South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path stretches for 630 miles along Cornwall's shoreline, and the section near Carbis Bay is where you get some of the most dramatic walking in the whole country. From the clifftops above St. Ives, the path rolls past granite headlands, secret coves, and beaches that look like they've been dropped into the landscape by mistake.

This isn't a casual stroll. The terrain is proper undulating - you'll lose count of how many times you climb and descend. But that's exactly what makes it worth doing. The views alone justify the effort: on a clear day you can see for miles along the coast, and on cloudier mornings the sea mist creates something genuinely atmospheric.

Walkers will absolutely love it. History types will find evidence of tin mining, smuggling routes, and medieval villages dotted along the way. Kids can manage shorter sections between beaches without getting bored - the novelty of finding a secluded cove usually keeps them motivated. Families staying at Polmanter Touring Park or St. Ives Holiday Village are ideally placed for day walks. You don't need to commit to the full 630 miles; even two or three hours between Carbis Bay and Hayle will show you why this path has such a devoted following.

Go early in the day if you can. The car parks fill quickly in summer, and the light in late afternoon can be harsh. The path itself is free - just bring good boots and water.