west cornwall

The unforgettable feature of Mount's Bay is St Michael's Mount, reached by a causeway at low tide from Marazion, and by ferry at high tide (weather permitting).

It bears a close resemblance to Mont-St-Michel in Brittany, France: with the village huddled round the base of the Mount, it is capped by a house adapted from a fortress, itself built on a Benedictine foundation that belonged to Mont-St-Michel from the 11th century up to the 15th century.

It's a most intriguing warren of a place, with a succession of rooms leading up to the church at the very top. There are fine plaster reliefs, paintings, armour and Chippendale furniture, but it's the views that really steal the show.

Head north-west to the roundabout with the A30 and A394, turn right then left on the B3309. Turn right on the B3311 to return to St Ives or detour left and right following the brown signs to Chysauster Ancient Village.

Chysauster Ancient Village is a wonderfully evocative Iron Age site that includes the oldest recognisable village street in Britain. Perched on a windy hillside, it includes remains of eight courtyard houses, with the layout of rooms and even fireplaces still in evidence. The site also has a large untreated meadow you that has become a haven for birds and, depending on the season, is bright with bluebells, heather or orchids.