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Free Range Escapes

Trelill, Cornwall, England
1 acre hosted by Gosel T.
A private shepherd's hut retreat set in North Cornwall's most accidentally excellent setting; the overgrown Tregildrans quarry

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.

Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Surfing
Natural features
Beach
Forest
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
Location
Trelill, Cornwall, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Gosel T.Joined in October 2017
From the host
Escape to the beautiful wilderness of the North Cornish coast, close to Port Isaac & Polzeath. Stay in a handcrafted shepherd's hut with curved ash beams & Windy Smithy wood burner on a converted railway line. You can relax in total privacy with only the local cows for company. You can explore the nearby woods, go swimming, fishing & boating on the magical freshwater lake. A perfect break for couples or a solo traveller wanting to unwind. The shepherd's hut is based at Cornish Tipi Holidays/Weddings also known as Tregildrans Quarry. The site is unique. A woodland valley folded around a clear, spring-fed lake created from the old quarry. The hut is at the top of a 'secret' 20 acres, clothed in ferns and bluebells, oak and meadowsweet. Undisturbed by modern agrochemicals and herbicides the natural ecosystem has flourished, providing a thriving habitat for flowers and butterflies, birds and mammals. It’s a place a world apart from the rush and clutter of the modern holiday experience, with an atmosphere that makes you forget the world outside, and just lounge, ramble, or potter about in a boat. The Shepherd's Hut itself is situated in a recently reclaimed part of the site on the old railway line which was taken out in the 60's, and reclaimed by nature until now! Guests will have full access to the whole site & all its facilities: 20 acres of woodland to explore and a freshwater lake to swim, boat and fish in, as well as your own secluded garden space complete with an open fire and garden furniture. The shepherds hut has its own private composting loo and wooden shower shed (made partly from recycled pallets) both outside. You are of course allowed full access to any of the other loo/shower blocks on site. There is also electricity! Solar powered lights & sockets make it easy to charge items or read a book after the sun goes down. However please be aware that the electricity system in the hut can only take up to 300 watts. This means it is fine for charging phones, cameras, laptops etc but unless they are low wattage (most aren’t) hair dryers, hair straighteners & electric kettles will trip the system. Anything that requires a huge amount of electricity i.e. heating devices, please do not use. The aim is to have created a space which makes you feel like you are out in nature & the elements, but with more comfort than basic camping. For updates check "Free Range Escapes" on social media.
Nearby attractions

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.

Food and drink
There's a decent sized Spar in Delabole (01840 213897) for groceries. You can buy excellent pasties and exceptionl egg-and-bacon pies (among others) from either Auntie Avice at St Kew or Cornish Maids in Camelford (01840 212749). The Other Place in Fowey (01726 833636) does creative fish and chips, including scallops or calamari. For excellent Sunday lunch and good mid-week sandwiches try the Globe Hotel at Lostwithiel (01208 872501).

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