Brucano Net

Looking for cheap tickets for your airline trip this season? No need to worry because there are all sorts of companies out there looking to help you get the best bang for your buck. You’ll find that there are hundreds of new and outstanding pricings available to encourage people to fly. But, we need to take heed because we can still be overcharged if we don’t watch out. Instead of worrying about the cost of your tickets; check out these ideas to get cheap tickets.

Tip one is that you need to book your ticket in advance. No need to wait until the last minute and have to find the only available seat on a jet. Instead, take the time to book in advance. The worst thing that you can do is to walk up to the counter at the airport and purchase a ticket. Unfortunately, you will not be seeing cheap tickets there.

Be as flexible as you can be. Have you ever been lucky enough to be asked to take a later flight and given a voucher for free tickets next time? If not, you just might not be the lucky ones here. While this is not the only way of getting a great deal, if the opportunity arises, jump on it. Also, if you can choose the times and days that you plan to fly, look mid week and especially in the late nights. Flights during these times aren’t just cheap; they are also less hectic and take a lot less time to wait in line for.

Compare and contrast the different companies. If you have a favorite that you always use, you might just be paying more than you should be. Instead, grab a seat and look at the different options that are available to you online. You can save a lot of money this way!

Getting cheap tickets isn’t just a great feeling. It is also a way to afford more trips later. If you take the opportunity to get outstanding values on the tickets that you want now, you will be pleased later as well. Cheap tickets are out there, you just have to get them!

The excellent old Chinese tale has a great implication; the motto put into words the fact that we recognise an event drastically more when it is observed. Via video production or videography it’s realistic to shoot a series of occasions.

These days in all company presentations, video footage is generally implemented. Through video production it’s realistic to supply the required information to quite a lot of different potential customers to help tempt them. Online Video production is at the moment utilised for numerous reasons; however, several corporate videos and brand associated productions are usually developed in order to attain certain business targets.

Audio video productions are now in fashion & are therefore used in roughly any form of company activity. Video production agencies by and large work with a certain brand of client or a firm that wants to create an online video commercial, a presentation or an assortment of video clips. The entire work of video production is frequently carried out by one or two freelancers; nonetheless there are several online specialist video production companies around at the moment. Click here to find out about Vidify’s video production and marketing services.

The input of music composers, cameraman & script writers can also be common when creating online video productions. What’s more, marketing firms and PR firms have recently become involved with online video production.

For many the end of the summer period and beginning of autumn is the perfect time to start thinking of a short break before the long winter months settle in. With the main summer holidays of June and July seeming like a distant memory the need to recharge the batteries can lead to many of us exploring the various short vacation options available to them. To many the term “short break” is synonymous with “city break”. Be it going to a show in London or sampling the nightlife in European cities such as Prague, Amsterdam and Barcelona – the options with city breaks are almost endless. However, perhaps the one downside is that short holidays in a city can often lead to you being more exhausted than when you set out for your break in the first place…

During the summer months one of the main problems with city breaks can be the fact that all the local attractions can be packed to the rafters with tourists. Literally, bus loads of people descend on small areas like plagues of locust – meaning queuing becomes the order of the day. Another downside is undoubtedly the fact that major cities are expensive, which can leave you paying over the odds for inferior goods and services. Combining these problems with the organisation of flights, getting to and from airports, battling through traffic and navigating the local public transport – it quickly becomes easy to see why a city break can leave you somewhat less than refreshed.

It is perhaps due to these tiring schedules that more and more Briton’s are exploring the joys of a quiet rural retreat. Providing a wonderful contrast to the hustle of the city, country breaks allow you to set your own pace enjoying the stunning landscapes, quaint villages and excellent hotels that the UK has to offer. Whether you fancy a visit to historic buildings, walking in glorious gardens or perhaps a winding cycle through the countryside, one thing you are always guaranteed is to return back to work well rested and full of vigour.

One of the advantages of living in a relatively small country such as the UK is that you are never too far away from the countryside. Even residents in major cities such as Manchester and Glasgow can find themselves in fantastic locations such as Loch Lomand or The Peak District in under an hour. Despite the UK being such an urbanised nation there is an abundance of top quality and unspoilt rural areas that provide excellent destinations for country breaks.

