A series of splendidly named valleys facing westwards between Land's End and St Ives. Renowned for birds in the autumn, especially rare ones. A number of first sightings for Britain have been found in them.

Great views at the seaward ends of the valleys where you can link onto the Cornish coast path. For softies, Cot Valley is the easiest access with a smallish car park at the end of the valley.

Views of the rocks called the Brisons off shore and Scilly on a clear day. Be prepared to back up a way when driving though!

Also worth a look: Nanquidno next to Land's End aerodrome just south of St Just off the B3306, Kenidjack just north of St just and Pendeen lighthouse.

Cot valley grid ref SW355309.
Nanquidno: SW 364292
Kenidjack: SW 365323
Pendeen lighthouse SW 379359

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Pub just off the seafront. Excellent beer, usually busy but with a landlord that has time for anyone coming in, regardless of whether they are regulars or, like me, twice a year visitors on the way to or from the Scilly Isles.

Also worth a try, especially if arriving off the Scilly Isles ferry, is the Dolphin pub opposite the quay. A twice-a-year ritual for me and my friends that go with me to Scilly is the walk from the B&B in Alexandra Road to the Dolphin for a meal along the seafront and then to return to the Alexandra afterwards before returning to the B&B.

Can be beautiful, but can be bracing and hairy if the wind's blowing from the south and the tide's up. Watch the local kids dodging (not always successfully) the waves breaking over the seawall.

Alexandra Road, Penzance TR18 4LY. 01736365165

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Probably the best beach in the Highlands with beautiful dunes at the far end. Walk up there and climb to the top of them and, in the summer, you are in a Puffin colony and you can just lay down and have them come and look at you.

Add the drive from Ullapool by Loch Assynt and it's the best day trip in Scotland.

By Durness and Balnakiel Craft village

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