The Ultimate Guide to the Top 50 Walks in Cornwall

Cornwall, with its rugged coastline, picturesque villages, and rolling countryside, is a walker’s paradise. Whether you’re seeking coastal paths with breathtaking sea views, serene woodland trails, or historic routes steeped in legend, Cornwall has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top 50 walks in Cornwall, each offering its own unique charm and beauty. Lace up your boots, grab your map, and let’s explore the very best walks this stunning region has to offer.

1. South West Coast Path: St Ives to Zennor

This iconic stretch of the South West Coast Path offers dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and the chance to spot seals and dolphins. The 6.5-mile walk from St Ives to Zennor is moderately challenging, with uneven terrain, but the views are worth every step. Finish your walk at the Tinners Arms in Zennor, a historic pub with a warm welcome.

2. The Lizard Peninsula Circular Walk

Explore Britain’s most southerly point on this 7-mile circular walk. The Lizard Peninsula is known for its unique geology, rare flora, and stunning coastal views. Don’t miss the chance to visit Kynance Cove, one of Cornwall’s most photographed spots.

3. St Michael’s Way

This 12.5-mile route follows an ancient pilgrimage trail from Lelant to St Michael’s Mount. Combining coastal and inland paths, this walk is rich in history and offers stunning views of the Mount. It’s a great way to experience Cornwall’s spiritual heritage.

4. The Camel Trail

Perfect for families and cyclists, the Camel Trail is a flat, traffic-free route that follows a disused railway line from Padstow to Bodmin. The 18-mile trail passes through picturesque countryside and along the tranquil Camel Estuary.

5. Land’s End to Sennen Cove

This short but spectacular 3-mile walk takes you from Land’s End, the most westerly point of mainland England, to the golden sands of Sennen Cove. The rugged cliffs and crashing waves make this a truly memorable experience.

6. The Roseland Heritage Coast Walk

Starting in St Mawes, this 10-mile walk explores the quieter side of Cornwall’s coastline. The Roseland Peninsula is known for its unspoiled beauty, with hidden coves, quaint fishing villages, and lush greenery.

7. Bodmin Moor: Brown Willy and Rough Tor

For those who love wild, open spaces, this 6-mile walk across Bodmin Moor takes you to Cornwall’s highest points. Brown Willy and Rough Tor offer panoramic views of the moorland, and the area is steeped in ancient history.

8. The Minack Theatre to Porthcurno

Combine culture and nature on this 2-mile walk from the world-famous Minack Theatre to the stunning Porthcurno Beach. The cliff-top path offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the turquoise waters below.

9. The Helford River Walk

This gentle 6-mile walk follows the tranquil Helford River, passing through ancient woodlands and charming villages. The area is known for its subtropical gardens and peaceful atmosphere.

10. The Clay Trails

Explore Cornwall’s mining heritage on the Clay Trails, a network of paths around the St Austell area. The trails offer a mix of industrial history and natural beauty, with views of the clay pits and surrounding countryside.

11. The Saints’ Way

This 26-mile route follows an ancient trail from Padstow to Fowey, crossing Cornwall from coast to coast. The walk takes you through picturesque villages, rolling farmland, and peaceful woodlands.

12. The Trevose Head Circular Walk

This 4-mile circular walk near Padstow offers stunning coastal views and the chance to visit the historic Trevose Head Lighthouse. The route is relatively easy, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.

13. The Fowey Estuary Walk

Starting in the charming town of Fowey, this 5-mile walk follows the estuary, offering beautiful views of the river and surrounding countryside. The route passes through ancient woodlands and quiet hamlets.

14. The Penrose Estate Walk

Located near Helston, this 8-mile walk takes you around the Penrose Estate, a National Trust property with a large lake, woodland, and coastal paths. The walk is relatively flat, making it suitable for all abilities.

15. The Godrevy to Hayle Towans Walk

This 4-mile walk along the north coast offers stunning views of Godrevy Lighthouse and the golden sands of Hayle Towans. The route is perfect for birdwatchers, with plenty of opportunities to spot seabirds.

16. The Tintagel Castle Circular Walk

Combine history and natural beauty on this 3-mile walk around Tintagel Castle, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur. The rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs make this a must-visit destination.

17. The Port Isaac to Port Quin Walk

This 4-mile walk along the north coast takes you from the picturesque village of Port Isaac to the secluded cove of Port Quin. The route offers stunning coastal views and a glimpse into Cornwall’s fishing heritage.

18. The Golitha Falls Walk

Located on the edge of Bodmin Moor, this 2-mile walk takes you through ancient woodland to the beautiful Golitha Falls. The area is a haven for wildlife, with otters, kingfishers, and rare butterflies often spotted.

19. The Perranporth to St Agnes Walk

This 6-mile walk along the north coast offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the chance to explore the historic tin mining area around St Agnes. The route passes through golden sand dunes and rugged cliffs.

20. The Lanhydrock Estate Walk

Explore the beautiful Lanhydrock Estate on this 5-mile walk through ancient woodland and parkland. The route takes you past the grand Lanhydrock House, a National Trust property with stunning gardens.

21. The Mullion Cove to Kynance Cove Walk

This 6-mile walk along the Lizard Peninsula offers some of Cornwall’s most dramatic coastal scenery. The route takes you past Mullion Cove, a picturesque fishing harbour, and Kynance Cove, with its turquoise waters and towering cliffs.

22. The St Just to Cape Cornwall Walk

This 4-mile walk takes you from the historic mining town of St Just to Cape Cornwall, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the English Channel. The route offers stunning coastal views and a glimpse into Cornwall’s mining heritage.

