Cornwall Walks
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.
Best Hikes in Cornwall
Godolphin Cross Circular Walk
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.
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Saints Circular Walk
The Saints Circular Walk is a fantastic excursion that will take you through a variety of terrain with scenic views. While out on the trail, you will make your way north across the picturesque Cornish countryside and pass through the forests of Breney Common, before climbing to the summit of Helman Tor for some amazing views. Some sections of this walk feature uphill walking and rugged pathways, but the amazing views are well worth the effort.
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St Newlyn East and Lappa Valley Circular Walk
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.
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St Just to Cape Cornwall Walk
The St Just to Cape Cornwall Walk is a fantastic adventure along the Cornish Coast that will see you traverse the open countryside for views of the ocean. While out walking the trail, you will pass through the town of St Just and traverse the scenic headland of Cape Cornwall, where you can look out across the water where the Atlantic currents divide and flow into the English and Bristol channels. This is a beautifully scenic journey that can be enjoyed by walkers of most skill levels.
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Cape Cornwall to Levant Mine Walk
The Cape Cornwall to Levant Mine Walk is an exceptional route in Cornwall that is filled with scenic views and historical sites. While out walking the trail, you will make your way along the rugged, yet beautiful terrain of the Cornish Coast, taking in views of the historic mining buildings that dot the landscape, before visiting the site of the world’s only functional Cornish Beam Engine. This is an amazing adventure for anyone interested in views of the sea and local history.
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Port Gaverne to Barrett’s Zawn Circular Walk
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.
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Cardinham Woods and Lady Vale Walk
The Cardinham Woods and Lady Vale Walk is a relaxing journey in Cornwall that will take you through a wonderfully atmospheric stretch of woodland terrain. While out walking the trail, you will make your way through the densely forested expanse of Cardinham Woods to reach the village of Cardinham itself, before looping back through the forest along the opposite bank of Cardinham Water. This is a fantastic adventure to escape the outside world and relax in a peaceful forest setting.
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Feock to Devoran Walk
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.
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Chapel Porth to St Agnes Walk
The Chapel Porth to St Agnes Walk is a great adventure in Cornwall that will take you along rugged coastal headlands for views of the sea. While out walking the trail, you will make your way along the coast to the scenic lookout at St Agnes Head, before looping around Trevaunance Cove to pass through St Agnes on the return journey. Make sure to wear proper walking boots for this amazing coastal journey.
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Penrose and Porthleven Walk
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.
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Gunwalloe Coves Circular Walk
The Gunwalloe Coves Circular Walk is a beautifully scenic coastal adventure that will allow you to take in the natural beauty along Cornwall’s beautiful shores. While out on the trail, you will make your way down to The Loe Bar, before walking along the dramatic landscape of the Cornish Coast while taking in the scenic views of several secluded coves. This is an easy-going adventure that will allow you to spend a few hours in an idyllic seaside setting.
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St Kew and St Endellion Circular Walk
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.
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St Ives to Carbis Bay Walk
The St Ives to Carbis Bay Walk is a fun and beautifully scenic adventure along the Cornish Coast that will take you through seaside towns for incredible views. While out walking the trail, you will climb up the hillside to reach Knill’s Monument, before descending through Carbis Bay to make your way along the water’s edge, where you will be able to spot historic shipwrecks at low tide. This is a great walking route for those who enjoy scenic views and local history.
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Carn Brea and Great Flat Lode Walk
The Carn Brea and Great Flat Lode Walk is a great outdoor excursion just east of Camborne that will take you uphill for views of the surrounding area. While out on the walk, you will climb uphill along Carn Brea and view the 14th Century castle, before descending into the Red River Valley on a loop through the Cornish countryside. This is a fantastic adventure for those with an interest in history or for anyone looking to experience some scenic views.
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Eden Project Circular Walk
The Eden Project Circular Walk is an amazing walking route that will connect you with the beauty of the Cornwall landscape and offers plenty of educational opportunities. While out walking the trail, you will follow a route that leads you around the 30 acre gardens and giant covered biomes of the Eden Project, an educational charity that offers a glimpse into various climates and ecosystems. This fun adventure makes for an exceptional day on the trails with friends and family.
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Mother Ivey’s Bay and Booby’s Bay Circular Walk
The Mother Ivey’s Bay and Booby’s Bay Circular Walk is a laid back coastal adventure in Cornwall that will produce some stunning views of the sea. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the dramatic terrain above Harlyn Bay, Mother Ivey’s Bay, and Booby’s Bay, as you loop around Trevose Head. This is a great walk that can be combined with a weekend of camping at one of the nearby holiday parks.
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Camel Trail: Wadebridge to Padstow
Walking the Camel Trail: Wadebridge to Padstow is a fantastic outdoor adventure that will allow you to explore one of the many waterways in Cornwall. While out on the trail, you will leave the town of Wadebridge behind and walk along the River Camel as it widens into an estuary and takes you to Padstow. Walkers should take note that this is a one-way trail, so be sure to make travel arrangements for the return leg or plan to walk the entire route over again.
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Boscastle and Rocky Valley Circular Walk
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!
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Camel Trail: Bodmin to Wadebridge
The Camel Trail: Bodmin to Wadebridge is a fantastic walking route that will allow you to experience a beautiful inland stretch of the Cornish countryside. While out walking the trail, you will leave the town of Bodmin behind and follow along the winding banks of the River Camel, as it snakes through forests and open fields to reach the town of Wadebridge. Walkers should note that this is a point-to-point trail, so be sure to make travel arrangements for the return leg if you do not plan on retracing your journey along the entire length of the route.
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Idless Woods Walk
The Walk through Idless Woods is a great family-friendly adventure that will take you through a lovely forest filled with fascinating historical sites. While out walking the trail, you will pass through the densely wooded terrain and explore the remnants of an old gunpowder factory, as well as those of an ancient hillfort. This is an excellent walking route for anyone that has an interest in history or is looking to reconnect with nature.