7 Stunning Coastal Walks in Cornwall

Experience remarkable scenery and dramatic landscapes like no other on a Cornwall coastal walk.

Cornwall is one of the most beloved areas in the UK for a getaway, not only for it’s delightful, sub-tropical climate, but also for its vast and varied scenery, best enjoyed on one of many stunning coastal walks the region boasts. We have chosen some of our favourite Cornwall coastal walks, varying in length and difficulty, meaning there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Read on to discover 7 stunning Cornwall coastal walks…

Walks along the North Cornwall Coast

1.  St Agnes to Perranporth

This fairly easy, 3.5-mile-long jaunt spans mostly even ground along the St Agnes Heritage Coastline, and is an excellent example of clifftop walking, rewarding amblers with some truly spectacular scenery along Cornwall’s north coast.

Begin at St Agnes Head, which you may recognise as the setting of the Poldark’s family home in the hit TV series Poldark. Head up the path towards the clifftops and admire views of Trevaunance Cove below. The fairly steep track continues towards the coastal resort of Perranporth, its 3km stretch of golden sands and the dramatic, heavily mined Cligga Head that lies just in the distance.

This is a great walk for the whole family, including your four-legged friend! Encompassing several dog-friendly North Cornwall beaches, such as Trevaunance Cove, Perranporth and Perran Sands, which are dog-friendly all-year-round, you can choose to veer off course and walk along the golden sand, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze with your trusty companion at any time of year.

2. The Camelford Way

Starting from the bustling market square at Camelford and following along the River Camel, you will get to experience those lovely river views with your family and canine companion by your side.

A shorter walk than some of the better known Cornwall trails, you will pass through the wooded valley toward Fenteroon Bridge, which is surrounded by wild garlic and bluebells and provides a peaceful and tranquil setting. A real hidden gem along this route can be found between Pentire Point and the beautiful Bodmin Moor, the ideal spot for keen birdwatchers and photographers.

Struggling to find the best holiday cottage for you? Then browse through our guide to 7 unique and quirky places to visit in Cornwall to discover a list of our favourite unusual properties that might inspire you for your next booking.

3. Land’s End to Sennen Cove

This relatively short and easy walk between Land’s End, the most southwesterly point in the UK, and Sennen Cove, offers plenty of reward to those that embark upon the 1.3-mile journey.

Perfect for seeing the best of the UK’s sunsets, we would recommend taking this walk late afternoon/early evening to appreciate the spectacular splashes of colour the sky has to showcase at that time of day, before darkness sets in.

If you want to take this coastal walk a little earlier in the day, then Sennen Cove is a great place to spend a couple of hours. This beautiful South Cornwall coastal village offers a selection of glorious sandy beaches to choose from, and is also in close proximity to some prestigious Blue-Flag awarded beaches. Discover Cornwall’s best beaches and decide where to go from here.

The best of the Sennen scenery can be appreciated from the old coastguard lookout, and if the tide is out, you can take on the rocky trail towards Gwynver Beach, just north of Sennen, towards Penzance.

4. Tintagel to Boscastle

Situated along the Atlantic coastline, starting from the fishing village of Boscastle, this walk is less than 4 miles and is the perfect way to start your Cornish holiday break. Your coastal stroll will bring you towards the secluded beaches at Benoath Cove and Bossiney Haven, before leading to the historic village of Tintagel.

Take the time to venture off towards the wonderfully medieval Tintagel Castle, which has been linked to the legendary King Arthur himself. Resting in an elevated position on the rugged north coast, with dramatic and far-reaching views across the Atlantic Ocean, this castle boasts a wealth of history and adventure inside.

Discover Merlin’s Cave below, a 330-foot-long sea cave, which was said to have been the home of the famous wizard where Merlin first discovered Arthur as a baby. Steeped in history, this castle is one of the top five places to visit during your stay in Cornwall with some of the most magnificent views imaginable.

