Mountaineering in Cornwall is an absolute pleasure and may be loved at any time of the yr. From gorgeous clifftop vistas to hidden coves, deserted villages and rural heathland, the coastal walks in Cornwall are as assorted as they’re lovely.
Cornwall is considered one of my favourite locations on this planet due to its attractive seashores, nice browsing alternatives, picturesque fishing villages, and miles upon miles of unspoiled coastal paths.
I’ve been mountaineering in Cornwall since I used to be sufficiently old to stroll and it’s a pleasure I return to again and again. There are a lot of mountaineering trails in Cornwall from straightforward day hikes to multi-day long-distance treks.
You’ll be able to select coastal footpaths, inland routes, or mix each. Cornwall is absolutely geared in the direction of being outside and it’s straightforward to seek out refreshments and lodging alongside the various mountaineering routes.
10 Greatest Hikes in Cornwall
Having spent a few years touring round Cornwall, I’ve accomplished numerous hikes. I’ve executed many extra hikes than this in Cornwall, however I’ve narrowed down my favorites to this listing of 10 based mostly on accessibility, ease, crowds, views alongside the best way, wildlife, and total enjoyment on the path.
Cornwall’s mountaineering trails supply some distinctive alternatives for recognizing wildlife. I’ve seen basking sharks, seals, kingfishers, and all method of marine life on my many hikes throughout the county.
Hikers can typically even spot whales and dolphins from the clifftop making a Cornish hike much more memorable.
1. Polzeath to Port Isaac (One of many Greatest Coastal Walks in Cornwall)
The hike from Polzeath to the fishing village of Port Isaac is considered one of my favourite hikes and is the very best coastal stroll in Cornwall. This hike has all of it; rugged cliffs, abandoned seashores, panoramic views, and finally ends up in Cornwall’s most picturesque village.
This 10-mile Cornwall mountaineering path is reasonably strenuous however I’ve been doing it since I used to be a baby, so so long as you’re comparatively match, you’re unlikely to seek out it too taxing.
You’ll absorb some well-known landmarks similar to Pentire Level, the Rumps, the deserted village of Port Quinn, and much more apart from.
The hike takes round 4-5 hours and in summer time the route is sort of uncovered so make sure you cowl up and put on sunscreen. Good mountaineering boots or footwear are wanted for some rocky components down by the seashores.
The route may be hiked in both course and you may take the No 96 bus again.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: South West Coast Path, Polzeath, South West Coast Path, Port Isaac. View on Alltrails
- Size: 10 miles / 15.9 km
- Period: 4h30m
- Sort of Path: Out and again
- Elevation Achieve: 1,496 ft / 456 meters
2. The Camel Path
The Camel Path is an 18-mile monitor following an deserted railway line and the River Camel between Bodmin and Padstow. Due to the flat terrain, the route is in style with cyclists, however it’s additionally nice for strolling too and is among the greatest straightforward hikes in Cornwall.
Mountaineering the 6-mile part between Padstow and Wadebridge is among the nice Cornwall day hikes as you comply with the Camel Estuary inland. There are many nice locations to cease and have a picnic alongside the best way and I’ve many completely happy recollections of snacking on the river banks.
This is among the straightforward hikes round Cornwall and is appropriate for all health ranges. The flat path alongside the Camel Estuary is considered one of my favourite Cornwall trails and is one I’ve loved numerous instances since childhood to more moderen instances.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin
- Size: 6 miles / 9.8 km
- Period: 2h10m
- Sort of Path: Out and again
- Elevation Achieve: 380 ft / 116 meters
3. Padstow and Trevone Round Stroll
This reasonably strenuous round stroll beginning and ending in Padstow gives a number of the greatest mountaineering in Cornwall. The route has some incredible views, plenty of alternatives for recognizing wildlife, and the added bonus of plenty of wonderful pubs and eating places to loosen up in after your stroll.
The surroundings on this coastal path in Cornwall is unimaginable and it’s a hike I’ve taken many instances for the views alone. The path consists of coastal and inland sections with towering cliffs, secluded bays, rolling farmland, and naturally the attractive fishing city of Padstow.
You’ll should be comparatively match because the path covers rocky coastal paths and cliffs. It’s an ideal stroll to do with canines and youngsters who’re used to mountaineering. This Cornwall mountaineering path is greatest undertaken from spring to fall to get essentially the most out of the expertise.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Padstow Harbor, see the route on AllTrails
- Size: 7.6 miles / 12.2 km
- Period: 3h
- Sort of Path: Circle
- Elevation Achieve: 702 ft / 214 meters
4. Penzance to Newlyn
The round stroll from Penzance to the small village of Newlyn is among the greatest winter hikes in Cornwall because it’s a brief route and isn’t as uncovered because the paths on the northern coast. It takes within the attractive fishing port of Newlyn – probably the most picturesque locations on the south coast.
The route takes in some fascinating native points of interest such because the Celtic chapel and the previous fishing port in addition to the Victorian tropical gardens and Penzance seafront. This stroll is appropriate for all ranges of health and makes for an ideal stroll regardless of the climate.
