Walks in Cornwall

Spectacular views

Cornwall’s coastline stretches for over 400 miles and has some truly spectacular views.

Nearly 160 miles have designated Heritage status and nowhere in Cornwall is more than 20 miles from the coast!

It really is a great way to get a feel for the diversity of Cornwall. Passing through picturesque fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, the ruins of mines, wildlife havens and offering spectacular views, the route is guaranteed to offer something different every time you walk it.

The South West Coast Path and other useful information

The South West Coast Path is a national route stretching 630 miles from Poole Harbour in Dorset, around the Devon and Cornish coast to Minehead in Somerset. Interactive maps can be downloaded and walks are graded in difficulty.

The coastal paths can be steep in places and the north coast can be particularly dramatic. It’s worth checking out the weather and tides before heading out. Websites such as Destination Cornwall give a daily information source for weather and life in Cornwall.

For further guidance Bestwalks is also a useful price comparison site for books and maps on walking in Cornwall and throughout the UK.

Both the National Trust and English Heritage have online maps and guides to interesting routes and places to visit around the Cornish coast.

These usually encompass places of historic or natural interest such as the Heritage Coast near St Agnes where there are the best preserved mine buildings, or ancient burial mounds and passages which are dotted all over Cornwall.

Viewing these really does bring the ancient and varied history of the county to life and the diverse habitats that thrive here.

Inland routes

Away from the coast, there are some beautiful inland walks. Some of the trails such as The Camel and Bissoe Trails are specifically for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

For a truly wild walk head to Bodmin Moor where legends of King Arthur are rife.

There are also many river walks. Make your way towards Falmouth and The Helford River for the peace and calm of an ancient river, full of wildlife.

Family walks

Many smaller inland walks can be found in places such as Tehidy Country Park near Camborne. These are particularly suitable for families with young children where there are shorter buggy-friendly routes.

Seasonal Walks

Choose your walk depending on the seasons.