Should writers be scared of AI content generators or should we embrace them?

As a content creator, the emergence of AI content generators like ChatGPT can feel genuinely terrifying. 

For one thing, there’s the thought that any brand can now pop a couple of keywords into an AI writing tool and instantly have informative, coherent content. Why would they ever pay for a copywriter again?

Plus, I keep seeing references to ChatGPT and AI writing in job descriptions, on LinkedIn and in many other resources I use as a writer. So it’s only growing in popularity. 

But rather than fixate on what could be, I thought I would take this opportunity to have a little play with ChatGPT myself and see what it’s all about. 

So I decided to ask the machines ‘Should writers be scared of AI or should we embrace it?’.

Here is a little snippet of what the robots said: 

The relationship between writers and AI is nuanced, and opinions can vary. Here are some perspectives to consider:

Embracing AI:

Enhancing Creativity:

AI tools can serve as creative aids, helping writers brainstorm ideas, overcome writer's block, or suggest alternative phrasing. They can act as valuable companions in the creative process.

Automation of Repetitive Tasks:

AI can automate mundane tasks such as grammar and spell checks, allowing writers to focus more on the creative aspects of their work. This can improve efficiency and save time.

Data Analysis and Research:

AI can assist in data analysis and research, providing writers with valuable insights and information to enhance the accuracy and depth of their writing.

Was I still worried? 

At first glance, I’ll admit, it looked pretty good. The content certainly covers the basics anyway. 

But for the most part, it’s easy to see that this was generated by a machine. The language is stiff and very to the point, there is no real storytelling going on and the entire post came back at 365 words. 

Not ideal from an SEO perspective.

On top of all that, the formatting is strange and ChatGPT seems to love overusing colons. 

There is also a little disclaimer at the bottom that says ‘ChatGPT can make mistakes. Consider checking important information., which means this is not a foolproof resource. 

So sure, while the content may have all the Hallmarks of a good piece of writing, I can confidently say that most readers would be able to tell this was conjured up by a machine. 

This made me relax a little, believing that we do not need to be afraid of AI content generators.

In fact, these could even help to enhance a writer’s work, using them to get the building blocks in place before adding the human touch.

What about Google’s Search Generative Experience?

But unfortunately, it doesn’t stop at writing tools.

New updates from Google mean that AI-generated information will soon be displayed at the top of search pages. 

And although this seems harmless, it can actually be detrimental to content writers and SEO experts who have worked so hard to get their content to the top of SERPs. 

So, in that respect, there may need to be an adjustment period and it certainly means more work for us humans in the industry who will need to work even harder to get our content seen. 

Does this mean we should be scared of AI content generators? 

What’s the verdict? 

Well, I’m not going to pretend that I am happy about AI and who knows how advanced these tools could get in the future. 

That being said, I have started to play around a little more with ChatGPT and I can certainly see how it could be used to assist with writing, particularly if you’re up against a quick turnaround time. 

Personally, I value my clients too much to use AI content generators to produce copy for me and I don’t believe you can get the same human element by doing so. 

But I can certainly see the benefits when writing on a topic that you haven't got much experience with. These tools can give you the building blocks, like headings and a good idea of relevant topics, so you can go off and conduct more research yourself. 

For now, I suppose what I am saying is let’s not be scared, because let’s face it, this is the future and it’s coming whether we like it or not. 

So, as writers, we need to embrace these tools and try to use them to our advantage, hoping and praying that this strengthens our writing skills so much that machines can never replace us. 

But I guess we’ll see… 

11 best coastal walks in Cornwall

I don't always love climbing big hills or hiking steep cliff faces, but I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a sea view so I’ll do what needs to be done. 

I do, however, love going for a long coastal walk with my husband and our whippet, Lunar. 

We like ticking off the different walks from our list and we’ve slowly been making our way around the South West Coast Path. Although we hope to do the entire thing properly this summer! 

In case you don’t know, this is the path that loops around Cornwall’s entire coastline from Bude to Plymouth. That’s 228 miles of footpath in total!

