Most people love a Christmas Day walk to make way for the next food assault, but let's face it, we don't want to overdo it.

So in the spirit of exercise and fresh air, we have compiled an easy-to-use list of walks which takes in some of Cornwall's beauty, but hopefully won't take away your breath.

None of the walks listed here are more than three miles long and generally they are on relatively flat terrain, so all the family can participate.

Better still, they should not take any more than an hour to complete.

Happy Christmas and happy walking!

West Pentire, near Newquay

A circular walk through the poppy fields of West Pentire to Polly Joke beach, returning over the headland to "the pink pub" (The Bowgie Inn, Crantock) that was a cowshed until the mid-20th century.

Gwithian and Upton Towans, near Hayle

A circular walk around the nature reserve in the sand dunes that was once the National Explosives Works where girls manufactured dynamite from nitroglycerine, two tonnes of which detonated and caused a shockwave that broke windows in St Ives and Penzance.

Lelant to St Ives

A one-way walk to St Ives along the beaches from Lelant including the vast expanse of Porthkidney Sands, Carbis Bay and Porthminster Beach using the bus to make the route circular.

Godolphin, near Helston

Enjoy a short walk around the estate surrounding this Grade 1 listed Tudor/Stuart mansion near Helston in Cornwall. The estate has nice public footpaths running from the house to the nearby Godolphin Hill. You can climb the hill and enjoy super views of the surrounding Cornish countryside. On a clear day you can also see the coast and St Michael's Mount.

The house also has a number of gardens to explore.

Hayle Estuary

Enjoy a walk or cycle around the beautiful Hayle Estuary RSPB reserve in Cornwall. A section of the South West Coast Path runs along the estuary from Hayle Harbour to Lelant.

The route starts in Hayle near to the train station and harbour and continues towards Lelant Water.

The next section takes you past Griggs Quay to Lelant where you have the option of continuing to Porth Kidney Sands.

In Hayle you can also visit the Copperhouse Pool next to the harbour.

Mylor to Flushing

The route follows the coast path along the edge of Carrick Roads to the waterside village of Flushing. It's less than two miles, but if you're feeling fresh, you can return over the hill, descending to Mylor creek through woods. The final stretch back to Mylor is along the creek via the churchyard.

Falmouth Packet:

Flushing. Picture by Tim Green

Idless Woods

Enjoy miles of woodland walking and cycling trails in this beautiful area of mixed woodland near Truro. This circular route starts at the car park at the western end of the forest and takes you around the area on good paths. Features in the forest include an Iron Age hill fort, lots of pretty bluebells in spring and the River Allen which runs past the western end of the forest.

The woods are are very popular with mountain bikers with numerous off road trails to try.

Falmouth Packet:

Idless Woods. Picture by Kevin Fusher

Penzance to Mousehole

This walk follows a section of the South West Coast Path from Penzance to Mousehole via Newlyn.

The walk starts at the harbour in Penzance, next to the train station and parking area.

Newlyn lies on the shore of Mount's Bay with plenty of yachts, fishing boats and pleasure boats to see in the harbour. The town also includes an art gallery and a good selection of pubs and restaurants.

The route continues past the lighthouse to Penlee Point before coming into Mousehole. The little fishing village is very picturesque with its lovely harbour and sandy beach. There's also galleries, gift shops, cafes and pubs where you can refresh yourself after your walk.

Falmouth Packet:

Mousehole 

St Mawes to St Just

This takes you along a lovely stretch of coast on the Roseland Peninsula. It's about a 2.5 mile walk, with splendid views over Carrick Roads.

The walk starts from St Mawes Castle. It's an impressive sight with grounds stretching down to the waters of the Fal Estuary and great views across to Pendennis Castle in Falmouth. After exploring the castle you follow the coast path north to St Just in Roseland. The little village is well know for its magnificent 13th-century church and gardens.

Trelissick Gardens

Explore the beautiful 300-acre estate of this country house in Cornwall. The estate is located on the estuary of the River Fal with a trail running through woodlands alongside the river. Trelissick also includes 30 acres of elevated garden with exotic plants, flowers and huge towering trees.