Cornwall is home to some of the most beautiful coastal walks in the UK.
With over 400 miles of coastline to explore, there’s something for everyone, from gentle strolls along sandy beaches to challenging hikes along rugged cliffs. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top 20 coastal walks in Cornwall, so you can discover the best the county has to offer.
North Coast
Bedruthan Steps
The Bedruthan Steps walk is a 2-mile route that takes you along the rugged North Cornish coast. Starting at Bedruthan Steps Beach, the walk takes you up and over the clifftops, offering stunning views of the sea and the famous rock formations.
Along the coast, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife, including seabirds and possibly even dolphins and seals. The path is well-marked and relatively easy-going, making it a great choice for families and beginners.
At the end of the walk, you’ll arrive at the charming village of Mawgan Porth, where you can relax on the beach or enjoy a drink at one of the local pubs. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue on to the nearby village of Watergate Bay, which offers even more stunning coastal views.
Holywell Bay to Perranporth
Exploring Holywell Bay
The Holywell Bay to Perranporth walk starts at Holywell Bay, a stunning beach surrounded by towering sand dunes. Take some time to explore the beach and the dunes before starting the walk.
Along the Coast to Perranporth
From Holywell Bay, the walk takes you along the coast towards Perranporth. The trail follows the sandy beach, with the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the shore on one side and the rugged cliffs on the other.
Breathtaking Views
As you walk towards Perranporth, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs. There are also plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including seabirds and sometimes even seals.
Arriving in Perranporth
The walk ends in the charming seaside town of Perranporth. Here, you can relax on the sandy beach, grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes or restaurants, or explore the town’s shops and galleries.
Trebarwith Strand to Tintagel
If you’re a fan of Arthurian legend and breathtaking coastal scenery, the Trebarwith Strand to Tintagel walk is a must-do. This 3-mile coastal walk takes you along the cliffs from Trebarwith Strand to the legendary Tintagel Castle, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline along the way.
Starting Point: Trebarwith Strand
Trebarwith Strand is a popular beach with surfers and beachgoers alike. The walk starts from the beach car park, where you can pick up the South West Coast Path.
The Walk
The first part of the walk takes you along the cliffs, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll pass by Gull Rock and the rocky island of Tintagel Head before reaching Tintagel Castle.
Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle is steeped in history and legend, and is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The castle ruins are perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. Take some time to explore the ruins and learn about the history and legends of Tintagel.
Finishing Point: Tintagel
The walk ends at Tintagel, a charming village with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Take some time to explore the village and soak up the atmosphere before heading back to Trebarwith Strand.
Overall, the Trebarwith Strand to Tintagel walk is a great way to experience some of the best coastal scenery Cornwall has to offer, as well as to delve into the legends and history of Tintagel.
West Coast
St Ives to Zennor
If you’re looking for a longer coastal walk with breathtaking scenery, the St Ives to Zennor walk is the perfect choice. The 6.5-mile walk takes you from the charming seaside town of St Ives to the picturesque village of Zennor, passing stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and beautiful wildflowers along the way.
A Walk to Remember: From St Ives to Clodgy Point
The first section of the walk takes you from St Ives to Clodgy Point. This 2-mile stretch of coastline is a sight to behold, with stunning views of the sea and rugged cliffs. Be sure to stop at the beautiful Porthmeor Beach, which is a popular spot for surfers.
Rugged Beauty: From Clodgy Point to Gurnard’s Head
The second section of the walk takes you from Clodgy Point to Gurnard’s Head. This 2.5-mile stretch of coastline is wild and rugged, with rocky cliffs and stunning sea views. Look out for the Iron Age fort at the top of the headland, which dates back to around 500 BC.
A Journey to Zennor: From Gurnard’s Head to Zennor
The final section of the walk takes you from Gurnard’s Head to Zennor. This 2-mile stretch of coastline is the perfect end to the walk, with beautiful wildflowers and stunning views of the village of Zennor in the distance. Be sure to visit the beautiful St. Senara’s Church, which is said to be the inspiration for the Mermaid of Zennor legend.
Overall, the St Ives to Zennor walk is a must-do for anyone visiting Cornwall. With its stunning coastal scenery and charming villages, it’s a walk that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Cape Cornwall to Botallack
Along the West Penwith Heritage Coast
The Cape Cornwall to Botallack coastal walk covers a distance of 5 miles along the rugged cliffs of the West Penwith Heritage Coast. As you hike along the coast, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the historic mining sites at Botallack.
