The sea-facing and bay-facing coasts of the Spit may only be 2 kilometres apart, but it’s amazing what a piece of land can do to buffer against the wind. From the rough beach, the walk cuts through the sand dunes to the bay-facing east coast, where all is very, very calm.

In August, there is still snow on the far-off peaks, and the clear winter’s day produces some lovely reflections on the sand.