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Cornish Fairings truly are ‘A taste that’s out of Cornwall‘, and it is a great shame that they are not more widely available – considering that they have been a Cornish favourite for over 100 years. It was only a few years ago that they almost became an endangered species when the factory was forced to close due to lack of demand – which would have been a great tragedy for Fairings fans. Thankfully someone saw sense and they were rescued.
As I continued to make my way through the 40 different sausage selections to choose from at the B&B for breakfast I needed to get out and stretch my legs. Without really knowing I had already walked up and around the highest peak in Cornwall last month, so chose one of the more heritage areas around Minions this time around.
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Minions is the highest village in Cornwall, high up on Bodmin moor, and was totally created for the needs of the local industries: mining, quarrying and railways. It was almost entirely constructed in the few years between1863 and 1880. The area though is thought to have been inhabited for around 6,000 years, and old field systems and settlement areas can still be seen amidst the moorland, though they can be more clearly seen in Google Maps.
Stretching my legs a little over Bodmin Moor I came across a wonderful view near Minions.
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It was not until 1615 that tea was first mentioned in British literature, and it was the British who took it all over the world and cultivated it in large quantities in India and Africa.
At the forefront of novel plant introductions the Tregothnan Estate began the search for the perfect tea when it was recently shown that high quality tea could thrive in Cornwall.
Now I just have to find some Cornish Fairings biscuits…
The weather was not good, and the forecast was not much better, but I had to do something today having had a very good breakfast (continuing to work my way through the 40 different sausage selections to choose from at the B&B!). Andy and Jane recommended that I visit Tregothnan, the traditional home of the Boscawen family, and the seat of Lord Falmouth, which is only open for one weekend of the year and this weekend is it – looks like my luck was in, lets hope it holds.
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I am a great fan of podcasts, and often take a few episodes with me while I am out and about, and one of my absolute favourites is The Indie Travel Podcast with Craig and Linda.
I came to them late (around episode #35) but after a few episodes I quickly fell for their easy presenting styles, sage advice, and interesting travels. It was not long before I downloaded their entire back catalogue and sat down with a large cup of tea to listen to them all.
I have never met Craig or Linda, but feel I know them quite well and we have conversed about SmartWool Socks and Kiva. I was over the moon to listen to an Indie Travel Podcast episode to hear that they thought the socks worked well during their Camino de Santiago de Compostela walk, and that they have dipped their toes into Kiva.org and have started to support low-income entrepreneurs in the developing world through Kiva.
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I had such a good time visiting last month, I was really pleased to be back again now. I had only ever spent time down ‘in the pit’ but I was curious about the wider estate. Having a look at Google Maps and Microsoft Live Search Map gave a real insight into the evolution of the site.
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Welshcakes can be traced back in time to one of the earliest forms of baking, where a flatstone would be placed onto an open fire and small flat cakes would be griddled on top of the hot stone.
It is a shame that they are not more widely available outside of their native Wales as they make a fine accompaniment to a nice cup of tea.
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There are many types of walking aids, from walking sticks to hiking and trekking poles – made from a wondrous variety of materials.
I prefer a simple wooden stick to aid me on my travels, and it has come in very handy when clearing away brambles, testing the depth of mud or water, and even in being a support when taking pictures.
In the Brecon Beacons it recently came in very useful in testing the depth of snowdrifts!
Having missed out on International Waffle Day (March 25th) I was pleased to have found a source of toffee waffles in Crickhowell – and they would make good rations for strolls over the Brecon Beacons…
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