It doesn’t matter whether you’re an avid walker or cyclist, or if you just enjoy a gentle meander around the beautiful beaches in Cornwall, you’re bound to encounter some of the South West Coast Path whilst on holiday.

Stretching for 630 miles from Minehead, in Somerset, to Poole Harbour in Dorset, the South West Coast Path encircles the whole of the Cornish coast.

Whilst the precise routes have been mapped for the last 30 years, the Cornish coast has been an important asset to the county for thousands of years.

It is truly quite something to think that you’re treading in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors!

Saints’ Way

Following the path early Christians most likely took to get from the north to the south coast, the Saints’ Way spans from Padstow to Fowey, and is really convenient for many of our holiday properties! The route is roughly 27 miles long and takes in part of the Camel Trail before passing through woodlands, moorlands, villages and historic places.

Porth to Watergate Bay

Around 2 miles long, head from Porth beach to Trevelgue Head where there are the remains of an Iron Age fort. There are also Bronze Age barrows here and Stone Age tools have been found. There’s also an amazing blowhole at the end of Porth Island. Continue to Whipsiderry and then enjoy the golden sands all the way to Watergate Bay.

Tintagel to Boscastle

Picturesque walk which stays close to the coastline. Enjoy English Heritage and National Trust sites, mystical woodland at St Nectan’s Glen – a valley and one of the prettiest harbours in Cornwall, at Boscastle. There are a few rugged descents and climbs, and in all the route is around 9 miles.

Fowey Hall Walk

A circular riverbank route taking in the Boddinick and Polruan ferries.

St Agnes to Perranporth

Sample Cornwall’s mining past and discover the heritage coast around St Agnes, where you’ll see engine houses and old aircraft shelters.

Further details.

Tehidy Park

Great for all ages, Tehidy’s woodlands offer circular walks of varying lengths. There’s a lake and wonderful natural wildlife, plus a tea shop and picnic areas.

Nestled on the cliffs and harbours throughout Cornwall are a plethora of disused tin mines, artillery defences, churches and sites of historical interest. Ancient Castles such as Tintagel on Cornwall’s north coast, burial mounds around Fowey on the south coast and the iconic island of St Michael’s Mount in the west, hint at a county steeped in myths and legends.

Visit Perranporth Church, the site where the 6th century Saint Piran first landed, or view the carved bench at St Senara’s Church; a reminder of the mermaid of Zennor, who allegedly lured a fisherman to his death.

Church towers and battlements provided great vantage points to watch for invaders, whilst also providing refuge to families awaiting the return of their fishermen from stormy seas.

The fortified harbour of Falmouth contrasts with the preserved Georgian shipping one at Charlestown, and again with the vast fishing harbour of Newlyn.

It’s still possible to see the sites of Pilchard sellers dotted amongst art and craft studios in the area; underlining two of Cornwall’s important trades.

Arguably Cornwall’s most important export came from its natural geological deposits in the form of tin, copper and lead ores. Many of the former mining sites are now situated on World Heritage sites and that, combined with the flora and fauna of the natural landscape, make for some of the most breathtaking walks in the county. With isolated mine buildings standing precariously on cliff edges surrounded by sea stacks and rolling hills, such as those found at Pentire Point, the landscape is truly stunning.

Formed from 370 million-year-old volcanic activity, this once-industrial landscape also brought the railway to the coast in order to transport mined minerals, and with the advent of new transport, seaside towns such as Newquay then rose in popularity as holiday destinations.

Coffee and lunch stops

One thing you will not be short of on your travels is food and drink. Cornwall loves to promote its locally sourced food, and whether you need to grab a quick crab sandwich, eat a gourmet meal or opt for a delicious cream tea, cafés and restaurants will be close at hand.

There are many National Trust and estate houses and gardens available to pop in to visit on your way. There are also plenty of restaurants, some owned by famous chefs. Padstow, Watergate Bay, Falmouth and Fowey are all top choices.

Beaches

You can’t fail to walk the coast path without visiting some of the wonderful coves and beaches along the way. Cornwall is home to some amazing beaches and 158 miles of the Cornish coast has Heritage Coast status.

Dog friendly

Dogs and walking go hand in hand and should you wish to bring your four-legged friend with you on holiday, then check out our ‘Dogs Welcome‘ page which lists our dog-friendly accommodation, as well as a beach guide and dog-friendly pub locations.

Where to find great walks

South Cornwall is regarded as slightly more gentle for walks than the wild north coast. There are often sheltered bays and uncrowded beaches interspersed with quaint fishing villages. A plethora of gardens in all shapes and sizes can be visited along the way and you’re usually not too far from the next pub or café.

The South West Coast Path stretches around Cornwall’s coastline and some great route recommendations can be found online. Fowey Tourist Information also has lots of information on local walks around the Fowey estuary and if you’re heading to the Roseland Peninsula, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, then drop by the Roseland Visitor Centre in St Mawes and get advice on some of the little known pathways in the area.

Penpillick to Fowey

There are some fantastic walks within 5 miles of Green Acres Cottages. Head to Coombe National Trust car park and out to St Catherine’s Castle for some great views of the sea. There are also two quite secluded coves and you’ll pass ‘Manderley’ or Menabilly, home to Daphne du Maurier.

For a more challenging walk, Pencarrow Head near Lantic Bay may bring out the smuggler in you! Alternatively, discover the likely inspiration for the ‘ducks ditty’ and walk in the footsteps of Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame around the woodlands and creek at Bodinnick.

Fowey Hall Walk & the South West Coast Path

The ‘Hall Walk’ is possibly Fowey’s most popular path to tread and is available as a guided walk from the town from Easter until September. A circular route encompasses the riverbanks on both sides of the estuary as well as trips on the Bodinnick and Polruan ferries. It’s possible to reach Pencarrow Head and the woodlands around Bodinnick from the walk.

Alternatively, cross on the Polruan ferry and follow the South West Coast Path towards Polperro and Looe. The walk can be steep in places but offers a real taste of south Cornwall’s beauty. However, it may be worth taking the bus there and walking back!

Luxulyan Valley Circular Walk

From Penpillick heading inland, the Luxulyan Valley is a fascinating circular walk. The area is scattered with the remnants of the Victorian Industrial era. Following the Par River, a viaduct was constructed by Joseph Treffwry and connected to a horse-drawn tramway serving to get China Clay from the valley to Par and Newquay. Rich in wildlife, there’s something to see year-round.

Luxulyan to Charleston

Another route follows the viaduct at Luxulyan through to Charlestown. Following the leat that supplied water to the mines, the path joins the ‘Saint’s Way’ which actually stretches from Padstow to Fowey. Scattered with Celtic crosses, it was the road once travelled by Christians.