10 Best Walks in Cornwall you need to try

Are you struggling to choose from the vast amounts of walks in Cornwall? From stunning seascapes stretching for miles to magical woodlands with towering trees, this collection of walks in Cornwall offers some of the most picturesque scenery in the UK!

What better way to explore than on foot? Approximately a third of Cornwall is classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which includes 10 lengths of coastline, Bodmin Moor, and the Camel Estuary. Discover the most scenic routes and appreciate Cornwall’s greatest landscapes on your walking adventures.

Keep reading to discover 10 of the best walks in Cornwall…

1. Penzance to Mousehole Walk

First on our list of the best walks in Cornwall is the picturesque and short journey around the Cornish coast. Find this one-way trek across the quays and docks of Penzance and Newlyn, ending in Mousehole, home to the popular stargazy pie.

After enjoying a gentle stroll around what Dylan Thomas described as “the loveliest hamlet in England,” take the bus back to Penzance where your journey began.

Distance: 3.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Car Park: Yes

2. Perranporth to Trevellas Circular Walk

The Perranporth to Trevellas circular walk takes you past the remains of Alfred Nobel’s dynamite works and up to colourful rich cliffs that tower above the wreck of the treasure ship Hanover.

After admiring delightful coastal views, return via the spitfire base and along Perran Coombe. From here, you’ll find a two-mile leat that once carried the water that powered an enormous waterwheel housed within the rock face.

Distance: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate 
Car Park: Yes

3. Portreath and Tehidy Woods Walk

Next on our guide to walks in Cornwall is the Portreath and Tehidy Woods route. The walk begins at Basset’s Cove and continues down the rocky coast to Portreath and Ralph’s Cupboard Cove, heading towards Portreath’s cliffs and Illogan Woods’ tiny roads.

The trail rises through a forested valley to ancient mining ruins. The Tehidy Country Park then continues Pine Walk and the Rose Garden to the North Cliffs plantation’s bluebell woods. This is a great walking route for your furry friends if you’re looking for dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall.

Distance: 5.2 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Car Park: Yes

4. Whitsand Bay Circular Walk

The Whitsand Bay walk takes in the finest of Cornwall’s ‘lost corner’ and includes an optional shortcut when the Ministry of Defence training area is not in use.

While the route travels inland from the South West Coast Path, it passes through historic roads and green lanes around Whitsand Bay, ending at a natural reservoir rich with wildlife.

Distance: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Car Park: Yes

5. Gorran Haven to Mevagissey

From Gorran Haven to Mevagissey, discover awe-inspiring coastal views around an impressive circular path. This gorgeous route is one of the best coastal walks in Cornwall, boasting beauty and challenge.

This stimulating trek connects two charming seaside towns where you can enjoy the finest Cornish food and drink, leading to Dodman Point, the tallest peak on the south Cornish coast at 114 metres.

Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate 
Car Park: Yes

6. St Ives to Zennor

Using the inland road to return, this magnificent walk from St Ives Head to Zennor is around six miles long, but it can be made into a 12-mile circular walk. As walks in Cornwall go, this one takes some scrambling, but the breath-taking vistas of the Carracks are well worth the effort.

Take on this challenging but rewarding trek to see some of the best attractions along the Penwith Heritage Coast, as well as some of the best beaches in Cornwall.

Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Car Park: Yes

7. Lantivet Bay Circular Walk

Next on our list of the best walks in Cornwall is the Lantivet Bay circular walk. This tour takes in the lovely bays of Lantivet and Lantic and provides a place to unwind on the beach, all while learning about the history of fishing and smuggling in this region.

Along the way, pathways lead down to tiny coves and past the ancient coastguard lookout at Lantivet Bay. The route then heads inwards through a forested valley to Lansallos and the church, whilst the return route includes tiny roads, tracks, and trails through farms and forests to Trevarder.

Distance: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Car Park: Yes

8. Cotehele & Bohetherick Woodland Walk

A loop walk from Cotehele Quay takes you through Cotehele and Bohetherick Woods, exploring semi-natural ancient woodland and enjoying the river soundtrack around one of the most peaceful National Trust properties in Cornwall.

Bring your walking shoes for this route. Water pools and mild slopes will be encountered alongside some of the estate’s oldest trees, making it one of the best walks in Cornwall.

Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Car Park: Yes

9. The Camelford Way

This walk begins at Camelford’s market square and continues down a pathway to the River Camel. After following the river through a forested valley, the path reaches Fenteroon Bridge. As you walk back, you’ll pass fields and eventually hit Camelford’s main street.

Spring brings bluebells and wild garlic to Fenteroon Bridge, while the fields around Fenteroon Farm offer incredible views of the Camel Valley. This is one of the best walks in Cornwall, not to be missed!

Distance: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Car Park: Yes

10. Hawkers Cove to Stepper Point

Last on our list of walks in Cornwall is the walk from Hawkers Cove to Stepper Point.

The stunning Camel Estuary and sea views provided by this stroll in North Cornwall are perfect for those with limited mobility or travelling with a wheelchair. From the charming hamlet of Lellizzick to the majestic Stepper Point, you can also choose from two smooth, solid routes.

End your refreshing Cornish walk and settle in at one of these accessible holiday cottages.

Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Car Park: Yes

Finish your walk and return to a Cornish holiday cottage where you can snuggle up with a cup of tea and relax after your exciting adventure. Discover our Cornwall Travel Guide for even more inspiration to make your trip a memorable experience.

Image Credits: Lewis Clarke – (CC BY-SA 2.0)