4 Day Quirky House Activity Retreat

Highlights

  • Enjoy guided excursions on the very best trails in the area for walking, cycling, or e-biking
  • Relax and soak up the panoramic sunset and sea views through the cabin's bi-fold doors
  • Enjoy staying in total isolation on a remote farm on the north Cornwall coast

Message from NITGB

Oops! Looks like we are waiting on availability from our host for this trip.

Give us a call or email to request your preferred dates and we’ll get in touch with our host to see what’s available.

What you'll do

Overview

Escape to this quirky house with beautiful sea views on a remote farm in Cornwall, for a unique stay that is the perfect base for world-class hiking, ebiking or trail running amongst stunning scenery on routes specially chosen by your local guide.

This light and airy cabin is situated in a beautiful, isolated spot on a family-run farm, whilst still being within comfortable walking distance to a great choice of cosy pubs, incredible beaches, and excellent trails.

Relax and enjoy the panoramic views that sweep along a wooded valley, running all the way down to the sea, by opening the bi-fold doors that flood the house with natural light and fresh sea air.

Your host, David, will take you out on a number of incredible, unique walks, e-bike or trail running adventures around the area, getting you off the beaten track and showing you the very best trails that are known only to the locals.

It’s also a great spot for your stay, as you get all the comforts of a modern home in a location that feels like a true off-grid holiday in the UK.

You get a fully-equipped kitchen, a cosy log burner, a luxurious shower, fast Wifi and a large outdoor deck and private garden area to make the most of the views year round.

The unique accommodation is located next to a working farm, in a very peaceful setting, so you can try the fresh eggs and vegetables should you wish to.

The interior has been lovingly decorated to create a personal paradise that often looks out onto incredible sunset views, the perfect place for an escape from the rush of everyday life.

E-biking

A cycling holiday with a difference!  David, your host and expert guide, will show you the most amazing routes, you won’t have to worry about sweaty backs, burning muscles or panting your way up the hills of Cornwall – let the electric motor help you along, giving you a little boost to take you further around this spectacular area.

A hidden paradise, boasting endless quiet country lanes with very little traffic, Cornwall is perfect for a cycling holiday. The coastal roads can be hilly, but with an electric motor assisting while you pedal, you will have all the more energy to explore the area in maximum comfort.

Trail Running

This remote and wild corner of Cornwall is a hidden paradise for trail runners, and David knows all the best routes, whether you are an experienced trail runner or a novice, he will provide route options to suit you in this varied and spectacular terrain. Step straight out of the door, put on your running shoes and enter right into the endless trail network which passes through meandering streams, ancient oak valleys, towering panoramic clifftops, secluded bays and peaceful meadows bursting with wildflowers.

Hiking

If you have chosen to spend your break hiking, your host David will be keen to guide you on amazing coastal and countryside walks. Head out along the rugged coast, discovering dramatic sea cliffs, hidden misty coves, and discover quirky local surprises, with Dave bringing to life another story as you round each new corner.

Learn about the fascinating local history of piracy, shipwrecks and smuggling, and the eccentric characters who inhabited this land as you explore, and maybe stop off at one of the cosy local pubs to fuel yourself up for the rest of the walk!

Arrival Day

Arrive at any time after 3 in the afternoon, and settle into your home for this off-grid little escape in stunning Cornwall.

A hamper of locally sourced treats and a bottle of wine will be waiting for you to help you feel entirely at home, and you’ll be met by Dave, your host, who will meet you and help you settle in before your excursions begin tomorrow.

He’ll give you an overview of the local area so that you know where to find everything, and he’ll also outline the walking, e-biking  or running you’ll be doing over the next couple of days, tailoring routes to suit your ability.

Then, feel free to heat up the BBQ, relax on the decking and drink in the sea view. Or, head off to the local for a quick drink, and really relax into that holiday feeling.

Accommodation

The quirky cabin house

Explore Cornwall

Get up ready to explore the area by foot or by bike. Meet Dave, then head out for a full day to make the most of the stunning area you’re in and enjoy the great outdoors.

A full day out is recommended, but as any good host would, Dave is ready to discuss routes, difficulty, and time spent out exploring so that he can tailor your adventure to you.

A local of the area, Dave can also fill you in on all the local legends and lore, and tell you about some of the unique quirks of the area that you would totally miss exploring yourself.

At the end of the day, settle in back at your accommodation or head to the pub, satisfyingly weary after a day out in nature and the fresh sea air.

Accommodation

Back Out Into Nature

Lace up your running shoes or your walking boots, or jump back in your saddle for another day exploring the area with Dave.

Make the most of the stunning landscape as you uncover hidden coves once used for smuggling, cosy local pubs, dramatic sea cliffs plunging to inaccessible beaches, and lush green meadows and rolling hills.

