Whipsiderry

You have to walk down a very long, steep and narrow set of steps to get to this little cove, which is the easternmost of Newquay's eight town beaches (I can't make them add up to nine!). With the tide fast coming in and the sun setting, it feels a little odd - claustrophobic, even. And my legs get absolutely drenched by the rising sea surging in unexpectedly. Mindful of the couple swept off the harbour wall in Mullion this week, I beat a discreet retreat up the steps. In the gathering gloom, an early hunting owl waves at me as I drive past...