A companion who shares their interests, in Cornwall

Somewhere to go

Flat estuary walking on the Camel Trail

Wadebridge

An 18 mile traffic free route along a disused railway line linking Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow, with wide views over the Camel Estuary. A carer can drive to one of the car parks, walk a short there-and-back stretch and turn around whenever energy runs out.

Getting around: Cornwall Council describes the trail as surfaced, virtually level and largely traffic free.

Source: cornwall.gov.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Parkland strolls at Mount Edgcumbe

Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Torpoint

A country park of open parkland and listed gardens above the Tamar with several waymarked trails, including a tree trail, and a Tramper available to hire on site. A carer could book the Tramper in advance or keep to the shorter garden paths and use the park benches for rests.

Getting around: The park lists trails catering for all abilities and a Tramper for hire, with most of the tree trail suitable for wheeled users.

Source: accessiblecountryside.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

The Morrab Library reading rooms

Penzance

An independent subscription library founded in the nineteenth century, set in its own subtropical garden, with a large Cornish collection and quiet reading rooms. A carer could arrange membership or a visit, carry the books and use the surrounding garden for a break afterwards.

Source: morrablibrary.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

In the calendar

The du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival

Fowey

A long running festival of author talks, walks and music held in Fowey each May, growing out of the town's association with Daphne du Maurier. A carer could book seated indoor talks in advance and arrange parking or a drop-off, as Fowey's streets are steep and narrow.

Source: foweyfestival.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

River views and walled gardens at Trelissick

Feock

A National Trust garden above the River Fal with woodland walks, a parkland circuit and a cafe in the old stables. Manual wheelchairs, a powered scooter and a Countryside Mobility Tramper can be borrowed from visitor reception if booked ahead by phone.

Getting around: Step-free level access into reception, cafe, garden and parkland, with wheelchairs, a mobility scooter and a Tramper available to borrow.

Source: nationaltrust.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

The productive gardens at Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell

A restored Victorian estate garden where the walled Productive Gardens, Pleasure Grounds and Home Farm show old Cornish kitchen gardening at work. A carer can plan a route around the 13 acres of even paths and book a Tramper for a half day rather than attempting the steep Jungle.

Getting around: Around 13 acres, including the Productive Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, are reachable on even paths, with wheelchairs to borrow and two bookable Trampers.

Source: heligan.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

In the calendar

Flora Day and the Furry Dance

Helston

Every 8 May, Helston dances the Furry Dance through the streets and in and out of buildings, with dancers in formal dress and the Flora Day band playing the traditional tune. A carer could find a seat or kerbside spot on the flatter part of the town early, before the crowds build for the midday dance.

Source: helstonhistory.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Local tradition

Padstow May Day and the 'Obby 'Osses

Padstow

On 1 May, Padstow fills with processions, singing and dancing behind the Red and Blue 'Obby 'Osses, one of the oldest surviving folk customs in the country. A carer can arrive before the morning processions, park outside the centre and use a quieter viewing point away from the packed harbour.

Source: cornwallforever.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Photographing St Michael's Mount from the shore

Marazion

The tidal island castle across the causeway from Marazion changes completely with the tide and the weather, and the estate publishes detailed access information for visits. A carer can plan a tide-timed shoot from the Marazion seafront, which needs no climb, and check the access page before attempting the island itself.

Source: stmichaelsmount.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Georgian harbour scenes at Charlestown

Charlestown Harbour, Charlestown

A preserved late Georgian china clay port, often with tall ships alongside, which is why it is used so often as a film location. The harbourside is compact, so a carer can park nearby and give an hour of shooting without a long walk.

Source: charlestownharbour.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Volunteering with Cornwall Wildlife Trust

The county wildlife trust lists volunteering roles across Cornwall, from practical reserve work to record keeping, events and office support. A carer can help filter the list for tasks that suit sitting down or short sessions and arrange lifts to the site.

Source: cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Finding a role through Volunteer Cornwall

Truro

Volunteer Cornwall, based in Truro with outreach across the county, recruits and places volunteers in roles including befriending, driving, admin and supporting older people. A carer could sit with the older person to register and shortlist opportunities close to home.

Source: volunteercornwall.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.