For these trying to discover extra of the southern shoreline, you’ll be able to comply with the coast path east to Marazion and St Michael’s Mount. One factor’s for certain, Penzance is the proper base for coastal walks in Cornwall.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Jubilee Pool, Penzance, see the route on IWalkCornwall
- Size: 3.9 miles / 6.3 km
- Period: half-hour
- Sort of Path: Circle
- Elevation Achieve: 377 ft / 115 meters
5. The Lizard Peninsula
Cornwall’s Lizard peninsula is among the most scenic components of the county with rugged cliffs towering above the blue waters of the North Atlantic. This is among the greatest hikes in Cornwall for spectacular views and uncommon wildflower and wildlife recognizing alongside the best way.
The route begins and finishes at Kynance Cove, famous as probably the most gorgeous seashores in Cornwall. This 7-mile hike isn’t too difficult and consists of strolling alongside seashores in addition to some stony, clifftop paths.
Pack your swimwear if making this trek in summer time as there are some incredible seashores alongside the best way, and as you’ll cross by way of the city of Lizard, there are many nice choices for lunch (the Prime Home Inn is an ideal conventional pub that serves Cornish ales and hearty meals).
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Kynance Cove, Lizard, Nationwide Belief Route
- Size: 7 miles / 11 km
- Period: 3h
- Sort of Path: Circle
- Elevation Achieve: 700 ft / 220 meters
6. Porthcurno to Land’s Finish
This straightforward route is among the greatest hikes round Cornwall and takes within the westernmost level of mainland Britain at Land’s Finish. The surroundings alongside this stretch of shoreline is phenomenal with breathtaking views out to sea and alongside the cliffs.
The route is out and again, however if you happen to don’t fancy the return journey you’ll be able to hop on the Land’s Finish Coaster bus again to Porthcurno. This is among the greatest summer time hikes in Cornwall and is appropriate for all ages and ranges of health.
You’ll get to soak up the gorgeous Porthcurno seashore, probably the most lovely seashores in Cornwall with virtually turquoise waters lapping on the golden sands, and a rocky shoreline beneath the cliffs.
Be sure you pack sturdy footwear and your swimwear.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Porthcurno, see the route on AllTrails
- Size: 4.8 miles / 7.7 km
- Period: 2h15m
- Sort of Path: Out and again
- Elevation Achieve: 817 ft / 249 meters
7. Bude Coast and Canal Round Stroll
This nice stroll across the Bude shoreline and canal takes in considered one of Cornwall’s hottest trip locations (and passes some nice pubs just like the Brendon Arms).
The round stroll consists of some gorgeous surroundings alongside considered one of my favourite stretches of shoreline. The canal was constructed to convey supplies to the city from the close by hills and is considered one of Bude’s nicest options.
The route is an effective way to discover every thing this a part of Cornwall has to supply; from the ocean to the city and open pastures and farmland.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Bude, see on AllTrails
- Size: 6.4 miles / 10.3 km
- Period: 2h30m
- Sort of Path: Circle
- Elevation Achieve: 640 ft / 195 meters
8. St Ives to Zenor
St Ives is considered one of Cornwall’s prime trip locations because the city is perched on a ravishing stretch of the coast with attractive sandy seashores and is backed by dramatic cliffs.
The city itself has one thing of a bohemian vibe with plenty of artwork galleries, cafes, and boutique eating places. At 12 miles, it is a reasonably robust hike that’ll take between 5 and 6 hours to finish, so a reasonable degree of health is required.
The views over the bays, inlets, and shoreline are well worth the effort as the realm round St Ives is among the greatest locations to hike in Cornwall.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: St Ives, see the route on AllTrails
- Size: 12 miles / 19.3 km
- Period: 5h25m
- Sort of Path: Circle
- Elevation Achieve: 1,900 ft / 579 meters
9. Tintagel Citadel Loop
Tintagel is considered one of my favourite locations in Cornwall for its historic fort, allegedly the house of King Arthur. The small city can be positioned on a dramatic part of the coast with towering cliffs overlooking secluded bays and hidden coves similar to Merlin’s Cave.
This incredible hike takes within the fort, cave, seashores, and even considered one of Cornwall’s lovely waterfalls at St Nectan’s Kieve. It’s a troublesome route with plenty of steps and steep slopes so a reasonable degree of health is required.
The paths can get muddy in winter so ensure you have boots and waterproofs. In summer time, make sure you pack loads of water and canopy up with sunscreen. That is considered one of my favourite coastal walks in Cornwall due to the wonderful views and historic landmarks alongside the best way.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Tintagel, see the route on AllTrails
- Size: 7 miles / 11.4 km
- Period: 3h25m
- Sort of Path: Circle
- Elevation Achieve: 1,315 ft / 401 meters
10. Whole South West Coast Path
For adventurous souls who’re on the lookout for greater than day hikes or a pleasing amble then tackling the whole 630 miles (1,014km) of the southwest coast path is a mammoth, however vastly rewarding enterprise – it’s one thing I’d like to do in the future.
The path, which is the longest such mountaineering path within the UK, begins at Minehead in Somerset and runs by way of Devon, Cornwall, again into Devon, and into Dorset on the south coast.
