Before the Hike

Research Your Route: Familiarise yourself with the trail you intend to hike, noting its length, terrain, and any potential hazards. Websites such as the National Trust and Ordnance Survey provide detailed information on Cornwall’s hiking trails.

Check the Weather: While Cornwall enjoys mild weather in spring, conditions can change rapidly, especially along the coast. Be sure to check the weather forecast before setting out and pack accordingly.

Pack Essentials: Carry essentials such as water, snacks, a map or GPS device, a first aid kit, and a fully charged phone. Additionally, consider bringing a lightweight raincoat to prepare for unexpected showers.

During the Hike

Stay on Designated Paths: Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging sensitive habitats and ensure your safety. Cornwall’s coastal cliffs can be hazardous, so exercise caution and stay away from cliff edges.

Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly to stay hydrated, especially on warmer days or during strenuous hikes. Carry a refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.

Respect Wildlife: Cornwall is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including nesting seabirds and rare plants. Respect their habitats by observing from a distance and refraining from feeding or disturbing them.

After the Hike

Clean Up: Dispose of any litter responsibly and leave the trail as you found it. Help preserve Cornwall’s natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.

Rest and Recharge: Take time to rest and recharge after your hike. Stretch your muscles, refuel with a nutritious meal, and consider treating yourself to a relaxing massage or hot bath.

Reflect on Your Experience: Reflect on the highlights of your hike and any lessons learned. Consider journaling about your adventure or sharing your experiences with fellow hikers online.

South West Coast Path: Recommended Routes

St. Ives to Zennor: This scenic coastal route offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, sandy coves, and turquoise seas. Start in the picturesque town of St. Ives and follow the South West Coast Path to Zennor, where you can explore ancient ruins and enjoy a pint at the historic Tinners Arms.

Tehidy Country Park: Located near Redruth, Tehidy Country Park boasts miles of woodland trails surrounded by tranquil lakes and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst carpets of bluebells and towering trees, or pack a picnic to enjoy by the water’s edge.

Bodmin Moor (Rough Tor and Brown Willy): For a more rugged adventure, head to Bodmin Moor to explore its ancient granite tors and sweeping vistas. Summit Rough Tor and Brown Willy, Cornwall’s highest peaks, and soak in panoramic views of the moorland landscape.

In a nutshell…

Cornwall’s spring hikes offer outdoor enthusiasts a chance to reconnect with nature and explore the region’s diverse landscapes. By preparing adequately, respecting the environment, and choosing suitable routes, you can make the most of your hiking experience in Cornwall. So, lace up your boots, pack your essentials, and embark on an unforgettable adventure amidst Cornwall’s natural beauty.

The post Exploring Cornwall’s Spring Hikes: Practical Tips And Routes appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

With abundant wildlife and over 400 miles of coastline featuring sandy beaches and opportunities for coastal exploration and hiking on the South West Coast Path, this county is truly special. I’ve teamed up with Unique hideaways and these are some of my favourite stays in Cornwall:

Little Lesquite 

2.9 miles S of Bodmin 

Escape to a secluded paradise in a charming Shepherd’s Hut in Cornwall. This idyllic retreat boasts stylish and cosy interiors that will make you feel right at home. As the sun sets, unwind in the luxurious outdoor bathtub while taking in the breathtaking views of Bodmin Moor. A stay in this little haven is sure to be a dream come true.

Sleeps 2 | From £65 per night

https://uniquehideaways.com/glamping-site/5143/little-lesquite

Panoramic Silverbullet

8.3 miles NW of Looe

Retreat to a retro luxury paradise in an Airstream near the south coast of Cornwall. This chic airstream is the perfect property for those who love vintage style. Located in a secluded spot, it is the ideal base for your adventures in this charming county. After a day of exploring, return to your own private oasis and relax in the hot tub.

Sleeps 2 | From £71 per night

https://uniquehideaways.com/glamping-site/4646/panoramic-silverbullet

Anella 

5.2 miles W of Falmouth 

Anella, meaning “to breathe” in Cornish, is the perfect name for this peaceful haven. As soon as you arrive, you’ll feel a wave of relaxation wash over you. Located in the idyllic countryside of Cornwall, near the Helford River, this secluded paradise is the perfect place to breathe fresh country air and truly let go of all your worries.

