Best Walks in Cornwall in 2026
Activities in Cornwall
Consisting of a dramatic landscape made up of rocky, jagged, and mist-covered shores, Cornwall is a fantastic destination to explore an ancient part of Britain that is steeped in natural beauty and cultural history. Well-known for its mild climate and seaside resort towns, much of the region is accessible by foot year-round, making it an ideal place to get off the beaten path on your next great walking excursion.
Countless day-walks can be found in the region that cater to all skill levels and will take you to interesting historical or cultural sites like Tintagel Castle (said to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur) or Land’s End (the southwesternmost part of England). For those walkers that want a taste of the extreme, 531.1 km of the 1,013.9 km long South West Coast Path - the longest national trail in the UK - can be found in Cornwall, offering a physically challenging and strikingly beautiful way to experience the Cornish coast. Whether you are a beginner walker or a seasoned adventurer, you can rest assured that you will find the perfect trail on your next walking journey in Cornwall.
What’s New for Walking in Cornwall in 2026
Cornwall remains one of the best year-round walking regions in England, but 2026 visitors should plan around coastal weather, busy summer villages and muddy inland paths after rain. The mild climate makes short routes around Port Isaac and woodland walks like Ladock Woods appealing in most seasons, while the South West Coast Path sections are best tackled with sturdy footwear and enough time for transport at the end of one-way walks. Search demand is especially strong for Port Wenn, the fictional Doc Martin name for Port Isaac, so the Port Isaac route should be kept visible on this page without treating Port Wenn as the official village name.
Best Walks in Cornwall by Type
Family-Friendly Walks in Cornwall
- Ladock Woods Circular Walk is a short woodland route near Ladock that suits families who want a quick forest loop, although waterproof boots are helpful after rain.
- Stithians Reservoir Circular Walk follows the edge of Stithians Reservoir, mixing waterside views, fields and marshland for a relaxed day out with plenty of scenery.
- Porth Reservoir Walk is another gentle waterside option near Newquay, with lake views, woodland and countryside in one easy route.
Half-Day Walks in Cornwall
- Port Isaac Circular Walk is the best route for the Port Wenn and Portwenn search demand, looping around the real village of Port Isaac, the filming location for Doc Martin.
- Polruan and Lantic Bay Circular Walk packs Cornish coast drama into a moderate half-day loop, with Lantic Bay views and a finish in the waterside village of Polruan.
- Clay Trails and Menacuddle Well Walk is a good St Austell option that links woodland, river paths and the historic Menacuddle Well in about two hours.
Full-Day Walks in Cornwall
- Penrose and Porthleven Walk blends the Penrose Estate, open farmland and the Porthleven coast for a longer outing that still feels accessible.
- South West Coast Path: Crackington Haven to Tintagel is a tougher full-day coastal stage for walkers who want cliffs, sea views and a classic approach to Tintagel.
Walking Near Cornwall
If you are continuing along the southwest coast, the natural next stop is walking in Devon, where coastal paths, Dartmoor, Exmoor and river valleys extend the same southwest England walking trip. For a wider view, browse our walks in England or plan further afield with our guide to hiking in the United Kingdom.
Cornwall Walking Tours
Prefer to have the route planned and your bags moved for you? Explore our self-guided walking tours in Southern England, which include Cornwall and the South West Coast Path, or go straight to the Lizard Peninsula Walking Tour for a Cornwall-specific self-guided walking holiday. And for the wider country, there’s nothing like a self-guided walking tour in England to string together its classic long-distance trails.
Other Outdoor Activities in Cornwall
Cornwall is best known on 10Adventures for walking, but the wider southwest is also strong for active holidays by bike. If you want to add cycling to a walking trip, browse Southern England bike tours and choose a regional route that fits your itinerary.
Displaying 40 of 126 routes
Route guides for Hiking in Cornwall
0 hours
144 hours
0 km85 km
0
5
0
10
South West Coast Path: Bude to Crackington Haven Route Guide
Walking the South West Coast Path: Bude to Crackington Haven is a fun and beautifully scenic adventure that will allow you to experience the coastal areas of Cornwall. While out on the trail, you will traverse the rugged coastal landscape and make your way through the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are a few steep climbs along the route; however, these are short lived, making the walk suitable for beginners and casuals that are after a bit of a challenge.
