Views

As we explored the countryside around Newquay, the blue skies and sunshine only added to the views afforded by the hills and cliff-top walks.

Extensive, white sandy beaches are as iconic of this part of the world as the rocky shorelines and the large hotels overlooking the whole scene.

Nowhere is this more obvious than at the Lewinnick Lodge on the Pentire Headland which started out as a small cottage. It has grown considerably since those early days as you can see. It is said that Ruth Ellis (the last woman to be hanged in Britain), spent a lot of time at the Lodge.

Wide expanses of grass surmount the cliff-tops, criss-crossed by paths and smothered with wild flowers and birds picking insects from among them.

Thrift (Armeria maritima) is in pink and plentiful supply and is a great asset to the insect life, providing nectar to millions. As it's Latin name suggests, it is well suited to it's maritime habitat.