TODAY we are in the pleasant and historic town of Hayle as the Voice continues its serialisation of the travel book, Cornwall Favourites For One And All!: A Quick Guide To Good Places To Visit Across The County.

Voice journalist Andrew Townsend, the author of the book, says: “Our lovely tour around Cornwall has recently seen us visiting Land’s End, Sennen Cove, Cape Cornwall, the Tin Coast, St Ives and Carbis Bay. Before that, we had been making our way along the south coast of the county, in the latter stages exploring Mousehole and Porthcurno.

“For the latest part of the tour, we are heading along the extensive northern coast of Cornwall.”

Hayle in Cornish means estuary and the town does indeed sit beside an estuary, the most south westerly estuary in the country.

This expanse of water and marsh, which is managed in part by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) attracts large flocks of birds, particularly in the winter because of the relatively mild climate.

Hayle has a proud industrial heritage and several of its historic foundry buildings have been repurposed for modern uses. And the Millpond, which once supplied the water that powered a corn mill, provides a tranquil spot for a stroll.

Look closely at the pond and you may spy a turtle or two - a small colony has lived here for more than a century.

Hayle, on the mainline railway, is also known for its working harbour - and its pasties.

Next time, we will be in the towans, on the edge of St Ives Bay, which provide a good place for a walk, come rain or shine.

Our extensive tour around Cornwall, visiting well-known spots but also lesser-known locations, offers something for everyone, from sandy beaches, remote moorland, storm-beaten cliffs and scenic rivers to historic towns, pretty villages, mining relics and visitor attractions.

*Andrew Townsend is a journalist and writer. More details of Cornwall Favourites For One And All!: A Quick Guide To Good Places To Visit Across The County can be found via this link to Andrew’s author page on Amazon - https://bit.ly/AndrewTownsendAuthor