It is also one of the things that make this county so bloody special. 

The thing is, there isn’t always time to walk all 228 miles and sometimes you just want to plan a nice walk for a couple of hours.  

But if you’re anything like me and you find making decisions hard (don’t judge me, I’m a Libra) then you’ll need a little help narrowing it down. 

So, if you’re visiting Cornwall this year and you can’t decide which walks you should prioritise, I can help. 

Here are 11 of my favourite Coastal walks in Cornwall. 

1. Perranporth to St Agnes 

Distance: 3.6 miles 

Difficulty: Largely flat but with a steep climb at Trevaunance Cove

Let’s kick this list off with one of my favourite walks and one that we have completed the most, partly because it’s local and partly because we love it so much. This is the walk from Perranporth to St Agnes. 

The walk takes you up the cliff from Perranporth Youth Hostel, along the rugged cliffs and through the airfield, as well as some historic mining sites. 

Along the way, you can enjoy views of the 3-mile expanse that is Perranporth beach and the incredible soundscape of the waves lapping against the cliffside. 

As you approach St Agnes, you’ll get a beautiful view over the beach and it’s certainly worth heading all the way into the picturesque little village there. 

This is a really special walk but it’s so important to be aware that if you hug the coastline like we do, you will have to make a decision. You can descend the steps into Trevaunance Cove, and from there you can climb the rocks and head across the beach - but only at low tide!

Alternatively, you can walk up the steep rocky track that passes through the gates of the Motorcycle Club and then head down through the gardens. 

But for the easiest journey, we suggest that you stick to the South West Coast Path which you’ll see sign-posted along the way. 

2. Kynance Cove to Lizard Point

Distance: 2.9 miles 

Difficulty: Relatively easy with a few steeper inclines and some rock climbing on the beach

If you’ve never been to Kynance Cove before, you’ve probably seen pictures of it online. 

Thanks to its white sandy strips, turquoise water, rugged rock stacks and abundance of caves, the photos usually go viral on social media with a caption saying something like ‘can you believe this is in the UK?’. 

And starting at the incredible Kynance Cove, you can walk the path to Lizard Point, passing plenty of stunning coastal landscapes, rock formations and the quaint Church Cove.

3. Wheal Coates to Chapel Porth 

Distance: 1.8 miles 

Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat walk, although the walk down to the beach is steeper and slightly rocky 

If you’re looking for a shorter, albeit just as beautiful walk, the journey from Wheal Coates down to Chapel Porth is wonderful, especially at sunset. 

There is a National Trust car park up the top, just a short walk from Wheal Coates. Starting there, you can walk along the cliff side and either stop overlooking Chapel Porth - another National Trust site - or walk down to the beach there. 

There is even a small cafe down there that is open in the summer. 

It’s worth saying the beach is quite rocky and if the tide is in, there might not be much beach at all. But either way, it’s a really nice, easy walk offering some incredible views. In fact, on a clear day, you can see all the way to St Ives. 

4. Godrevy Point to St Gothian Sands

Distance: 1.1 miles 

Difficulty: Very easy 

Starting in the National Trust top car park at Godrevy Point you can admire the lighthouse and incredible views across multiple beaches towards St Ives. 

But you can also take the short walk up the hill to Seal Cove. This little cove is tucked away where no humans can safely get to, but you can still view it from above. This has made it a popular spot for sunbathing seals, and they are quite happy for you to stop by and watch them lying on the sand, as long as you don’t make too much noise. 

Once back at the car park, you can enjoy the easy walk from that point down to St Gothian Sands. There is a lovely National Trust cafe on the way and also a nearby pub, The Rockpool. 

This is a pretty short walk but you can duck down onto the different stretches of sand, depending on the tide, or just enjoy the day there is the luscious field. 

5. Porthtowan to Portreath 

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate but with challenging steeper inclines

We have only attempted this walk once, but we intend to do it again very soon. Although the actual cliff walk itself is relatively flat, you do have to tackle some pretty steep steps on at least two occasions. 

