I was pleased to note that the accommodation and facilities were non smoking and that after a long journey it offered me the stylish, comfortable restaurant Café Azur or if I had preferred my meal would be delivered to my cottage.

It was lovely to find that the accommodation was set in 13 acres of conservation award winning countryside where I was able to stretch my legs after the drive down, and I only had to step outside the front door. For the more energetic I could have enjoyed a game of squash or tennis, table tennis or swim in the pool, instead I choose the spa pool which provided just the right rejuvenation I needed.

The cottages can best be described as of contemporary design with added comfort. I could not believe the quality of the furnishings and equipment. If I mention Villeroy and Bosch china and glasses, pocket sprung Millbrook beds, duvets ‘soft as down’, solid oak lounge and dining furniture, original paintings the list goes on and all making for a class act.

The Reception is open every day and it was here that I collected information to help me enjoy my visit of the area. So much to do and so little time hence I had to be selective with my first priority being to visit the local golf scene and let the rest fall into place. The Valley hope to put together some golf packages in the near future.

After lunch just minutes away I soon found Truro Golf Club another welcoming club set amongst rolling countryside this 18-hole course has views over the City set against the distant White Mountains – the China clay mounds near St Austell.

This challenging and again beautiful course was opened in 1937 and could tell a story or two if it could speak as it was used by the Army for "Regimental purposes" and also as an Italian Prisoner of War Camp during World War 11.

For my second day I had promised myself a visit to the Carlyon Bay golf course where I had booked many clients in my days as a golf specialist travel agent – it always came up well in feed-back.

I was not to be disappointed as it is set in 300 acres of grounds, which include the Carlyon Bay Hotel, and must be one of Cornwall’s most spectacular Championship golf courses.

Following a delicious lunch in a luxury setting at the Hotel and a spend in the excellent golf shop I made my way to Porthpean Golf Club which was in the same vicinity.

This proved to be a challenging yet picturesque 18-hole course, the outward holes being in a pleasant parkland setting whilst the return holes again command spectacular views over St Austell Bay. Ball placement and fine judgement are the order of the day.

What did disappoint me however was my nostalgic visit to Land’s End only to find that the powers that be had allowed it to become commercialised – how could they?

I managed to cram in the Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre, Falmouth which was holding its annual Oyster Festival being October, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Nr St Austell, Padstow to search out Rick Stein, took one look at the prices in the restaurant and finished up round the corner at his Fish & Chip Shop where the fish come directly from the fishing boats across the road.

I was amazed at how much progress they had made and which still goes on but most of Boscastle is operating as normal and welcoming visitors, in fact the rise in visitor numbers is a true testament to the spirit of the people who have worked tirelessly in the reconstruction and regeneration of the village and those I spoke to were a sheer inspiration.

Jamaica Inn located in a stunning setting halfway between Bodmin and Launceston just off the A30 at Bolventor. Made famous by the acclaimed writer Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name which now has a Smugglers Museum where you can see one the of finest and most extensive collections of smuggling artefacts in the UK. The cobbled courtyard, beamed ceilings, roaring fires and real ales tempt you to while away the hours or stay over in one of the four posters beds.

Finally back to golf and again depending on your route, St Mellion International Golf & Country Club near Plymouth yet still in Cornwall.

The Old Course offers a gentler alternative for relative beginners.

The Valley www.the-valley.co.uk/ T. 01872 862194