Cornwall’s Coastal Walks

Cornwall’s coast is one of Britain’s most spectacular walking destinations, with cliff paths, hidden coves, and wild landscapes that challenge and reward walkers. While beaches like Newquay and Perranporth are deservedly famous, Cornwall’s coast has hidden walking gems that most visitors never discover.

This guide reveals Cornwall’s coastal walks beyond popular beaches, explaining what makes each walk special, how to plan your visit, and experiencing this extraordinary coastline on foot.

Understanding Cornwall’s Coastal Landscape

Cornwall’s coast is characterised by:

Cliffs and Headlands: Dramatic granite cliffs and headlands rise directly from the sea, creating spectacular walking with endless ocean views.

Hidden Coves: Small, sandy coves tucked between cliffs and headlands, accessible only by footpath or at low tide.

Coastal Paths: Long-distance coastal paths like the South West Coast Path follow cliff tops for hundreds of miles.

Wilderness: Some coastal areas remain genuinely wild, with minimal facilities and a sense of exploration.

Wildlife: Seabirds, seals, and coastal flora thrive in Cornwall’s coastal environment.

What makes Cornwall’s coastal walks special is their combination of dramatic geology, stunning scenery, and accessible walking that brings you close to the Atlantic in ways beaches cannot.

Essential Coastal Walks

1. South West Coast Path: Lelant to Polperro

The South West Coast Path is Cornwall’s section of this famous long-distance walking route. The section from Lelant to Polperro (approximately 50 miles/80 km) covers some of Cornwall’s most dramatic coastal scenery.

What makes this section special is its variety and completeness. You’ll experience everything from wild cliff tops to hidden coves, from mining heritage to remote villages, across a week of spectacular coastal walking.

Start Point: Lelant
End Point: Polperro
Distance: Approximately 50 miles (80 km)
Time: 7-9 days depending on pace
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep climbs, cliff path sections)

Best For: Experienced walkers seeking a multi-day challenge with spectacular coastal scenery.

2. Zennor to Polperro via Cliff Paths

This walk (approximately 12 miles/19 km) follows cliff top paths between two of Cornwall’s most spectacular cliff landscapes. It’s a day walk that packs in huge scenery.

What makes this walk special is its dramatic cliff path sections and constant ocean views. You’ll walk along cliff tops with spectacular views down to hidden coves and out across the Atlantic.

Start Point: Zennor
End Point: Polperro
Distance: Approximately 12 miles (19 km)
Time: 5-6 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections, cliff path walking)

Best For: Experienced day walkers seeking spectacular cliff scenery.

3. The Lizard Coastal Walk

The Lizard is mainland Britain’s most southerly point, surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery. A coastal walk here offers dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and the chance to stand at Britain’s southernmost point.

What makes The Lizard coastal walk special is its location and dramatic scenery. The landscape feels remote and wild despite being relatively accessible, with cliffs rising dramatically from the Atlantic.

Start Point: The Lizard village
End Point: Return to The Lizard (circular walk)
Distance: Approximately 4 miles (6 km)
Time: 2-3 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some rocky sections)

Best For: All walkers, including families, seeking accessible coastal walking with dramatic scenery.

4. Land’s End to Kynance Cove

This walk (approximately 8 miles/13 km) follows coastal paths and cliff tops north of Land’s End to the beautiful Kynance Cove. It’s a spectacular day walk with varied scenery.

What makes this walk special is its variety—from cliff tops to sandy coves, from industrial heritage to unspoilt coastal landscapes. Kynance Cove is particularly beautiful.

Start Point: Land’s End
End Point: Kynance Cove
Distance: Approximately 8 miles (13 km)
Time: 3-4 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Moderate (some cliff path sections)

Best For: Day walkers seeking varied coastal scenery and a beautiful cove finish.

5. Padstow to Portreath

This walk (approximately 10 miles/16 km) follows coastal paths north of Padstow to the historic town of Portreath. It’s a day walk that combines cliff walking with industrial heritage and historic town exploration.

What makes this walk special is its combination of natural and industrial heritage. You’ll pass by shipbuilding heritage, historic docks, and natural coastline, telling Cornwall’s maritime story.