Tintagel Castle also has access to a selection of Cornish cream teas and a quirky mystic shop so you can pick up some souvenirs for your loved one’s back home. A truly delightful spot for those morning walks, with a pleasant historic twist.

Walks along the South Coast of Cornwall

5. South West Coast Path

This one could have appeared in either list, because it spans both of Cornwall’s coasts! 630 miles to be precise; running from the coastal town of Minehead in South Somerset, through Cornwall, South Devon and across to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Get ready to discover a plethora of awe-inspiring attractions and breath-taking views along the South West Coast Path.

Cornwall takes up 300 miles of this footpath, giving access to some of the most spectacular views imaginable for those picture-perfect moments. The South West Coast Path ranks alongside New Zealand’s famous Milford Track for its incredible scenery and is perfect for taking you on a tour of Cornwall’s favourite sleepy villages and bustling seaside towns, where you can unearth the area’s rich history.

One of the most challenging walks in the country, it can take avid walkers many years to complete the whole track, due to some steep steps and pathways you will discover along the way.

The section of path between Padstow and St Ives alone can take a week to complete and spans 66 miles in length. Highlights along this section of Cornwall’s Atlantic coast includes the walk to prominent Trevose Head and its lighthouse, the cliff tops of Park Head, which offer views towards the National Trust’s Bedruthan Steps  and the challenging path at Perranporth, where you’ll be rewarded by the fascinating geology along the cliff side at Cligga Head.

Browse through our 9 best Instagrammable places to visit in Cornwall for a deeper look into some of Cornwall’s biggest and best attractions to explore and capture on camera along the way.

6. The Lizard Peninsula

The Lizard Heritage Coast is abundant with rugged landscapes and beautiful flowers in bloom, especially during the summer months. Look forward to an afternoon at any one of its white sandy beaches and even spot the seals at Lizard Point while you soak up the glorious sunshine.

The Lizard Peninsula offers plenty of coastal walks towards Kynance Cove, famous for its turquoise waters and golden sands. The circular walk from Lizard village, for example, ventures towards the most southerly point in Cornwall, while taking in sights like the Lizard Lighthouse and the shipwreck on Pentreath Beach, as well as an abundance of wildlife along the way.

Kynance Cove also gives excellent opportunities to get involved with Cornwall’s favourite pastime of surfing. If you’d like to know more about Cornwall’s surf history and it’s most popular beaches, then read up on our 7 best surfing beaches in Cornwall blog for some handy tips on finding the best location for you.

7. Marazion to Penzance

Beginning in the coastal town of Marazion, this delightful 4-mile walk takes you along the coast and towards the centre of Penzance. Passing by Marazion Beach and Long Rock Beach, you are well-placed for stopping off and admiring those gorgeous white sands or having a cool dip in the clear waters. Marazion also provides the wonderful Birds Reserve, attracting flocks of swallows and flying ants, something a keen birdwatcher will delight in.

This walking experience is becoming increasingly popular with tourists for its easy access to St Michael’s Mount and the heart of Penzance, boasting its contemporary art museum Penlee House Gallery & Museum and a large selection of traditional pubs and restaurants to enjoy those Cornish delicacies.

While the tide is low, you can travel along the causeway toward the famous tidal island of St Michael’s Mount for an unforgettable experience awaiting you. Take the opportunity to explore those sub-tropical gardens with flower-lined pathways and Victorian steps, it blends the best of beauty and history.

A prime spot is the 17^th century castle with themed rooms, including The Library, which was originally part of the former 12^th century monastic buildings and boasts leather-bound books and a set of games inside.

For more inspiration on where else to visit, take a look through our guide to 4 of the best experiences in Cornwall and discover some of those hidden gems you wouldn’t have thought to look for.

Ready to break out those walking boots? Then take a look through our list of Cornwall holiday cottages and use our Cornwall Travel Guide to help you plan your next trip. Alternatively, find even more superb walks in Cornwall to find the perfect hike for you! 

Image credits: sagesolar – (CC BY 2.0); Tony Armstrong-Sly – (CC BY-ND 2.0)