Great Treverbyn Tip

Climbing up what's essentially a massive white pyramid of china clay waste might sound about as appealing as a wet weekend in Wigan, but Great Treverbyn Tip offers something genuinely unexpected. This towering spoil heap near Penwithick rises 180 metres above sea level and delivers panoramic views across Cornwall that'll make your Instagram followers properly jealous.

The walk up is steep - proper steep - but takes less than an hour if you're reasonably fit. Kids might moan a bit on the way up, but they'll forget all about it once they reach the summit and spot the sea stretching out towards the horizon. On clear days you can see right across to the north coast.

What makes this place special is its industrial heritage mixed with unexpected beauty. The white slopes contrast sharply with the green Cornish countryside below, creating an almost lunar landscape that photographers love. It's free to climb, though there's no official parking so you'll need to find a sensible spot in the village.

Walkers and geology enthusiasts get the most from a visit here, though families staying at nearby holiday parks like East Crinnis or Par Sands often make the short drive over for an unusual afternoon out. Best tackled in decent weather - those white slopes get slippery when wet, and the views disappear completely in mist.