South West Coast Path: Crackington Haven to Tintagel Route Guide
Walking the South West Coast Path: Crackington Haven to Tintagel is a beautifully scenic portion of a much longer trail that will take you around the southwest corner of England. While out on the trail, you will enjoy views of the Cornish coastline, as you meander through the Cornwall AONB on the way to the supposed birthplace of King Arthur. This is a one-way trail, so make sure to have your travel arrangements sorted before heading out on your adventure.
South West Coast Path: Tintagel to Pentireglaze Route Guide
The South West Coast Path: Tintagel to Pentireglaze is a fantastic seaside adventure in the southwest corner of England that offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the rugged terrain of the coast and pass by charming villages along the edge of the water that offer the perfect place to sit out and enjoy the views. What a wonderful way to spend a day outdoors!
South West Coast Path: Pentireglaze to Padstow Route Guide
Walking the South West Coast Path: Pentireglaze to Padstow is a beautifully scenic adventure along the Cornish coast that is only one small segment of a much longer journey around the southwestern tip of the country. While out on the trail, you will pass through charming seaside villages and enjoy beautiful views across the Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to pre-arrange a pick up at the end of your walk, as this is a one-way trail.
South West Coast Path: Padstow to Mawgan Porth Route Guide
Walking the South West Coast Path: Padstow to Mawgan Porth is a lengthy adventure that will allow you to fully experience the natural beauty of the Cornish coast. While out on the trail, you will explore the various bays, coves, and beaches that can be found within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Make no doubt about it, this is a long and tiring walk that is often split up into two days.
South West Coast Path: Mawgan Porth to Perranporth Route Guide
The South West Coast Path: Mawgan to Perranporth is another lengthy stretch of the famous long distance walking route that will take you along the southwestern coast of England. While out on the trail, you will experience beautiful coastal scenery and pass through charming seaside villages and towns that dot the landscape. This route is often split up into two parts; however, it can certainly be done in a single day if you can handle the leg work.
The South West Coast Path: Portreath to St Ives Route Guide
Walking the South West Coast Path: Portreath to St Ives is a fantastic adventure along the Cornish coast that may be long, but also offers some amazing views of the seaside. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the coast and make your way along the banks of the River Hayle before finishing off in the charming town of St Ives. Plan ahead and make your travel arrangements for the end of this lengthy one-way trail.
South West Coast Path: St Ives to Geevor Route Guide
The South West Coast Path: St Ives to Geevor is a fantastic oceanside adventure that will showcase the true beauty of the Cornish coastal areas. Departing the picturesque seaside town of St Ives, you will make your way along the shore and take in stunning views of secluded beaches and coves from atop dramatic cliffs. This really is an amazing way to experience the coast of England.
South West Coast Path: Land’s End to Penzance Route Guide
The South West Coast Path: Land’s End to Penzance is a lengthy, but beautifully scenic adventure that will allow you to experience the rugged terrain and lovely coastal views along England’s southwestern shoreline. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the rugged cliffs along the coast while taking in views of the blue ocean and secluded coves before completing the final leg of the journey into Penzance. This is a fantastic trail that combines the rugged terrain of the coast with urban shoreline walking.
South West Coast Path: Poldhu Cove to Kuggar Route Guide
Walking the South West Coast Path: Poldhu Cove to Kuggar is a great adventure along the Cornish coast that provides some stunning views across the Atlantic Ocean. While out on the trail, you will traverse the rugged coast along the Lizard Peninsula, making your way through a national nature reserve on the way to the thrall’s end in Kuggar. This is a wonderful route along the picturesque south coast of England.
South West Coast Path: Kuggar to Helford Route Guide
The South West Coast Path: Kuggar to Helford is a scenic trail that will take you along the eastern edge of the Lizard Peninsula to explore the Cornish coastline. While out walking the trail, you will pass through the Lizard National Nature Reserve and a number of charming villages, as you traverse the undulating landscape along the shoreline. Unless you are planning on completing the entire South West Coast Path, you will want to plan out your travel arrangements for the end of this one-way walk.
