Penzance to Land’s End Walk
An epic adventure awaits you along the South West Coast Path from Penzance to Land’s End. The South West...
With a rugged coastline, spectacular wildlife and stunning scenery, it’s no surprise that Cornwall is one of the UK’s top destinations for walking. There are hundreds of great walks to choose from, so we’ve listed some of the best walks in Cornwall to help you make the most of your time in the South West.
From Bude to St Ives, these walks offer a little bit of everything. Whether you’d like a quick coastal stroll filled with World War 2 history or a moorland trek in the steps of your stone-age ancestors, there’s bound to be something for you.
Use our quick links below to view a specific walk or read on for our local guide to the best walks in Cornwall:
Length: 12 miles
If you’re looking for a stunning hike with a good distance and some challenging terrain, then the St Ives to Zennor circular path is for you. On this path, you’ll find amazing beaches, World War 2 pill boxes and breath-taking views of the craggy Cornish coast.
Starting in St Ives, you’ll follow the South West Coast Path until Zennor before circling back through fields and meadows, eventually landing back in St Ives. If you’d like a shorter walk, you can stop in Zennor and catch the Land’s End Coaster bus back to St Ives. For more ideas of things to do nearby, read our list of the 5 best Galleries and Museums in St Ives.
Length: 2 miles
For a much shorter walk with a picture-perfect beach to look forward to, the path from St Ives to Carbis Bay is ideal.
This route also takes the South West Coast Path from St Ives, this time travelling in the opposite direction. If you’d like to head back to St Ives at the end of the walk, you can move inland and walk back via the Steeple Woods Nature Reserve.
Length: 5½ miles
This slightly less taxing path takes you along the Camel Trail, tracing the river Camel to the bustling market town of Wadebridge. On this route you’ll find plenty of wildlife, with a bird hide to visit along the way. Expect fairly flat terrain, plenty of wild flowers and serene views of the river flowing out to sea.
Length: 7½ miles
With breath-taking scenery and some jaw-dropping geology, the Padstow to Trevone walk is not one to be missed. You’ll leave Padstow and follow a stunning section of the South West Coast Path, passing some excellent beaches and panoramic views of Stepper’s point along the way. From Trevone, you can walk back to Padstow inland via the popular Padstow Farm Shop.
Length: 4 miles
Travel across land and water on this circular walk around Fowey, with two ferry crossings needed to complete the trail. This is a peaceful woodland walk, with views of Fowey Harbour and fascinating history to learn about as you go. You can find more information on the National Trust website.
Length: 4 miles
Surrounded by the countryside that inspired Daphne Du Maurier, this walk features historical landmarks, hidden coves and panoramic sea views. It’s an excellent way to explore the countryside to Fowey’s west and take in some of Cornwall’s best views along the South West Coast Path. You can view the whole route on the National Trust website.
For a casual walk where you can learn all about Newquay, the Newquay Town Trail is perfect. There are slate markers along the way with information about the town’s most significant places. It’s an excellent way to see all of Newquay, like a free guided tour which you can do in your own time!
Find out more on the Visit Newquay website, or for some more things to do in Newquay, view our short guide.
Length: 3½ miles
Following another section of the South West Coast Path, this walk ends at the popular surfing beach of Watergate Bay. During this walk you’ll find small islands, fascinating caves and amazing cliff-top views at every point. Perhaps most importantly of all, you’ll have the chance to relax at Watergate Bay once the walk’s over, whether it’s enjoying a swim or just soaking up some rays.
For more great surfing beaches, look at our guide to Cornwall’s 8 best beaches for surfing.
Similar to the Newquay Discovery Trail, Falmouth Civic Society have put together a walking route which involves the town’s significant historic points. By the time you’ve completed it, you’ll know everything there is to know about Falmouth and its past. Visit the Falmouth Civic Society website for a map of the trail and more information.
Length: 5 miles
This walk is longer than the Town Trail, but still short enough to be completed in a morning or afternoon. You’ll trace the Penryn river, with stunning views of the Fal Estuary and Falmouth’s Inner Harbour. The quaint village of Flushing is along the way, with pubs and restaurants for a welcome break. The walk is completed with a ferry from Flushing back into Falmouth.
Looking for other ways to spend time in Falmouth? Read our top 6 things to do in Falmouth.
Length: 1 mile
If you’re looking for a short coastal walk which is rich in Cornwall’s mining history, then this one’s for you. Scattered with old mining buildings, this path will take you into Cornwall’s industrial past while providing far-ranging views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a circular route, starting at Wheal Coates Car Park with clear signage throughout. Learn more about this walk on the National Trust website.
Length: 3 miles
This circular route also involves Wheal Coates but is slightly longer, with even more to see. St Agnes Beacon is surrounded by heritage, from Stone Age artefacts to World War 2 pill boxes. Starting at St Agnes Head car park, you’ll follow the coast path towards Wheal Coates, before heading inland to St Agnes Beacon. It’s then a short walk from the beacon back to where you started. For more information, visit the National Trust website.
Length: 3½ miles
Shrouded in mystery and packed with local history, this route is a great way to explore some of Bodmin Moor’s most famous sites. Starting at the quirkily-named village of Minions, the circular trail passes the Cheesewring, one of Cornwall’s most impressive and curious geological features. There is also the magical Hurlers Stone Circle and a group of derelict industrial buildings from South Phoenix Mine.
Length: 6 miles
With some spectacular waterfalls and a peaceful lakeside path, this woodland walk shows off more of Bodmin Moor’s best features. It gives you the chance to explore Golitha Falls, a popular National Nature Reserve and great setting for an impromptu photoshoot. The walk follows an ancient track, showing you a vast range of woodland and wetland wildlife, as well as serene views across Siblyback Lake.
For more waterfalls, read our post on 7 beautiful waterfalls in Cornwall. If forests are more for you, we’ve also written about out our favourite woodland walks in Cornwall.
Length: 5½ miles
On this walk along the South West Coast Path, you’ll find a medieval chapel which is built on one of Cornwall’s Christian holy sites. Looe is a pretty harbour town and a popular Cornish holiday destination – even Jesus is said to have visited. Polperro is a small fishing village, very quaint and picturesque but less connected by public transport, hence the need for a walk!
For similar destinations, read our piece on fishing villages in Cornwall.
Length: 5½ miles
Starting at the traditional fishing village of Boscastle, this walk is steeped in history and legend. You’ll end up at Tintagel Castle, one of English Heritage’s flagship sites and certainly not one to be missed. On this path, you’ll find spectacular coastal scenery, bustling wildlife, a mysterious cave and some great sandy beaches. There’s even the chance for a cream tea in Tintagel if you fancy a treat at the end!
Length: 3½ miles
For a flatter, more relaxing walk, Bude Canal is a great option. Here you’ll find impressive 19th century engineering and plenty of wetland wildlife. There’s also an extended version of this walk which can be done, involving the South West Coast Path and a visit to the popular Widemouth Bay. If you need refreshments along the way, The Weir Bistro provides a great place to stop for food and drink with views over the water. There’s more information about this walk on the Visit Bude website.
If you’d like to take on a longer multi-day walk in Cornwall, read our guide on the Penzance to Lands End walk. Or, if forests are your thing, check out our list of woodland walks in Cornwall.
Excited to get walking and experience the Cornish countryside for yourself? Cornish Cottage Holidays have an amazing range of properties for you to rent all over Cornwall. Don’t miss out, book your holiday today!
Having lived in the South West my whole life, I love writing about the stunning places and outdoor adventures it has to offer. ...
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