Discovering Cape Cornwall
The walk starts at Cape Cornwall, the only cape in England, and takes you through a picturesque fishing village, passing the famous Priest’s Cove and its small fishing harbour. Here, you can take a break and watch the fishermen haul in their daily catch.
Exploring the Botallack Mines
As you continue on the trail, you’ll come across the Botallack Mines, a historic mining site that dates back to the 18th century. The site was once a thriving mining community, but now serves as a popular tourist attraction where you can learn about the mining history of Cornwall.
Taking in the Coastal Scenery
The Cape Cornwall to Botallack coastal walk offers stunning views of the rugged cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you’ll also come across a variety of wildflowers, adding to the natural beauty of the area. It’s a great walk for nature enthusiasts and those looking to experience the stunning coastline of Cornwall.
Gurnard’s Head to Zennor
This 6-mile coastal walk takes you along the stunning cliffs from Gurnard’s Head to Zennor, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque Cornish countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass rocky coves, hidden beaches, and the ruins of old tin mines.
Gurnard’s Head
The walk begins at Gurnard’s Head, a rocky promontory jutting out into the ocean. From here, you’ll follow the South West Coast Path, which winds its way along the cliffs above the sea.
Porthmeor Cove
As you make your way along the path, you’ll pass through Porthmeor Cove, a rocky inlet with crystal-clear waters. This is a great spot for a swim on a warm day.
Zennor Head
The walk finishes at Zennor Head, a windswept headland with panoramic views of the coastline. You’ll also find the iconic Zennor Church here, with its famous mermaid carving.
Practical Info
The walk is approximately 6 miles long and takes around 3 hours to complete. It’s moderately challenging, with some steep inclines and uneven terrain. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks.
South Coast
Lantic Bay to Polruan
Along the Coast
Lantic Bay to Polruan is a 4.5-mile coastal walk that takes you from the stunning Lantic Bay to the picturesque village of Polruan. As you make your way along the South Cornwall coast, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Fowey Estuary and the surrounding countryside.
Through the Countryside
The walk starts at Lantic Bay, a secluded cove that’s only accessible on foot. From there, you’ll follow a well-trodden footpath that takes you through beautiful wildflower meadows and along the edge of cliffs that drop down to the sea below.
Historic Polruan
The walk finishes in the historic village of Polruan, which is perched on a hill overlooking the Fowey Estuary. Polruan has a long and fascinating history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age. Today, it’s a popular spot for visitors, with a variety of cafes, pubs, and shops to explore.
Getting There
To reach Lantic Bay, you’ll need to park at the National Trust car park at Polruan and then take the ferry to Fowey. From there, you can catch the bus to Polruan and start the walk from Lantic Bay. Alternatively, you can start the walk at Polruan and follow the path in reverse.
Porthcurnick to Portholland
Along the Roseland Peninsula
This gentle 3-mile coastal walk takes you from the beautiful Porthcurnick Beach to the charming fishing village of Portholland. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the rugged coastline, the crystal-clear waters of Gerrans Bay, and the lush greenery of the Roseland Peninsula.
Starting Point: Porthcurnick Beach
The walk begins at Porthcurnick Beach, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Take a moment to soak up the beautiful surroundings before setting off along the coastal path.
Passing Through Beautiful Scenery
As you walk along the path, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Gerrans Bay and the surrounding countryside. Look out for the tiny island of Nare Head, which can be seen in the distance on a clear day.
Portholland and the Return Journey
After about 1.5 miles, you’ll reach the charming fishing village of Portholland. Take some time to explore the village, with its pretty cottages and picturesque harbour. From here, you can either retrace your steps back to Porthcurnick Beach or continue on to the neighbouring village of Portloe, which is just a short distance away.
Mevagissey to Pentewan
This 4-mile coastal walk takes you from the charming fishing village of Mevagissey to the peaceful beach of Pentewan, passing stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and beautiful wildflowers along the way.
Starting Point: Mevagissey
Mevagissey is a picturesque fishing village located on the south coast of Cornwall. The village is full of narrow streets and colourful buildings, and there are plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat before starting your walk.
The Walk
The walk from Mevagissey to Pentewan takes you along the South West Coast Path, with stunning views of the rugged coastline and the clear blue sea. The path is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, with a few steep sections that offer a bit of a challenge.