One such area is the Lake District, which is located in the North West of England and is officially the countries largest national park. Seen by many as the quintessential country retreat, the area gets its name from the large amount of stunning lakes that fill the area and provide a stunning foreground to the majestic mountain landscape. Perhaps as a result of the national park status the area was granted in 1951, the Lake District has maintained much of its traditional charm of small towns, welcoming inns, sumptuous bakeries and quaint craft shops. It is this preservation of times gone past that has ensure that the pace of life is slow – making it an ideal getaway for those looking to unwind. For further details on the area and the multitude of activities that it has to offer try visiting http://www.lakedistric toutdoors.co.uk.

On the eastern side of northern England, rural Yorkshire has always been a popular retreat for those looking to escape to the solitude of the rolling hills and moors. Television shows such as “Heartbeat” and “All Creatures Great and Small” have ensured the area has grown in popularity with those seeking the quiet life. The Yorkshire Dales – a national park since 1954 – is famous for it lush green valleys and limestone rock formations, which provide excellent backdrops for relaxing country walks. The area really is a haven of unspoilt beauty and a visit can almost feel like a step back in time. The informative website http://www.yorkshire-dales.co m has an array of information regarding things to do and see in the area and the Yorkshire based short break specialist http://www.superbreak.com has various hotel deals in the area.

Finally, the Scottish Highlands is renowned the world over for its breathtaking scenery. This is perhaps most evident in the North West Highland region of Assynt which boasts some of the most rugged and dramatic landscapes in the British Isles. The unique combination of ancient mountain landscape, vast moorlands, spectacular cliffs and utter solitude proves a powerful magnet to many seeking the ultimate in rural escape. Unfortunately, the remoteness of Assynt make it perhaps not ideal for 2-3 day breaks but areas such as Aviemore in the Southern Highlands offer a more practical solution to those wanting to venture into the highlands for a country break.

At the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, Aviemore is a mecca for hill walkers as well as being a truly beautiful place that is fully accessible by road or rail. With an abundance of quality hotel accommodation the area can be visited at any time of the year – indeed the winter is usually the most busy time to visit due to the flourishing ski industry in the Cairngorm Mountain Range. For further, details on short breaks in the area http://www.visitaviemore.com has all the information you will require.

Overall, a quiet break in the country can be an excellent, cost effective way to relax for 2-3 days. The UK is spoilt for choice in terms of possible destinations – maybe its time you woke up and smelt the fresh air?

Ask any regular long-haul flyer about their experience of flying and you will soon discover that everyone has a different “magic” formula for overcoming or avoiding jet lag.

In reality of course no magic formula exists – and there is certainly no magic pill or tablet. There is, however, a great deal that you can do in preparation for your departure to help you overcome or eliminate jet lag and here are just a few tips:

1. Maintain a consistent sleep pattern.

If you are not following a consistent routine in the days and weeks before your journey (going to bed and getting up at the same time each day) your body’s internal clock will be disrupted even before you start your journey and your flight will simply magnify the effects of insomnia induced by jet lag.

2. Ensure you are getting a balanced and healthy diet.

Diet plays an important role in ensuring that you get a good night’s sleep and an appropriate balance of whole grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables in your diet is essential.

Alcohol and caffeine are two elements of your diet that are particularly important in relation to jet lag and these should be reduced, or eliminated, in the run-up to your journey if at all possible. If, however, asking you to give up your twelve cups of coffee each day is rather like asking you to cut off your right hand, then try to limit your intact to the afternoon between about 3 pm and 5 pm.

Caffeine when taken late in the day tends to speed up your body clock, while taking it in the morning has the opposite effect. Taken during the middle of the day, caffeine has little or no effect on your body’s circadian rhythms.

3. Take regular exercise.

Regular exercise can significantly improve the consistency, quality and duration of your normal sleep cycle. Some form of daily aerobic exercise, lasting at least twenty minutes, will go a long way to preparing your body for your forthcoming journey.

4. Start to slowly adjust your bedtime.

You should begin to “manage” your body clock by gradually and slowly adjusting your bedtime and wake up time in the days before your journey, to bring these into line with the local time at your destination.

