Nether Stowey

We dropped off the car at the garage and walked back. I felt I was living the story 'We're going on a bear hunt', as there were so many 'Oh No's. First we went through a field of thigh high swishy swoshy grass, which was fine until we got to the end of the field and discovered a herd of cows, calves and a massive bull blocking the exit. Matt shooed them away and we ran onto the lane. Then we came across a flood, and, unable to go through it, we had to go around it. This involved climbing a bank by the side of the road, but the bank had gaps in it, which we'd have to jump. I have a little fear of jumping gaps, and couldn't do it, so we had to find an alternative route, which took us through a field of elephant grass. Here we came across another obstacle - mud, squilchy, squelchy mud, which we had to go through. Emerging back onto the lane we were met by yippy yappy dogs, but once past we were only 100 metres from the house. Safe at last! But Oh No... here we came across a big white van blocking our way. Eventually we were back. Not the way I'd intended to spend my Sunday morning, but a mini advernture nonetheless.

Valley of the Rocks

Just an hour from the Harrisons is a stunning part of Devon coastline named Valley of Rocks, where Exmoor meets sea, and the views of moor, valley, water and Wales in the background, stretch as far as the eye can see in places. The rocks are stacked precariously along the coast, and we spent a delightful afternoon walking amongst them, climbing them and photographing them. It reminded me very much of the October holiday I spent walking along the Gower coastline, although this side of the channel appears to behold fewer stretches of sand, favouring ancient woodland instead. We finished the outing by passing through Lee Abbey Estate, stopping on the rocky beach to play games. It was lovely, right up until the moment when I fell into the river and covered myself with green slime. But this is an enchanting piece of Britain, and perfect for a sunny, cool afternoon.

Bossington

Dodging the drizzle, we made our wet way to Bossington for a Sunday stroll. Our optimism paid off, as we were greeted by a storm which seemed to hang perpetually over the sea and never quite break over us. We stumbled across pebbles up and down the beach, then sat in a tea garden, saluting the Queen and her Jubilee celebrations with cream tea. The garden was very pretty, made all the more so by the tame birds which came to share our crumbs. Bossington is very quaint, with tea gardens a-plenty and miniature donkeys too. Definitely worth a visit. As we got back to the car to head to Porlock Weir the drizzle descended and we left our sunlit oasis behind - for now at least.

Grampound Road

We stopped at Grampound Road for some of Katy's delicious cake and tea, and played in the garden with Oscar and Amelie, who were absolutely delightful. I just love toddlers. We gossiped and caught up, then had our fingers measured and discussed ideas as Katy is going to make our wedding rings. A wonderful end to a wonderful weekend. I am so blessed to not only have my own gorgeous family, but to be marrying into such a lovely one too.

Battery Rocks

An array of rocks, complete with rock pools surround the Jubilee Pool in Penzance, and provide a lovely spot for a picnic, pasty, beer or swim. They overlook St Michael's Mount and Mount's Bay, and are just where the Prom meets the town. We spent a happy lunchtime there on Sunday, playing I Spy and hanging out with my gorgeous nephews. I really didn't want to come away.

Penwith's best

Starting the day at the Prom, Penzance, we watched the Olympic torch race by, then ran up Chapel St to watch it changing hands at the top of Market Jew St. Then commenced a tour of the loveliest places to bring around 100 friends and family. Starting in Chapel St, we visited Penzance's oldest pub, then immediately ditched that idea due to its dubious stance on sustainability amongst other things. On the way out of Penzance we got caught up in the torch parade, and as we waved flags out of the open top of the car, we were cheered on our way. Our next stop saw us upgraded to the beautiful Sandbar at Praa Sands, well worth a visit any time as it looks immediately onto the beach. Just stunning. Next were two St Ives hotels, one much bigger than the other, with a better view and stunning wooded gardens. Eventually we made it to the Sandsifter in Hayle, which did not compare to the splendid Sandbar or the opportunities for fun in St Ives. A fab day finished off with one of my favourite activities, drinks and gossip around the kitchen table with family. Having also somehow found time to book a church, I feel we had a very successful day. How lucky to have so many stunning places to choose from!

Sunday in Stroud

I was all ready to embark on a day of admin and sorting, when I realised I could see something rare and wonderful outside - the sun! So plans were scrapped and off we went towards Stroud, with the intention of checking out some art galleries. Most things in Stroud seem to be shut on a Sunday however, so we adjusted our plans once more and went for a roast in The Crown in Frampton Mansell. The service was great and the pub cosy, but before we finished our game of scrabble we were enticed out again by the sun and beautiful surroundings. We walked along a path, crossed the railway and entered a field with cows and a stream which looked a bit like paradise. I'm growing to love this area, and am very hopeful that we can move here soon.