5 Reasons to take your dog on holiday

December 23rd, 2016

You’ve probably already thought about taking little pup on holiday, but abandoned the idea after thinking of the added stress that comes with Rover bounding around from picnic to picnic scoffing sarnies, and conclude that it could intrude on your time of relaxation. Some of you may have even been reluctant to book some well-deserved time off because of fear of being separated from your beloved furry friends. Here are just five of the reasons you should check out some of our dog-friendly holidays in Cornwall this year and bring your companions along with you!

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West Cornwall to celebrate alternative St. Piran’s Day festivities

January 07th, 2016

A novel event will be happening in Cornwall this March all within a short distance of our beautiful cottages in Cornwall.

The Cousin Jack Classic Coast Run will take place from 10am-4pm on March 5th and will stretch from Cape Cornwall to The Island in St. Ives, in order to honour and pay tribute to Cornish ancestors.

Cornish emigration happened for a variety of reasons, but the main reasons were for economic purposes due to the lack of jobs in the 18th and 19th centuries. This was the time Cornish people or “Cousin Jacks” migrated to various parts of the world in search of a better life, it’s estimated that around 250,000 Cornish men migrated between 1861 and 1901.

The Cousin Jack Classic Coast run will cover the 17 mile stretch between St Ives and St Just, which offer untouched and beautiful natural scenery from the lush green grasses that stretch to the water’s edge to the imposing 300 foot cliffs that jut out from this remarkable coastline.

It’s also home to the UK’s first ‘Environmentally Sensitive Areas’ where annual grant aid allows participating farmers to work the land traditionally using ancient field systems to define a small strip of land between the sea.

Also along the route you will pass the world famous mines of Crowns and Wheal Owles, Geevor Tin Mine, before grazing past Pendeen lighthouse.

You’ll know when the race is near its end when you spot the Tate Gallery, from there you make your way onto the golden sands of Porthmeor beach where the black and white flag of St Piran will wave you over the finish line.

Once you have completed this exciting route you will presented with a Cornish medal and traditional local cider from St Ives before the contestants head for somewhere warm to recharge and reflect on the Cousin Jack run.

Due to the terrain of the route, sensible footwear and clothing is advised, as well as any liquids or energy gels as this is out of season, so refreshment stops may be limited along the route. Waterproof maps will be given out to help you navigate certain parts of the trail and a first aider will be available if any problems occur.

 

This is a social run, and not an organised running race so you will need to sign a disclaimer to sign in and out. There is also a small donation of £5 that goes towards St Erth Charity Committee, who raise money to supply Christmas Lights to the village each year.

So try something different this year whilst taking in the beautiful scenery that Cornwall has become famous for.

 

 

For more information you can check their Facebook event page here.

 

A Bridge Fit For A King

December 07th, 2015

 

A new competition has been launched to design a new footbridge linking Tintagel Castle, which is thought to be King Arthur’s birthplace, with the Cornish mainland. (more…)

Truro council to launch counter-attack on aggressive Seagulls

July 26th, 2015

Tales of aggressive seagull ambush attacks in Cornwall has recently captured the imagination of many popular national newspapers, and has even drawn comment from the Prime Minister (himself a notable devotee of holidaying in the County).

As part of the response to what is rapidly becoming a real concern to many visitors to Cornwall cottage holidays, Truro City Council has become one of the first authorities to begin the counter-attack.

Armed with a paint product called ‘Flock Off’, a phrase very close to the words many people utter when they have their pasty nicked by an aggressive seagull, Truro council plans to fight back to repel the birds, albeit in a humane fashion.

Picturesque Truro, only minutes from The Valley’s luxury cottages, is said by one city councillor to be “under siege” from dive bombing birds, is to trial the substance which reflects the sun’s rays, dazzling gulls that venture too close and stopping them from swooping down.

The hope is that birds instinctively avoid landing on treated surfaces because they see the reflected UV rays as a potential threat. However the paint is completely harmless.

The first salvo of the fightback will see tops of lamp-posts and other vantage points treated. It will be used around the city’s main Lemon Quay piazza, where many people eat al fresco.

Truro deputy mayor Rob Nolan said the action is needed because the city is “under siege”. “It’s the main subject people complain about,” he said. He added that while it would not solve the problem, it was “something the council can do for the price of a few tins of paint” to reassure visitors.

Seagulls are an acknowledged nuisance in many towns and coastal areas in the Westcountry where they steal food and scavenge from bins.

On their website, Truro City Council “strongly urges” people not to feed the seagulls in an attempt to stop an artificially high population being created. However, the population of herring gulls in Truro has steadily increased since the 1970s, as has the number of complaints received by the council. Despite the nuisance that the gulls have become it is illegal to disturb eggs or nests during the breeding season or do anything that will cause suffering to seagulls.

Truro City Council’s decision to implement new measures to control the birds comes days after David Cameron’s admission that “there is a problem” with gulls in the region.

The Prime Minister told BBC Cornwall: “I think a big conversation needs to happen about this and frankly the people we need to listen to are people who really understand this issue in Cornwall, and the potential effects it is having.”

World Pasty Championships at the Eden Project

January 21st, 2015

The world pasty championships at Eden Project may not be taking place until the end of February, however, preparations by head chef Tony Trenerry have already started. Tony wanted to make his mark on the event this year and has created a 70cm diameter pasty globe.

Tony said: “I was inspired by the amazing collection of competitive pasties at last year’s World Pasty Championships and wanted to do my bit to inspire entrants to this year’s competition”.

The Cornish pasty is a savoury snack people all over the world associate with the county, one which Cornwall was so proud of that the title was even given protected status..

As well as the pasty competition visitors can enjoy the pasty themed activities on offer throughout the day, along with live music. In the evening the winners are announced.

If you are fortunate enough to be staying in Cornwall holiday cottages at The Valley in the coming weeks, why not visit the event and tuck into a delicious pasty during your stay?