Coastal Walks in Cornwall

Cornwall's rugged coastline stretches for over 300 miles, offering some of the most dramatic and scenic walking opportunities in the United Kingdom. From towering cliffs and windswept headlands to sheltered coves and golden beaches, Cornwall's coastal paths provide an ever-changing landscape that captivates visitors throughout the seasons. This guide explores the most spectacular coastal walks in Cornwall, with practical information to help you experience the best of this enchanting southwestern peninsula.

The South West Coast Path: Cornwall's Crown Jewel

Cornwall forms a significant section of the South West Coast Path, Britain's longest National Trail at 630 miles. This path follows the coastline of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, with approximately 300 miles traversing Cornwall's northern and southern shores. The Cornish sections are widely considered among the most beautiful, offering an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, historical interest, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker looking to tackle multi-day sections or a casual walker seeking a gentle afternoon stroll, Cornwall's coastal paths offer something for every ability level. The following walks represent some of the finest coastal experiences Cornwall has to offer, each with its own distinct character and appeal.

Tintagel to Boscastle

This dramatic stretch of North Cornwall's coastline combines spectacular natural scenery with fascinating Arthurian legend, making it one of the most popular walks in the county.

Highlights of the Walk:

• Tintagel Castle - Explore the atmospheric ruins of this medieval fortress, famously associated with the legends of King Arthur.
• Merlin's Cave - Visible at low tide beneath Tintagel Island, this sea cave is steeped in Arthurian mythology.
• Rocky Valley - A magical, deeply cut gorge with Bronze Age rock carvings and the ruins of small mills.
• Bossiney Cove - A hidden beach accessible via a steep path, often deserted even in summer.
• Boscastle Harbour - A picturesque natural inlet with a charming village that has recovered beautifully from devastating floods in 2004.

This walk features steep ascents and descents with some exposed cliff sections, but rewards hikers with truly spectacular coastal views. In spring, the cliffs come alive with wildflowers, while autumn brings dramatic sea conditions and atmospheric mists. The path passes through areas of Special Scientific Interest with diverse bird populations, including fulmars, guillemots, and occasionally peregrine falcons.

Lizard Point Circular Walk

The Lizard Peninsula forms mainland Britain's most southerly point, with a unique geology that creates a distinctive landscape and rare ecological habitats. This circular walk takes in dramatic cliffs, historic rescue services, and unusual flora found nowhere else in Britain.

Highlights of the Walk:

• Lizard Point - The most southerly point of mainland Britain, with a historic lighthouse and stunning views.
• Kynance Cove - Often voted one of Britain's most beautiful beaches, with white sand, turquoise waters, and distinctive serpentine rock formations.
• Serpentine stone - Observe the distinctive green-red marbled rock that's unique to the Lizard and has been crafted into ornaments for centuries.
• Rare flora - The Lizard is one of the few places in Britain where you can see Cornish heath, spring squill, and other rare wildflowers.
• Marconi's Wireless Station - Pass the site where Guglielmo Marconi conducted pioneering radio transmission experiments.

The circular nature of this walk makes it logistically simple, and the terrain is generally good with some moderate climbs. The path can be exposed in windy conditions, but the spectacular scenery is worth the effort in any season. The Lizard's unique microclimate means it often enjoys better weather than other parts of Cornwall.

Porthcurno to Land's End

This iconic section of coastline in far western Cornwall showcases some of the county's most photographed landscapes, from golden beaches to the famous Land's End signpost marking Britain's most westerly point.

Highlights of the Walk:

• Porthcurno Beach - A stunning cove with fine white sand and turquoise waters that could be mistaken for the Caribbean.
• Minack Theatre - An incredible open-air theatre carved into the cliffside, offering performances with a spectacular backdrop of sea and sky.
• Porthgwarra - A tiny fishing cove featured in the BBC's Poldark series, with a tunnel through the rock originally cut for fishermen.
• Nanjizal Beach - A hidden gem with the famous 'Song of the Sea' rock arch, accessible only by foot.
• Land's End - Britain's most westerly mainland point, with panoramic views across the Atlantic and towards the Isles of Scilly on clear days.

This walk includes some challenging sections with steep ascents and descents, but the path is generally well-maintained. The exposed headlands can experience extreme weather conditions, so check forecasts before setting out. The area is rich in birdlife, with choughs, kestrels, and gannets frequently spotted.

St Ives to Zennor

Considered by many to be the most challenging section of the Cornish coast path, this rugged route offers extraordinary views and a sense of wildness that contrasts with the artistic charm of St Ives.

