Living in the UK, we are lucky to have so many beautiful National Parks, beaches, countryside and moorland to enjoy. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a gorgeous trail for a countryside ramble or coast path for exploring. Cornwall is perfect for both, with miles of golden beaches, rugged coastal paths and beautiful moorland just waiting to be explored.

Late spring is our favourite time to be surrounded by the beauty of Cornwall, with sunshine, greenery and flowers in bloom brightening up the paths. Whether you enjoy a coastal walk, longer hike or gentle stroll surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, we’ve rounded up our favourite springtime walks to enjoy in Cornwall.

Polly Joke

Found between Hollywell Bay and Crantock beach, the arable fields of West Pentire are filled with the beautiful sight of poppies and yellow corn marigolds in bloom for just a few weeks a year. The vibrant red poppies contrasting against blue sea and orange sunsets are an awe-inspiring view, even on an overcast day. You can enjoy a circular walk through the poppy fields down to Polly Joke beach, returning over the headland. A longer walk will take you either across to Crantock beach or over to Hollywell Bay.

The land is partly managed by the National Trust specifically as a nature reserve for plants, with half of the fields ploughed and left fallow, and the other half ploughed and sown with barley in the spring. This small section of coastland is a much-needed haven for some of the most endangered wildflowers in the country, so please remember to stick to the footpaths so as not to disrupt them. 

Bluebell Woods at Enys Gardens

While we were unable to enjoy this breath-taking view this year, we can’t wait for next year already! Enys House and Gardens, near Penryn, is a hidden gem and well worth a visit especially when the bluebells are in full bloom. The privately-run Enys estate is vast – around 1,000 acres of farmland and woodland, with 30 acres of maintained gardens and meadows – and is famous for its bluebells. Visitors can walk around the old houses and stables or stop off at the cafe for a cream tea, plus dogs are also allowed on leads. The perfect place for a relaxing walk around beautiful grounds and gardens surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Rock to Daymer Bay

Rock is located in North Cornwall, directly opposite Padstow with the Camel Estuary flowing between. On this walk, you’ll often spot people kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing and more. There is also a water taxi which runs every 20 minutes to Padstow harbour if you fancy a change of scenery or a spot of lunch and look around the shops.

This lovely walk along the coast path and dunes lasts around 2 hours and you are rewarded with far-reaching views of the crystal blue waters of the Camel Estuary and, at low tide, you can even walk along the sand from Daymer beach to Rock. Both beaches are dog friendly all year round and are perfect for a beach BBQ, romantic walk or family day out.

Trevose Headland

Nestled on the North Cornwall coast, beautiful Trevose Head boasts spectacular views of the beautiful South West Coast Path across Booby’s Bay and Constantine to one side, and Mother Ivey’s Bay and Pentire Head on the other side with Trevose lighthouse taking centre stage. During this stunning circular walk, you are treated to views of coast, beaches and countryside. The route around Trevose Head is around 6.1 miles with an easy gradient perfect for beginners to enjoy at a leisurely pace. You can stop off for food and picnic supplies at Constantine Bay Stores before heading out too! Please remember to take any rubbish you bring to the beach away with you or dispose of in the bins available.  

Bodmin Moor

Closer to home for us at St Eval we have Bodmin Moor, with a much lower footfall than our popular beaches it can often be a lovely escape from the summer crowds. With legendary tales such as the Beast of Bodmin and Dozmary Pool – claimed to be the home of the Lady of the Lake where King Arthur received the sword Excalibur – there are many magical myths to lose yourself in. Not forgetting the Jamaica Inn open since 1750, famous for the best-selling novel of the same name by Daphne Du Maurier. What we love most about moorland walks is the freedom to venture away from the beaten track and discover beautiful spots of wildlife and nature.

Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

In celebration of the beautiful weather we’ve enjoyed these past few weeks and strawberries in season, we wanted to share our favourite strawberry cheesecake recipe. Few things are as indulgent as a delightful cheesecake and when British strawberries are in season, they make the perfect topping. Best of all, this recipe is quick and easy to put together! This recipe is from BBC Good Food.

Ingredients

• 25g icing sugar
• 250g Digestive Biscuits
• 100g Butter, melted
• 1 vanilla pod
• 600g full fat soft cheese
• 100g icing sugar
• 284ml pot of double cream
• For the topping
• 400g punnet of strawberries halved
• 25g icing sugar

Method

1. To make the base, butter and line a 23cm loose-bottomed tin with baking parchment. Put the digestive biscuits in a plastic food bag and crush to crumbs using a rolling pin. 
2. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl, then pour over the melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are completely coated. Tip them into the prepared tin and press firmly down into the base to create an even layer. Chill in the fridge for 1 hr to set firmly.
3. Slice the vanilla pod in half lengthways, leaving the tip intact, so that the two halves are still joined. Holding onto the tip of the pod, scrape out the seeds using the back of a kitchen knife.
4. Place the cream cheese, icing sugar and the vanilla seeds in a bowl, then beat with an electric mixture until smooth. Tip in the double cream and continue beating until the mixture is completely combined. Now spoon the cream mixture onto the biscuit base, starting from the edges and working inwards, making sure that there are no air bubbles. Smooth the top of the cheesecake down with the back of a dessert spoon or spatula. Leave to set in the fridge overnight.
5. Bring the cheesecake to room temperature about 30 mins before serving. To remove it from the tin, place the base on top of a can, then gradually pull the sides of the tin down. Slip the cake onto a serving plate, removing the lining paper and base. Purée half the strawberries in a blender or food processor with the icing sugar and 1 tsp water, then sieve. Pile the remaining strawberries onto the cake and pour the purée over the top.

We would love to hear about the beautiful walks you enjoy either in Cornwall or closer to home, please share with us on email @marketing@st-eval.com or on social, @stevalcandles.

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