WITH the first signs of summer finally arriving in this, the last week of June, we thought we'd take a look at some top picnic spots in the county.
The weather is set fair and temperatures are due to rise for the next four or five days, so we'd urge you to dust off your hamper, shake out your blanket and taste the great outdoors.
Whether you prefer sand and sea or shady hollows for your al fresco experience, Matt Dixon lifts the lid on some of Cornwall's most mesmerising backdrops in which to eat your pork pie.

10, Carn Marth (near Redruth)
Put the hard yards in with a walk from Lanner up to Carn Marth and you will discover panoramas in all directions, as it is one of the higher points on the spine of the county. There is also hill-top lake and sheltered amphitheatre which lends itself to a picnic amongst the elements. 

Falmouth Packet:

Carn Marth. Picture by Tony Atkin

9, The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
The famous open-air theatre carved into the granite cliffs overlooks the wild west coast. 
The theatre is open to day visitors from 9.30am until 5.30pm. 
Be warned though, you can't go in while a performance is on (unless of course you have a ticket). 
If you're one of those (like me) who's been before but not for ages, go again. Soon.

8, Tehidy Woods (near Camborne)
The largest area of woodland in the county, it is now owned and managed by Cornwall Council as a country park. 
Tehidy has over nine miles of paths and 250 acres of peaceful woods and lakes to explore, together with a café and a picnic area. There are five main access points including North Cliff car park, and South Drive car park. Cornwall doesn't really do woodland, but it does here.

Falmouth Packet:

Tehidy Woods

7, Swanpool Lake, Falmouth 
You get the best of both worlds here - the peace and tranquility of a nature reserve with a cracking little beach just a pebble's throw away (don't try it though, because it's over a road). 
The South West Coast Path crosses the shingle bar which separates the lake and the beach. 

6, St Agnes Beacon
St Agnes Beacon overlooks the yawning Atlantic and you really feel on top of the world on this magnificent piece of the heritage coastline. 
There are also breathtaking inland views to be had on the nearby hillside walks, probably best tackled before you down tools to eat. 
Pick a calm day for this one and you won't be disappointed. Pick a windy one and hold on tight to your cheese straws.

5, Trelissick (near Truro)
Trelissick has everything you could ever need for a lazy couple of hours' grazing - stunning gardens and a gorgeous stroll through sloping fields down to a pebble beach on the shores of the Fal River. There's even woodland options too, if the sun is too keen. Picnic options aboundeth. 

4, Place (Roseland Peninsula)
The Place ferry links the South West Coast Path and is perfect for exploring the Roseland Peninsula.
It runs seven days a week throughout the summer months and takes you to a shady spot which looks back at St Mawes in all its boat-bobbing glory.
Place provides a great place to start (and finish) a walk and is dominated by the magnificent Place House.  
Make the effort - you will be richly rewarded.

Falmouth Packet:

Place House. Picture by Tim Green

3, Polly Joke Beach (near Newquay)
I have a soft spot for this beach, as it was close to my home as a child. A delightful meander along a partially wooded path brings you to the quiet cove and you have the option of setting up on sand or going up on to the cliff for a bird's eye view. 
Sandwiched (pun intended) between its much bigger sandy sisters Holywell Bay and Crantock, it is an oft-missed gem. 
There is a small car park half a mile inland. 

2, Gwithian Towans (near Hayle)
You'll find plenty of aquatic activity to watch as you chew on your carrot sticks at Gwithian, as it is quite exposed and therefore often populated with wind surfers taking advantage of the elements.
Backed by spectacular sand dunes with wild grass, which afford precious privacy with any number of humps and hollows, it is a great place for children to dash around once the picnic has been digested.

1, Kynance Cove (Lizard Peninsula)
I will probably get pilloried for including this already hugely popular spot, but no list of idyllic vantage points would be complete without this stunner.
Part of a designated area of outstanding natural beauty located on the western side of the peninsula, it has long been a favourite of locals and visitors alike, thanks to its impossibly clear water, white sand and quirky rock formations.
It's only downside is access, which is quite steep. A privately owned car park is located near the top of the cliffs. 

Falmouth Packet:

Kynance Cove. Picture by Barney Ross