Along the way, you’ll pass through the small village of Portmellon, where you can stop for a refreshing drink at the local pub or simply take in the stunning views. The path then continues along the coast, passing through the Pentewan Valley and the charming village of Pentewan.
Ending Point: Pentewan
Pentewan is a peaceful beach located on the south coast of Cornwall. The beach is popular with families and is a great place to relax after your walk. There are plenty of facilities here, including a cafe, toilets and a car park.
Tips
Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the sun can be quite strong along the coast. Also, be aware that the path can be quite narrow in places, so take care if you’re walking with young children or pets.
Overall, this coastal walk is a great way to experience the beauty of the South Cornish coast and is suitable for all skill levels.
East Coast
Padstow to Treyarnon Bay
Starting at the charming fishing village of Padstow, this gentle 3.5-mile coastal walk takes you along the stunning sandy beaches of the North Cornwall coast. The route takes you through the dunes of the St George’s Well nature reserve and along the South West Coast Path, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline.
St George’s Well Nature Reserve
The walk takes you through the dunes of the St George’s Well nature reserve, which is a haven for a variety of wildlife, including rare butterflies and moths. You can also spot a variety of birds, such as skylarks and stonechats.
South West Coast Path
The route also takes you along the South West Coast Path, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. You’ll pass by the popular surfing beach of Harlyn Bay before arriving at Treyarnon Bay, a peaceful beach with crystal-clear waters.</p>
Polzeath to Port Quin
This 4.5-mile coastal walk takes you from the popular surfing beach of Polzeath to the picturesque fishing village of Port Quin, passing stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and beautiful wildflowers along the way.
Along the Coast
Starting from the bustling beach town of Polzeath, the path winds along the coast, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside. As you make your way towards Port Quin, you’ll pass through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Cornwall, including hidden coves, towering cliffs, and rolling hills.
Port Quin
As you arrive in the charming fishing village of Port Quin, you’ll be greeted by a picturesque harbor and a collection of traditional cottages. The village has a rich history of fishing and smuggling, and you can learn more about its past at the Port Quin Slipway Heritage Centre.
Wildlife Spotting
The coastal walk from Polzeath to Port Quin offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for seabirds, seals, and even dolphins and porpoises if you’re lucky.
Rest and Relaxation
Both Polzeath and Port Quin are great places to take a break and soak up the Cornish atmosphere. Polzeath is a popular surfing spot, with a range of cafes and shops to explore, while Port Quin offers a more tranquil setting, perfect for a picnic or a spot of birdwatching.
Looe to Polperro
This 5-mile coastal walk takes you from the charming fishing village of Looe to the picturesque village of Polperro. The route offers stunning views of the coast and the surrounding countryside, as well as the opportunity to explore two of Cornwall’s most picturesque villages.
Starting in Looe
The walk starts in Looe, a charming fishing village that offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops. From the town center, head east towards Hannafore Point, where you’ll find a small car park. From there, follow the South West Coast Path signs towards Polperro.
Along the Coast
The first part of the walk takes you along the coast, offering stunning views of Looe Island and the rugged coastline. You’ll pass by the picturesque hamlet of Talland Bay, which is home to a beautiful sandy beach and a small cafe.
Through the Countryside
After Talland Bay, the path leads inland through the countryside, passing through fields and woodlands. The route is well-signposted, and there are several benches along the way where you can stop and rest.
Arriving in Polperro
As you approach Polperro, the path leads downhill towards the village. Polperro is a picturesque fishing village that offers a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s also home to the Polperro Heritage Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the village’s history.
Getting Back to Looe
To return to Looe, you can either retrace your steps along the coast path or take the bus. There’s a regular bus service between Looe and Polperro, which takes around 15 minutes.
In conclusion, Cornwall offers a vast array of beautiful coastal walks to choose from, each with its unique charm and beauty. From the rugged cliffs of the Bedruthan Steps to the sandy beaches of Holywell Bay and Perranporth, and the legendary Tintagel Castle to the charming village of Zennor, there is a coastal walk for every level of hiker. These walks offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, picturesque fishing villages, stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and beautiful wildflowers along the way.
So, whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, make sure to put these top 20 coastal walks in Cornwall on your must-visit list. Pack your walking boots, bring your camera, and get ready to explore the stunning Cornish coastline. Remember to always take care when hiking along the coast and be prepared for any changes in weather conditions. Enjoy the views, breathe in the fresh sea air, and experience the natural beauty that Cornwall has to offer.