23. The Tehidy Woods Walk

Explore the largest area of woodland in West Cornwall on this 3-mile walk through Tehidy Woods. The route is perfect for families, with plenty of trails to explore and a lake to enjoy.

24. The Mevagissey to Gorran Haven Walk

This 4-mile walk along the south coast takes you from the charming fishing village of Mevagissey to the secluded cove of Gorran Haven. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore hidden beaches.

25. The St Agnes Beacon Walk

This 3-mile walk takes you to the top of St Agnes Beacon, offering panoramic views of the north coast and the surrounding countryside. The route is relatively easy, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

26. The Porthleven to Loe Bar Walk

This 5-mile walk along the south coast takes you from the picturesque harbour of Porthleven to Loe Bar, Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore the area’s rich history.

27. The Zennor to Gurnard’s Head Walk

This 4-mile walk along the north coast offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the chance to explore the rugged cliffs around Gurnard’s Head. The route is relatively challenging, with uneven terrain.

28. The Boscastle to Tintagel Walk

This 6-mile walk along the north coast takes you from the picturesque village of Boscastle to the legendary Tintagel Castle. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore Cornwall’s rich history.

29. The St Mawes to Place Walk

This 4-mile walk along the Roseland Peninsula takes you from the charming village of St Mawes to Place, a tranquil hamlet with stunning views of the Fal Estuary. The route is relatively easy, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

30. The Penzance to Marazion Walk

This 4-mile walk along the south coast takes you from the bustling town of Penzance to the historic market town of Marazion. The route offers stunning views of St Michael’s Mount and the surrounding coastline.

31. The Porthtowan to Chapel Porth Walk

This 4-mile walk along the north coast takes you from the popular surfing beach of Porthtowan to the secluded cove of Chapel Porth. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore the area’s rich mining heritage.

32. The St Anthony’s Head Walk

This 3-mile walk on the Roseland Peninsula takes you to St Anthony’s Head, offering stunning views of the Fal Estuary and the surrounding coastline. The route is relatively easy, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

33. The Polperro to Looe Walk

This 6-mile walk along the south coast takes you from the picturesque fishing village of Polperro to the bustling town of Looe. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore hidden coves.

34. The St Just in Roseland Walk

This 2-mile walk takes you around the beautiful church of St Just in Roseland, one of Cornwall’s most picturesque spots. The route is relatively easy, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

35. The Porthcurno to Lamorna Walk

This 6-mile walk along the south coast takes you from the stunning Porthcurno Beach to the charming village of Lamorna. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore hidden coves.

36. The St Breock Downs Walk

This 4-mile walk takes you across St Breock Downs, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The route is relatively easy, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

37. The St Agnes to Perranporth Walk

This 6-mile walk along the north coast takes you from the historic mining town of St Agnes to the popular surfing beach of Perranporth. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore the area’s rich mining heritage.

38. The St Ives to Carbis Bay Walk

This 2-mile walk along the north coast takes you from the bustling town of St Ives to the tranquil Carbis Bay. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore hidden beaches.

39. The St Michael’s Mount Walk

This 1-mile walk takes you across the causeway to St Michael’s Mount, one of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks. The route is relatively easy, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

40. The St Austell to Charlestown Walk

This 3-mile walk takes you from the bustling town of St Austell to the historic harbour of Charlestown. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore the area’s rich maritime history.

41. The St Columb Major to Mawgan Porth Walk

This 6-mile walk takes you from the historic town of St Columb Major to the stunning Mawgan Porth Beach. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore hidden coves.

42. The St Day to Gwennap Pit Walk

This 3-mile walk takes you from the historic mining town of St Day to Gwennap Pit, a natural amphitheatre with a rich history. The route is relatively easy, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

43. The St Erth to Hayle Walk

This 4-mile walk takes you from the charming village of St Erth to the bustling town of Hayle. The route offers stunning views of the Hayle Estuary and the surrounding countryside.

44. The St Germans to Port Eliot Walk

This 2-mile walk takes you from the historic village of St Germans to the beautiful Port Eliot Estate. The route is relatively easy, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

45. The St Just to Land’s End Walk

This 6-mile walk along the north coast takes you from the historic mining town of St Just to Land’s End, the most westerly point of mainland England. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore the area’s rich mining heritage.

46. The St Kew to Port Isaac Walk

This 5-mile walk takes you from the charming village of St Kew to the picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore hidden coves.

47. The St Mabyn to St Tudy Walk

This 4-mile walk takes you from the charming village of St Mabyn to the tranquil village of St Tudy. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a chance to explore hidden hamlets.

48. The St Merryn to Padstow Walk

This 6-mile walk takes you from the charming village of St Merryn to the bustling town of Padstow. The route offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore hidden beaches.

49. The St Neot to Colliford Lake Walk

This 4-mile walk takes you from the charming village of St Neot to the tranquil Colliford Lake. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a chance to explore hidden hamlets.

50. The St Teath to Delabole Walk

This 5-mile walk takes you from the charming village of St Teath to the historic slate quarry village of Delabole. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a chance to explore hidden hamlets.

Cornwall’s diverse landscapes and rich history make it a walker’s dream destination. Whether you’re looking for a challenging coastal hike or a gentle stroll through picturesque villages, these 50 walks offer something for everyone. So, pack your walking boots, grab your map, and start exploring the breathtaking beauty of Cornwall on foot!