Crackington cracker walk, North Cornwall

Don't be fooled by the modest 6.6 km distance. With 530 m of ascent packed into just over two hours, this North Cornwall coastal walk earns its "cracker" name honestly, climbing and plunging across some of the highest cliffs in the county. From Crackington Haven the route heads out along the South West Coast Path, with Pencannow Point rising to the north and the jagged headland of Cambeak jutting into the Atlantic ahead.

The path rounds Cambeak and drops towards The Strangles, a wild, boulder-strewn beach hemmed in by folded slate cliffs. Look for traces of WW2 beach scaffolding along the shoreline, a reminder of when this remote cove was fortified against invasion. Inland, the route passes Trevigue Cottage and skirts Ludon Wood before climbing over Tremoutha Ball.

The walk ends near Trehole, leaving you high above the sea with views back along the contorted cliffs you have just crossed. Being linear, you'll need to plan a return, so check bus timings or arrange a pick-up before setting out.