Cornish Ale Trail With Campers in Cornwall

Last summer we took a look at wicked camper vans and how some of the funkiest models didn’t have to be iconic VW Campers.

Always pleased to support South West tourism we are delighted to publish this guest article written by Isaac Bullen who writes for a number of Cornish business including Campers in Cornwall.

Editors note – it was somewhat disappointing not to see any mention of a decent pasty being served at any of these establishments…..future guest posters take note!

My idea of bliss is to spend a lazy day on the beach interspersed with the occasional ‘body boarding session’ and indulge on burnt BBQ food smothered in ketchup.  Admittedly, my day does not feel 100% complete unless the sunset is watched with a glass of wine or  nursing a well-brewed pint of Cornish Ale.

Cornwall is not famous for its functional public transport.  We have found that the very best of the sunset spots are those that are remote, thus requiring someone to be the dreaded designated driver.  The above partly contributed to why we purchased a van. We can now travel the county (and country) at ease, visiting the most beautiful of places at our leisure. It is something you simply must do.

There are some fantastic pubs to visit in Cornwall each sporting a superb range of ales, good grub and occupying stunning locations with plenty of outdoor activities for all. If this sounds like ‘your thing’ then read the North Coast Ale Trail Guide below. It will take you on a journey to ten different public houses, each with different and unique offerings.

The Old Wanehouse

Starting at the top of Cornwall take a trip to The Old Wanehouse. Situated in Bude this pub is located close to the South West Coast Path – a perfect opportunity to stretch the legs and build up a healthy appetite. Treat yourself to their mouth watering 21-day matured steak.

Further down the coast in Tintagel we have a quaint and quintessentially English café – Wyldes Café. Gorge on a traditional cream tea. Try not to over indulge as this part of the coast is famous for being King Arthur’s legendary home and is well worth exploring.

The Rising Sun – Altarnun

Slightly inland, located on the edge of Bodmin moor near the very pretty village of Altarnun is The Rising Sun.  Chef and owner, Andy Mason, uses only the finest, locally sourced ingredients to create his mouth-watering and varied menu.  A full range of wines and spirits is available, and the pub is home to Penpont Brewery, a micro-brewery located less than 2 miles away in the Inny Valley.  Real Ales produced by Penpont Brewery are available on draught, or in bottles, in the pub, and include the very popular St Nonna’s, Rough Tor and Cornish Arvor.   A warm welcome, fabulous food, and brilliant beer await you at the Rising Sun!

The Journeyman

If your taste buds are hankering after something international then head to The Journeyman. Nestled in-between Padstow and Wadebridge (1/2 mile from St Issey) this pub offers something for everyone with over 50 dishes selected from the worlds finest cuisines.

For a decent lunch, drive down the coast to Newquay.  Sitting discreetly within the cliffs of South Fistral Beach you will find Bodhi’s. Enjoy an epic Bodhi burger overlooking stunning views from the balcony of the World Famous surfing mecca that is Fistral Beach.

A good sundown spot is Seiner’s in Perranporth.  They have daily bbq’s (weather permitting) on the decking that overlooks a beautiful five-mile stretch of golden sand.

Blue Bar at Porthtowan is also a good place to soak up the very last few daily offerings of Cornish sunshine. This original beach bar brasserie is well known for its seasonal, local and freshly prepared food. The live music at the weekends is a popular haunt of locals.

Another haunt of locals, fisherman and artists is the Sloop Inn at St Ives.  This is to believed to date from about 1312 A.D. Being situated right on the harbor front at St Ives with only a cobbled forecourt and road separating it from the sea, it is a perfect place to watch the world go by. All of the beaches, shops and art galleries, including the Tate Gallery, are within easy walking distance.

Last but not least take the time to explore one of the most remote parts of Cornwall: Zennor.  This area is one of the country’s most dramatic coastlines, one that has inspired artists and walkers for centuries.  Enjoy lunch or dinner at the Tinners Arms. The Tinners is a refuge from the modern pace of life where you will not find a TV, jukebox or fruit machine.  Your mobile phone will not receive signal. All this leaves you to do is to relax in front of the fire with a quiet pint of real ale and some Cornish cheese or a locally reared steak. The perfect way to end your North Coast ale trail.  Enjoy!

This guest article was written by Isaac Bullen who writes for a number of Cornish business including Campers in Cornwall a business who provide VW Campervan Hire in Cornwall, for your next holiday why not look at Campervan Hire in Cornwall?

Rickroll Infographic that charts the amazing phenomena of directing people to RicK Astleys “Never gonna give you up” chart topping video from the glorious eighties.

Rick Rofl

Flaming Tar Barrels Festival – 5^th November

Ottery St Mary, Devon

Carrying a flaming barrel on your back through a town centre may not seem like a very appealing prospect, but it’s a jealously guarded role amongst those selected for the 5^th November event each year in the Devonshire town of Ottery St Mary.

The history behind this bizarre tradition seems to have been lost in the mists of time, yet it’s believed to date back to the 17^th century and continues to take place every year – to the delight of the crowds that gather to witness the world-famous spectacle.

Lots of colourful theories have emerged as to why this tradition may have taken hold – ranging from the fumigation of local cottages to a warning signal that the Spanish Armada were approaching. No one really knows its true origins, and over the years it has evolved so that rather than simply rolling the flaming barrels along the street as they once did, the bearers now carry them on their shoulders.

Preparing the tar barrels

In preparation for the event, volunteers select barrels for the event in the months leading up to it, and each one is then treated ready for the festival. The barrel’s internal surface has to be coated with coal tar, and then the barrel is stuffed with straw and paper to help it catch alight – and the melting coal tar keeps the flames going as it’s rushed through the town.

A total of 17 barrels are carried throughout the day, starting off with smaller ‘junior’ barrels in the late afternoon, with their size gradually increasing throughout the evening. Each barrel is set alight at one of the town’s public houses or hotels, all sticking to a rigid schedule that ensures the final enormous barrel is carried through the town just as midnight strikes.

See a selection of videos here

A gigantic bonfire more than 10 metres high, crowned with an effigy of Guy Fawkes created by the same local family since 1958, forms an eye-catching backdrop to the event – together with all sorts of fairground rides and other family attractions. In the weeks running up to the 5^th November, a tractor and trailer trawls through the town collecting all sorts of material for the bonfire from local residents and businesses, piling them up at the bonfire site at St Saviours Meadow.

If you’re making a trip to Ottery St Mary for the Tar Barrels night, it’s worth trying to get there by the Saturday before the 5th November so you can also enjoy the town’s Carnival Night, which features decorated floats and parades from the area’s surrounding towns and villages, culminating in a big firework display.