A Day of Rock-Pooling Adventures at Cornish Cottage Homestead

Hello, lovely readers of Cornish Cottage Homestead! Today, I’m buzzing with excitement to share a special adventure we had down at the rugged Cornish coast near our off-grid home in, Cornwall. My daughter and her friend, friends mum, and I spent the day rock-pooling, exploring the treasures of the tidal pools, enjoying a picnic, and tackling the steep climb to and from the beach. It was a day full of wonder, learning, and a few tired legs—come along with us!

The Trek Down to the Beach

Living off-grid at CCH means we’re no strangers to a bit of effort, but the climb down to our local beach is a proper adventure in itself. The path is steep, winding through craggy cliffs and wildflowers, with the salty sea air urging us on. My daughter led the charge, while our friends and I followed, chatting and soaking in the stunning Cornish views. It’s a fair old hike, but the moment you catch sight of the shimmering tide pools below, you know it’s worth every step.

Rock-Pooling Treasures

Once we reached the beach, the real magic began. The tide was out, leaving behind a wonderland of rock pools teeming with life. My daughter squealed with delight as we spotted tiny baby shrimps darting through the clear water, their delicate legs flickering like little sparks. We found baby crabs, no bigger than a 50p coin, scuttling under pebbles, their miniature claws waving cheekily. The anemones were closed up but still beautiful though. We took our time, peering into each pool, pointing out finds, and marvelling at the delicate ecosystem thriving right at our feet.

It was a joy to see my daughter and her friend so engrossed, carefully lifting rocks and giggling at the creatures we uncovered. We made sure to tread lightly, replacing every stone exactly as we found it to protect the wildlife. Watching the kids’ curiosity reminded me why we chose this off-grid life—being so close to nature brings, baby crabs, and anemones, followed by a hearty picnic and a challenging climb back up the cliffs. It was a day filled with discovery, curiosity, and connection with nature.

A Seaside Picnic

After our rock-pooling fun, we settled on a pebbly stretch of beach for a well-earned picnic. We’d packed a simple spread—apples, bananas, a bit of meat and some cheese. Sitting there, surrounded by the sound of waves and the kids’ chatter, with the Cornish sun warming our faces, felt like a slice of paradise. The climb down had built up our appetites, and we tucked in, sharing stories and planning our next adventure. It was one of those moments that make you pause and feel utterly grateful for this life we’re building.

The Climb Back Up

With our bellies full and our pockets (and hearts) brimming with rock-pooling finds, it was time for the trek back up the cliffs. Let me tell you, the climb up is no joke! It’s steep, and after a long day of exploring, our legs were protesting. My daughter, ever the trooper, raced ahead, turning back to cheer us on with her boundless energy. We took it slow, stopping to admire the wild gorse, looking forward to the distant view of home nestled in the hills. By the time we reached the top, we were knackered but buzzing with that satisfying ache of a day well spent.

A Quick Disclaimer

As always, we’re not here to offer expert advice—just to share our journey, the highs and the lows. Rock-pooling is a brilliant way to connect with nature, but it’s important to check tide times, tread carefully to protect marine life, and be mindful of the physical demands of coastal paths. Our experience is just one family’s adventure, so please do your own research for safe and sustainable exploring.

Join Our Journey

Today was a reminder of why we’re building this off-grid life in Cornwall—to share moments like these with our loved ones and to stay connected to the wild beauty around us. We’re already planning our next trip to the beach—maybe with a lighter picnic to make that climb back up a bit easier! Want to see more of our rock-pooling adventure? Pop over to our Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest for a short video of the day’s highlights. Have you been rock-pooling or have a favourite coastal spot in Cornwall? Drop us a comment—we’d love to hear your stories!

Until next time,

Sarah

Cornish Cottage Homestead, Cornwall