Hartland Cornwall Heritage Coast

The cliffs here are genuinely dramatic - towering sandstone faces that drop straight into the Atlantic, with hardly a flat bit of beach in sight. Hartland's Heritage Coast runs for several miles along one of Cornwall's most unspoiled stretches, and the walking is proper good if you're prepared for some steep bits. The path itself is well-maintained, but you're looking at genuine elevation changes rather than a gentle coastal stroll.

What makes it worth the effort is the raw landscape. There's no amusement arcade mentality here, no tacky development clawing at the clifftops. You get dramatic rock formations, the occasional cave entrance, and if you time it right, some serious Atlantic swell crashing against the rocks below. The geology is the real draw - Devonian rocks in shades of red and brown, with quartz seams running through them. Birdwatchers tend to do well here too, particularly if you're watching for seabirds using the cliffs for nesting.

Allow at least two hours for a decent walk, longer if you're taking photos or stopping regularly. It's free to access, though parking can be tight at the main spots, especially weekends. The nearest town is Bude, about seven miles away, which gives you a proper base with facilities. If you're staying at Atlantic Horizons or Wooda Farm Holiday Park nearby, this fits brilliantly into a coastal walking holiday - demanding enough to feel like you've done something, but short enough to combine with other attractions. Not brilliant for very young kids unless they're keen walkers.