And when I say steep, I mean it! But it is so worth it when you reach Portreath. 

The cliff walk itself is full of wild and rugged cliffs, as well as miles of sandy stretches. On a sunny day, this is so picturesque and you rarely see many other hikers on the way so it is very peaceful. 

You can walk either way, from Porthtowan to Portreath or vice versa. There is a lovely bar on the beachfront in Porthowan called Blue Bar or you could stop at The Waterfront Inn in Portreath once you’ve completed the walk. 

6. Porthcurno to Pedn Vounder

Distance: Between 1- 2 miles 

Difficulty: Easy to moderate 

Porthcurno, right at the bottom of Cornwall is otherworldly. Or certainly, other countryly (does that make sense, I know it’s not a real word?), in that when you’re there, it doesn't feel like you're in the UK at all. 

On the right day, the incredible white sand, turquoise ocean and striking cliffs could leave you feeling like you're on a Caribbean island. I often feel like I’m living out some live-action Moana moments while I’m there (and yes, I do sing How Far I’ll Go and no, I’m not ashamed). 

If you've never been, you absolutely should visit. The only trouble is, it’s a small-ish beach with an even smaller car park. This means that in the summer, it is very busy and in my personal opinion, not worth fighting your way down there. 

Unless you're prepared to go super early that is! 

Whether you choose to go early or at a quieter time of year, you can also embark on the 15-minute cliff walk to Pedn Vounder. Another flawless beach, tucked away in a cove and often, quite secluded. 

On the other side of Porthcurno beach, you’ll see the Minnack Theatre, where you can catch a show with a backdrop of breathtaking views. It’s a really special experience in a really special place. 

7. Perranporth to Newquay 

Distance: 11 - 12 miles 

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. This is a long walk that requires a lot of ups and downs, including a steep incline if you walk along Perranporth beach 

I’ve left this one to last because it is by far the longest walk on the list, but it is also one of my absolute favourite coastal walks in Cornwall. 

It also incorporates several smaller individual walks that are also great to do if you’re short on time. 

As this was a longer walk, we decided to break it down into four main sections, which can be done all together or as individual walks. 

With that in mind, I’ll break this section down in the same way so you can see the four different walks. 

8. Perranporth to Holywell 

The walk from Perranporth to Holywell is 4.3 miles, though 3 miles of that is the lengthy Perranporth beach. You can walk through the dunes to get there but we prefer to go across the beach when the tide is out. 

Getting up onto the cliff is steep but after that, you will walk along the relatively flat cliff path. 

The walk takes you through the eerie derelict military camp on the cliff-top. Of course, this is no longer in use but is so interesting to see. You’ll also see lots of wild horses, rabbits and possibly seals if you’re lucky. 

Then you dip down to the lovely Holywell beach, another Nationals Trust spot, where there is a nice pub and a good chance to stop for a drink before you continue. You can also easily get a bus from here back to Perranporth if you don’t fancy heading back on foot. 

Newquay Perranporth Holywell

9. Holywell to Polly Joke 

The next stretch from Holywell is 2 miles towards Polly Joke beach, also known as Porth Joke. You’ll largely walk through the dunes and then up onto the cliff. On a clear day, the views can go as far as Trevose Headland near Padstow. 

You’ll walk through the fields and around Kelsey Head, allowing you more panoramic views of the Cornish coastline, before descending down towards Polly Joke beach.

10. Polly Joke to Crantock

The next walk is a 2-mile stint that takes you from Polly Joke to Crantock. On the way, you walk up past the poppy fields and at the right time of year, you can see the fields flush with beautiful red flowers. 

This is also worth a separate visit by car, where you can park in the top car park and head down through the fields at sunset for some incredible photographs.

But even when the poppies aren’t in bloom, the views are still beautiful. You’ll head over to West Pentire headland which is famous for its wildflowers and then head inland towards the Bowgie Inn. 

If you want to stop for some food and drink, I can highly recommend the inn. It is lovely and the views from the garden are incredible. 