If, for example, you normally go to bed at 10 pm and you are flying to a country that is four hours ahead, at your normal bedtime the time at your destination will be 2 am. So, in this case, you need to slowly bring your bedtime forward a little bit (say fifteen minutes) each night for a week or ten days before your departure. This might mean that immediately prior to leaving you are going to bed at say 7.30 pm. However, when you arrive at your destination this will mean that you are now going to bed at 11.30 pm and that you have narrowed the four hour time difference to just one and a half hours.

5. Reduce stress in the days before traveling.

One often overlooked factor in the jet lag equation is that of stress and much of this stress is a direct result of the journey itself. How many times have you found yourself running around at the last minute trying to do 1001 things at once?

Plan ahead and make sure that, as far as is possible, everything that you need to do both at home and at works is completed well in advance of your journey. In planning for your journey, clear as much as you can as early as you can and make specific time available in your pre-journey planning for plenty of relaxation in the days immediately prior to your departure.

These are just a few examples of things that you should pay attention to when planning any long-haul trip and, together with other specific measures taken both during your flight and following your arrival, will considerably reduce the effects of jet lag, or even lead to no jet lag at all!

Copyright 2005 Donald Saunders – http://help-me-to-sleep.com

Destination: Sacramento

Californias capital city is much more than a seat of government. It is a vibrant city where much of the states history occurred and is now recorded and reenacted at the various museums and historic sites. It is also a hub for the arts and entertainment, offers diverse dining and nightlife choices, has numerous interesting and scenic spots, and is lively with a selection of recreation options. This city also supports several professional and collegiate sports teams including the Sacramento Kings of the NBA and the Sacramento Monarchs of the WNBA.

It all started here!

The discovery of gold at Sutter Mill was the magnet that drew thousands of hopeful pioneers to Mexican California and the banks of the Sacramento River. Californias gold rush history is based at two Sacramento historic sites, the river settlement town known as Old Sacramento and at Sutter Fort, a former supply center and trading post.

Old Sacramento is a 28-acre town with historic buildings constructed in the early 1800s. Because the Sacramento River frequently flooded, the town was built 12 feet above river level and today visitors can walk its wooden sidewalks that front stores, restaurants and saloons. Visitors can take a ride on a steam engine train, see a one-roomed schoolhouse, and dress in period costumes for an old-fashioned photo. The California State Railroad Museum and the Discovery Museum History Center are located here, displaying historical insights to early life in Sacramento. Gold Rush Days is celebrated over the Labor Day Weekend, which recounts the spirit of the “49ers” with street dramas, miners’ encampments, gold panning and the Wells Fargo Ethnic Village.

Sutter Fort was Sacramento earliest settlement, with its adobe trading post built in 1839. It was owned and operated by Johann Augustus Sutter, who acquired a 48,000-acre land grant from the Mexican government, which included much of what is known as the Gold Rush Region. The fort first served as a trade center with local Indians, but when gold was found at Sutter Mill, the trading post became the main supply line for the thousands of miners who sought riches in the nearby foothills. Now a State Historic Park, Sutter’s Fort offers visitors a glimpse into its past at the exhibit rooms and at the historic copper and blacksmiths shops, bakery, prison, dining room and living quarters.

The California State Capitol and Capitol Park are available to visitors and offer an interesting and pleasant group tour stop. Guided tours are available and the museum has films and displays. The park tour includes the Veterans and Vietnam memorials, the California Indian Grinding Rock site and several gardens and groves including the recently dedicated World Peace Rose Garden. Contact: (groups) 916-324-0312,.www.statecapitolmuseum.com

The Golden State Museum explores Californias history from its earliest days to its present heritage, culture and commerce. Interactive displays and innovative presentations engage visitors. Contact: 916-653-7524,.www.goldenstatemuseum.org

The Wells Fargo History Museum has documents, photographs, gold scales, a telegraph and other items that explain the historic banking, mail and express options used during the gold rush period. Contact: 916-440-4161.