South West Coast Path: St Anthony to Portloe Route Guide
The South West Coast Path: St Anthony to Portloe is an amazing adventure along the coast of Cornwall that will produce stunning views overlooking the ocean. While out on the trail, you will experience the coastal landscape of southwest England, as you traverse the undulating terrain along the cliffs that overlook the water. The trail may be long, but the beautiful scenery is definitely worth the effort.
South West Coast Path: Portloe to Mevagissey Route Guide
Walking the South West Coast Path: Portloe to Mevagissey trail is a challenging portion of this famous long-distance route that will provide beautiful views of the ocean. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill along the rocky cliffs that characterize this part of the coast and traverse several points before completing the final leg into Mevagissey. The elevation gain is more or less spread throughout the entire route, so be prepared for a bit of a leg burn.
South West Coast Path: Mevagissey to Fowey Route Guide
Walking the South West Coast Path: Mevagissey to Fowey is a great experience that will allow you to take in the beauty of Cornwall and its coastal areas. While out on the trail, you will traverse the rugged shoreline and climb uphill for breathtaking views that sweep across St Austell Bay. This is a fantastic long distance route if you are looking to explore the Cornish Riviera.
South West Coast Path: Fowey to Downderry Route Guide
The South West Coast Path: Fowey to Downderry is a beautifully scenic, but long and challenging walk along the gorgeous coast of Cornwall. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill and traverse the rugged coastal terrain, passing through charming villages as you enjoy stunning views that sweep across the English Channel. This route will take a fair amount of physical fitness to complete in one day; however, the beautiful views and sense of achievement are incomparable.
South West Coast Path: Downderry to Plymouth Route Guide
The South West Coast Path: Downderry to Plymouth is a long segment of the 630.0mi national trail known as the South West Coast Path. While out exploring this portion of the famous walk, you will traverse the rugged coastline and walk along the Rame Head Peninsula before taking a ferry across to the end of the route in Plymouth. This may be a lengthy adventure, but there is no better way to explore the natural beauty of the Cornish coast.
Port Isaac Circular Walk Route Guide
The Port Isaac Circular Walk is a fun and beautifully scenic adventure along the Cornish Coast that will lead you around a well known village from pop culture. While out walking the trail, you will explore the landscape surrounding the picturesque village of Port Isaac, which is famous for its role as the fictional village of Portwenn in the television series Doc Martin. This is an excellent walking route that can be enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts of varying skill levels.
Lanhydrock Gardens Circular Walk Route Guide
Walking the Lanhydrock Gardens Circular Trail is a beautifully scenic adventure that will expose you to a stunning historical site and picturesque estate grounds. While out on the trail, you will make your way past the Victorian Era Lanhydrock house and pass through its immaculate gardens, before exploring the forests and winding banks of the River Fowey nearby. This is an excellent adventure in Cornwall that can be enjoyed by all.
Talland Bay to Polperro Walk Route Guide
The Talland Bay to Polperro Walk is a quick and fairly easy excursion in Cornwall that will allow you to explore the coastal areas of the county and its historic villages. While out on the trail, you will pass through the charming 13th Century fishing village of Polperro, before traversing the rugged shoreline of Talland Bay. This is an exceptional adventure with a beach at the beginning/end of the route, so be sure to bring your swimwear!
Polruan and Lantic Bay Circular Walk Route Guide
Walking the Polruan and Lantic Bay Circular Trail is a fun, albeit sometimes challenging adventure that will lead you along the Cornish Coast to a charming village. While out walking the trail, you will make your way along the coast and enjoy views over the ultra scenic Lantic Bay, before arriving in the quaint waterside village of Polruan. This is a great route to spend a sunny afternoon by the sea.
Mousehole and Newlyn Circular Walk Route Guide
Walking the Mousehole and Newlyn Circular Trail is a beautiful seaside experience that will allow you to take in the scenic views of the Cornish Coastline along Mount’s Bay. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through Mousehole and pass through the village of Paul to make your way north in order to explore Newlyn, before making the return leg of the walk along the coast. This is a wonderful walking route that can certainly be enjoyed by the entire family.
