Loe Bar

The pebble beach at Loe Bar is one of those wild Cornish stretches that feels properly untamed. It's a shingle bar separating the freshwater Loe Pool from the sea, and the contrast between the two is what makes it interesting - you've got the turbulent Atlantic on one side and a calm, brackish lagoon on the other.

The walk down is straightforward enough, though the shingle does shift underfoot. Once you're there, the beach itself is narrow and exposed, which means it's either glorious on a still day or rather bracing when the wind's up. The water's cold year-round, even for swimmers hardy enough to give it a go. What draws most people is the walk itself and the chance to explore the pool's edges, where you might spot herons or other birdlife picking through the shallows.

This isn't a destination to spend a whole afternoon on unless you're a keen walker - the beach itself won't hold families with young kids for long. But as a detour during a coastal walk, it's worth the effort. The geological story is interesting too if you know what you're looking at: the bar itself is a product of millennia of wave action.

If you're staying at The Secret Garden Glamping nearby, it's an easy addition to your day's itinerary. Go early if possible - the light's better, and you'll avoid any crowds. Bring a good pair of walking boots rather than trainers; the shingle and sometimes muddy paths demand it.