Sacramento Historic City Cemetery, established in 1849, is the last resting place for more than 20,000 early residents, including many who were the founders and barons of early California like John Sutter, Edwin Crocker and Mark Hopkins. Guided and self-guided tours are available. Contact (tours) 916-448 0811,.www.oldcitycemetery.com

This article is sponsored by: www.grouptravelblog.com

The mountain of Montjuic juts over Barcelona’s port on one face, and on the other side overhangs the Placa Espanya. With this location, it is ideal for playing. The mountain became the central mark of the World Fair of 1929 and the 1992 Olympic games. It’s beautiful and green, still forested and covered in parks. Montjuic is popular with pedestrians and cyclists of all kinds because of its extensive and green paths. Barcelona has recently started working on installing walkways and escalators to connect visitors to the harder-to-navigate sections.

Among these sections is the Font del Gat, once a fashionable modernista cafe designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Today, it’s an information and visitors center and restaurant, and a great starting place to explore Montjuic. Also in the tall mountain you’ll find some of the best museums in Barcelona like the MNAC and the Miro Foundation.

The most popular attraction around Montjuic is the Magic Fountain, or Font Magica. In daytime, the grand fountain beneath the MNAC staircase seems ordinary, but after dark, you’ll see the magic part. Music blasts from loudspeakers, and varicolored lighting illuminates the dancing waters of the fountain. Carles Buigas designed it for the 1929 World Fair, and it’s perfect for watching from one of the cafes surrounding it. Shows run throughout the summer, from May to October on Thursday through Sunday after dark. (at other times of the year, they’re held only on Friday and Saturday after dark).

If you want to visit the Castell de Montjuic on the sea side of the mountain, your best choice is via the cable car, the Transbordador Aeri, that runs across the port. It runs daily from 10:30 AM to 7 PM.

Once you’re settled on Montjuic, there’s plenty to see and do.

What to Do

At the CaixaForum, you can view rotating diverse art exhibitions on three floors of a building that used to be a textile factory designed by modernista architect Puig i Cadalfach. Later, Japanese architect Arata Isozaki added a walkway, courtyard, and entrance to set off the art stored within. At any given time, you’re also likely to find performances related to the art being exhibited, especially world music and modern dance, and there’s an excellent bookstore in the foyer. You can find more modern art at the Fundacio Joan Miro, devoted to the master of contemporary Catalan art. The Miro collection, donated by the artist, is so large that only part of it can be displayed at any given time. If you’re not familiar with Miro, the audioguide you can pick up at the front desk will help you understand the depth and breadth of this master’s works. In sports-mad Barcelona, you’ll also find the Galeria Olimpica, a museum devoted to the games held in 1992. This museum is located in the cellar of the old Olympic Stadium.

But in a lovely setting like Montjuic, you don’t want to be indoors all the time. The Jardi Botanic opened in 1999, but has already received international admiration for landscaping and concept. Most species are Mediterranean, or from a similar climate like Australia and California, and the park is divided into regions for each area. The telecommunications aerial, rather than detracting from the beauty, is designed to blend with the landscaping, and because of the way it leans, it acts as a giant sundial.

The Poble Espanyol will keep you outside. It’s a recreated Spanish village built for the 1929 World Fair and has almost a Disneyish feel. You can find over a hundred styles of Spanish architecture in one tiny spot, from the Levante to Galicia and Castilian high gothic. The entrance, a facsimile of the gateway to Avila, leads you to the center of the village, where you can have drinks at the outdoor cafe, or visit the flamenco taberna and other nightspots. Provincial crafts and souvenirs are sold everywhere, and you can see artisans handprinting fabric, making pottery, or blowing glass. Though some see this as a tourist trap, if you won’t be able to see much of Spain outside Barcelona this is a good choice for finding almost everything you’re interested in.

And history, of course, is not neglected. The Museu Militar de Montjuic is found inside the Castell de Montjuic, a fortress dating back to the 1600s that overlooks the sea. The collection is a treasury of military artifacts from armor to weapons to accoutrements to military art, and the fortress itself provides breathtaking views of the Barcelona skyline and the sea. The Museu d’Arquelogia de Catalunya occupies the former Palace of Graphic Arts of the 1929 World Fair. It surveys the long history of Barcelona, from the Iberian prehistory to the Greek, Roman, and Carthaginian periods, including many artifacts that were unearthed very close by. On the floor, you’ll find actual mosaics moved here from the places where they were unearthed; the curators invite visitors to walk over them, as they believe using them as they were intended provides better preservation for them.

