Red Moor

Red Moor sits on the edge of Maudlin, a proper chunk of Cornish heathland that doesn't shout about itself. It's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, it's all gorse, heather, and boggy bits where the ground squelches under your boots if you're not careful.

What you actually get is uncluttered walking through open moorland with views that stretch towards the clay country beyond. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, which either appeals to you or it doesn't. Birdwatchers do well here - skylarks, stonechats, and the occasional hobby hawk if you're lucky. In late summer when the heather flowers, the whole place turns purple. It's honestly worth timing a visit around that.

Historically minded types will appreciate that you're walking over Bronze Age ground, though there's not much signage to hammer the point home. Families with young kids might find it a bit underwhelming after twenty minutes, but walkers and nature photographers will happily spend a couple of hours here. The moorland has that raw, windswept quality that makes you feel like you're actually in Cornwall rather than visiting it.

Nearest bit of comfort is Mena Farm just down the road - they do touring, camping, and glamping if you're after a base. Admission appears to be free, and there's no barrier to entry, which is how it should be. Go early on a clear day if you can. The mist rolls in properly, and it gets less appealing fast.