We were off to call at some of the beaches on the North coast which we know well, and headed for Newquay. Just outside, and by accident, we came upon Nansledan. Nansledan is an extension to the Cornish coastal town of Newquay on Duchy of Cornwall land that embodies the principles of architecture and urban planning championed by HRH The Prince of Wales at Poundbury. These views from our car give a good idea of what it is like still under construction. Basically it uses local materials and local construction methods using local labour to create a charming self-contained community. Not everyone likes the architectural ideas of  HRH, but we certainly do. Fascinating.Leaving the outskirts of Newquay, we had another chance find – Lusty Glaze beach ‘which is situated in a natural ampitheatre of 200ft high cliffs. Smaller than its more expansive neighbours The beach benefits from a degree of shelter from the prevailing wind. Although privately owned the beach is fully open to the public at no cost.

Lusty Glaze is home to an adventure centre with activities such as climbing and abseiling, bungee jumping, surfing and other watersports offered. The beach management also organise a number of events throughout the summer.

Located at the northern end of Newquay Bay Lusty Glaze joins up with the adjoining Tolcarne beach at lower tides and can be accessed this way. The alternative is via a steep path consisting of 368 steps leading down from the clifftop. Despite this, the beach is very family oriented with facilities including a creche.’ It looked just great, and the 368 steps well worth the effort. Another time!Having looked at a number of familiar beaches, we decided not to start a walk on any because it was the point of high tide and walking distances were very circumscribed. Instead we took a long almost deserted road to a NT carpark at Trevose Head. We noted this down as an excellent place for some future picnic. In Summer you can access beaches at Booby’s Bay and Mother Ivy’s…we will return. The sea around the headland had that beautiful green-blue colour which is so reminiscent of say the South of France even though not a particularly nice day.Requiring toilet facilities we adjourned to nearby Padstow where I thought we might get a glimpse of their Christmas lights. The town was surprisingly busy.We did our usual walk up the hill to the War Memorial and then down to St George’s Cove. Normally you can walk much further around the headland here but as it was high tide – not. We really should consult our tide tables more often!