There is much more to do on MOntjuic, including visiting the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalynya (MNAC) or the Pavello Mies van der Rohe. Your best bet: go early, and don’t have a set agenda. Enjoy exploring MOntjuic.

Places to Stay

Montjuic, hampered by a lack of amenities like water, has few homes but many pleasant places to visit. One place to try is the Hotel Torre Catalunya, a skyscraper-style four-star hotel with excellent amenities. Its restaurant, the Ciudad Condal, offers gorgeous views of the city from the 23rd floor. You’ll also find a Spa, health center, and many other amenities here.

At Montjuic’s base you’ll find the Hotel Fira Palace, which opened in time for the 1992 Olympics and has excellent access to the exhibition centers of Plaza Espanya. Family accomodations are unmatched in the area. Restaurants are expensive, so you may want to try outside the hotel, but the amenities, like a piano bar, massage, service, and patio garden, are unique.

Hotel Habana Libre, Saturday, April 16, 2005, 9:51 am

So my stay in the Cuban capital is rapidly coming to a close. Even the good weather seems to have taken leave. This morning it clouded over, followed by an intense downpour and now the sky is grey and the wind is blowing strongly. Unless the weather improves, I think it’s going to be a day for a museum or a movie and for letting this Cuban adventure come to a slow and gentle close.

These last 2 or so weeks have truly been a defining experience. I have never before travelled to a developing country, and I have never travelled by myself in this way. Moreover, I have never consciously immersed myself in a foreign culture as I have here. I spent more than two weeks studying at a local university and spending time and interacting with Cuban people as much as possible. I have been reading Cuban books, listening to Cuban music, watching a little bit of Cuban TV (also an interesting experience) and immersed myself in Cuban life as much as I could.

I think in the 2 weeks that I’ve been here I’ve learned a tremendous amount about this strange and beautiful country. I have been exposed to its politics, its history, its architecture, landscape and music, its street life and its people. I have made a concerted effort to open myself up and pursue my curiosity and ask questions wherever possible. It’s been intense, to say the least, and it feels like I am going to need 2 or 3 solids days to reacclimatize myself when I get back to Toronto. The environment is so different from what I am used to that it has really rattled my brain.

New friendships have been formed, with professors from the university and with some of my language study colleagues from around the world. Last, but definitely not least, I have to thank my local friend Pedro for spending a lot of time with me, showing me the local sights, explaining the local culture to me (and also for protecting me from the continuous onslaught of male attention that female travellers are constantly exposed to). More appreciation goes out to Pedro’s family who have received me in their home like a long-lost friend or distant cousin.

Most importantly, I have gained an appreciation of the things that define Cuba (especially the Cuban enjoyment of life, their close family relationships and their ability to make do and be happy with very little), and at the same time I have gained a new appreciation of what I have at home.

Venice is an old and somewhat eccentric city in Italy. Built long ago on marshlands, I was surprised to find myself spending my first night in the city with the bird lady.

Rent a Room

As is common with many cities in Europe, one can rent a room in a private home at the train station. The advantage of renting a room is you get to live with a family and the costs tend to be a lot cheaper than a hotel room. If you’re lucky, the family will take a liking to you and haul you around to see the “real” city you are in.

I had just arrived in Venice on a train from Paris. It was late, I was tired and in no mood to be picky about lodging. As I walked up to the rent a room desk, I had two priorities: sleep and a shower.

The elderly lady at the desk smiled at me and we got down to business. Apparently, arriving in Venice around midnight in the middle of August wasn’t a wise move. I was told most everything was sold out, but there were two rooms still open. The first was 45 minutes outside of the city while the second was just off Piazza San Marco, the central square you see in all the movies. I booked the San Marco room, given a map and off I went.

As it was late and I was tired, it never occurred to me to ask why a room so close to Piazza San Marco was open when everything else was taken. As I walked through the very narrow streets of Venice, I was too tired to really care.

