I’ll never forget the drive down to Carbis Bay – that classic Cornish road trip where you think you’ve got it all planned, only for the sat-nav to chuck a wobbly just past Redruth. We ended up on some narrow lane that felt more like a sheep track, with hedges scraping the sides of the car and me muttering about why we didn’t just stick to the A30. But honestly, that little detour was a blessing in disguise; it dumped us right into the heart of Cornwall’s magic, with the sea peeking out like it was waving us in. By the time we crested the hill towards the bay, my heart was doing flips – those turquoise waters sparkling under the sun, St Ives hazy in the distance. Pure anticipation buzzed through us.

Pulling up to the place, we were gobsmacked. It’s this cracking luxury first-floor apartment perched on the cliffs, gazing out over one of Cornwall’s loveliest bays. From the sitting area and master bedroom, the sea views are just mesmerising – you can while away hours watching waves crash across to St Ives. Binoculars on the windowsill had us scanning for dolphins straight away (no luck on day one, mind, but seals bobbed about later). Two comfy bedrooms sleep four easy, spot-on for our little family setup. First impressions? Absolute treasure – we cracked open a pasty and fizz on the balcony that evening, grinning like idiots.

What turned the holiday into pure gold, though, wasn’t the obvious spots. Nah, it was the hidden gems we stumbled on by accident, proper off-the-beaten-track finds born from getting gloriously lost. Take our second morning: fancying a wander, we veered off the coastal path near Carbis Bay beach – you know, that soft-sand stretch perfect for paddling – and somehow ended up on a tiny, unmarked trail snaking through gorse bushes. It spat us out at this secret cove, barely a soul there, just jagged rocks, crystal pools teeming with crabs, and waves gentle enough for the kids to splash about. We picnicked on clotted cream fudge nabbed from a Porthminster farm shop (another accidental detour – worth it for the pasties alone).

Another cracker: aiming for the regular path to St Ives, we took a ‘shortcut’ sign that led us up a winding cliffside track. Lost? Absolutely. Rewarded? With a viewpoint over a forgotten beach where the tide pools looked like nature’s own infinity pools. We spent ages poking about, spotting little fish darting in the shallows – proper explorer vibes without the crowds. Even a rainy afternoon sent us meandering through Lelant’s back lanes, unearthing a tucked-away tea room serving the creamiest scones this side of Devon. Who needs TripAdvisor when getting lost delivers these gems?

Reflecting on it now, sat back home with a cuppa, I reckon that’s the real joy of Cornwall – it rewards the wanderers. Us lot could’ve stuck to the tourist traps, but those serendipitous detours, mishaps and all, made it unforgettable. If you’re heading to Carbis Bay, ditch the map now and then. You might just uncover your own treasures.