The Old Inn at St. Brewards

Bodmin Holiday 2013 - Journal, day #1

We got up at 6 or so on the morning of our travel to Cornwall. The idea was that we get an early start to beat the traffic. (Google Navigation estimates 4 1/2 hours driving.) I wasn't convinced that it would be worth it - but I have to say that the plan worked. Getting up wasn't too hard, as we were all excited and eager to get going. We (I) had half-packed the previous day (most of the heavy stuff... the tent, cooking equipment and other bits and pieces we don't need at home).

We got underway by 8 - which wasn't bad for us - and made good progress. The early start seems to have worked. Sticking to the motorways and main A roads, we were in Devon pretty soon. We decided to stop just before lunch at Killerton - a National Trust property a little way north of Exeter. This was a great way to break the journey. British motorway services are hideous places ... but sitting in a historic garden in the middle of the countryside was very pleasant indeed. I'm never going to a motorway services again.

Having taken this little detour, we arrived on site a little later than expected: but were all pitched with a cup of tea soon enough. We've done a couple for short breaks recently so setting everything up goes fairly smoothly now. We camped at this site 3 years ago so already knew where to find the water, toilets, etc.

We had booked for an evening meal at the Old Inn in St. Brewards for their carvery at 6. We made this comfortably and were quite well turned out for campers! This was a great plan: no cooking on the first night, and a hearty meal at the end of a long day. It made the day part of the holiday, rather than just travel.