15th April 2015 - Boscastle, Tintagel, Widemouth Bay, Hawkers Cove

Really nice Wild Camp on Bursdon Moor, with a stunning sunset to complete yesterday. Today again started misty, and ideal day to cross something of my "Bucket List" Tintagel! For one reason or another I've just never got there, and for someone mad about King Arthur, and the such like it has to be done. 

   Stopped at Widemouth Bay on route. Although misty the views of the cliffs, and rough rocky coastline were still awesome. The force, and power of the sea always strikes you on the side of the coast. The roar of the waves is deafening, and the vibrations underfoot as the waves hit the rocks is a stirring thing to witness. 

   One place that knows the power of nature is Boscastle. A beautiful picturesque village that was devastated by flood 11 years ago. It's a must visit. The new flood defences they've put up, and are still working on can be seen. Take time to visit The Old Forge Gallery, Artist Helen Setterington, right down the bottom of the village, opposite end to the car parking. Loved Helen's work, and I think you will too. Vivid and detailed local landscapes, and she makes her own frames. Also Crafty West Country Gifts, 3 Bridge Walk. Linda and Andy have travelled a fair bit too! Don't forget to top up your spells at the Witchcraft museum!! 

Say hello to the locals!! 

Tintagel was next. After wanting to get there for so long, would I be disappointed, would I heck! There are some places I won't take the Hairy Lads, busy towns, obviously shops, and Tintagel Castle. With extremely steep steps, of varying sizes, cliffs, and very steep climbs I personally don't think it's a place for dogs, not safe for them, or the person on the end of the lead. Some people did take theirs, but it wasn't for mine. I was totally blown away by how rugged the coastline was, and exactly where they'd built the castle, being 2 parts of it, and even how it was built. The sea mist just added to the atmosphere, it helped the imagination go back to the days when this was occupied. A stunning and magnificent fortification. If you're not into heights probably not the place for you. Loads a steep steps and climbs, but worth every step. Stunning views, lots of the ruins to explore, rugged coastline and pounding waves made it an awesome place to visit. I took loads of photos, they can be viewed via thevalleyphotographer.co.uk or join the Travels And Tails Club to view all the iPhone images. Only £10, or donation to diesel fund at gofundme.com/TravelsAndTails 

Wild Camped at Hawkers Cove, beautiful place, really misty when arrived. As it slowly lifted it revealed a stunning coastline, which provided a great late evening walk. As a note, there's a dog friendly beach just down from here, never tried it as wanted to move on, but may be worth a look. 

Full Steam Ahead, Final Trial Run

My second, and last trial run was going to be Steel, Steam and Stars IV, a Steam Train festival held over 3 days. Couldn't believe my luck when it was suggested I take some photos of this awesome event. With stunning scenery, and loads of Steam Trains, what more could a photographer want? 

    Waking up to an inch of snow on the Friday morning, was not in my plans! It soon disappeared on the lowlands with rain, but the hills were covered, and problems on the A470 meant I went the less scenic route through Newtown!! 

    First thing to do was sort out where I'd be staying. Recommended to try Station Campsite, next to Carrog Station. This turned out to be a great choice. I'd emailed them beforehand, and they were happy to be one of our "Bartering Partners". See their advert on TravelsAndTails.com. The campsite was extremely busy with no spaces to be seen!! My pitch was right by the main entrance. This was a bit of a worry at the start, wondered how the lads would cope with a lot of passers by, but they were great, enjoyed being the centre of attention. "aren't they lovely" was heard several times over the weekend! 

Carrog Station. Station Campsite right next door!! 

     Nice campsite if you have dogs, with walks to be had right from front gate. Either by the river, or up to the dog friendly pub The Grouse, just over the bridge. For train buffs it's ideal, right next to station, with great views of the trains from the bridge, and a good place for photos. Trains can even be watched from some of the pitches. Huge clean showers, wind does whistle under the doors though!! All in all a good campsite. 

The Grouse

My next stop was Corwen, to say hello to Clwydian Range And Dee Valley AONB, who I would be taking the images for. The railway line has been extended to Corwen, hopefully increasing tourism to the area. My images would be used to promote this. Corwen is a lovely old market town, that thrived when there was a station. With some awesome buildings, lot of history, and a friendly community, hopefully the extension will help their economy. First images in the bag were mainly local of Corwen, and a few trains!! 

    The truck is proving ideal for these trips. Not massive amount of space, although it's a Space Gear!! But there's room to make a brew whilst still in bed!! Hairy lads have a choice of comfy spots, and the night sky can be viewed through the Crystal Lite roof. What more do you need? 

     Off to Corwen again for the second day, more local images taken on a guided walk round the town. Ifor Williams Trailers now occupy the old station, but they've kept to original look. Lots of good places for food, and lots of history as you walk round the town, so do visit. For good photos of the trains at Corwen, go under railway line near the station to the river. Great spot to get trains coming up the slight incline. 

      My next stop so to speak, was a ride on one of the Steam Trains to Llangollen, and back. An amazing experience, and I'm still finding small pieces of coal in my hair!! Images from this can be found at thevalleyphotographer.co.uk, of the trains, and the journey. Thanks to 6880 Belton Grange for my pass. Please check out their website. They do an amazing job, so please support them if you can.

     Decided Sunday would be an all train day. The Station Campsite is a great place to view, photograph, and ride the trains. Great images can be had from the Bridge (as above) or from the field down by the river. The Hairy Lads enjoyed this spot, and the day went ridiculously quick! 

Taken down by the river, near Station Campsite.

   Monday was to be my last day. The weekend had just flown by. A walk up Pen Y Pigin was planned, and the weather was kind. Lovely views of Corwen, and the Dee Valley were to be had. Really nice walk, starting up by the church. It is steep in places, with steps. There is a booklet available with this, and many other walks in the area. Finished the day off with a pasty from Gerrards in Corwen, highly recommended!! 

    The next time we set off will be the "Travels And Tails" road trip. Mitzi (Mitsubishi Delica) having some TLC beforehand, and I have to decide what I really "need" to take with me. "Need" not "want" can be a hard choice!! Try it indoors for fun, not easy, believe me. Really looking forward to the adventure starting now.