Many of Cornwall’s most beautiful places are those that have been reclaimed by nature. The old tin mines – many of which are now world heritage sites – that blend, ruined, among the heather-clad hills; the old smugglers coves that have been storm-worn into rocky lairs; and old quarries, like Tregildrans on the North Coast, where bulging blackberry bushes and spring-fed lagoons have transformed the place into a vast natural playground.
There has actually been an existing campsite at the splendidly overgrown Tregildrans quarry for decades. And now, capitalizing on that same adventure-friendly setting, there’s also a brand new business on the block; Free Range Escapes, a single, private shepherd’s hut for couples in need of a glamping getaway.
Set in a flat clearing that was once part of the old railway line that served the quarry, Free Range Escapes is yet another testament to the way nature can reclaim, replenish and reward us with an extraordinary setting. On three sides mature trees lean in to enclose you in a green embrace, while, on the other, the shepherd’s hut window peeps out at cattle grazing a grassy meadow on the opposite slope. There isn’t a railway sleeper in sight.
Inside, the hut is a cosy couples’ retreat. Light wooden-clad walls, exposed ash beams, a built-in double bed and a Windy Smith wood burner give it a warm, country-home feel, with old-style brass light fittings, binoculars and bird books showing a keen eye for detail. Like the rest of the quarry, it remains a wonderfully off-grid affair – there is no WiFi and certainly no television – but solar-power means you can still use the shepherd’s hut lighting and charge your mobile phone or tablet inside.
Step out and you’ll find adventure at every turn. Whether it’s enjoying a campfire beneath North Cornwall’s famously starry skies, swimming or boating on the emerald-coloured lake or walking to the coast to refuel with fish and chips in Port Isaac, there’ll be plenty to fill your time. You could also bring your bikes and pop south to Wadebridge for a cycle on the renowned Camel Trail, another old local railway line that’s been put to excellent use.
It’s a 5-minute drive to the some of the best sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and adrenaline-filled coasteering in the UK – all out of beautiful Port Quin. Try Cornish Rock Tors (07791 534884) for routes and equipment or carry on to Port Isaac (01208 880200) for more fantastic sea-kayaking options (and to buy tasty scallops and crabs). Pick up the 16-mile-long Camel Trail near Wadebridge (01460 221162) a superbly-converted old railway route that John Betjeman described as ‘the best journey in England’ back in its steam puffing days. North Cornwall Arts (01840 214220) runs plenty of children’s workshops to keep kids busy on a rainy afternoon, or try the intriguingly weird Museum of Witchcraft & Magic (01840 250111) at Boscastle Harbour, which is also excellent.