Sleeps 2 | From £78 per night

https://uniquehideaways.com/glamping-site/4626/anella

The Little Cider House 

5.5 miles N of Fowey 

The Little Cider House, a cabin in Cornwall, offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Nestled in a picturesque rural location, it features everything you need for a relaxing getaway. Enjoy the hot tub, sway in the hammock, and appreciate the functional yet beautiful interior. This cabin truly has it all.

Sleeps 5 | From £91 per night

https://uniquehideaways.com/glamping-site/4479/the-little-cider-house

Mount View Horizon Safari Tent

2.2 miles NE of Penzance 

My personal favourite… Experience luxury camping in this West Cornwall safari tent, nestled in a serene wildflower meadow. Take in the unparalleled panoramic views of the sea and St. Michael’s Mount. After a day of discovering Cornwall’s sandy beaches and secluded coves, unwind in the hammocks, soak in the hot tub, and enjoy toasting marshmallows by the fire pit under the starry sky.

Sleeps 6 | From £113 per night

https://uniquehideaways.com/glamping-site/3348/mount-view-horizon-safari-tent

Want to see more?

Experience ultimate luxury in a one-of-a-kind hideaway complete with your own private hot tub. Imagine a world without interruptions from phones or to-do lists, where you can simply relax and let go of all your stress and tension. Indulge in a romantic getaway or gather with friends for a glamping trip, surrounded by nature’s beauty and luxury. Browse the Unique hideaways collection of Cornish accommodations, all featuring private hot tubs, for the ultimate escape.

The post 5 Quirky Places To Stay In Cornwall With Hot Tubs appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Even though I try and keep up with swimming and other workouts during the winter, it’s been particularly difficult with Covid-19 restrictions due to pools closing and classes being restricted. That means, more than ever, it’s been tough getting back into my fitness routine, so I’ve started paying attention to other areas of my life to improve my performance when I’m out on the water.

Naturally, I eat healthier during the warmer months, and especially so when I’m exercising more (nothing makes you sink quicker than a heavy meal before getting in the water – no, thank you!). But I’ve started thinking about my protein intake and how I can maximize my recovery and muscle building, getting me stronger for the season ahead to compete.

Over the last few months, ahead of the season, I began researching different recipes, learning about batch cooking/how it might work for us, and using indulging in muscle recovery soaks. I also started drinking protein shakes to promote muscle gain and improve performance and recovery. This isn’t something I’d done since I ran a half-marathon many moons ago, so it was time to start learning about the best products on the market, and how to maximize my potential.

I was recently introduced to grass-fed whey protein powder c/o Naked Nutrition, and here’s what I’ve learnt:

Introducing Naked Nutrition: Grass-fed Whey Protein Powder

Naked Whey is sourced from small California dairy farms. Their cows are grass-fed year-round and raised without growth hormones. Not only is grass-fed better for the animals and the environment, but it also comes with several health benefits.

Each serving includes 25 grams of protein and 5.9 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Naked Whey is completely free of additives and artificial sweeteners. They also offer Naked Pea, a vegan option, too.

Already, this straightforward clean approach was winning Naked Nutrition brownie points, in my opinion.

Grass-Fed Whey Benefits

Grass-fed cows in pastures feed on grass, which is their natural food. As a result, these cows are not consuming any GMOs or harmful substances (yuck!) that feed-lot cows are subjected to.

This is also reflected in the whey that these cows produce, as grass-fed whey contains less saturated fats and more healthy fats. It also ensures that the whey is of the highest quality and contains a top nutritional profile.

But does it really make a difference, or is a just a marketing hype?

Boost Immune System

Whey from grass-fed cows contains higher levels of the immune-boosting compounds beta-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, and lysozyme. These compounds improve your body’s antioxidant response and help the fight against harmful bacteria. Grass-fed whey also contains more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that boosts immune function.

Lose Fat and Improve Heart Health

In addition to boosting immunity, CLA can also help preserve lean muscle mass and burn more fat. The higher levels of CLA in grass-fed whey can support your body composition goals. Grass-fed whey contains more omega-3 fatty acids and CLA than regular whey. Both CLA and omega-3s can support better metabolism and improve cardiovascular health.

