I've always loved this area of Cornwall, call me a snob whatever you like it still makes me smile. I started visiting as a teenager camping in someone's hedge behind the bakery when we were 15. We had one tent between five and had forgotten the poles. A friend had invited me and said we could bike from Bodmin Parkway station. Its not that far he said and no its not only about 20 miles which isn't too bad but if you take the route we took it does up and over the hills straight up and down (when I say up I mean vertical). We arrived at 11pm and luckily were put up by a friend of his. For the rest of the time we literally camped in a hedge off the main road, convenient for the Mariners when it accepted teenagers. Mind you i'll never drink Martini straight again I tried to down a whole bottle and can still taste it now as it came back up. The best news was discovering the camel trail which is a disused railway line that runs straight and flat most of the way, well worth the extra ££ to cross the estuary. We now go with the kids and cycle for hours its fantastic.
Anyway back to Rock always fun and as I have got older the accommodation has got better. Believe it or not thanks largely to my wonderful mother-in-law. We now stay every year in a house between Rock and Polzeath just above Daymer Bay. It has great views as you can see each photo is taken from the balcony. You are within walking distance of both villages/towns (not sure which they are to be honest). The Mariners is still within stumbling distance and the ferry to Padstow is only 15 minutes walk. Great news if your a fan of Rick Stein who seems to have branded most of the shops and restaurants.
I think this part of Cornwall has it all surfing in Polzeath, shopping and eating in Padstow and bars and restaurants in Rock (ok not that many but enough). Its hard not to understand why the prices of houses are so high because its so private in its own Cornish slightly backward way.
One of my favorite spots overlooking the golf course which has the church of St.Enedoc where Sir John Betjamin is buried. I've played the course and I can honestly say it challenged me greatly, I probably lost about 15 balls but then thats me. If your not into round ball games they always show the Lions rugby at the clubhouse. Now that ladies and gentlemen is a really useful fact.
What's the best thing to come out of Rock over the years for me? Sadly its not the memories of my children learning to surf or of the first snog on the beach back in the early 90s its the beer that follows me around everywhere I go. One more pint of Doom please landlord.
Sunset, its about time I said goodnight. Looking forward to our visit this summer and just praying the rain stays away. Don't forget to + the page if you liked it. Or ask me any questions if you want!
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