The Cornwall Blog

What we refer to as 'clay country' in Cornwall is the rugged landscapes that sits above St Austell. A landscape that has been mined and carved since the early 18th century. The richness of this landscape was discovered by William Cookworthy, and the fine white china clay is still mined today. There's a hotchpotch of villages with tight-nit communities where rugged hills provide far-reaching views and dug out valleys provide pools of turquoise waters.  After a stunning drive through these villages on a sunny day I wanted to delve a little deeper into the history, and what you can do here. When we first moved to Cornwall over 20 years ago, my dad joked that the little clay mound seen from many vantage point was my mum's 'mountain'. She had always wanted to live near mountains, and it seemed finally she would be! This relatively little mound is part of the legacy of an industrial past, but it's the glistening water-filled pits that really catch the eye on a sun...

Despite the rather undulating nature of Cornwall, discovering our county by bike is a really great way to explore. Whether you fancy mountain biking through the forest trails at Cardinham Woods or a gentler pace, stopping to enjoy the estuary views towards Padstow on the Camel Trail, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of our favourites. Cornwall’s cycle routes can be enjoyed throughout the year. Autumn is particularly lovely, with quieter trails, crisp mornings and changing colours, while spring and summer bring longer days. Whatever the season, it is worth checking the weather and trail conditions before setting out. Lanhydrock and Cardinham Woods The Lanhydrock estate, just outside Bodmin, has some lovely trails specifically reserved for bikes. They are suitable for different abilities and can be great for all the family. You can find current information about outdoor activities and cycling at Lanhydrock on the National Trust website. ...

I am completely loving this Spring weather! It was a really lovely Easter weekend in Cornwall, and as the holidays roll on the sun is still smiling on us.  One of the best ways to enjoy the landscape is definitely by bike, we have lots of trails all over the county that make use of the disused railway lines or tram ways. A place I want to explore more is the Pentewan valley, it always looks so inviting when I drive past the cyclists below peddling along the pretty river, it is actually really ideally located for cycle hire in Cornwall .  Pentewan itself is a lovely little village, two cafes that provide delicious ice cream and gorgeous cakes. The pub as well is always popular and looks the perfect spot for a cool shandy on a sunny day, watching the ducks in the pond.  At the holiday park you have Hubbox, such a yummy burger bar that I often return to with friends. Right on the beach, you can't beat it for location. The other asset this pretty village has is cycle hire. Th...

Today is a particularly stunning Spring day in Cornwall. Birds are singing, the sun is shining and the air is perfectly crisp. If I wasn't sitting here typing away I think I would like to be on my bike heading down the Pentewan Cycle Trail. We have a few of these in Cornwall and it really is a great way to see the countryside and coast. The Pentewan Cycle Trail takes in the wonderfully varied south Cornwall with shorter flat routes through the valley to more challenging routes to some of Cornwall's most famous sites. Pentewan village is lovely with a beach, pub, cafe. Its quiet and charming and there you will find Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire. They offer bikes to rent for or for sale at reasonable rates for adults and children, with hybrids and accessories available. One of the most popular routes on from Pentewan is to the fishing village of Mevagissey. Quintessential Cornwall with fish and chips and olde worlde pubs! Watch the fishing boats bob around in the harbo...