Alexandra Pearce picks her favourite walk this month with a little help from Lex and Leika

Great British Life: photophoto

Occasionally described as paradise’, Porthcurno is Cornwall’s coast at its best. Used in the filming of Poldark and overlooked by the famous Minack Theatre, this area is one for the bucket list.

There is the option of heading straight to the beach; however you can also walk the coast path which gives you stunning views of the turquoise waters below. From the car park, head in the direction of the sea but instead take the path on the left leading up the hill. Dotted along the route, you will see World War II pill boxes, tucked into the hedgerows. Many are easily accessible with windows overlooking the water.

Continuing along the trail, the path will split off at certain points, giving you the option to turn right and head down onto the sand or turn left toward farmland. The latter can get narrow, muddy and winding, so take due care.

If you continue straight, the path eventually opens up and you are hit with a phenomenal panorama of the coast. Here, you will reach Treen Cliff, which overlooks the white sands of Pedn Vounder beach. This area falls within the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its array of rare plants. You can head to the beach from here if you wish to get closer to the water, or you can continue along the path to Treryn Dinas, an Iron Age fort which juts out impressively to sea. Treryn Dinas is also the location of Logan Rock, a naturally occurring 60-plus tonne rock perched atop another stack, which used to wobble until it was disturbed in 1824.

At this point it is best to ensure all dogs are on leads as there are usually ponies grazing in the area –make sure to close gates behind you too. The path will continue along to Penberth Cove, a pretty fishing hamlet with a pebbled beach, which is around an hours walk from your starting point. From here, you can circle back by heading up the valley and sticking to the left.

Facilities: There are toilets in the car park (there is a fee of 20p).The local village has a pub and shops.

Access: From the B3283 via St Buryan by road. Buses will also drop off at the National Trust car park.

Rating: Easy

Wildlife: Basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximu) have been spotted regularly off the coast here and Bloody-nosed beetles (Timarcha tenebricosa) can often be spotted wandering across the paths so look out!

Beach in focus

Readymoney Cove is a sandy beach near the mouth of the River Fowey

Why we love it:

Overlooked by St Catherine’s Castle, Readymoney Cove has lovely views across the Fowey Estuary and is sheltered by cliffs. Right behind the cove is the cottage Rebecca author Daphne Du Maurier rented when she relocated from London. Parking is a five-minute walk away.