Carn Galver

The walk up Carn Galver is exactly what you come to Cornwall for - a proper scramble with views that keep getting better the higher you climb. From Porthmeor, it's an easy enough walk out to the base, but those final metres to the summit require a bit of hand-over-foot work. Nothing dangerous, just enough to feel like you've earned the vantage point.

Once you're up top, you can see across to St Ives Bay and inland towards the mining landscape that shaped this whole stretch of coastline. The old tin workings dotted around add texture to what could otherwise be just another moorland peak. Walkers will absolutely love it - the scramble takes maybe 45 minutes from the road, depending on fitness, and the ground underfoot is manageable even after rain.

Families with younger children might find the final pitch a bit much, though confident kids aged ten-plus will take it in their stride. You're looking at two hours round trip if you're taking it easy and soaking in the views. Go early morning if you want solitude; afternoon light is stronger but you'll share the summit with others.

If you're staying at Roselands or Polmanter - both excellent bases - Carn Galver works brilliantly as a morning expedition before heading down to the beaches. Free to visit, obviously. Best approached when the wind isn't howling across the moor.