A leisurely stroll in the fresh air is a fantastic way to lift your spirits and get those endorphins pumping. Fortunately, some of the best walks that leave ramblers refreshed can be found right here on our British shores.
Cornwall is often named among the best places to walk in the UK, thanks to its scenic beauty of rugged coastlines, giant cliffs and expansive green spaces, mild climate and variety of diverse terrains.
Many walks also have the added benefit of stopping in breathtaking towns and villages, offering a chance to sample traditional foods and chat with locals.
One such walk is the White Rocks to St Agnes Beacon loop – a circular loop between St Agnes Head and the engine houses of Wheal Coates via St Agnes Beacon.
People have been coming to this spot for more than 6,000 years, ever since Mesolithic hunters first stopped here – scatterings of their flint weapons and tools have been discovered beyond the car park boulders, the National Trust said.
There are also foundations of World War Two ammunition stores and gun emplacements, where Bofors guns were mounted and used by trainee gunners.
The route is home to some narrow paths, bumpy underfoot, with steep climbs and stone stiles, plus a short stretch along a minor road. Especially at this time of year, it could be muddy. It is dog friendly. The National Trust warns it will be a challenging trail for visitors with limited mobility.
In terms of facilities, there are toilets and a cafe at Chapel Porth Beach, about a 10 minute walk south from the Wheal Coates complex.
One can start out at the St Agnes Head main car park before heading south onto the coastal path at the far end of the White Rocks car park. Continue along the path, taking in the panoramic views south past Porthtowan and Portreath and on to Godrevy Point and St Ives beyond.
After the capped mineshaft, take the waymarked coast path leading down to the right and follow it, bearing right again at the next junction to reach the Towanroath Engine House. Retrace your steps up the coast path, take a hairpin bend to the right, and follow the path up the slope to the Wheal Coates complex.
Leave the mine along the gravel path to the left of the chimney stack and head east, with St Agnes Beacon directly ahead. Walk through Wheal Coates car park towards the road. Turn left, walk along the road for a short distance, then take the first right to Beacon Cottage Farm touring park.
Follow the lane to reach the farmyard, then walk through the yard between the barns to reach the far end. Go through the signposted gate, cross the field to the far corner, and over the stone stile. Follow the path, ignoring other paths to left and right, then bear left uphill towards the beacon’s summit.
Descend from the summit, taking the left-hand path heading north west. When you reach the road at the foot of the beacon, cross over and go down the lane opposite.
Take the lane on the left after the sentry box and continue along it to reach a stile. Walk over the steps and onto a path running along the edge of the heath. Follow the path in a straight line, ignoring routes to either side, to reach your starting point.
The idyllic thriving village of St Agnes is just a short distance away, considered to be the essence of rural Cornwall. It also featured heavily in Winston Graham’s original Poldark series of novels and its show.