The Woodcutter’s Cabin
Chilly sunrise at The Woodcutter’s Cabin
Secluded but not cut off.
Compact but generous.
Far reaching views.
And a bath out in the garden!
For a magical weekend we’ve been staying at The Woodcutter’s Cabin, a beautiful new addition to The Cornish Way.
This bespoke cabin is the perfect retreat for any couple wishing to get away from it all, while having everything that the far west can to offer within a short drive.
It has been created high in a corner of the vast gardens of Primrose Cottage. Once you’re there you feel lord of all you survey. And you survey a lot!
The studio-style cabin is truly individual. Trunks of trees support the ceiling beams, and the balustrade outside. The windows are glazed with found stained glass panels and other interesting panes. The bed follows the theme and it’s the closest you’ll get to sleeping in a tree while retaining the comfort of your favourite hotel. The excellent quality bedding deserves a mention too.
The tree like bed, in its light filled room.
Fine dining. Good walking.
On Friday evening we dined well at home – meats and cheeses from the Newlyn Cheese Shop. I recommend a visit. It’s small, but well stocked. Between Easter and October be sure to have an ice cream from Jelbert’s a couple of doors along from the cheese shop.
Planning tomorrow’s route – with a tasty snack.
From soon after our arrival on Friday afternoon the rain started falling and didn’t let up for 18 hours. Our planned walk to The Gurnard’s Head for Saturday lunch became a drive, though after a long, slow, and thoroughly enjoyable meal we left the car there and headed back on foot.
Our gluttony was walked off. Slowly. And the excellent lunch sustained us for the rest of the day.
The toppled Mulfra Quoit with Ding Dong in the background.
So much rain had made streams of the footpaths over Mulfra Hill to its tumbled quoit. As new rain fell we weaved through the remains of the ancient settlement of Bodrifty not stopping to consider the life that was once led there. Instead we forged on, joining the Bosporthennis track and soon after we were passing the mad dogs of Ding Dong and within sight of home.
The paths across the moors became streams after many hours of rain.
After stripping off sodden layers outside on the balcony it seemed natural to fill the garden bath and slip under the bubbles for a luxurious dip.
Dusk falls while I take a dip in the outside bath.
The experience of an actual outside bath far outstrips that of a hot tub with its racket that forces you to shout at your partner who’s right by your side. As dusk fell I watched the birds noisily finding their roost then, one by one, falling quiet. Rabbits scurried across the lawn. An owl glided by on silent wings. And my thoughts felt unencumbered, free to wander as they chose.
Back in the cabin Amanda had lit the woodburner and we settled in for a happy evening reading – how come that never happens at home?
The sleep of tired muscles, well fed and watered. The only sound is the wind in the trees and the patter of (more) rain falling on the roof.
A bigger walk, another great pub.
After a deep and dreamless ten hour sleep we breakfasted well, opening the French doors to let the clean fresh air through the studio. Taking our time felt luxurious before setting out on our next big walk. That walk had to include collecting the car!
Morning coffee on the deck, with far reaching views.
We crossed the moor again, this time heading further east to descend onto Foage Farm, and the track leading down to Zennor.
So many fab destinations from one point.
You shouldn’t pass Zennor without a visit to The Tinner’s and we sat out in the garden enjoying January sunshine and a pint of their Mermaid Ale. From there it’s a short walk across the fields to The Gurnard’s Head, or a much harder walk around the coast. We took the easy option and avoided the temptation to nip into The Gurnard’s for another drink.
The Tinner’s, and Zennor Church.
Time is different here.
Back in the cabin life still moved at a slower pace than we’re used to. We ate a wonderful stew that Amanda had prepared the day before, we read in front of the fire, we exchanged ideas, stories from our books. We didn’t even contemplate the black box in the corner that’d connect us to the outside world.
We feel fortunate to have spent a few days here – if you can come for a week then I believe it’d be a most wonderful thing. It has helped me disconnect with the wider world, and better connect with my own mind and the things I love.
Minty and Polly crossing the damp moors.
It’s not for everyone – but if you think that it could be for you then don’t hesitate to book. I’m sure The Woodcutter’s Cabin will be popular.
Make sure you take the OS Map on walks – the signs aren’t always the best!
The essential information:
The Woodcutter’s Cabin Sleeps 2. Woodburner (an excellent example). Full kitchen. Great shower room. Washing machine. Dishwasher. Good Bluetooth speaker with CD. TV with Sky. Moderate internet sufficient for email but not streaming.
Reading: I read the harrowing yet magnificent When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi and was inspired by The Old Ways by Robert Macfarlane. Minty also read Kalanithi and is now deep in Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.
Listening: We played a lot of Radiohead and let Spotify take the theme in many directions.
KC considering a new project?
KC4TCW
What a great addition to The Cornish Way and sounds good weekend.
Is that another project…lots to be done with a reasonably blank canvas?