around the 1,000 acre estate too, in wonderful countryside. More information here (scroll down to ‘top trails’)

  Goss Moor Trail

  Distance from Tom’s Cottage: 20 miles

  Although a little further away, well worth a mention for a couple of reasons:

  1. It’s a circular route: 7 miles of pretty flat going
  2. Set in an SSSI and Special Area of Conservation, this mid-Cornwall moorland is very different from Bodmin Moor and is a relatively unvisited piece of Cornish countryside

  Great for cycling and walking – at whatever pace.

  Route map can be found at Into Cornwall

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Category: Tom's Country

The wide open spaces and ruggedness of Bodmin Moor is a complete contrast to the softer pastoral surroundings of Tom’s Cottage, the north-western edge of The Moor lying just 8 miles away.

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  Roughtor and Brown Willy

  Brown Willy is Bodmin Moor’s highest peak at 1,378’ (420m) above sea level, and is the highest point in Cornwall.

  Its twin-peak Roughtor (pronounced Row-Tor as in wow or cow) is a classic romp from Tom’s Cottage, starting from Roughtor Ford car park (8¾ miles away, signposted from the outskirts of Camelford town).

  Charlotte Dymond’s Memorial is just across the stream from the car park – the granite stone a remembrance to the young woman that was murdered in this bleak spot in 1844, supposedly by her lame boyfriend. More of the story at the Cornwall Guide or for a more personal interpretation: The Cornish Bird.

  At the top of Roughtor a brass plaque is laid (amongst the boulders) in memorial to the 43^rd Wessex’s service during the second World War. Stand by it and face north and the old WW2 Davidstow Aerodrome is beyond Crowdy Resevoir and Davidstow plantation. The Roughtor road/Crowdy/old airfield area is the go-to spot for seeing massed starling murmurations in late autumn and early winter – a true spectacle of nature.

  

  

  

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  Crowdy and Davidstow

  Crowdy Marsh is the name of the area that the reservoir sits in today (it having been completed in 1973). The unpathed fringes of the reservoir (particularly between the water and the aerodrome) remain boggy – best avoided unless one has local knowledge.

  Crowdy is jointly managed by South West Lakes Trust and SWW and is a haven for a variety of wetland birds.

  Davidstow Airfield was constructed during WW2 and was operational from 1942 – 1945, being a base for Coastal Command for Air Sea Rescue and U-boat hunting. Some dilapidated lookout buildings are still in existence, and petrol-heads may be interested in the lesser-known fact that Formula 1 racing was held here during the 1950s.

  A public road runs through the middle of the old runways, and a side-road branches off through the conifers of Davidstow Plantation back to Crowdy Reservoir and Roughtor Ford.

  

  

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  St Breward

  The Old Inn at St Breward is the highest Inn in Cornwall, oozes traditional character (including being frequented by locals) and is a renowned provider of pub-grub. We believe they serve Sunday roasts all afternoon from lunchtime right through to the kitchens closing at 9pm – well worth knowing if a walk has taken an hour or two longer than anticipated. The community village shop is located here in the pub’s car park.

  St Breward village is Tom’s Cottage’s local gateway to Bodmin Moor, with many Tors, moorland valleys and Commons beyond. OS Explorer 109, walk books or the Iwalk Cornwall app will be invaluable for exploring the delights of this wilderness.

  This area is full of granite, peat and fresh air. Down in a valley below St Breward is Wenford Bridge: home to the Snails Pace Café (which we highly recommend) and local start point of the Camel Trail. Hire bikes from the Snail’s Pace or take a stroll – on a level and even surface.

  Delphy Bridge is worth finding (roughly a mile from St Breward, en-route to Blisland) for its charm and beauty as a streamside picnic spot. Take a paddle on a hot summer’s day, but it can get a bit busy during weekends.

  

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  Blisland

  Unusual for Cornwall, Blisland boasts a village green at its centre. With mature trees around the green, the pub one side, surrounding cottages and the church and a really good community shop the valley side of the green. Blisland holds a sheltered charm within easy walking distance of open moorland.

  The ancient Lavethan Woods, Jubilee Rock and Pendrift Downs are all close-by and well worth exploring.  

  

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  Beyond the eastern-fringes

  Colliford and Siblyback Lakes are in the middle of the moor – great freshwater expanses for fishing, birdwatching, walking and water-sports. More detail at South West Lakes Trust.

  Jamaica Inn at Bolventor is famed for its connection to author Daphne Du Maurier with a book and subsequent productions of the same name; and as an onward distribution point of smuggled goods in days of old. The core building has retained its traditional features, but being right alongside the A30 has developed into a main stopping point tourist wise.

  The Draynes Valley is pretty, leading from Bolventor away from Tom’s Cottage side of Bodmin Moor – Golitha Falls are along here but we’d suggest a walk here at quieter times of day.

  Alturnun on the northern edge of the moor is a delightful spot, the main attraction here being its church which is known as the cathedral of the moor.

  

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  The Great Gardens of Cornwall

  • The Eden Project (21 miles from Tom’s Cottage) – the biomes in a redundant china clay pit that house various tropical/sub-tropical mini-forests, complete with horticulturally landscaped outside areas. A great ethos of working with nature, famed for the ‘world’s largest greenhouses’ and its ‘global garden’.
  • The Lost Gardens of Heligan (29 miles from Tom’s Cottage) – this Victorian garden was rediscovered in 1992 and has subsequently been renovated to its former glory. The estate covers 200 acres and has a fascinating history. Wonderful walled gardens, formal grounds and woodland.

