Begin at Carbis Bay Beach, joining the South West Coast Path on your left (which is just above the
beach). Head to the top of the hill before taking the steps down to the footpath.
This will take you around the beautiful area known as Carrack Gladden, where cliffs of metamorphosed
Devonian slates rise up to 60 metres high. On top, a number of nationally scarce species of plant grow,
while heather, bracken and ling create a colourful sight to distract your owner as you check out that
interesting-looking mud over there.
Above the headland here the 50-foot granite pyramid of Knill's Steeple looks down from Worvas Hill, a
feature that ships use as a landmark. It was actually built for a much more morbid reason: John Knill
was mayor of St Ives in 1767 and had it built as mausoleum for himself with slightly tail-tinglingly odd
phrases such as 'Resurgam' - meaning 'I shall rise again' - inscribed on it.
The coast path you are on will near the railway line that runs above Porthkidney Sands - stay on it and
let it take you on a picturesque wander through the dunes.
If you and your owner are tempted to pad across to the inviting-looking stretch of sand at Porthkidney,
you can get there from Carbis Bay at low tide, but make sure your owner knows that the tide comes in
incredibly quickly. Due to strong currents, you can't swim here.
There's still plenty to occupy you when the tide's in, however, including spotting all the different
types of wildflower that grow here, such as mountain St. John's Wort and those Hebridean orchids that my
owner thinks are just beautiful.
As you near the end of the dunes, take the footbridge across the railway and let the path lead you up
through the golf course and on to St Uny Church.
A little piece of advice here: don't bother chasing the golf balls as you go through the course. Not
only are they uncomfortable in the mouth, there's always a lot of shouting and, frankly, it's just not
worth it.
Now, your owner may want to gaze out over the water to Godrevy Lighthouse while they're here. I
understand that this will really test your resolve, but stay on the marked path and let those silly
balls get on with it. Trust me.
Go through the churchyard, taking a left at the gate and letting the road take you down to
the railway. You'll pass the old station house before turning into the station.
