Hayle Towans

The Towans (from the Cornish for dunes) are a three-mile run of dunes from the Hayle estuary north-east to Gwithian. The beach in front is split into named stretches, each with its own way in: Hayle Towans by the river mouth, then Riviere, Mexico, Phillack and Upton Towans heading towards Gwithian. The dunes are big, reaching 72 metres at Phillack Towans, and the South West Coast Path runs through them, so a map pin for 'Hayle' won't tell you which end you'll arrive at.

At low tide the beaches join into one long stretch of about three miles, with plenty of space even in summer. Two large holiday parks have direct beach access, but the sand is big enough that it rarely feels crowded. Much of the dune system is a protected wildlife site. At Upton Towans, now a nature reserve, the National Explosives Works once made cordite for the Royal Navy, employing around 1,800 people in the First World War before closing in 1920.

The one thing to understand before you go in is the estuary. The south-western end of the beach borders the mouth of the River Hayle, and the water near the estuary has dangerous currents. Stay well away from the harbour mouth and channels, use the lifeguarded sections in season, and check the flags each time you arrive, because the safest spot changes with the tide.