National Trust - Trevose Headland

The walk out to Trevose Head is one of those Cornish coastal stretches that properly rewards the effort. You're looking at about an hour's round trip from Treyarnon, climbing steadily across gorse-covered headland with the Atlantic crashing against the rocks below. The lighthouse sits at the tip - a proper working beacon that's been guiding boats since 1847 - and on a clear day you can see for miles along the north coast.

It's the National Trust managing this bit, which means the path is well-maintained and the whole thing feels properly looked after. The landscape is dramatic rather than gentle: wind gets up something fierce, the cliffs are genuinely high, and the grass underfoot is rough. You won't find cafes or facilities out here. Free to visit, naturally, and there's a small car park near the start of the walk.

History buffs will get something from the lighthouse story and the sense of all those ships that passed by over centuries. But honestly, this is a walk first and a landmark second. Families with younger kids might find the exposed sections a bit nerve-wracking - it's not dangerous if you stick to the path, but it's unforgiving terrain. Proper walkers with decent boots will have the time of their lives.

If you're staying at Padstow Holiday Village or any of the parks around here - Dennis Cove, Porthilly Beach - this is an essential detour. Allow a couple of hours and go on a day when the weather's with you. The view on a grey afternoon will depress you.