If you’re the sort of person who loves exploring new trails and discovering the wealth of activities and events on offer for adults around Cornwall, you will love the new blog from Action Nan - aka Pat Smith and owner of Bosinver Farm Cottages.
Pat, under her pseudonym Action Nan achieved widespread recognition across Cornwall and further afield during her 300 mile continuous walk around the Cornish section of the South West Coast Path in April 2016, during which she raised over £8k for the RNLI in the county.
But as an active and curious adventurer in her own right, Pat has enjoyed many expeditions around Cornwall and in her new blog, she shares some of her favourite things to do, from sailing to kayaking, to Nordic walking and speeding along zip wires.
“I’m a great believer that it is never too late to try something new,” says Pat. “When I was 50 a friend took me out sailing and I discovered an exciting watery world on my doorstep that inspired me to want to learn more. I set about honing my skills in the classroom and on the water and progressed to Day Skipper and Yachtmaster in 6 years, having crewed across the Atlantic and twice across the Gulf of Mexico.
“At 57, a friend and I decided to cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise money for a head scanner at Treliske hospital. The odds were stacked against me: my age, the fact I was slightly overweight and had a replacement hip! But it was then I discovered the power of positive thinking, I just believed I could do it and I did and, what’s more, I loved every strenuous minute.
“I have the nick-name Action Nan, because, quite simply, I am always busy and active. My mind rarely rests and my body is pretty busy too. I plan to do some exercise every day – preferably outside, be it walking, riding my bike, Pilates or swimming. If I don’t, I feel miserable. In fact, one good friend said going away with me was like taking a dog. Wherever we landed, I had to be let out for exercise!”
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all my Action Nan adventures so far, and I’m excited about the ones yet to come. I hope you’ll join me in discovering all the wonderful adventures Cornwall has to offer.
Read Action Nan’s ideas for days out and adventures here. You can also follow the Action Nan Facebook page and follow her on Twitter @ActionNan.