The Alverton Hotel in Truro is a comfortable and characterful base for exploring Cornwall, with coastal walks on both the north and south coasts within easy reach. This is the story of one memorable walk from Porthtowan to Chapel Porth – a walk that happened only because Rick Stein cancelled on me.

The spectacular walk from Mullion Cove to Lizard Point takes in some of Cornwall's finest coastal scenery, including Predannack, Kynance Cove and the dramatic cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula. I also reveal why Mullion Cove Harbour Apartments make an excellent base for exploring this beautiful part of Cornwall.