Rame Head Peninsula Circular Walk

Route Description for Rame Head Peninsula Circular Walk

The Rame Head Peninsula Circular Walk does feature some rugged coastal terrain and sections of uphill and downhill walking that won’t be suitable for less-mobile walkers. Additionally, there are steep drop offs at several points along the trail that could prove fatal. If travelling with children or dogs, be sure to exercise caution along the cliffs. Lastly, the car park at the trailhead is quite small, so try to arrive early in order to secure a space.

Featuring a number of interesting historical sites and breathtaking views along the Cornish coast, the Rame Head Peninsula Circular Walk is an exceptional route that is sure to be enjoyed by all. Here, you will make your way past coastal military forts and medieval chapels, all while taking in the sweeping views of the English Channel. If you enjoy coastal scenery or history, then you definitely won’t want to miss out on this adventure.

Setting out from the car park on Military Road, you will head across the road to the west and pick up the footpath, following it as it bends to the south and descends the coastal hillside on the way to Polhawn Fort. After crossing over the road and picking the path back up, you will continue on to the southwest above the Napoleonic-Era fort, keeping right along the trail for 1.2 km to arrive at the dramatic site of St Michael’s Chapel at Rame Head.

After taking in the impressive views of this medieval chapel set along the cliffs with the vast English Channel as a backdrop, you will make your way back to the previous junction and follow the path on the right to make your way east along the coast. After 2.4 km, you will round the southeast corner of the route and continue to take in the beautiful views that sweep across the English Channel, following along the coastal path as it leads you north through the forest alongside Cawsand Bay.

Eventually, you will arrive in the village of Cawsand at the edge of St Andrew’s Place, following it to the left before making a right onto New Road. Follow this for 140 m, where you will turn to the left and pick up a footpath that will lead you west on the return leg of the walk. Here, you will climb uphill across the countryside to the northwest for 1.2 km to reach the village of Wiggle, where you will turn left onto the road and follow it back to the car park where you set out on the Rame Head Peninsula Circular Walk.

Trail Highlights

Rame Head

Located to the southwest of the village of Rame in Cornwall, Rame Head is a coastal headland with dramatic views of the English Channel. Historically, Rame Head was the site of an Iron Age fort and the much later Polhawn and Penlee gun batteries. The headland also features a prominent medieval cliffside chapel that is dedicated to St Michael and sits on the site of a much earlier Celtic hermitage.

Insider Hints for Rame Head Peninsula Circular Walk

• Be sure to arrive early, as parking at the trailhead is limited.
• Additional parking can be found 1.9 km to the east at Cawsand.
• Sturdy walking boots will come in handy when traversing the rugged coastal landscape.