Porthkidney Beach

Porthkidney Sands sits on the quieter southern shore of St Ives Bay, where the Hayle Estuary spills out into the sea near the village of Lelant. It is a vast, pale sweep of sand, backed by grassy dunes and the links of West Cornwall Golf Club, said to be the oldest golf course in the county. With no road running down to it and no buildings on the beach itself, the setting feels wonderfully unspoilt, all sky, sand and the wide blue line of the bay.

Reaching it is part of the appeal. Most walkers come down from Lelant, following paths past the old church of St Uny and along the edge of the golf links, or arrive along the coast path from the Carbis Bay side. Because it takes a little effort to get to, the beach stays peaceful even when nearby St Ives is at its busiest, and it remains a firm favourite with dog walkers throughout the year.