Prussia Cove Walk Route Guide
The Walk to Prussia Cove is an excellent seaside adventure that will produce gorgeous views along the dramatic landscape of the Cornish Coast. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the rugged coastal terrain on the way to Cudden Point, where you will enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, before exploring Prussia Cove. This is a spectacular adventure filled with scenic highlights that is a sure bet to create some lasting memories.
Godolphin Cross Circular Walk Route Guide
The Godolphin Cross Circular Trail is a laidback adventure set in the Cornish countryside that will take you around some beautiful estate grounds for views of the surrounding area. While out walking the trail, you will explore the grounds of the Godolphin Estate, before climbing up to the top of Tregonning Hill for some exceptional views of the surrounding area. This is a beautifully scenic walking route that will showcase the natural and man-made beauty of the region.
St Newlyn East and Lappa Valley Circular Walk Route Guide
The St Newlyn East and Lappa Valley Circular Walk is an easy-going adventure in the southwest of England that will allow you to experience a lovely bit of the Cornish countryside. While out walking the trail, you will make your way through the charming village of St Newlyn East, before traversing the surrounding woodlands and fields that provide a lovely backdrop for a walking adventure. This is an excellent trail for walkers of most skill levels.
Port Gaverne to Barrett’s Zawn Circular Walk Route Guide
The Port Gaverne to Barrett’s Zawn Circular Walk is a fun adventure along the coast of Cornwall that offers some stunning views looking out onto Port Isaac Bay and the Cornish Sea. While out walking the trail, you will make your way through the charming hamlet of Port Gaverne and around the headland to explore the coastal terrain on the way to the rocky inlet of Barrett’s Zawn. Terrain along the route is rugged and steep in some areas; however, the stunning views along the coast are well worth the effort.
Feock to Devoran Walk Route Guide
The Feock to Devoran Walk is a nice family-friendly adventure that will allow you to experience the beauty of several waterways in Cornwall. While out walking the trail, you will pass through the historic village of Feock and cross over the Penpol Creek, before making your way through Devoran alongside the Carnon River. If you enjoy relaxing walks in a pleasant riverside setting, then you will certainly enjoy this trail.
Penrose and Porthleven Walk Route Guide
The Penrose and Porthleven Walk is a fun journey along the Cornish Coast that will take you through a variety of terrain with scenic views of the sea. While out walking the trail, you will make your way through the historic Penrose Estate to meet up with the coastal path, following it through the town of Porthleven before making the return through open farmland. This amazing walk is a great blend of natural beauty and historic charm.
St Kew and St Endellion Circular Walk Route Guide
The St Kew and St Endellion Circular Walk is a beautiful adventure in Cornwall that will take you through the charming countryside across a variety of terrain. While out walking the trail, you will pass through woodlands, open fields, and make your way along quiet country lanes, as you explore the landscape surrounding the villages of St Kew and St Endellion. Be sure to wear proper boots and bring a walking stick, as sections of the trail can be a bit overgrown.
Boscastle and Rocky Valley Circular Walk Route Guide
The Boscastle and Rocky Valley Circular is a fun trail in Cornwall that offers a great variety of terrain and plenty of interesting highlights. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill through forests and across open fields to make your way into St Nectan’s Glen, before making the return along the dramatic Cornish Coast. Long trousers and bug spray are recommended, as sections of the trail can be a bit overgrown with nettles and plenty of mosquitoes will be buzzing around!
Bodmin, Cheesewring, and Caradon Hill Walk Route Guide
The Bodmin Moor, Cheesewring, and Caradon Hill Walk is a great adventure in Cornwall that will take you across the rugged terrain of Bodmin Moor for sweeping views of the surrounding area. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill across Bodmin Moor and loop around the famous rock formation of Cheesewring, before heading south to traverse Caradon Hill. Terrain along this route is a bit exposed to the elements, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing and waterproof boots to combat the boggy terrain.
Fowey to Polruan Hall Walk Route Guide
The Fowey to Polruan Hall Walk is a fun walking route in Cornwall that features lovely riverside views and can be enjoyed by the entire family. While out walking the trail, you will make your way along the river bank to reach the Bodinnick ferry crossing, continuing along the east bank of the river and taking in the scenic views until you reach the Polruan ferry crossing. Walkers should take note that this route will require you to take two ferry rides across the river to complete.
