Cornwall

Last weekend I spent a few merry few days with friends in the South West of England. As my first time to the region I can say it's a wonderfully picturesque part of the country, but it feels like such a slog to reach 'The West', as it is somewhat mysteriously described from road signs. From my home in the North West of England Cornwall had always been deemed far too distant to make the trip to. Even from London it's not exactly within quick and easy reach. Nevertheless it's relative geographical distance doesn't seem to put off the huge numbers of campers and tourists to be found there during summer months.

Benefiting from just a single extended weekend's trip to the South West, I can hardly claim to be a wealth of knowledge on the region. To really do more than scratch the surface a good week is called for. We did take in the region's main sight though: the Eden Project. The first signposted entrance road to the Eden Project from the Plymouth road is surprisingly narrow. Car parking at the site is extensive, as divided into areas, in a somewhat Disney-esque style, but rather than having Goofy 15 or Mickey 6, there are Banana 3 or Lime 1. This of course led to spin off parodies by many visitors, along the lines of: "can you remember where we're parked? Is it kumquat 17?" "No I thought it was rhubarb 9." And so on, and so on.

The Eden Project itself is simply marvelous. Spacious outdoor areas where you can sit and enjoy the weather (where applicable), enjoying a pint of the fine Eden Ale, surrounded by all manner of plants, and grass areas much more akin to a meadow than a the well manicured lawns to be found in many tourist destinations. The main attraction of the Eden Project of course, aside from the ale, are the two domes, each containing the plants, landscape, even buildings for particular areas of the world. The warm dome is akin to Mediterranean countries, South Africa and California. The second, a tropical climate, with the intense humidity to match, especially as the upper parts of the dome are reached. It's all excellently done, with some fascinating facts about many of the plants. For me, it was seeing a pineapple plant, and a fruit growing on it that made me step back. "Is that really what is looks like?" It's one of those things you don't give much though to, until you see it. "So they don't grow on trees after all..."

Rather than try to describe it, I'll suggest you visit my photo gallery for Cornwall, which features a number of pictures in and around the Eden Project. It rather speaks for itself. What was also impressive were the general facilities. Of course it's still really quite new, but the fact that there's a cafe with wholesome food at very reasonable prices came as quite a shock. It makes a change for a major tourist attraction not to attempt to squeeze every last drop of disposable income from the visiting public, so full credit to the Eden Project for that.

A major facet of the Eden Project focuses on the sustainability of the environment, and the protection of plant habitats and species. Throughout the complex recycling is very much encouraged, with a selection of rubbish bins the likes I've not seen since my time in Germany. Combining the many displays regarding the importance of the environment with the amazing variety of plants in the domes surely makes leaves a strong impression on anyone as to the need to protect the world we live in.

After the Eden Project we made our way to Gorran; our tent-based home for the next couple of nights. Now Gorran is a funny place, as it's not so much a single place as much as an area, split into a number of villages each featuring Gorran in the name. We were near St Gorran, I think it was, with the charming fishing village of Gorran Haven an easy walk away too. On the Saturday we spent the day making out way from Gorran Haven along the coastal path to the town of Mevagissey a few miles to the North. We drove through the town on the way down, and I'm sure the insanely narrow roads through the middle of the town must make a number of tourists freak out each year. Got knows how caravaners or delivery vans manage.

Although the weather wasn't particularly glorious, the scenery certainly was. Cliff top walks, tiny villages nestling by the shore, and friendly folks abound. A few days it may have been, but it's certainly whetted my appetite to explore the South West further. Apparently South West Air makes the journey due to far end of Cornwall a relatively quick trip from Gatwick, and if booked in advance the prices might be quite competitive. I've not sure how extensive or regular public transport operates in the region, but given the number of buses around we saw just around tiny Gorran, some going as far as Newquay, I suspect it's a viable means of getting around.