No visit to South West Cornwall is complete without gaining an appreciation of the differences between the Atlantic (Northerly) and Channel (Southerly) coastlines.  

Unlike the Atlantic coastline, the coastline in the English Channel is sheltered from the weather blown in from the Atlantic Ocean.  Good places to visit on South coast are: Gillan, Porthallow, Coverack and Helford.  It's worth stopping around Helford and taking a walk.  The estuary is clearly sheltered, but the scenery and ambience are tranquil.  Then compare these locations to the area around Cape Cornwall.  Take the A30 from its start at Lands End pass Sennen, then take the B3306 along the coast.  Passing through St. Just and Pendeen, on to Morvah. And then into Zennor.  It's worth stopping near Gurnard's Head or Zennor and walking around the coastline.  The scenery is simply fantastic.

Following the B3306 onwards, one soon arrives in St. Ives.   

One could easily take in both coastlines in a day.  Perhaps including a leisurely lunch along the way.   

If you happen to take some great photographs, please send a couple to us, we would love to publish them on this page.