Following the map, I walked into the square and started heading toward the glass shops at the far end. The walk through the otherwise delightful square was a killer on my headache as the mini-orchestras dueled the night away. Reaching the end, I found the little alley indicated on the map and through I went into more winding little streets.

Eventually, I found the door and gave it a knock. Like a bad Monty Python movie, a little viewing slot opened, eyes looked at me and my backpack, the door opened and I was literally pulled inside. Before me stood a little older lady with wild hair. At this point, I started to understand why the room was available. Turns out I was wrong, as “Michelle” turned out to be very sane and nice.

Michelle gave me the run down on the house and her basic rules. She went into a long diatribe about keeping the doors closed because of something she didn’t know the English word for. I kept nodding and we proceed to the door that would let us into the house proper.

Inside the door, the house took on an entirely new atmosphere. Michelle was a big fan of birds. She had little yellow birds, red birds, black birds and I swear a few humming birds. None of them were in cages. I had booked a room in an informal Aviary!

Fortunately, my room had been bird-proofed by keeping the door closed. As I lay in bed, however, I could hear chirping and wings flapping as the other guests flew around the rooms. Over the next two days, I never got use to opening the door and seeing birds whipping by or perched and staring at me. I imagine this is where Alfred Hitchcock picked up some of his ideas.

As far as I know, Michelle is still in Venice and still renting out rooms. If you’re a bird enthusiast, just ask for the bird hotel at the train station in Venice.

First Time Travel to Europe Your Six-Month Planning Guide

So, you’ve decided that you want to travel to Europe within the next year. Fantastic! Your trip is sure to be an exciting learning experience. This article will discuss the key plans you’ll need to make before traveling to Europe, starting from six months outwards.

Traveling to Europe – Six Months Before You Go It goes without saying that at this stage of the game that you’ll need to pick where you plan on traveling within Europe. Pick up travel brochures, talk to a travel agent specializing in European destinations, speak with friends, and read magazines on the subject.

If the European destination you’ve chosen to travel to speaks another language that you aren’t familiar with, why not start learning the basics of the language? Grab a book, take a course, or ask a friend familiar with the language and customs to help you out.

Also, you should think about picking up a European travel guide, such as Fodor’s or the Lonely Planet. Highlight the areas and attractions you’d like to visit.

Traveling to Europe – 3-4 Months Before You Go Your European travel destination is getting closer. Are you excited yet? Now is the time to start with the practical planning aspects of your trip. Get a passport now, if you don’t have one already. Shop around for airline tickets, and places to stay. If the locale you’ve chosen has a different climate than what you are used to, look for clothing to take along with you – and don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes!

Are there any special festivals, activities or events that will occur while you are traveling to Europe? If so, you’ll need to book now. The larger the event, the more time in advance you’ll want to make reservations.

Traveling to Europe – 6 Weeks Before You Go Departure day is inching closer, and there is still a lot to accomplish. If you haven’t already booked a hotel for your stay, do so now. Have you figured out how you plan on getting around yet in your country of choice? Car rentals, rail passes, and bus trips all require advance planning, so research these options, and make your reservations around this time, too. Finally, don’t forget your travelers insurance, and health check up. If you’ll require immunizations or medications to take with you while traveling to Europe, having this all on hand well before your flight is critical.

Traveling to Europe – Four Weeks Before You Go It’s crunch time, are you ready to travel to Europe? You are if you have luggage that will make the trip, cameras with adequate film, the right currency in your pocket, gear to keep your valuables safe, an electrical converter (if required, think about your shaver and curling iron), maps of the area you are visiting, and have contacted your local Embassy to check of any current dangers in the area.

Traveling to Europe – Last Minute Plans Europe, here you come! Anything that hasn’t been done now, probably just won’t get done. Just make sure that you have photocopies of your passport and credit cards available at all times. Now, go have fun traveling to Europe!

