St. Nectan's Glen

The walk down to St. Nectan's Glen near Bodmin is steep enough to make your thighs remember it the next morning, but the waterfall at the bottom justifies every step. You're descending into a proper ravine, ancient woodland pressing in from both sides, until you emerge at a pool where a 60-foot cascade drops through a natural rock arch - it's genuinely impressive rather than Instagram-filtered impressive.

The glen itself is small, so manage your expectations about time. Most people spend 30 to 45 minutes here: photos by the pool, a paddle if the weather's cooperated, then back up the hill. It's free to visit, which is a bonus. History types will appreciate the hermitage cave and the medieval stone altar tucked into the rocks - St. Nectan was a 5th-century saint, though the legends probably tell better stories than the facts.

This is a walker's spot first and foremost. Families with young kids will find it doable, but the return journey uphill demands a bit of fitness. If you're staying at Rosebud Farm Touring Park, it's a reasonable drive south and worth slotting into a day exploring the area around Bodmin.

Go early if you want relative peace - by mid-afternoon in summer, the narrow path gets properly congested. The water level matters too; after heavy rain it's more dramatic, but also more slippery underfoot. Bring decent shoes regardless of season.