Hilldene, Treknow

This small village and civil parish lies on the north coast of Cornwall in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, some four miles north-west of Camelford. It boasts a slate quarrying history and was also once home to a small copper mine in the latter years of the 18th century. It has a village hall and small hotel, yet there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding area, which is dominated by glistening waters, rocky coves and spectacular scenery each way you turn. Tintagel, home of the legendary King Arthur’s Castle, is merely a stone’s throw away, a popular but not overcrowded tourist destination. Several beaches, including nearby Trebarwith Strand and Bossiney Cove, are within easy reach and surfing is the main attraction for those who love the water. It is littered with pubs and restaurants and the Old Post Office (National Trust) is a must for any visitor. The South West Coast Path passes through the village and in both directions, it winds its way along the cliffs, down to the water’s edge through dramatic countryside. Head north along the path and in 2.5 miles is the pretty village of Boscastle with its narrow valley leading down towards the raging sea. Further afield are the surfing meccas of Newquay and Bude. The vast landscapes of Bodmin Moor, the largest indoor rainforest at the Eden Project and the Camel Estuary are all within a 40-minute drive, plus the colourful harbour at Padstow beckons with traditional pubs and delicious seafood.