Carn Moor

The walk up to Carn Moor rewards you with proper 360-degree views across Cornwall's central plateau - moorland stretching out in all directions, with the sea visible on clear days. It's not a dramatic peak, more a rounded granite tor that emerges from the heathland near Goonhavern, but that's precisely what makes it work. You can park nearby and be on the summit in twenty minutes or so, which means families with younger kids won't spend the entire outing trudging uphill.

The granite outcrops at the top are scramble-friendly for children, and the exposed position means there's usually a decent wind - useful if you've picked a muggy day. Walkers will appreciate the network of paths crossing the moor itself; you're not locked into the direct route up and back. History buffs might find the Bronze Age remains interesting, though signage is minimal and you'll need to know what you're looking for.

Free to visit, no facilities on site. Best tackled in the morning when the light's good and before the afternoon clouds roll in. It slots nicely into a wider moorland loop if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Sunhaven, Trevornick, or Parkdean's Holywell Bay site are all within a few miles. Worth forty minutes of your time rather than a full afternoon, but that's no criticism. Sometimes a straightforward walk with solid views is exactly what you need.