Blaze Lopes swaps Aussie adventures for Cornwall

Blaze Lopes – otherwise known as @hurleyandagirly – is a well-known face in the van community Down Under, but she recently switched things up and took to the road for her first taste of British van life. Equipped with a retro VW and her trusty board, Blaze travelled the Cornish coast to check out the UK surf culture and – believe it or not – soak up some sunshine. Here’s how she got on.

Tell us a little about yourself? And what has brought you to the UK?

Hey there! I'm Blaze, a 25-year-old Aussie girl from Bondi Beach. I've been living in my trusty van, Hurley, for the past 2.5 years, traveling all around Australia. My love for travel was inspired by my adventurous parents, who have seen so much of the world, and I've always dreamed of following in their footsteps.

When the Covid pandemic hit and disrupted my plans of solo backpacking, I decided to take the opportunity to pursue other dreams. I completed my university studies, wrapped up my full-time job, bought a van, and hit the road!

My original plan was to do a one-year trip around Australia, but life on the road was so captivating and fulfilling that I couldn't stop after just one lap. Working remotely and embracing the slow lifestyle while on the road made me realise that this is where I truly belong, and I couldn't be happier and more grateful.

Van life has become my passion, and now I'm dreaming of traveling the world with my van, without any fixed plans. That's how I ended up in the UK! For me, home is wherever I park my van.

Where did your recent Camplify road trip take you? Any recommendations for people looking to visit the area?

I spent 10 amazing days exploring the Cornish coast in the UK. Surprisingly, the weather was incredible. And Cornwall lived up to its reputation as a surfer's paradise. My highlights included:

• Polzeath: Laidback vibe, sandy beaches and great beginner-friendly waves.

• Newquay: The surf capital of England, which goes off in the summertime.

• Polly Joke Beac h: A more remote, secluded beach that tends to be quieter, even though it’s really close to Newquay. There’s a beautiful walking track along the cliffs too.

• Porthcurno: Another quiet, but stunning, beach. On sunny days the water looks almost Mediterranean.

• Pedn Vounder Beach : Epic cliffs and clear water. A little tougher to get to, but 100% worth the effort.

• St Ives: Buzzing town known for its surfing and art scene. Definitely a good idea to spend a few days exploring the town.

• Falmouth: Home to the deepest harbour in Western Europe. Great to wander around, and there’s an amazing 16th-century castle on the headland just outside of town.

What kind of van did you hire?

I opted for a truly retro experience during my trip to the UK and hired a 1973 T2 Volkswagen Pop-Top for my adventures. I immediately fell in love with it. I may just have to get a retro Kombi myself in the future!

How does van life in Australia compare to the UK?

I'd say they are pretty similar, especially in the coastal towns of Cornwall. I relied on the "Park4Night" app, which is like "WikiCamps" in Australia, to find great spots to spend the night. The main difference I noticed was the vastness of Australia compared to the UK. Australia's huge, wild landscapes mean longer drives between places, especially when you’re travelling along the West Coast.

Where are you off to next?

I'm currently in Turkey enjoying some quality time with my best girlfriends from home. After this amazing time in Turkey, I'm heading to Spain to pick up another van and explore the beautiful Algarve in Portugal. I can't wait for the new experiences and unforgettable memories that await me there!

Stay up-to-date with Blaze's adventures in Spain and Portugal by following her on Instagram @hurleyandagirly. You can also take a peek at the van she's rented to explore the beautiful Iberian Peninsula.