The Loe

The Loe is Cornwall's largest freshwater lake, and it's genuinely worth the detour if you're after a proper walk with actual views rather than another crowded beach spot. Tucked inland near Helston, this mile-long stretch of water feels properly removed from the tourist crush, even in summer. The walk around it takes a good couple of hours depending on your pace and how many times you stop to actually look at things.

What you get here is a decent circular path that winds through woods and alongside open water - the kind of gentle amble that works for families with kids old enough to manage a few miles, or for anyone wanting to spot water birds without the faffing about of binoculars and guidebooks. The southern end opens onto Porthleven beach if you fancy combining a walk with a swim. There's a car park right by the lake entrance, which saves mucking about.

The Loe Bar - that's the shingle bank that separates the lake from the sea - is interesting from a geology standpoint, though it's not exactly dramatic if you're expecting Alpine views. Bring a packed lunch because there's nowhere to eat on the lake itself, and the nearest proper refreshments are back in Helston.

If you're camping at The Secret Garden Glamping just a few miles away, this makes a cracking morning outing before heading elsewhere. It's free to access, open all year, and genuinely one of the few places in Cornwall where you can walk for an hour and not trip over another human.