You can then head back down towards the coast until you reach Crantock beach. This is a huge expanse of sand when the tide is out, and as the next stage of the walk requires you to cross the Gannel, it’s best to go at low tide. 

11. Crantock to Newquay (via the Gannel) 

The final stage is 2.7 miles long and requires you to cross the Gannel Estuary, and as previously stated, the tide must be out to do this safely. So you need to get your timings right!

At this final stage, you have two options. You can cross the estuary and take the steps up the hill towards the car park on Pentire Point East. You can continue the coastal walk through Newquay from there, passing Fistral beach and through to the town beaches. 

Alternatively, you can walk along the beach towards the tidal footpath and back onto the South West Coast path. You can then get out onto Trevean Way and follow the road into Newquay town centre. 

Then stop for a very well-earned drink or something to eat, especially if you’ve completed the 12 miles. 

Things to think about before going on any coastal walks in Cornwall  

I understand that coastal walks are extremely refreshing, they’re great for your physical and mental wellbeing and they are an excellent way to experience everything Cornwall has to offer. 

HOWEVER, it would be remiss of me not to cover some of the basics when going on a cliff walk as we have to be realistic. These can be dangerous places if you don’t know what you’re doing or if you don’t plan ahead. 

So, before you embark on any coastal walks in Cornwall, make sure to: 

• Check the weather conditions to make sure it isn’t going to be too treacherous or windy

• Make sure you’re wearing appropriate clothing and footwear 

• Be sure to pack water and a snack as some of these walks can be longer and more challenging than anticipated 

• Make sure you’ve got battery on your phone 

• Always follow any safety guidelines provided by local authorities and obey the signs along the trails 

And please, if you’re going to take your dogs, and you absolutely should, just be sure to keep them on a lead when near the cliff edge. 

We’ve heard far too many horror stories of people who have their dogs off a lead on a lovely cliff walk and before they know it they have chased a bird or a ball or simply slipped off the edge. 

The incredible RNLI have had to conduct many rescues over the years and it is just not worth the risk. 

But other than that, have fun and enjoy being one with nature. These are just a few coastal walks in Cornwall, of course, there are plenty more. So get your walking boots on and get out there!

F**k 'Blue Monday' - Here's a big old list of things that bring me joy

It’s day 134,597 of January 2024…I believe they call it Blue Monday.

On days like these, my creativity can take a bit of a hit.

I can muster just enough motivation to complete any work that may be due that day, but I certainly don’t have any inspiration left for my own writing.

As today is one of those days, I thought I’d keep it simple with a big old list of the things that bring me joy in this world.

Maybe they will bring you joy too:

• Popping the top on a new jar of coffee

• Seeing a rainbow (despite being 31 years old)

• A surprise bunch of flowers - especially the first bunch of daffodils of the season

• Getting into pyjama trousers and a big cosy jumper after a busy day

• Red wine (rioja or Merlot… if you ever want to buy me a bottle)

• Coffee first thing in the morning

• My husband's smile

• A catch-up with old friends

• Walking barefoot on the beach

• Getting creative in any capacity

• Decluttering and organising the house

• A fresh set of nails

• Smiling like an idiot at a passing dog like it knows who I am and what I’m doing

• My dog

• People talking to me about my dog

• Dogs in general

• A late-night trip to the supermarket - I know, how very cool

• A crisp new notepad

• A dip in the sea on a calm, hot summer’s day

• Easter eggs when it’s not Easter

• A walk pretty much anywhere at sunrise or sunset

• Trying out new recipes

• Laughing with my husband at anything

• Buying new houseplants

• Ticking everything off my to-do list

• Fresh, clean bedsheets

• A massive bowl of pasta

• An ice-cold can of Rio light

• A smile from a stranger

• Positive feedback from a client

• Stand up comedy

• Rewatching my favourite shows for the 150th time (and I don’t think that’s an exaggeration at this point)

• Posting on this blog!

Sure, this may not be my masterpiece.

It may not be the work of the next Dickens, Austen or King, but thinking about these wonderful things today brought me joy and I hope that they can do the same for you.