Beautiful Coastal Walks in Cornwall

Although a short walk of just three and a half miles, this relatively level coastal stomp gives some serious bang for the buck. Starting at the Driftwood Spars and after sampling an onsite brewed ale, walk up the path to the clifftops. The ascent quickly heads to the sky, out of the valley and into bursting views of Trevaunance Cove below. With just one steep up-and-down ahead, this walk trundles over turquoise coves only accessible by kayak, surfers surfing in secret spots, through ancient quarries and over depleting mines. Your final view as you round into Perranporth will be of line after line of waves coming into the beach.

The pretty fishing village of Mousehole is the perfect start for a sunny walk along Cornwall’s south coast. Join the South West Coast Path at the southern end of the village and follow it through shaded tree tunnels, along the edge of weather-beaten cliffs, overexposed fields and round Carn Du headland into Lamorna Cove. The tiny hermit clusters around the sparkling sea at the edge of a wooded nature reserve. The Lamorna Wink, which closes between 3 and 6pm, is a great pitstop for a pint of ale before the return trek.

Start this hike with a dip at Porthcurno, where the sea is so blue and sand so white it could be in the Caribbean. Then, head straight up the crag, by the Minack Theatre which has been carved out of the rock and on to paradise Porthchapel Beach. Carry on through tiny villages and over sandy beaches before reaching cliff-top fields, which drop straight into the churning sea. After climbing out of Nanjizal, the home-stretch to Land’s End is an easy walk with dramatic rock arches and monoliths sticking out of the surf. There is, of course, a pub at Land’s End, but it comes with a premium for being the first and last in the country.

Through woodland and creek and over two ferry boats, this circular walk from Fowey to Polruan and back again is a true tranquil beauty. Take the passenger ferry from Fowey to the Old Ferry Inn, walk up the steep hill and hang a right to follow the footpath. From here, the path undulates around the Fowey Estuary over wooden bridges, which perfectly reflect in still water and under dappled woodland shade. Arrive in Polruan at the top of the village and wander to the sea for your return ferry back to Fowey.

England’s most Southerly Point is a huge hunk of land battered constantly by the elements, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Start at the National Trust’s Kynance Cove, where giant rock formations and pretty beach combine, and follow the steps up the cliffs. From here, creep along the edge of England with sea spray whipping your hair, skip across sloping fields which eventually fall to the rocks below and breathe in the wind at what feels like the end of the world. Dramatic cliffs and untameable weather all make for a beautifully wild stroll.