Polperro to Lansallos Circular Walk Route Guide
The Polperro to Lansallos Circular Walk is a beautifully scenic and challenging walking route that will lead you along the Cornish Coast for amazing views of the sea. While out walking the trail, you will follow a steep, narrow, and winding coastal path that will take you to Lansallos Beach on Lantivet Bay for some breathtaking views, before traversing some inland terrain on the return leg of the walk. Be sure to exercise extreme caution if travelling this route with children or dogs, as the steep drop offs could prove to be dangerous.
Two Coombes of Lansallos Circular Walk Route Guide
The Two Coombes of Lansallos Circular Walk is an exceptional outdoor excursion in Cornwall that will showcase the rugged terrain and beautiful scenery along the coast. While out walking the trail, you will pass through the village of Lansallos and descend a coombe towards Lansallos Beach, before walking along the coast of Lantivet Bay and climbing up another coombe on the return leg. This is a beautifully scenic adventure; however, there are sections of steep and challenging terrain that could prove dangerous, so be sure to keep an eye on children and dogs.
The Loe Circular Walk Route Guide
The Loe Circular Walk is a beautifully scenic adventure in Cornwall that offers views of the coast and the largest natural freshwater lake in the region. While out on the walk, you will make your way through the Penrose Estate and around the shores of the lake, traversing The Loe Sandbar before making the return through the town of Helston. Walkers should take note of tidal times before setting out on this walk, as water levels around the sandbar can have a swift current.
Altarnun and West Moor Walk Route Guide
The Altarnun and West moor Walk is a fantastic route in Cornwall that will take you through the picturesque countryside within the Cornwall AONB. While out walking the trail, you will pass through the charming villages of Altarnun and Trewint, before looping around the picturesque farmlands and barren moors on the return leg. While it isn’t an overly difficult walk, the terrain can be fairly rugged, so be sure to wear proper walking footwear.
Caerhays Castle and Gorran Haven Circular Walk Route Guide
The Caerhays Castle and Gorran Haven Circular Walk is a fantastic outing in Cornwall that will produce views of an early 19th Century manor house and the blue expanse of the English Channel. While out walking the trail, you will make your way along the Cornish Coast to round Dodman Point on the way to Gorran Haven, before looping inland for views of Caerhays Castle. This is a great route with a bit of a longer distance that can easily help fill a few spare hours with stunning coastal views.
Helford Passage and Dennis Head Walk Route Guide
The Helford Passage and Dennis Head Walk is a great journey along one of Cornwall’s many waterways that will produce stunning views of both a river and the sea. While out walking the trail, you will make your way along the banks of the Helford River to reach a scenic viewpoint overlooking the English Channel at Dennis Head, before making an inland return through St Anthony-in-Meneage. This is an excellent walking route for anyone with a love of waterside scenery.
Porthcurno and Penberth Circular Walk Route Guide
The Porthcurno and Penberth Circular Walk is a fantastic adventure that will produce some amazing views along the coast of Cornwall. While out walking the trail, you will make your way inland through the village of Treen to reach the scenic locale of Penberth Cove, before traversing the dramatic coastal terrain near Logan Rock on the return leg back into Porthcurno. This is an exceptional walking route with some truly amazing seaside views.
Coombe to Portreath Walk Route Guide
The Coombe to Portreath Walk is a nice and easy adventure in Cornwall that will take you through a variety of terrain to reach the seaside village of Portreath. While out walking the trail, you will pass through the forested expanse of Tehidy Wood and traverse several open fields before arriving at the endpoint of the walk in Portreath. Walkers should take note that this is a one-way route, so you will need to either retrace your steps along the trail or make travel arrangements to return to the trailhead.
St Agnes Beacon and Wheal Coates Walk Route Guide
The St Agnes Beacon and Wheal Coates Walk is an amazingly scenic adventure along the Cornish Coast that offers panoramic views and fascinating historical sites. While out walking the trail, you will climb up to the summit of St Agnes Beacon for sweeping views along the coast, before descending the hillside on the way to the Wheal Coates Engine Houses that are tied to the mining history of Cornwall. This is an exceptional walking route that is perfectly suited for anyone with an interest in history and amazing seaside scenery.
1-40 of 126 routes
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!