Mulfra Hill

The walk up Mulfra Hill takes about twenty minutes if you're reasonably fit, and the effort pays for itself. You're looking at proper moorland here - gorse, heather, the works - and from the 354-metre summit you get views across West Cornwall that stretch miles. On a clear day you can see right across to the coast.

It's free and accessible year-round, though winter rain makes the path bog-heavy and considerably less pleasant. The terrain is rough underfoot rather than technical, so families with older kids and regular walkers will manage fine. Younger children might struggle with the moorland conditions - boots essential, trainers a mistake.

What makes it work is the isolation. You're genuinely out on Cornish moorland, not funnelled through a gift shop. There's a Bronze Age cairn at the top, which adds a bit of substance if you're interested in that sort of thing, but honestly the landscape itself is the main event. Most people allow an hour for the round trip, though you can linger as long as you fancy. The weather changes fast out here, so check conditions before heading up.

Near Bosulval and sitting between several decent caravan parks - Polmanter and St. Ives Holiday Village are both within five miles - this works well as a half-day outing between other activities. It's not a sweeping valley vista moment, but it's the real thing. Worth doing if you're in the area.