Walking in Cornwall

Walking in Cornwall is extremely popular, with the county being one of the UK’s most glorious areas and home to beautiful beaches and coastline, making it a brilliant place to discover on foot.

Even if you aren’t as experienced at hiking, Cornwall has a range of walking routes to suit a variety of skills and ability. If you’ve come to the region to see its natural beauty there’s no better way to discover it than by walking.

The Lizard Point Wild Coast Walk

This stunning 8 mile walk highlights some of the best bits of south Cornwall, including the spectacular Kynance Cove and the remote, untamed Lizard Point. The route is linear, with great transport links between Lizard Village and Cadgwith, or if you have the whole day and are feeling adventurous there are paths which will turn this route into a loop. Just remember to plan your journey and pack plenty of snacks!

Accessible Lizard Point to Kynance Cove

Although Cornwall is full of jagged paths and stiles, The Outdoor Guide’s Accessibility Expert, Debbie North, was able to find a route which includes two of south Cornwall’s most spectacular sights. The walk begins in Lizard Village, near the lighthouse, and follows a bridleway which is suitable for powered, all-terrain wheelchairs. The route ends at the beautiful Kynance Cove – which some say is the best beach in England, we’ll let you be the judge of that!

North Atlantic Coast Walk

This estuary and coastal walk from Padstow to the surfer town of Trevone was walked by Julia Bradbury as part of her Cornwall and Devon Walks series. The trail is around 5 miles long, passing by beautiful bays, dramatic rock formations and a huge daymark before coming to an end on the sandy beach at Trevone. It’s the perfect half day route, and could be made into a loop if you have more time. There are regular buses from Trevone to Padstow, where you can indulge in some well earned fish and chips.

Land’s End Artists Walk

Having featured both in Poldark and on Julia Bradbury’s Cornwall and Devon Walks, this route has certainly had it’s fair share of screen time. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty left to discover along it’s length. Expect sandy, secluded beaches, towering cliffs and wind swept, heather covered moorland. The walk is around 6.5 miles long, and can be walked in either direction – just make sure you get to the bus stop before the last bus leaves for the evening.

Holywell and Crantock Beach Dog Walk

This dog-friendly walk is perfect for those of you who travel with your furry friends. All the beaches you will visit along the route are open to dogs all year round – not as common a feature as you’d think during the summer in Cornwall. There are some stunning views over the sea, a cave which can be explored at low tide (caution advised) and plenty of places to stop for a picnic or a paddle.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to use two wheels instead, have a look at our guide to Cycling in Cornwall.

Browse our list of pubs in Cornwall.

^{Photo by Benjamin Elliott on Unsplash}