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 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.
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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The views from the top of Pen-y-Fan were superb Continue reading
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David invited me to visit Dyffryn Crawnon in the Brecon Beacons for a week, and while he set about on repairs to the bunkhouse I have the opportunity to stretch my legs over a beacon or two.
The first amble was up and around the head of Dyffryn Crawnon valley, but from there I caught glimpses of Pen-y-Fan to the north and a few interesting looking mountains closer to home.
While walking the Wealdway last month the weather cleared just long enough to get a panorama overlooking the Weald from the South Downs near Wilmington.
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Starting the final leg of the Wealdway at Gover Hill I had just 16 miles or so to get to Gravesend. The first few miles of walking was through a lovely woodland of chestnut coppice and oak standards. It had been the first be of decent production woodland I had walked through on my entire journey. It was not long however until I reached the other side and the view over to the North Downs.
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Today (day 3) started off with quite a bit of road walking so I was able to make good progress on the tarmac of the narrow country lanes. Before long I was high up on Bidborough ridge and the snow started up again – though this time they were large delicate flakes which drifted haphazardly in the breeze.