For those who don’t have the posh of the seven or eight weeks it takes to finish, you may also select a bit and are available again and hike completely different components as time permits.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Minehead, Poole Harbor, see the route on AllTrails
- Size: 630 miles / 1,014 km
- Period: 7/8 weeks
- Sort of Path: One-way
- Elevation Achieve: 1,043 ft / 318 meters
The place to Keep for Mountaineering in Cornwall
These are just a few of the very best areas round Cornwall that make nice bases for mountaineering and strolling within the area.
Padstow
The charming fishing port of Padstow is a superb place to begin for lots of the greatest treks in Cornwall from the Camel Path to Polzeath, Daymer Bay, and much more apart from.
There’s a ferry service crossing the Camel Estuary so that you received’t be confined to westerly hikes solely.
The Previous Customized Home is a ravishing resort positioned in an previous stone constructing proper on the Harbour and is inside straightforward attain of each the southwest coast path and Camel Path.
Port Isaac
Port Isaac is among the prettiest fishing villages in Cornwall and the southwest coast path runs proper alongside the harbor. You’ll be able to hike west in the direction of Padstow or east in the direction of Tintagel. There are additionally some nice inland routes beginning in Port Isaac that discover the attractive Cornish countryside.
The Slipway is a superb resort simply steps from Port Isaac’s picturesque harbor and the southwest coast path.
Polzeath
Polzeath makes an ideal base for a number of the greatest hikes in Cornwall together with Polzeath to Port Isaac, Padstow to Trevone, and shorter hikes such because the routes to Pentire Level and the Rumps. The city has plenty of bars and eating places (the Oystercatcher is my favourite) and is the proper base for seashore and mountaineering holidays.
Polzeath Seaside Home is the proper place to remain for mountaineering in Cornwall. The seashore and southwest coast path to Pentire Level, Polzeath, and Padstow is simply steps from this boutique resort.
Penzance
Penzance is a superb vacation spot for hikers trying to discover the southern and western components of the Cornish coast and delve into the county’s fascinating historical past of fishermen, pirates, and smugglers.
The Penzance to Newlyn hike is a pleasant straightforward one which begins within the city, however there’s a lot extra to find.
The Ship Inn is a standard Cornish pub, restaurant, and resort a stone’s throw from the harbor and coast path.
Bude
Bude is considered one of my favourite cities in Cornwall due to its nice seashores and easy accessibility to the coast path and different walks. There’s heaps to do within the city itself from swimming and browsing to having fun with bars, eating places, and walks alongside the canal. Be sure you try my favourite watering gap, the Brendon Arms.
Holbein Home is a mattress and breakfast simply 500 meters from the seashore and southwest coast path that gives snug stays at affordable costs.
Mountaineering in Cornwall: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on mountaineering round Cornwall.
One of the vital in style coastal walks in Cornwall is Porthcurno to Land’s Finish as this takes within the westernmost level of the mainland British Isles and a number of the greatest surroundings within the nation.
The Camel Path is the simplest hike round Cornwall because it’s virtually utterly flat resulting from following the River Camel and an previous, disused railway line.
There are some nice waterfall trails round Cornwall together with the falls at St Nectan’s Kieve close to Tintagel and Rocky Valley in close by Boscastle. If you wish to head inland then Bodmin Moor additionally has some nice waterfall hikes.
You’ll want sturdy footwear or boots to hit the mountaineering trails in Cornwall as a lot of them embrace rocky cliff paths. It must also go with out saying that it’s clever to pack waterproofs as Cornwall has its justifiable share of showers.
Any part of the southwest coast path alongside the north coast is especially lovely. The areas round Tintagel, Port Isaac, and Polzeath supply a number of the greatest views.
Trekking Cornwall could be very secure offering you stick with the paths on the coast paths and keep away from going out in extreme storms. Maintain canines and youngsters shut by when excessive up on the cliffs and don’t go close to any uncovered edges.
The most effective coastal stroll in Cornwall is the part of south west coast path between Polzeath and Port Isaac. This route takes in some unimaginable surroundings, previous villages, secluded seashores, and many wildlife alongside the best way.
Your complete southwest coast path, which incorporates each Cornwall and Devon, is 630 miles (1,114km). The Cornwall part runs for round 422 miles (697km).
Cornwall is among the greatest locations within the UK for mountaineering due to its pristine nature, gorgeous views, seashores, fishing villages, and extra.
In Closing
Mountaineering in Cornwall is among the greatest actions due to the gorgeous surroundings, wildlife, and plenty of great pubs and eating places to find alongside the best way. One of many first issues I do on any go to is to hit the coastal walks in Cornwall to blow away the cobwebs.
Whether or not you might be on the lookout for a brief amble, a day hike, or one thing extra demanding, the Cornwall strolling trails shouldn’t be missed. Many of those hikes round Cornwall absorb a number of the county’s most well-known sights similar to Tintagel Citadel and Padstow harbor.
After all, many of those Cornwall treks additionally embrace some incredible seashores, so make sure you pack your swimwear if mountaineering in the summertime months. The one query now must be, which considered one of these nice coastal walks in Cornwall do you have to select first?
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