A peaceful weekend stay at Tamar shepherd's hut

As soon as we entered the Rame Peninsula, we knew we were in for a special weekend as each twist and turn rewarded us with a new, breathtaking view. When we reached Maker Heights, we actually had to pull over and get out so we could enjoy the dazzling view in all its incredible entirety from a perfectly placed bench overlooking the patchworks of fields and sparkling waters of the River Tamar.

With the promise of even better views awaiting us, we climbed back into the car and made our way through the welcoming Mount Edgcumbe estate to the Dry Walk car park, where our vintage stay was waiting.

Situated high above the estate, the two shepherd’s huts here, Lynher and Tamar, enjoy reaching views out across the River Tamar towards Plymouth City and even the wilds of Dartmoor on a clear day, which we certainly had our pick of. With only the second hut as your neighbour, peace and quiet will be your treasured companions during your stay… and perhaps the odd deer darting past, allowing for a delicious escape to nature.

The hut itself provides everything you could possibly need for your restorative stay, within a charming, vintage setting. A wood-burner turns the sun-soaked hut into a cosy bolthole for a blissful day-to-night transition, while the oh-so-comfy bunk beds provide a dreamy spot to stretch out and enjoy the views with the doors thrown open onto the meadow. The double bed is cleverly hidden away behind the wooden wall, leaving you with a beckoning table and benches where you can settle down with a glass of wine and a game thanks to the vintage playing cards kindly provided in the welcome box.

The hut is skilfully set out to sleep four lucky guests, but it fitted our needs for a weekend escape for the girls perfectly so I would definitely recommend this Cornish haven to those looking for a cosy escape for two. With our things hidden away in the nifty storage, it was time to sink into the lawn chairs for some much-needed soaking up of the views. We were blessed with glorious sunshine during our stay, which made it very difficult indeed to spend time away from the arresting scenes that surround the hut. Thankfully, the Rame Peninsula boasts beautiful views at every turn, from far-flung headlands to villages punctuated with colourful cottages and gently lapping waves.

We spent the first evening simply enjoying the immersive ambience of the hut, with the sun gradually setting in front of us as the quirky animal-themed fire pit provided both warmth and ample marshmallow roasting opportunities. With the double bed pulled down, it was time to hit the hay with the tranquil silence of the countryside lulling us to sleep.

In the morning, pancakes and coffee were the first order of business so we headed round the back of the hut to the custom-built kitchen complete with a two-ring gas hob and grill and all the kitchen essentials you need, including a delightful set of enamel dishes and mugs, which really add to the adventure of the stay.

With the pancakes gone and fondly remembered, it was time to start exploring the area. First on our list were the twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, which offered a remarkably quiet visit, despite their honeypot aesthetic.

Perched on the waters’ edge of Cawsand Bay, these two postcard-ready villages were like something out of a dream. Narrow streets lined with colourful cottages worked their way down to the two pebbly beaches, which made for excellent shell and sea glass hunting as well as some fascinating rock pools at low tide. The sea was a glittering blue so naturally, we had to don our swimming costumes for a spot of wild swimming, which was absolutely dreamy and the perfect way to dip our toes into the world of blue mind therapy.

A relaxed stroll around the village uncovered some delightful shops full of all manner of knick-knacks from gorgeous tableware to Cornish gins, wines, and beers that made for the perfect tipple back at our tranquil hut from home. Before heading back to Tamar to rinse the sea away, we couldn’t resist popping into the welcoming Halfway House, so named as it sits on what used to be the boundary between Devon and Cornwall, for a relaxed drink in the dog-friendly beer garden.

What better way to end our sun-drenched beach day than a wood-fired pizza at one of the most magical hidden gems in Cornwall. Perched atop rolling hills with views out across the cliffs and countryside of the Rame Peninsula, The Canteen at Maker Heights boasts the best backdrop in the area, which when paired with a Cornish ale and a hot-out-the-fire pizza made for the dreamiest dinner imaginable. After another rapturous evening by the wood-burner, we were eager to climb into bed so as to start our next magical day on the Rame Peninsula.

We decided to spend our final day exploring the elegant grounds of Mount Edgcumbe, which offered an eclectic mix of carefully curated gardens, fascinating walks through history, and a welcome array of eateries. While we chose to simply wander around the estate on foot, you can hire bikes, electric scooters, and Segways for a more whimsical tour – we will certainly be opting for this mode of transporting during our next visit.

We started off with a heavenly coffee in The Farriers Café, which boasted a decor that really made the most of the equestrian history of the building. The grounds themselves were an enjoyable mix of influences and displays, with the entranceway to the house decorated with beautiful climbing flowers and a captivating sculpture. From the house, we walked down the long sloping lawn and along the dappled, tree-lined avenue, which led us to the water’s edge and the entrance to the grand gardens.

We couldn’t resist booking ourselves in for an afternoon tea at The Orangery, so after a quick stroll around the elegant Italian garden to satiate our immediate curiosities, we slipped into the opulent restaurant for a superb feast that really hit the spot – the cream teas were particularly memorable with generous helpings of jam and cream.

To help ease our satisfied bellies, we decided to explore more of the gardens. The black bee apiary was particularly interesting, as were the many sculptures dotted around the gardens, each with its own story from the Queen’s Gold Jubilee to works created by nearby students. The deer park also provided some stunning areas to stretch our legs and get back to nature so if you’re looking for a holiday you can enjoy on foot, this is the one for you.

We so enjoyed our escape to nature at Tamar... It was the perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness in nature while making the most of the incredible scenery for which the Rame Peninsula is known – and loved. From the golden-hued views at sunset to sun-flecked strolls through the surrounding woods, it is true nourishment for the heart and soul.

Feeling inspired by our magical retreat to Tamar? Take a look at this enchanting escape and start dreaming of your Cornish stay.