FLAMES in the fire pit are crackling away as the sun sets behind the Cornish hills.
We’re getting ready to make s’mores, the American snack made of crackers, chocolate and our soon-to-be toasted marshmallows.
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But as my four mates and I are on a campsite in Newquay, we’ve had to make do with digestives instead.
I never thought about a camping holiday this close to autumn, fearing it would be far too cold.
But it’s mid-September and we’re staying in a gorgeous, spacious yurt in the Fir Hill Glamping site.
Each has three beds — one king size and two double — so there’s plenty of room for my four mates and I, as well as a little dog.
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They come with bedding including comfy pillows and thick duvets. It’s amazing not having to haul any camping gear with you — and leaves extra room in the car for booze.
Campsites are opening later than usual this year, as holidaymakers look for an alternative to going abroad and businesses aim to make up for a late start to the season.
Fir Hill Glamping, which won’t close until the end of October, has ten yurts complete with log-burning stoves, so if it does get a bit chilly you can pop a fire on to warm up.
Each yurt has its own little outside kitchen with two camping stoves, all the cooking gear you need and a cool box to keep your supplies chilled.
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We’ve brought enough for breakfast and the next morning we make scrambled eggs, bacon, avocado and cooked tomatoes. It’s glorious eating outside, tucking into our food while enjoying a cup of tea and a plastic beaker of orange juice.
There are showers and toilets in the main building, as well as lots of shared space to go to chill out if the weather is wet and miserable.
We’re lucky that it’s a sunny and warmish day with the temperature hitting 18C.
We drive 15 minutes to stunning Crantock beach for a swim in one of the lagoons that are revealed as the tide goes out.
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The water is chilly at first but you soon warm up — not that my friend’s dog Piper seems to notice as he joins in for a dip.
Fir Hill Glamping has four dog-friendly yurts, with plenty of grass around for Piper to race around on before hopping into bed in the morning to snuggle up.
Later, we head to Gilmore’s, a modern Mexican joint just a few minutes from Newquay’s famous Fistral Beach, where we tuck into tacos and burritos while drinking margaritas.
Like most places here, booking ahead is essential.
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The next day we go for a walk around the campsite’s estate before heading into Newquay for lunch at a pop-up street food market where The Boathouse is serving pizza and seafood.
I opt for fish and chips and a pale ale. There are socially distanced tables and a one-way system, which makes it feel very safe. It’s lovely to look out onto the harbour while enjoying our lunch.
On the way back to the town centre, we grab ice creams and fresh scones from Harbour Rest Cafe and sit on the beach piling on layers of fresh clotted cream and local jam.
We watch the surfers until the sun sets on our summer and a cool autumn breeze rolls in.
Time to head to camp and fire up the yurt’s log-burning stove.
GO: CORNWALL
STAYING THERE: ONE night’s self catering in a yurt at Fir Hill Glamping is from £20pppn based on six sharing.
See thefirhill.co.uk or call 07831 800701.
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