Cold Processed

Cold-pressed whey powder, such as Naked Nutrition, use careful manufacturing processes to minimize heat exposure to our whey protein. Cold processing makes sure that the nutrients in whey are non-denatured. It leaves the amino acids, omega-3s, CLA, and immunoglobulins intact.

Better Absorption

Non-denatured whey is more bioavailable than regular whey. Your body can absorb the nutrients and amino acids more easily to promote better recovery. As a result, you enjoy more of the benefits of whey protein, such as muscle growth, more energy, and better recovery.

How To Use

If you’re new to protein shakes, you might be wondering the best way to incorporate them into your training routine.

When should I have protein?: Add Naked Nutrition grass-fed whey to protein shakes, smoothie bowls, and baking. Best used in the morning, before a workout, or after a workout.

What should I mix with my protein?: Mix two scoops into 6-10oz of milk, water, or your favorite beverage. Add fruits and vegetables for taste as Naked Whey is unflavored.

Here’s a couple of ways that you can add it to your meals to get you started:

Peanut butter, toast, and nuts

If I know I’m going to be spending a long time in the water, I’ll always have peanut butter and tend to opt for something relatively dry (i.e. steering away from smoothie bowls – but more on that in a minute!). Something like toast is far better than milk and berries sloshing around in my stomach when I’m bouncing around in the surf. Keep this in mind when you’re deciding what to eat ahead of your workout.

Try dry toast with peanut butter, mixing in Naked Nutrition protein powder, topped with sliced banana and a handful of chia seeds. If you want, have a bowl of nuts and granola with a very small amount of yogurt, for an extra boost of energy.

Remember to allow plenty of time before your training session so it’s fully digested. I usually allow up to 2-hours to allow 2 slices of toast, banana, and peanut butter to go down before exercising, but everyone’s different – so experiment with timings.

This recipe idea also works great for after a training session when you need a tasty pick-me-up!

Chai, nuts, and berries smoothie bowl

If I’ve just come back from a hard session, I usually make a super quick smoothie bowl as a quick pick me up, before dealing with my equipment, having a shower, etc. This gives me the boost of energy I need as soon as I get through the door, providing essential nutrients needed, so I can carry on with what I’m doing before settling in with a proper meal for the evening.

Whip up your favourite smoothie (personally, I’m a fan of strawberry and banana, which works really nicely for this recipe), mix in a little Naked Nutrition protein powder, and add it to a bowl. Top with nutty granola, berries and seeds. Again, I use chia seeds as they’re also packed with protein.

Flax seeds, hemp and sunflower seeds are all also great options to aid muscle recovery.

Naked Nutrition Ethos

The brands transparency on ingredients is super important, as someone that’s health conscious.

The company was started as an answer to all the misinformation and unnecessary ingredients in the nutrition industry. They strip away all of the marketing and gimmicks that many companies use today, and are committed to selling products with only the purest ingredients.

Naked Nutrition also seeks to reduce waste wherever possible, and avoid the use of harmful pesticides and farming practices. Another point for Naked Nutrition

In a nutshell

If you’re training, you want to get the most out of your session and look after your muscles. There’s so many different types of protein shakes out there, it’s hard to know where to start, but understanding what’s in your shakes can make the decision so much easier. You’ve also got peace of mind that you’re fueling your body with good stuff, and no additives!

Shop Naked Nutrition and their grass-fed whey protein powder online here.

Looking for other ways to improve your surf performance?

Here’s some other articles that may help you boost your fitness and aid your body this season:

6 Breakfast Options For Surfers That Will Give You a Boost Of Energy

Stretching Out To Spring: Preparing Your Body For The Summer Surf

5 Yoga Poses To Reduce Muscle Stiffness For Surfers

Alternative Activities To Compliment Your Surfing

Increase Your Surf Stamina With These Fitness Hacks

What’s your top tip for improving your surf performance when you’re not in the water?

The post Fuel For Performance: Post-Surf Protein Powder Shakes With Naked Nutrition appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

And for those who have decided to run the gauntlet and book a trip overseas, there are weeks of fretting over quarantines and vaccines and COVID tests before you find out if you will actually make it or not.

Yet for many people, the obvious alternative – booking a UK staycation – is not much better for the stress levels. One of the big issues is cost. With demand for domestic holiday bookings going through the roof this summer, so have prices, with holiday hotspots like Cornwall now more expensive than some of the most popular destinations in Europe.