Wherever you head by whatever means, be it trail running, e-biking or walking, you’re sure to be in awe of your time out in nature.

Spend another night in your remote little house, where the only sounds as you sleep are the gentle sea breeze and the local wildlife.

Accommodation

Quirky house accommodation

Departure Day

Wake up in your rural paradise on one final morning, and enjoy a coffee on your deck as you look out to sea.

Check-out at 11, having really made the most of your time here in Cornwall.

What's included

Included

  • Two days of your chosen activity with an expert local guide
  • Breakfast hamper upon arrival
  • Hair dryer
  • Hot water
  • Shower
  • Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper
  • Hangers
  • Indoor fireplace
  • Wifi
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Private entrance
  • Decking and garden area
Your local host

David Myers

I grew up exploring this wild and remote stretch of the Cornish coast, often hunting for remains of old shipwrecks with my father. This got me hooked on the great outdoors, and led me to training as a wilderness guide deep in the forests of Finland. I have led guided walks all over Europe and the US, and hiked many of the world’s great wilderness trails including the 4,400km Pacific Crest Trail. Having spent over ten years hiking and guiding abroad I can safely say that my local area is one of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen. I am really excited to share my knowledge of this area with anyone who wants a walking adventure off the beaten track!

I grew up exploring this wild and remote stretch of the Cornish coast, often hunting for remains of old shipwrecks with my father. This got me hooked on the great outdoors, and led me to training as a wilderness guide deep in the forests of Finland. I have led guided walks all over Europe and the US, and hiked many of the world’s great wilderness trails including the 4,400km Pacific Crest Trail. Having spent over ten years hiking and guiding abroad I can safely say that my local area is one of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen. I am really excited to share my knowledge of this area with anyone who wants a walking adventure off the beaten track!

Location

Whilst the cabin is located on a remote farm surrounded only by fields, it’s just 1 mile from the A39, which means there is good access to the rest of Devon and Cornwall.

The farm borders a 1500 acre nature reserve, which is a perfect place to walk and explore. A 2 mile walk will take you to the beautiful Marsland Mouth (where the Cornish coast path begins).

A 30-40 minute walk across the valley sits the picturesque old village of Welcombe and a fantastic pub, The Old Smithy. There are plenty of other amazing walks, beaches, pubs and places of interest nearby which your host will be happy to share with you.

FAQs

Is there free parking on the premises?

Yes, there is free, private parking on site.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, pets are allowed.

What time is check in and check out?

Check in is from any time after 15:00, check out is at any time before 11:00.

(For trail running) How fit do I need to be?

Guests don’t need to be expert runners, but have some prior experience. Being used to running off-road is handy.

(For e-biking) How good a cyclist do I need to be?

Guests should be competent and confident riding a bicycle, and must have prior experience. There are a few steep hills so if you are very wobbly or very nervous on a bike then maybe this isn't the experience for you. Although the electric motor assists, a reasonable level of fitness is required. These electric bicycles have a safety rating of a max rider weight of 120kg.

(For hiking) What will the walks be like?

There are several amazing walks to choose from, and your host will be happy to run you through them with you when you meet up, but here are a few examples which may take your fancy!

Shipwreck Walk – Medium / 4-6 miles / 3-5 hours

A walk on the rugged Hartland Peninsula, with a focus on the history and shipwrecks that dot the coastline. Includes a visit to the Shipwreck Museum (created by the host’s father) at Hartland Quay, miles of spectacular coast views, and a beautiful waterfall.

Valley to Valley Walk – Challenging / 5.5 - 8.5 miles / 4-6 hours

Can be taken as a one-way route or loop back along seldom-used footpaths. This route joins two of the most spectacular coastal valleys in the South West, via the Coast Path. Walk through ancient woodland in the Marsland Nature Reserve, then walk on the challenging and steep coastal terrain to Tidna Valley. This route is not for the faint-hearted, and while it is physically demanding with numerous steep ascents and descents, for those who are able it is rewarded by some of the most exhilarating and remote scenery the area has to offer.

Half-day on the Coast Path – Medium / 5.5 - 7 miles / 4-6 hours

This route follows the South West Coast Path all the way, between Hartland Quay to the Cornwall / Devon border. This is a great chance to spend a lot of time on the coast and enjoy high clifftop panoramas while the terrain is still relatively easygoing. Can include a visit to the Shipwreck museum and a detour into Marsland Valley nature reserve.

Full-day on the Coast Path – Challenging / 8 - 15 miles / 6-10 hours

A full day walk on one of the South West coast paths' most wild and spectacular sections. This is a one-way route with transport arranged for the return. This route can be modified as we walk so we can lengthen or shorten the route as required. A great route for those wanting a challenge and to experience everything this part of the coast has to offer.

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