Cornwall has always been a favourite holiday destination and its dramatic coastline, picturesque villages, vibrant culture and sumptuous cuisine. For those visitors who have travelled to the region, the benefits of a Cornish holiday need no explaining, but for our international friends, who have yet to explore outside of London, a visit to Cornwall will give you a very different taste of English life. In this article, I describe one of my favourite walks in Cornwall and thoroughly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Parts of the walk between St Agnes and the Jericho Valley have been trodden so often by my sturdy boots, that they practically know their own way. It’s one of my favourite stretches of coastal path for its spectacular views across the turquoise waters to the huge stretch of beach at Penhale; the ever-present tang of salt hanging in the air; the dramatic cliffs bordered with a mosaic of gorse, heather and thrift; plus it conveniently links my house with the beach, the pub and my favourite seaside restaurant.

St Agnes was once a busy centre of mining activity, the relics of which are dotted all around this walk. Today it is still a very community-minded village with a friendly population boosted during the summer by the visitors attracted by the village’s charming unspoilt character, its beautiful coastline and popular beach. The village is well equipped for walkers, with some beautiful, quintessentially English cottages and hotels ( http://www.cornwalltoday.co.uk/Ac commodation/Bed+and+Breakfast/Newquay+and+Perranporth.aspx ), and some superb restaurants which take advantage of Cornwall’s fantastic local produce.

On this walk you’ll first head southwards on the coast path up a fairly steep climb away from the picturesque Trevaunance Cove. Just above the beach if you peer down at low tide you’ll see the scattered stones of the former harbour walls, deposited when storms swept it away in 1915/16. At a higher tide with a gentle swell you may see one or two of the resident seals putting in an appearance.

Continuing along the coast path you’ll be rewarded with amazing views – careful though, some of the drops are quite sheer in places. You’ll pass a number of capped mine shafts and a couple of benches where you can enjoy the view of Bawden Rocks, also known as Man and His Man. Every summer daring swimmers from the village swim the mile out to this rock and back.

After about half a mile along the coast path you head inland and up towards the Beacon, the 192 metre high hill that overlooks St Agnes. Legend has it that a giant called Bolster could stand with one foot on The Beacon and the other on Carn Brea six miles away. If you fancy a detour then trek up it for some fantastic views from Padstow in the north, to the clay country and south to St Ives.

Otherwise the route skirts the bottom of the Beacon, and then follows a path to St Agnes village. Here locals bustling about their day-to-day business will be brushing shoulders with day-trippers and holiday makers. Stop for a browse around some of the fascinating arts and crafts galleries, or pause for a coffee outside the St Agnes Hotel. If you feel like staying overnight, there is some lovely holiday accommodation in the area, as well as a very high standard of local pubs and restaurants. ( http://www.cornwalltoday.co.uk/Places/Restaura nts/Newquay+and+Perranporth.aspx )

Next you’ll see the quirky row of sea captain’s cottages known as Stippy-Stappy, then follow the road for a short time before you descend off left into Trevellas Combe. Following a clear trickling stream through woodland, you’ll pass the isolated Jericho Cottage, once owned by renowned Cornish artist John Opie. Near here, we got a fright when a grass snake slithered across the path in front of us.

You emerge out of the valley at Blue Hills Tin Streams, where you can see a working water wheel and tin smelting in the traditional way. Then perhaps stop at Trevellas beach for a paddle. Head up the steep hill to the left of the beach. It’s a toughie this one, but there’s a strategically placed bench half way up! At Easter this area is buzzing with an array of classic cars racing their way around a track.

You can get round this walk in a speedy two and half hours, but I think you should allow about four. In that time you’ll have journeyed through centuries of life in this colourful part of Cornwall and should go home with a real taste of how this friendly community has evolved in that time.

* Distance: 4.5miles

* Grade: Moderate

* Maps: OS Landranger 203, reference 721 515. Walk taken from Classic Walks Cornwall 1 ( published by Cornwall & Devon Media, £5.99)

* Parking: Leave your car at the car park in Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes

* Refreshments: St Agnes Hotel, for coffees and pub food opposite the church; Driftwood Spars for a pint in their beer garden just a few metres from the beach.

* Distractions: Galleries and shops in St Agnes village; Blue Hills Tin Streams, St Agnes, 01872 553341

Other walks in the area: http://www.cornwalltoday.co.uk/Activities/Walking+and+V iewpoints.aspx