So if you’re on a budget, what do you do? Give up on the idea of a holiday for yet another year? After all, we’ve been through, that’s a thought too depressing for words.

If there’s one golden rule to carry with you for life in general, but especially when it comes to travel, it’s don’t let money get in the way. Where there is a will, there’s a way, as they say – if you need that summer break, don’t let scare stories about soaring prices put you off. You will find a trip for your budget, and what is more, it will be fantastic.

Here are some great tips for saving money on a UK staycation this summer.

Go Camping

One of the best ways to save money on a UK holiday is to swap a roof over your head for canvas. Prices for hotels and holiday lets might be going up as places fill, but you’ll always be able to find a pitch for a tent at a fraction of the cost. There are campsites literally all over the place, and some of the best ones have facilities to match any Mediterranean resort – swimming pool, on-site club, even a beach within walking distance if you head to the coast.

Even if you don’t have any camping gear, ask around or lookout for offers on sites like Freecycle. You’re bound to know someone who has a tent they can lend you and it is well worth the effort to beg, borrow or buy some cooking gear as well. Making your own meals will save you a fortune compared to eating out in pubs and restaurants, and there’s a real sense of adventure about cooking and eating outdoors which little ones especially will love.

Stay with friends

Carrying on with the beg and borrow theme, another great way to save money on holiday accommodation is not to pay for it at all. Most people have friends or family scattered all over the UK – why not get in touch with some of them and see if you can visit? There’s a high likelihood you haven’t seen a lot of them since before the pandemic, so a reunion is well overdue. And you can even offer to do a swap and host them in return for letting you stay, so everyone’s a winner.

Look out for offers and vouchers

While there is no doubt that certain parts of the tourist industry are cashing in on sky-high demand this summer, let’s not forget that many of these businesses have had a dreadful 18 months and are lucky to still be operating at all. That also means a lot of businesses are bending over backward to attract custom, including offering some fantastic deals.

Particularly for day trips to leisure and entertainment venues, and for food and drink, there will be some amazing bargains to be had if you know where to look. Sites like NetVoucherCodes and Groupon are a good place to start – you may even pick up some eye-catching late deals on accommodation and package holidays.

Book last minute

The conventional wisdom for planning a holiday is to book early to get the best deals. But if you are looking at organising a staycation holiday in the UK this year, you have already missed the early-bird discounts by a long way.

The alternative is to do the exact opposite – leave it as late as you possibly can until you book. In fact, depending on how flexible you can be, if you’re on a strict budget it’s worth considering basing your plans around the best late deals you can find. It might mean setting off at the drop of a hat, but you can grab some real bargains that way.

The reason is that if a hotel, holiday let, or resort doesn’t get full occupancy on any given dates, they will start to drop the prices, usually in the week or so before. For them, it is better to fill bookings at a discounted price than get nothing at all.

You might struggle to get a full seven nights in the same place on a late deal like this – quite often, you’ll find accommodation with two or three spare nights here and there. So you might have to settle for a shorter trip or be prepared to move around and book more places to stay on the hoof.

Protect yourself with travel insurance

Finally, paying for something like travel insurance for a domestic holiday might seem like a counterintuitive way to save money. Have you ever bought travel insurance for a trip to the UK before? Isn’t that just for overseas?

Perhaps pre-pandemic you could get away with thinking like that. But not anymore. If you’re on a budget, the last thing you want is to make holiday plans, pay for accommodation, train tickets, early bird vouchers for attractions, or whatever, and then have to cancel because you or someone in your party tests positive for COVID-19. That would be all the money you’ve spent upfront, gone.

UK travel insurance is the only sure-fire way to protect yourself financially from COVID-related cancellations. Even if you book a place to stay right at the last minute, as long as you buy insurance straight away, you will be covered.

The post 5 Tips For Saving Money On Your UK Staycation  appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Personally, I don’t feel ready to travel right now – and I’m certainly not going to be paying those extortionate PCR tests and quarantine fees. I’m so lucky to live in Cornwall right next to the beach, and although a little busy, living down here is the best in the warmer months.

