Best of Both Worlds

I thought this month I might focus in on one the areas of Cornwall I love. If you are coming down here on holiday then I think people tend to head to the coast, and with good reason, our coastline is world-class. However, I think if you head a little in land you can get the best of both worlds. Take Camelford for example, it's ancient market town with a real community feel. From here you are on the doorstep of the brooding Bodmin moor and within easy reach of some of Cornwall's best beaches. 

Ideal for walkers, you can ramble a plenty along the river Camel. The name having nothing to do with those desert-dwellers, 'Camelford' is believed to be derived from ‘cam’ meaning ‘crooked stream’ in Celtic, and ‘alan’ meaning ‘beautiful’ with ‘ford’. It lives up to its name, the river is beautiful cutting through the valley providing calming places to while away the day.

Many believe that Camelford might be connected to legend's King Arthur and his Camelot, though this can't be proven I like to think so. Just a little further up the coast we have Tintagel, a place steeped in associations with the great monarch. 

The town itself has a real variety of independent shops and businesses. When looking for things to do in Camelford, check their website which they update frequently with what's on. Enfield park is a great place for children to play or to take a picnic. There is a skate park that’s popular too. Accommodation in Camelford is varied, from Georgian manors to rent, glamping in open farmland or quaint chocolate box cottages.  

If I was going to pick just three things to do near Camelford, I would say Roughtor, Crowdy Reservoir and Trebarwith Strand. 

Roughtour is breath-taking, at the break of the day as the mist lingers this section of Bodmin moor captures the imagination. 400m above sea level it's the second highest point in Cornwall. Walks around here can be challenging but very rewarding. The moors really do have a life of their own. Spotting the wild ponies, watching amazing star-filled skies and experiencing actual peace and quiet are some of the many reasons I say to head inland.

Crowdy reservoir is also on the moor that Camelford sits alongside, filled with a range of wildlife the water is a calming place. You can fish, if you follow the rules, but I would just kick back with a good book and revel in the lack of crowds! 

Of course we can't avoid mentioning the sea, and why would we want to, this area of Cornwall is as dramatic and varied as you could desire. Trebarwith Strand has it all really, soft fine golden sands, rocks a plenty to clamber over and views over to the imposing Gull Rock. Family friendly with toilets, a shop and a brilliant pub (ideal for storm watching in the winter season with a warming beverage). Do check the tide times though because the beach does completely disappear at certain times. 

That's just a taster of why I like this corner of Cornwall, there's just so much to explore. Camelford is a thriving community just a short trip to moors, rivers and simply stunning beaches. 

(Images courtesy of Visit Camelford, please do not use without permission).