Get to (the) Point
The point of going to Point is to get away and simply chillax. After all, in this creek-side hamlet there is very little to do except watch the tide ebb and flow. But when you’ve had a gut-full of peace and quiet there’s a lot more on the doorstep than first impressions suggest.
Active types are a stone’s throw from the southern tip of the Coast-to-Coast cycle trail –15 miles of disused mineral tramway between Devoran and Portreath.
Relatively easy terrain winds past wheal houses and quarries that hark back to Cornwall’s mining heritage, and there are several pit stops on route for weary legs and rumbling tums. If you haven’t brought bikes the nearest hire outlet is The Bike Chain at Bissoe.
If you complete the trail you’ll definitely deserve a thirst quencher back at The Quay Inn in Devoran, but whether or not you earn your pint there’s no need to resist the charm of this waterside local. Pull up a pew by the fire or catch rays in the beer garden while you sample Cornwall’s finest produce whipped into gourmet pub food and served alongside local ales.
With the lure of lip-smacking food and gob-smacking scenery on the doorstep, surely some footwork is in order to ensure you catch every nook of scenery while reviving your appetite? Fall out the door and you’re not short of walking territory extraordinaire, but few places beat Trelissick Garden for a showcase of South Cornwall’s treasures. You don’t have to be green-fingered to appreciate the jungle of Cornish plants tumbling seaward, and dogs are welcome on woodland trails that dip into the valley and meet the banks of the Fal. If you’re feeling adventurous hop on the King Harry Ferry and float across the river to the Roseland Peninsula, then hug the coastline all the way to chic St Mawes before getting a boat back to your starting point (www.enterprise-boats.co.uk).
Going back to our first point, intrepid exploration doesn’t need to dominate holiday proceedings. In fact in fair weather there’s no need to venture further than nearby Loe Beach, a sheltered pebbly smile perfect forswimming, skimming stones and sunning yourself. The watersports centre (www.loebeach.co.uk) offers kayaking, sailing, motor boating and stand-up paddle boarding, so you can explore the watery canvas of the Carrick Roads or enjoy the view over a fresh fish dish at Loe Beach Café.
If you’re still itching to hop further afield you’ve got the buzzing metropolis of Truro one way and maritime Falmouth the other. If you must stray, keep pace with your surroundings and travel via the river-route from Trelissick (www.falriverlinks.co.uk) – this way you can also stop off for a riverside cuppa and cake at Tregothnan’s Tea Bar.
Of course you’re welcome to charge up and down the A39 by car, but that’s not really the point now, is it?