Here are some of my favourite places to visit in Cornwall, that really makes me feel like a tourist in my own county. Everywhere will likely be busy this summer but these spots may be a little quieter than Newquay, and you won’t be fighting hundreds of novice surfers.

Kynance Cove

When I was living in Australia, this is the picture I’d always bring up on Google Images, and say “This is where I live!) – which isn’t strictly true, but it’s only a short drive. Kynance Cove is a picturesque sandy beach two miles north of Lizard Point. If you want to feel like you’re on holiday in Greece or Portugal, this is somewhere you won’t want to miss.

Charlestown Harbour

The historic harbour village of Charlestown in Cornwall makes you feel like you have travelled back in time. Gaze up at the masts of the tall ships, walk the walk of a sailor and imagine you’re heading out to sea. If you’re a Poldark fan, you’ll definitely want to pay Charlestown Harbour a visit.

Tintagel Castle

Built half on the mainland and half on a jagged headland, Tintagel Castle is set on the rugged North coast of Cornwall. Cross the spectacular new bridge to take in unforgettable views. Packed with history, there’s so much to learn here, even for a novice history buff. You can often see seals playing in the water. It doesn’t get much dreamier than that…

Helford River

This a special place, that one day, I’ll live. The Helford River is a large estuary that nestles snugly between the western edge of Falmouth Bay and the eastern side of The Lizard Peninsula. Completely unspoilt with deep sheltered valleys and ancient oak forests and hidden creeks, the Helford remains one of Cornwall’s most cherished wild places.

The post 4 Hidden Gems You Need To Visit In Cornwall This Summer appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Fast-forward to my 30’s, and I’m still obsessed with learning. I always have a non-fiction book on the go, I love documentaries, and I’m usually enrolled in some kind of course. Sometimes it’s a distance learning course, and sometimes it’s a short in-person course I can fit in between my working hours.

Feeding my mind with new information and exploring new subjects lights a fire inside me. I’m a huge advocate for online learning and short courses (basically, whatever works for you and your schedule), and here’s why:

Earn more money

Whether it’s to get that promotion at work, progress onto another qualification, or start a business – one of the main reasons people study courses is to elevate their career and make more money. Studying online means you can learn in your own time at your own pace. This means you can do it alongside a full-time job or another qualification that you might be attending in person. Distance learning and online courses require commitment and dedication but you can achieve your goals much quicker this way.

In the space of a single year, you can gain 12-months of industry experience and achieve the same credentials as your peers, giving you a competitive edge when it comes to applying for jobs. Extra qualifications from specialists in distance learning and online courses can also really help if you’re gunning for a promotion at work or you’re looking for a career change and you need to gain some experience.

Explore new subjects

When I studied abroad in Australia I chose subjects that interested me, that complimented my marketing degree, and offered me a competitive edge. I ended up studying consumer psychology, human behaviour, and 2 other neuroscience and sociology modules. This was one of the best decisions I could have made. Choosing these classes broadened my knowledge and forced me to learn quickly, which was really motivating in itself.

It was daunting choosing something so far out of my comfort zones but I felt secure in the fact that it was only 6 months and that if I didn’t like it, I could always change my mind (I dropped studying philosophy for that exact reason). Enrolling in a short course or learning via distance learning allows you to get a taste for another subject without needing to commit yourself to a full-time qualification. It also holds you accountable to ‘give it your all’ for a period of time, so you can give it your best shot before deciding it’s not right for you.

Reduce stress

Running a business is stressful and sometimes it’s hard to step away from work. I try and take my mind off of things by exercising, gardening, and volunteering. I feel as though I’m teleported to another world when I’m in the ocean or sowing seeds in the garden, it’s my mindfulness medicine. After going through a bit of a rough time at the beginning of the year, I decided to pull myself out of a rut and enrolled myself onto a ceramics course. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do – and I can actually do it regardless of the weather.

Studying doesn’t always have to be about adding something to your CV or progressing in your career. Taking care of your mental health is more important than your next promotion. When I’m taking care of myself, I’m happier and I feel more motivated (I even come up with more creative business ideas!). Studying these vocational courses forces me to focus on myself, instead of just working on my business. This course commits me to at least 3-hours away from my computer every Friday morning for 8 weeks, and I can’t wait.

The post 3 Reasons Why I’m Obsessed With Short Courses & Distance Learning appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.