Poldhu Cove

Four and a half miles linking Poldhu, Polurrian and Mullion Cove, two and a half hours with 190 metres of climbing on grass clifftop above serpentine rock. Start in Mullion village, where there is free parking near the church, rather than the tiny National Trust car park at Porth Mellin which serves the harbour. Very large dogs cannot squeeze through the gap on the last stile and will need lifting, dogs must be on leads in the harbour area at Mullion Cove, and both Poldhu and Polurrian are inside the summer restriction.

Five miles across the Lizard National Nature Reserve to the most photographed cove in Cornwall, three hours with 210 metres of climbing over heath that holds water long after rain. It starts at the National Trust car park at Predannack Wollas, a small field at the end of a long lane, and crosses a ford, so waterproof boots earn their keep. Dogs need a lift over some of the stiles and there are cattle grazing the reserve fields, so leads are sensible; Kynance itself is restricted in high summer and the serpentine cliffs are unfenced and slippery.

Thatched sixteenth-century inn in the middle of Mullion, with low ceilings, a big fire and St Austell ales on the bar. The pub describes a welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere throughout, and it is the natural stop between Poldhu and Polurrian. Both those coves close to dogs 10am to 6pm in July and August.