The Cornwall Blog

Oh I love this time of year, the colour, the crunch under foot, the invigorating air. As long as I am armed with plenty of layers, and the promise of a hot chocolate, there is no place better to explore in October than Cornwall.  As it is a tad warmer down here, the sea having had a summer of sun is ripe for a dip. From sea-swimming to surfing, October is a great time to be on or in the water (especially if you have a decent wetsuit!) Head to Fistral beach 7th-8th of October and you can watch the Korev Surfing Championships . If you prefer your water a little more calm, there are plenty of places where you can hire a kayak or take up SUP. Try the Camel Ski School at Rock or perhaps Encounter Cornwall at Golant near Fowey, such a peaceful spot. More beaches welcome dogs this time of year and that just opens up so many walking opportunities for our fury friends. I love walking the coastal path from Par to Polkerris and finishing with a drink at the Rashleigh Inn , watching the sun ...

Surely the best thing about Autumn is the trees - woodland walks, that crunch under foot and the golden leaves highlighted by low October sun. I love this time of year, getting outdoors is a necessity!  But there is actually something helpful we can be doing whilst we tread through ancient woodland (where are your favourites? I love Cardinham and Respryn), get involved with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Autumn Seed Search .  The idea is to sign up, get informed and collect seeds that fall to the ground and help them grow into saplings, eventually to be planted. Normally wildlife does a pretty good job of this, birds especially spread seeds far and wide (I have a few trees in my garden that just appeared!) but in Cornwall we are short of trees so it's time to give nature a helping hand. Their website is informative, with videos showing you what seeds to collect each month and how to look after your seed and sapling. Signing up also helps them track what is growing where. This m...

October has definitely brought the cold! Our Indian summer is sadly over but this time of year holds it's own romance. With Covid restrictions still in place there's no reason why we can't still enjoy the great outdoors. If there is one thing 2020 has taught me then that's to be resourceful, and to make the most of what we have.  The fresh air provides an extra layer of safety when we are out with friends, keeping that 2 metre distance of course with those not in your household. I have to say woodland walks are some of my favourite.  Where I live we have lovely patches of woodland to explore but sometimes I like to go a little further afield. The likes of Bodmin's Cardinham Woods is always a favourite. You do need to pay for parking but the cafe serves warming drinks and tasty cakes, ideal after a bracing stroll. I still haven't explored all this wood has to offer yet but the views as you climb higher over the treetops are truly rewarding. Also in mid Cornwall...

If you find the ocean fascinating, above or below the sea line, this is the event for you. Touring round the UK, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour comes to Cornwall in October, the 9th to the 11th 2019 at the Regal Theatre in Redruth. Ideal for these more chilly autumn nights, the festival showcases a diverse collection of short films featuring amazing footage of the ocean with fascinating stories to tell. See A Peace Within , a 6 minute short about 'extreme artist' Philip Gray who paints under the surface of the sea, below where the ancient Mayans lived. Surfer Dan follows Dan Schetter as he surfs his local landlocked Michigan - on Lake Superior. Be that in ice, with deadly currents or on actual waves. To find out the other films showing and to get your tickets head to the Ocean Film Festival website.  

There are always so many events going on in Cornwall! People come for the slower pace of life, but I find if you want excitement it is within easy reach. If you are looking for a little culture for this Autumnal month how about the Calstock Jazz Festival? Calstock is a beautiful spot, nestled on the river Tamar on the Devon and Cornwall border. A few Saturdays ago me and my family headed to the National Trust property of Cotehele where there is a gorgeous view over Calstock and the vast viaduct. The Jazz and Blues festival uses some great venues around the little village and is host to some real musical gems. Norma Winstone with The Printmakers, Empirical and Femi Temowo are the headliners but there are acts from Plymouth university, choirs and film. There is also delicious food on offer throughout the village. So close to Plymouth this hideaway festival is always popular. So for a musical treat be sure to make it! Running from the 22nd-25th October 2015. Yo...