Walk 1

Where to start: Start from the National Trust car park at Port Quin. The name is Cornish, Porth Gwynne, meaning ‘white harbour’. Now a hamlet, Port Quin was once a thriving fishing village.

Along the way: The pleasant inland section leads to Port Isaac, a delight to explore and well placed for refreshments. Spectacular views from the coast path are ample compensation for several stiff ascents and descents. Bring binoculars: there are always seabirds and raptors to watch. Look down too: I was lucky and spotted a pair of stoats dashing over the rocks, though nesting birds wouldn’t share my enthusiasm for these fierce predators. Time your walk to finish at sunset: the west-facing path is a marvellous place to see it from.

In a nutshell: A tough, but very rewarding walk with superb scenery, and rich in history and nature.