A Real Treasure; Holiday 2007 North Cornwall is a Holiday Gem

By PAUL COLE

IT’S the independent travellers’ bible. Lonely Planet has built a worldwide reputation for its expert advice, travel tips and holiday hotspot recommendations.

More usually associated with tropical beaches, steamy jungles, adventure trekking and big city action, its contributors scour the globe for the world’s best.

But among the exotic ‘must-see’ destinations listed in the latest Lonely Planet Bluelist book is somewhere closer to home, within easy distance of Birmingham.

It’s North Cornwall.

Known for its scenic beauty, the county combines breathtaking scenery with the myths and legends of King Arthur, medieval castles, great houses and gardens.

There are golden beaches, year-round tourist attractions and plentiful opportunities for walking, cycling and other sporting and leisure pursuits.

It stretches along the dramatic Atlantic coast from Bude’s sandy beaches, past rugged cliffs and secret coves to the Bedruthan Steps just north of Newquay. Along the way, it takes in mystical Tintagel and the pretty fishing villages of Boscastle, Port Isaac and Padstow.

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Inland, the craggy tors and wild moorland of Bodmin Moor contrast with the more gentle countryside closer to the coast, while historic towns include Launceston and Bodmin.

Lonely Planet has included the area in its ‘Go List’ section – a chapter dedicated to detailing hot destinations for 2007 – highlighting the coastline and quaint fishing villages.

The book says that the granite tors of Bodmin Moor account for much of Cornwall’s allure and there’s no doubting the enduring attraction of its mythological connections.

Last, but not least, it reflects that the region has the highest concentration of organic and traditional food producers in the UK.

"The Bluelist is a snapshot of best in travel," says North Cornwall PR Pat Edgar. "It’s designed to kick-start the imagination and to get travellers thinking differently.

"It’s about exploring what makes a destination special. It’s for people who are passionate about travelling and seeing the world, and who want to have unique experiences.

"The Go List is a definitive list of the 30 destinations Lonely Planet has recommended for 2007, and we’re all delighted that the county has been included in such illustrious company."

North Cornwall has long been recognised for its great houses and gardens. Now, with the highly-acclaimed Eden Project on its doorstep, it can truly be described as the Gateway to Eden.

Garden enthusiasts can also explore the wonderful English gardens at Lanhydrock, Pencarrow House and Prideaux Place, as well as the unique coastal Victorian Gardens at Port Isaac’s Long Cross Hotel

There’s a treasure trove of clues to the past scattered across the landscape, from ancient stones and Celtic crosses to the Iron Age hill forts at Warbstow Bury and Rumps Point.

Remains of a Bronze Age settlement can be found on Bodmin Moor while a plethora of historic buildings includes Launceston Castle, John Wesley’s Cottage at Trewint and the Old Post Office in Tintagel.

And, of course, there’s the mysterious clifftop Tintagel Castle, legendary home of King Arthur, but now in ruins.

On the far side of Bodmin Moor at Minions and Caradon Hill can be found the remnants of engine houses and tramways left by those who mined and quarried the land for tin, copper, slate and granite.

Last year, these mining sites were awarded World Heritage status – joining the ranks of the Taj Mahal in India and the Great Wall of China. Now that’s what I call good company.

With its mild climate, North Cornwall is an ideal main holiday or short break destination, whatever the season. Many visitors prefer to don their walking boots, cycle or ride to enjoy the superb scenery.

Among the network of walking and cycling routes is the 18-mile newly-extended Camel Trail, which follows a level disused rail track along the banks of the Camel River from Padstow to Wenfordbridge.

The new extension allows cyclists to link onto the Cornish Way, a 42-mile stretch along minor roads to Bude. Bodmin also has a new off- road track linking one side of the town to the other.

Elsewhere, the 26-mile Saints Way footpath traverses the county between the picturesque fishing villages of Padstow on the north coast and Fowey on the south, following the footsteps taken by pilgrims many hundreds of years ago.

For a more challenging route, the South West Coastal Path hugs the coastline along its undulating and rugged cliffs.

Other leisure opportunities include coastal links and parkland courses for golf enthusiasts, while anglers will find lake, sea, rock, river and canal fishing available all year round.

For keen equestrians, North Cornwall offers some of the best riding locations in the west, through wild moorland, alongside gentle rivers and across sandy beaches and blustery headlands.

And, with more than 60 miles of Atlantic Heritage Coast – famed for its golden sandy beaches, award-winning bays and crashing waves – the area attracts surfers and watersports enthusiasts from all round the world.

paulcole@mrn.co.uk

TRAVEL FILE

For information about things to see and do, and quality accommodation suggestions, get a free copy of the 2007 North Cornwall Visitor Guide.

Copies are available by calling 01271 336072 – or you can download it from the region’s website www.visitnorthcornwall.com, where you’ll find lots of travel tips.

(c) 2007 Sunday Mercury; Birmingham (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.