Start Point: Padstow
End Point: Portreath
Distance: Approximately 10 miles (16 km)
Time: 4-5 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Moderate (some cliff path sections)

Best For: Walkers interested in Cornwall’s maritime heritage alongside natural coastal scenery.

Hidden Coastal Walks

6. Holywell Bay to Porthtowan

This coastal walk (approximately 5 miles/8 km) connects two of Cornwall’s most beautiful but relatively remote beaches. The walk follows coastal paths and cliff tops with spectacular views across St Ives Bay.

What makes this walk special is its sense of exploration and relatively remote feel. Holywell Bay and Porthtowan are less visited than major beaches, creating a more authentic coastal experience.

Start Point: Holywell Bay
End Point: Porthtowan
Distance: Approximately 5 miles (8 km)
Time: 2-3 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Moderate (some cliff path sections)

Best For: Walkers seeking authentic coastal experiences away from tourist crowds.

7. Porthgwarra to Maer Cliff

This walk (approximately 3 miles/5 km) connects a famous surfing beach with one of Cornwall’s most spectacular cliffs. The walk follows cliff top paths with dramatic views.

What makes this walk special is its dramatic contrast between surfing beach and wild cliff landscape. You’ll experience Cornwall’s dual personality—tourism and wildness—in one walk.

Start Point: Porthgwarra Beach
End Point: Maer Cliff (and return)
Distance: Approximately 3 miles (5 km)
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some cliff path sections)

Best For: Walkers seeking a short but spectacular coastal walk.

8. The Camel Estuary Walk

This walk (approximately 6 miles/10 km) explores the beautiful estuary landscape where the River Camel meets the sea. The walk follows paths around the estuary, with views across to Padstow.

What makes this walk special is its estuary landscape—quite different from Cornwall’s dramatic cliff coasts. You’ll see mudflats, wading birds, and a more gentle coastal environment.

Start Point: Padstow
End Point: Return to Padstow (circular walk)
Distance: Approximately 6 miles (10 km)
Time: 2-3 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Easy (flat walking, some mud)

Best For: Walkers interested in gentler coastal landscapes and wildlife watching.

9. The Roseland Heritage Coast Walk

This walk (approximately 4 miles/6 km) explores the coastline around St Just in Roseland, combining coastal walking with heritage sites and beautiful scenery.

What makes this walk special is its heritage connections. You’ll pass by historic sites connected to the Pilchard Rock, St Just’s famous hermitage, and local mining heritage.

Start Point: St Just village
End Point: Return to St Just (circular walk)
Distance: Approximately 4 miles (6 km)
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some rocky sections)

Best For: Walkers interested in heritage connections and gentle coastal walking.

10. The West Penwith Coast Walk

This walk (approximately 7 miles/11 km) explores the beautiful coastline of West Penwith, connecting sandy beaches with cliff paths and rocky coves.

What makes this walk special is its variety—you’ll experience sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and rocky coves all in one walk, showing Cornwall’s diverse coastal landscapes.

Start Point: Penzance
End Point: Newlyn (and return by bus or walk)
Distance: Approximately 7 miles one-way (11 km)
Time: 3-4 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Moderate (some cliff path sections)

Best For: Walkers wanting to experience Cornwall’s diverse coastal landscapes in one day.

Coastal Walking Tips

Equipment:

Sturdy walking boots with good grip (essential for cliff paths)
Waterproof and windproof clothing (Atlantic coast can be wild and wet)
Map and compass (essential for cliff path sections)
Mobile phone with downloaded maps (reception can be poor)
Sun protection and hat (Atlantic sun is surprisingly strong in summer)
Plenty of water and snacks (coastal paths don’t always have facilities)

Safety:

Never turn your back on the ocean. Keep one eye on the sea at all times.
Stay well back from cliff edges, especially in wind.
Check tide times before walking near beaches or coves.
Don’t climb on unstable cliffs or into restricted areas.
Tell someone your walking plans and expected return time.

Navigation:

Follow coastal paths where possible. They’re generally safer and offer better views.
Check tide times for beach sections—some beaches become impassable at high tide.
Know your route and approximate times before setting out.
Allow extra time for cliff path sections—they’re often slower than beach walking.

Coastal Walk Photography Tips

Cliff Top Views: The South West Coast Path offers spectacular cliff top photography, especially in morning or late afternoon light.

