We'll be in Cornwall mid October, I know nothing about the area, we have rented a cottage near the Bodmin Moors. Anyone have any experience in this area? The Eden Project is another thing that sounds real interesting. We will have a car, but love to walk.

I did a guided walking holiday in Cornwall a few years ago. While most of the walking was coastal, we did one day on Bodmin Moor, starting at Camelford, climbing Rough (rhymes with cow) Tor and Brown Willy, the two highest "peaks" in Cornwall, and circling back to Camelford along the River Camel. Pleasant walking in remote hilly countryside (hills of about 1000 to 1300 feet), but not as wild and remote as Dartmoor. More like the Preseli Hills in Wales, if you know them.

If you are in that area, do the coastal walk between Tintagel and Boscastle.

Depending on exactly where you'll be and how much you want to drive some great things to see:

- the Jamaica Inn at Bolventor. Part of it is quite touristy but in Oct., mid-week particularly, you'll probably have the place to yourself. Read the book by Daphne du Maurier ahead of time to get in the mood.
- Cotehele - a place operated by the National Trust is worth a visit, as is Buckland Abey a bit to the southeast.
- To the west is Tintagel - which is supposed to be the birthplace of King Arthur, although I think they've proven that it isn't that old. It's lovely to walk along the cliffs tho'. Nearby is Boscastle which is worth a visit and south is Port Isaac with some good seafood restaurants. North is Widemouth Bay and beautiful expanse of ocean and sandy beach.
- Lanhydrock, just outside Bodmin, is my favourite National Trust estate. I think it has the most rooms open of any place and the gardens are also spectacular, even in Oct. I'm sure they will be lovely.
- a drive to St. Mawes for the day is wonderful. There is a fort to visit there built by Henry VIII and great pubs and rest. right on the bay. Also lots of sailboats and yachts to watch. At St-Just-in-Roseland there are beautiful gardens surrounding a church and topsy-turvey graveyard.

The Moor itself can be quite a desolate place - but very atmospheric. Read 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' or 'Jamaica Inn' to get a sense of the desolation. Some of the mysteries by W.J. Burley take place there and are quite good.

Have a great time.

Hello
A few more suggestions for Cornwall -
1)A visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Website is www.heligan.com
My brother went there last week and said it was far better than the Eden Project which he found disappointing.
2) Padstow - Rick Stein, a famous cook and TV presenter in England, has his fish restaurants here. www.rickstein.com They have a marvellous reputation but unless you are going to his chippy you will need to book well in advance.
3)If you look at www.walkingbritain.co.uk and follow the links to 'walks' and 'cornwall' you will find many walking routes to look at and print off, including some on Bodmin.
4) The National Trust has many properties in Cornwall and Devon (some mentioned in earlier postings). www.nationaltrust.org.uk gives details.
National Turst properties often close in the winter months but usually stay open till half term in October.
M

Thanks for your responses. All you suggestions sound great we will be there a week from Saturday to Saturday.