Cornwall, renowned for its stunning landscapes, historic towns, and cultural heritage, offers an abundance of walking routes that showcase the best of this captivating southwest English county. From coastal paths to moorland trails, below we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 walks in Cornwall to inspire your next adventure.
South West Coast Path
(Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging)
Explore a section of England’s longest National Trail, stretching 630 miles from Somerset to Dorset. In Cornwall, highlights include Land’s End, St. Ives, and the Lizard Peninsula. Enjoy dramatic sea views, cliffs, bays, and beaches as you traverse the Cornish coastline.
The Camel Trail
(Difficulty: Easy)
This 18-mile flat trail, suitable for all ages and abilities, follows a disused railway line between Padstow and Wenfordbridge. Marvel at picturesque views of the River Camel, lush woodlands, and tranquil estuaries as you pass through quaint villages.
The Saints Way
(Difficulty: Moderate)
Connecting Padstow and Fowey, this 27-mile coastal footpath showcases unspoiled Cornish scenery, Iron Age forts, medieval churches, and ancient standing stones. Experience the best of Cornwall’s coastal beauty on this moderate walk.
The Roseland Heritage Coast Walk
(Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging)
Embark on this 9-mile walk along Cornwall’s unspoiled coastline, taking in sheltered coves, rugged cliffs, and secluded beaches. Discover charming villages, historic landmarks, and ancient standing stones along the way.
The Bodmin Moor Walk
(Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging)
Covering approximately 15 miles of spectacular moorland, this trail passes through picturesque villages and features ancient standing stones, Iron Age forts, and medieval churches. Experience the raw beauty of Cornwall’s countryside.
Kynance Cove to the Lizard
(Difficulty: Moderate)
This 4.4-mile circuit, showcasing the striking beauty of Cornwall’s southernmost point, offers stunning coastal views and fascinating geological formations. Don’t miss the iconic lighthouse and the quaint Lizard Village.
Sennen Cove to Porthcurno
(Difficulty: Moderate)
Enjoy this 6.3-mile one-way walk (12.6 miles return) along the picturesque coastline, featuring dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and the famous Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre carved into the granite cliff face.
Nare Head
(Difficulty: Moderate)
Embark on a 5.7-mile circuit exploring the rugged beauty of Nare Head and its stunning coastal views. Along the way, uncover hidden coves, sandy beaches, and the historic Veryan Castle, an Iron Age hillfort.
St Ives to Zennor
(Difficulty: Challenging)
This 12.6-mile circuit takes you along the dramatic coastline between St Ives and Zennor. Enjoy panoramic sea views, discover the historic Zennor Church, and visit the famous Tinners Arms, a 13th-century pub steeped in local legends.
Gorran Haven to Mevagissey
(Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging)
On this 8.8-mile one-way walk (17.6 miles return), explore the picturesque fishing village of Mevagissey, traverse breathtaking coastal paths, and discover secluded coves and beautiful beaches. Along the way, stop at the famous Lost Gardens of Heligan, a restored Victorian garden that offers a glimpse into Cornwall’s horticultural past.
Where to park for each walk
- South West Coast Path
- Parking: You will find numerous car parks along the path, such as Sennen Cove Car Park near Land’s End, Island Car Park in St. Ives, and Lizard Point Car Park. A good tip is to Google map National Trust car parks along the Cornish coastline.
- The Camel Trail
- Parking: There are car parks available at each end of the trail in Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin, and Wenfordbridge.
- Directions: The trail can be accessed from the aforementioned towns. Look for signage indicating the start of the trail.
- The Saints Way
- Parking: There are public car parks available in Padstow and Fowey.
- Directions: The route starts at St Petroc’s Church in Padstow and finishes at St Finbarr’s Church in Fowey.
- The Roseland Heritage Coast Walk
- Parking: Car parks are available at St Mawes and St Just in Roseland.
- Directions: The walk starts at St Mawes and finishes at St Just in Roseland.
- The Bodmin Moor Walk
- Parking: Public car parks can be found in the surrounding towns of Bodmin, Liskeard, and Launceston.
- Directions: The walk can be started from various points, such as the towns mentioned above.
- Kynance Cove to the Lizard
- Parking: There is a National Trust car park at Kynance Cove and in Lizard Village.
- Directions: The walk starts at the car park at Kynance Cove and ends at Lizard Point.
- Sennen Cove to Porthcurno
- Parking: Car parks are available at Sennen Cove and in Porthcurno near the Minack Theatre.
- Directions: The walk begins at Sennen Cove and finishes in Porthcurno.
- Nare Head
- Parking: There’s a car park available at Carne Beach.
- Directions: The walk starts at Carne Beach and loops around Nare Head.
- St Ives to Zennor
- Parking: Car parks are available in St Ives (The Island Car Park) and Zennor (Zennor Head Car Park).
- Directions: The walk starts at the Carbis Bay beach in St Ives and ends in Zennor.
- Gorran Haven to Mevagissey
- Parking: There are car parks in both Gorran Haven (Church Street Car Park) and Mevagissey (Willow Car Park).
- Directions: The walk starts in Gorran Haven and ends in Mevagissey.
Note: Parking availability may change, and charges may apply. Always check local guidelines and restrictions. For specific directions, it is advisable to use a reliable map or navigation application.
