subject: The Coast Of Cornwall Yields Hidden Gems For The Adventurer [print this page] Cornwall has an appeal that can suit anyone from the hikers amongst us to the foodies in Padstow. We discovered that a week in Daymer Bay offers a sense of bliss from an England we thought we'd forgotten.
Daymer bay sits comfortably just inside the Camel estuary between Rock (more ostentatious in character) and Polzeath, a large sandy bay with regular surf and big tides.Daymer bay is nestled into the camel Estuary and this protects it from the big swells you get at Polzeath. The bay is completely nested by greenery that leads from the car park on the low cliff round the sand dunes that buffer the golf course to Brae Hill, a distinctive grassy mound, breast shaped with panoramic views from the top looking directly over Padstow and Rock, towards Wadebridge and outwards towards Pentire Point.
Strolling along the cliff to Polzeath from Daymer is refreshing and delightful for its nested crags and hidden bays cut into the cliff. The sound of the sea is perfect company. There's a choice of many little pathways to concealed mini coves that come alive at low tide.Alternatively, take one of the numerous pathways passed Brae Hill and enjoy the sandscape walk to Rock where a drink at the Mariner's is always a welcome refreshment.
Hidden tracks sneak through this famous golf course and the jewel in the crown is the curving spire of St Enodoc church protruding out of the hill.The tiny cemetary is straight out of another time with crooked tombstones with heavily Cornish names and one very famous one as you enter, that of Poet laureat John Betjeman. At the top of the ancient graveyard is a little bench that has some of the most tranquil views over Daymer bay and the estuary.
We loved the fishing trip from Rock.You can catch a fisherman and his boat out to deeper water and return with at least a barbecue load of mackerel to feed your party..haul your fish stocks home and stoke up that grill. Smash together garlic, lemon and flat leaf parsley and load up a glass of the 09 Camel Valley Bacchus!
We stayed at Bars House, Daymer Lane, which has a sturdy old-school feel with excellent facilities for about 8 people. It's three minutes from the beach with a great garden for alfresco dining.
If you dont fancy cooking, head to Padstow where all manner of fine food can be found whether at Rick Stein's restaurant and Bistro or in one of the other variously scattered restaurants. The ferry from Rock runs quite late but always check with the driver.
Check out a day time visit to the Camel Valley Vineyard. Their winery tour and generous tasting could alter your view on English wine forever.Telephone and email are the best way to make enquiries about booking.