Highlights of the Walk:

• St Ives Bay - Stunning views back across the bay as you climb out of this artistic town famous for its quality of light.
• Clodgy Point - A dramatic headland with views extending to Godrevy Lighthouse in clear weather.
• Seal Island - Look for Atlantic grey seals on this small offshore island visible from various points along the path.
• Zennor Head - A rocky promontory with breathtaking panoramic views and possible dolphin sightings.
• The Tinners Arms - A 13th-century pub in Zennor village offering well-earned refreshments at the end of your walk.

This is genuinely challenging walking with numerous steep climbs and boulder-strewn paths that require good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness. The terrain is among the most difficult on the entire South West Coast Path, but the sense of achievement and the spectacular scenery make it worthwhile for experienced hikers.

Polperro to Polruan

This section of South Cornwall's coastline offers a gentler walking experience with charming fishing villages, wooded valleys, and quieter beaches away from the main tourist centers.

Highlights of the Walk:

• Polperro - A quintessential Cornish fishing village with narrow streets, whitewashed cottages, and a small tidal harbor.
• Lansallos Beach - A secluded cove accessible via a wooded valley, once used by smugglers.
• Lantic Bay - One of Cornwall's hidden treasures, a perfect crescent of sand with crystal-clear waters (requiring a steep descent to access).
• Pencarrow Head - Offering far-reaching views across Fowey Bay and east toward Devon.
• Polruan - A working fishing village with narrow streets climbing up from the quay and excellent views across to Fowey.

This walk has a different character from the more rugged north coast paths, with sections passing through National Trust woodland and across fields. The moderate difficulty rating still includes some steep sections, but generally, the path is well-maintained and accessible to reasonably fit walkers. This stretch is particularly beautiful in spring when the cliff-top wildflowers are in bloom.

Essential Tips for Coastal Walking in Cornwall

When to Go

Cornwall's coastal paths can be walked year-round, but each season offers different advantages:

• Spring (April-June) - Ideal walking weather with mild temperatures, wildflowers in bloom, and fewer crowds
• Summer (July-August) - Warmest conditions but busiest period; start early to avoid crowds and heat
• Autumn (September-October) - Often provides clear, crisp days with striking light conditions and dramatic seas
• Winter (November-March) - Can offer exhilarating walking on clear days with deserted paths, but requires preparation for changeable weather

Safety Considerations

Cornwall's coast demands respect from walkers at all times:

• Always check tide times when walking sections with beach crossings or low-tide-only paths
• Carry appropriate weather protection regardless of forecasts, as coastal conditions can change rapidly
• Stay well back from cliff edges, especially in windy conditions or where erosion is evident
• Carry sufficient water, particularly in summer, as some stretches have limited facilities
• Inform someone of your planned route and expected return time, especially for more remote walks
• Consider downloading the OS Maps or what3words apps to help with navigation and emergency location

What to Pack

Even for short coastal walks, certain essentials will enhance safety and enjoyment:

• Proper walking boots with ankle support and good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers (regardless of forecast)
• Layered clothing to adapt to changing conditions
• OS Explorer maps (physical or digital) for your route
• Fully charged mobile phone
• Sun protection (the coastal reflection can increase UV exposure)
• Walking poles for steeper sections (optional but helpful)
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting and distant views

Transportation Tips

Planning how to return to your starting point is essential for one-way walks:

• The First Kernow bus network connects many coastal communities, with daily services through summer and reduced frequency in winter
• Seasonal shuttle buses operate in popular areas like West Penwith and the Lizard Peninsula
• Local ferries connect communities across rivers and estuaries, enabling circular routes
• Consider walking with two cars, leaving one at each end for longer routes
• Local taxi services can be pre-booked for returns to starting points

Accommodation Along the Coast Path

For those planning multi-day walking adventures, Cornwall offers accommodation options to suit all budgets:

Coastal Hostels

The YHA operates excellent hostels in prime coastal locations:

• YHA Lizard Point - Britain's most southerly hostel with stunning sea views
• YHA Land's End - Located in a converted barn near Sennen Cove
• YHA Perranporth - Just minutes from one of Cornwall's finest beaches

Walker-Friendly B&Bs

Many B&Bs along the coast path cater specifically to walkers with:

• Boot drying facilities
• Early breakfasts for those wanting to start at dawn
• Packed lunch preparation
• Single-night stays during peak season (when many accommodations require minimum stays)

Luggage Transfer Services

For multi-day walks, consider using specialized services that transport your luggage between accommodations:

• Luggage Transfers Cornwall covers the entire Cornish coast path
• Most accept bookings for single bags or larger groups
• Advance booking is essential, especially during summer months

Cornwall's coastal paths offer walking experiences that rank among the finest in Europe, combining breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural heritage and ecological diversity. Whether you choose a challenging full-day hike or a gentle afternoon stroll, the county's coastal landscapes will leave an indelible impression. As the Cornish saying goes, "Kernow bys vyken" (Cornwall forever) – once you've walked these paths, a piece of your heart will remain on these magnificent shores.