Coastal Details: Look for rock formations, geology, and flora close up. Macro shots reveal detail lost in wide-angle landscape shots.

Wildlife: Seabirds, seals, and other wildlife make excellent subjects. Use telephoto lenses and respect animals’ distance.

Beaches: Golden hour light on sandy beaches is spectacular. Use wide-angle lenses to capture beach and cliff together.

Weather: Overcast days can be better than bright sun for coastal photography—soft light reveals detail and texture.

Coastal Walk Etiquette

Respect Wildlife: Keep distance from all wildlife, especially seals and nesting birds. Never feed or disturb animals.

Leave No Trace: Take all rubbish with you. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to litter.

Respect Private Property: Much of Cornwall’s coastline is private land. Don’t access private beaches, coves, or cliff paths without permission.

Keep Noise Down: Coastal walking areas are peaceful places for many. Keep voices down to preserve this.

Don’t Block Access: Don’t block paths or access for other walkers or locals.

Seasonal Coastal Walking

Spring: Good weather, wildflowers in clifftops, longer daylight hours. Some paths can be muddy after winter.

Summer: Best weather, but busier. Early morning offers quieter periods. Longest daylight hours.

Autumn: Beautiful autumn light on cliffs, cooler temperatures. Good photography season. Some paths can be slippery with leaves.

Winter: Quietest time, but days are short and weather can be challenging. Coastal paths can be muddy or icy. Winter light can be spectacular.

Planning Your Coastal Walk

By Difficulty:

Beginner: The Lizard, The Camel Estuary, West Penwith Coast
Intermediate: Holywell Bay to Porthtowan, The Roseland Coast, Land’s End to Kynance Cove
Experienced: South West Coast Path (sections), Zennor to Polperro, Padstow to Portreath

By Duration:

Half Day: Most hidden gem walks (2-4 miles)
Full Day: Day walks (5-12 miles)
Multi-Day: South West Coast Path sections (20-50 miles over several days)

By Interest:

Wild and Remote: South West Coast Path remote sections, Holywell Bay
Heritage Connection: Padstow to Portreath, The Roseland Coast
Beaches and Coves: The Lizard, Land’s End to Kynance Cove, Porthgwarra to Maer Cliff
Wildlife: The Camel Estuary, Holywell Bay

Practical Information

Transport: Cornwall’s coastal areas are generally best accessed by car. Public transport exists but can be infrequent or require planning.

Parking: Most coastal walk start points have parking, but it can be limited and popular areas can fill up quickly. Arrive early in peak season.

Facilities: Many coastal walks have no facilities—bring everything you need. Some areas have cafés or pubs near start or end points.

Weather: Atlantic coast weather is changeable. Check forecasts and be prepared for wild conditions.

Accommodation: Coastal accommodation is available but popular. Book well in advance, especially in summer.

A Final Thought

Cornwall’s coastal walks are extraordinary—a combination of dramatic geology, stunning scenery, and accessible walking that brings you closer to the Atlantic than beaches ever could. From cliff top paths to hidden coves, from industrial heritage to remote wilderness, Cornwall’s coast offers walking experiences for every ability.

The key to enjoying Cornwall’s coastal walks is to explore beyond the famous beaches. Yes, the South West Coast Path is deservedly famous, but the hidden coves, cliff top paths, and estuary walks are equally spectacular.

These walks offer a deeper connection to Cornwall’s wild Atlantic landscape. You’ll feel the power of the ocean, see spectacular seabirds, and experience Cornwall’s coastline in a way that tourists on beaches never will.

So lace up your walking boots, grab your map, and discover Cornwall’s extraordinary coastal landscape. The cliff paths, hidden coves, and wild coastlines will reward you with some of Britain’s most spectacular walking and enduring memories.

Cornwall’s coast is waiting to be discovered on foot. Beyond the beaches lie spectacular walking experiences that will change how you see this remarkable coastline.

This guide reveals Cornwall’s coastal walks beyond popular beaches, from the famous South West Coast Path to hidden coves and cliff paths. Cornwall’s coastal walks offer spectacular scenery and wild landscapes that bring you closer to the Atlantic. Explore these walks and discover Cornwall’s wild, dramatic coastline on foot.

Cornwall's Coastal Walks