Cornwall

Sennen and Gwynver beaches are gorgeous - particularly out of season. There are loads along the north coast that are beautiful though - Harlyn, Holywell, Constantine, Porthcothan.

I'm not mad on the ley lines bollocks either but there's something about West Penwith. You can stand on headlands or alongside menhirs and look at 3000 years of history where little has changed. Not many places left like that in England.

Kinder - would I be right in thinking you’re planning to go north around Dartmoor rather than south? If so the Old Thatch at Cheriton Bishop was alright the last time I went, which was probably 20 years ago now.

These days I rarely make it west of the river Exe, mostly for special occasions like seeing Mark S and his UXBs. I’ll ask around a bit, see if friends or colleagues know any gems.

Recommendations from a local friend with kids: If you’re taking the southern route (ie A38 towards Plymouth) the Ley Arms at Kenn. If the northern (ie A30 skirting Okehampton) the Huntsman Inn at Ide.

I haven’t been to either but can advise that Ide is pronounced to rhyme with deed rather than died (the latter is how I pronounced it for many years).

thank you! yeah it'll be northern!

I’m told by other friends that the bit of the M5 near Exeter (esp the roundabout at Sowton) can get absurdly congested round about close of play on Friday nights FYI.

I couldn’t say whether their definition of absurd congestion and my London-centric ones are the same.

Urgh, thanks....