Whether it’s blustery and exhilarating or beautifully sunny, the dramatic scenery and incredible views on the Lizard Peninsula never fail to lift my spirits. It’s my favourite place to walk the dog and get some fresh air. Although there are two car parks on the Lizard, I usually park on the village green, which is free, and walk the ten minutes or so along the sign posted pedestrian path to the Lizard.

Once there, the main track offers safe walking but you need to be careful on the coastal path, it can be a little uneven. The views are spectacular though and I love to stop and consider the many shipwrecks that have occurred here, imagining the sailors fighting with their floundering vessels and being thrown into the treacherous sea. It’s a very atmospheric place.

There are two cafes, both with great views giving you time to stop and take in the scenery and maybe catch a glimpse of seals or choughs, if you’re lucky! The lighthouse is also well worth a nose around, especially if you have children in tow. There are lots of wonderful things to play with, pull, wave and read, before ascending the winding stairway to the light itself. Notice the black chimneys of the cottages. These are still used as a landmark during the daytime for passing boats.

Also be sure to look at the serpentine granite which Queen Victoria and Albert discovered when they visited. They loved the colour of serpentine so much that many of the fireplaces in Osborne House are made from it. Sadly serpentine work is dying out but there are still several workshops that can be found on the Lizard.

Photo courtesy of luigi53 on Flickr