  

  

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  The National Garden Scheme

  The National Garden Scheme operates its Open Garden Scheme in Cornwall, providing a range of gardens to explore that may not otherwise be open to the public. In 2023 there are 61 gardens across Cornwall to visit, find their flier in the kitchen at Tom’s Cottage.

  

  

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  Cornwall Wildlife Trust

  Cornwall Wildlife Trust run a summer series of wildlife-friendly open gardens across Cornwall, some by appointment only but in the main: on specific dates. A great opportunity to wonder around some private gardens, reconnect with nature and explore hidden corners of Cornwall. Tea and cake optional.

  

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  Houses and Gardens

  • Pencarrow House and Gardens (6¾ miles from Tom’s Cottage) is our local ‘stately home’. Unusual in that it is still in the private ownership of the family that has resided there for 500 years, the house and 50 acres of gardens are worth visiting for the more intermate ambience. Pencarrow hosts various events throughout the year – check out their website.
  • Lanhydrock House and Gardens (16 miles from Tom’s Cottage) – our nearest National Trust property. A day long adventure could be taken here: looking round the house and gardens followed by walking (or cycling) the parkland.

  

  

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Category: Tom's Country

Cornwall likes to think of itself as a principality rather than an English county, has a quirky history and its people as well as its landscape ooze character.

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  The Duchy of Cornwall

  The Duchy of Cornwall was established in 1337 by Edward III as an estate to provide an income for his son and heir. It has remained so ever since – therefore the first in line to the British throne is the Duke of Cornwall, as well as being the Prince of Wales.

  Edward III was a wily sort as he included the Cornish Stannaries within the Duchy – these were the independent governing bodies of Cornish mining, with their own laws, courts and taxation (‘coinage’). The Cornish Stannaries had been an ongoing issue for the monarchy for a long time: with their demands to retain independence and self-government.

  In effect Edward III provided the heir to the throne with an income and formalised Cornwall’s distinct identity in one fell swoop, in perpetuity.

  The Duchy of Cornwall owns most of the Cornish coastline, and property both within and outside Cornwall.

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  Coat of Arms

  The Cornish coat of arms represents two important industries within the Duchy – fishing and mining; both of which are still relevant today. China clay extraction in mid Cornwall and lithium exploration are probably the biggest mining interests presently, with Camborne School of Mines (under the University of Exeter) still being a world leading education establishment.

  The chough is a long-standing symbol of Cornwall and is sometimes known as the crow of Cornwall. Distinctive with its red beak and legs, these birds are being encouraged back to the Cornish cliffs that they favour for nesting.

  The sea that surrounds the Duchy is represented behind ‘the fifteen balls’, which are important historically. They depict the 15 bezants that were raised to pay the ransom for the Earl of Cornwall, held captive by the Saracens (prior to Cornwall becoming a Duchy).

  The motto ‘One and All’ (Onan hag Oll in the Cornish language) is a sentiment of unity that well represents the Cornish spirit. From coastal communities assisting stricken seamen, to ‘knowing nothing’ about local free-trade activities when historically faced with Custom men; and the Cornish rebellions over perceived unfair English governance - the Cornish unite when need arises.

  

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  St Piran

  St Piran is the patron saint of miners and Cornwall. Said to have floated to Cornwall on a millstone from Ireland, the first thing he saw were the streaks of tin ore in dark cliffs – this is the image represented on the Cornish flag.

  It is said St Piran was the merriest yet hardest living holy man Cornwall ever knew, but this may be the Cornish superimposing an element of their own character to the legend: for Cornishmen live by the play hard/work hard ethic.

  

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  National Landscape (formerly AONB)

  ‘Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty became a National Landscape in November 2023 when the classification was renamed. Nearly a third of Cornwall is covered by this designation, an area greater than Dartmoor’s National Park. Including the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall boasts 167 SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest); all of which confirm Cornwall’s varied and beautiful landscape.

  From the coastpath to marshes, moorland to wooded valleys, heritage sites to inland villages; Cornwall is so much more than buckets and spades. Local stonework on old cottages vary greatly from West Cornwall to North Cornwall, as do field patterns and the different crops grown on farmland. Cornwall is full of contrast and discovery.

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  The Cornish Identity & Famous People

  The Cornish identity is a persona universally-adopted by those born and bred in Cornwall and descendants of old Cornish families (be they in mining areas around the world or making their way elsewhere in the UK).

  Hard to quantify in words, ‘Cornish character’ is full contrasts (much like the countryside) – such as fierce individual independence while rallying to the unity of the One and All motto. With a specific sense of humour, a strong sense of fairness and a subconscious acceptance of ancient folklore: the Cornish are straight-forward, with a twist. Capable of forgiving, but unlikely to forget.

  Think of Poldark: the maverick - a great caricature!

  The Cornish have an appreciation of music (even the tone deaf) – from brass bands to choirs, a strange grammatical construction in the dialect (a leftover from the Cornish language) and a general love of rugby, wrestling and rowing (the latter two of the Cornish variety).

  Trelawney (Song of the Western Men) is the Cornish unofficial anthem, with Cornwall My Home becoming increasingly popular over the last 20 years.

  Famous Cornish people include the likes of:

  • Sir Humphrey Davy (inventor of the miners’ lamp)
  • Micheal Joseph An Gof (blacksmith of St Keverne and rebel leader in 1497)
  • Sir Bevil Grenville (Royalist leader of Cornish army in the Civil War)
  • John Carter ‘King of Prussia’, smuggler
  • Richard Trevithick, inventor of high-pressure steam engines
  • Bob Fitzsimmons, boxer – 1^st professional to win 3 world championships
  • Emily Hobhouse, welfare campaigner (Boer War) – christened ‘that bloody woman’ by the British government!
  • Jack Nowell, international rugby player
  • Helen Glover, Olympic rower

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