The best coastal walks in Cornwall

Cornwall is well-known for its dramatic coastline and features some of the best coastal paths in the country. From windswept moors and river valleys to pristine beaches and sand dunes, there’s always natural beauty to discover in this incredible region.

Owning a holiday home means you can visit this charming part of the country as much as you want. At Lovat Parks, we have holiday homes for sale in Cornwall that provide you with the ideal base to explore some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Choose from our tranquil holiday parks in Cornwall to find your brand new home-from-home and become part of our caring community.

Our guide takes a look at the best coastal walks in Cornwall, whether you’re looking for a short walk or a longer route along the coastline.

Best coastal walks in North Cornwall

Portreath to Hayle coastal path

Distance: 11.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Follow the coastal path from Portreath along the breathtaking cliffs and take in stunning views over the reefs and coves below. The walk is relatively easy to do, but there are some steep climbs towards the start.

Keep an eye out for beautiful flowers in spring and summer, including primroses, blue sheep’s pit, and yellow rattle. If you’re lucky, you might spot some seals in the water at Godrevy and Gwithian from Navax Point or basking sharks from the North Cliffs. There’s also Shetland ponies to meet who can usually be found grazing at the Knavocks.

You can make this walk shorter by walking 7.6 miles to Gwithian or make it longer by carrying on towards Carbis Bay (another 4.5 miles) or St Ives (another 6.1 miles).

Perranporth to St Agnes walk

Distance: 3.6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

The walk from Perranporth to St Agnes takes you along the rugged north coastline of Cornwall and is excellent for dogs. During the walk, you’ll pass many pet-friendly pubs and sandy beaches, perfect for a day out with your four-legged friends.

Start your walk by exploring the golden Perranporth beach and the rugged cliffs, including ‘Shag Rock’, which offers views over the Cornish coast. Once you reach Droskyn Point, you’ll be able to marvel at the mining history of the local area. Walk the paths that Cornish miners walked every day and enjoy views over Cligga Quarry, Hanover Cove and Trevallas Clove.

There is an area of steep track out of the Blue Hills valley as you head towards the top of the cliffs towards St Agnes.

Perranporth to Trevellas circular walk

Distance: 5.4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Put on your walking boots and enjoy a day out walking from your holiday home at our Sun Haven Park. Stroll along golden stretches of beach and past the historical ruins of Alfred Nobel’s dynamite works on this circular walk. There’s a shipwreck full of treasure at Hanover Cove to discover as well as an old spitfire base.

This is another great walk for dogs as there are no stiles along the root, minimal livestock, and the beach at Perranporth is dog-friendly. The coast path runs close to cliff edges with no fencing, so take care when walking.

Crackington Haven to Tintagel walk

Distance: 11.1 miles

Difficulty: Hard

If you’re a more experienced hiker, the trail from Crackington Haven to Tintagel is perfect for you. Keep an eye out for Soay sheep, goats, falcons, kestrels, peregrine falcons, and wildflowers as you make your journey. Make sure you keep to the coast path as there are some sheer drops over the cliff edges.

There’s so much to see on this stretch of rugged coastline, from isolated beaches to a 120ft waterfall. The highest coastal cliff in Cornwall, High Cliff, is along this route, providing unbeatable views out to sea from 700ft up.

Explore the place King Arthur was born once you reach Tintagel Head and head down towards a small beach to discover hidden caves and waterfalls.

Trewarmett to Tregardock circular walk

Distance: 5.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Make your way along this stretch of sea sculpted cliffs and take in the spectacular scenery before returning for a cost evening in your caravan. The circular walk is full of incredible views and countryside, with must-see coastal waterfalls, including the Tregardock beach waterfall.

There’s plenty of wildlife to spot as well, including peregrines, kestrels and deer. Head towards Tregardock beach and take time to explore the history of the local area. The cliffs here were used to mine antimony and silver as far back as the 1500s, and you can still see the remains of these along the path.

Hawkers Cove to Stepper Point walk

Distance: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

If you’re looking for a more leisurely stroll out, the route from Hawkers Cover to Stepper Point in Padstow is a great option. Both our parks – Sun Haven and Padstow Holiday Village – are close by, making it a great day out.

Starting at the car park at Hawkers Cove, you’ll travel along a track past stunning wild grass meadows and to a clifftop path leading you to Butter Hole Beach. Carry on along the coastal path towards Daymark tower and explore the National Coastwatch Institute lookout hut at Stepper Point.

Look out in awe over the Camel Estuary and the north coast of Cornwall towards the sea. There are two different paths to choose from – one which is shorter and ideal if you have limited mobility, and another with a slightly longer and more uneven path.

Godrevy to Hell’s Mouth coastal walk

Distance: 5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Walk alongside the dramatic cliffs on Godrevy Point in St Ives and head towards Hell’s Mouth for a magical day out. Pass up through sandy dunes to the towering cliffs and discover lighthouses and Cornish wildlife.

Once you reach Mutton Cove, you can often see seals relaxing on the beach below. As the seals are breeding, you need to be careful of noises as they can be spooked. On a clear day, you might spot basking sharks and dolphins out in the water.

It’s best to wear wellies for this Cornish coastal path as the route can be muddy at parts.

Best coastal walks in South Cornwall

The Lizard coastal walk

Distance: 7 miles

Difficulty: Hard

Become one with nature on your break away to your holiday home and immerse yourself in beauty on one of Cornwall’s best stunning walks. The journey takes you around Britain’s most southerly point, Lizard Peninsula. Expect to see a unique combination of rare wildflowers and dramatic cliffs as you walk along the coast.

Starting at Kynance Cove, the route will take you towards Lizard Point on a coast path alongside Pentreath beach, Polpeor Cove, and Lizard Lighthouse. If you want to take a picnic break, Pen Olver has some of the most incredible views to take in whilst you rest.

For a more moderate route, try the Three Sides of The Lizard walk. The walk is 4 miles long and is more level with more minor climbs and rough terrain. You might recognise the landscape if you’ve watched the adaptations of Winston Graham’s Poldark novels as the scenery inspired various scenes.

Par to Polperro walk

Distance: 13.9 miles

Difficulty: Hard

Perfect for experienced walkers, the Par to Polperro route follows some of the National Cycle Network route around Par Sands. The first section of the coast walk is moderately straightforward and follows the path between Polkerris and the daymark at Gribbin Head. You’ll go past hidden coves, towering headlands, and towards Fowey harbour.

Fowey is the perfect place to find something to eat and have a rest. The picturesque town is peppered with charming fishing boats and cottages. Watch herons, redshanks and curlews on the tidal creeks before catching the foot ferry to Polruan.

The section between Pencarrow Head and the Lizard and Bolt Head is more challenging and includes inclines and tricky paths down. Once you reach Polperro, you can enjoy a much-needed rest before heading back.

St Just-in-Roseland to St Mawes circular walk

Distance: 6.1 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

If you want to enjoy a mix of dramatic clifftops and relaxing countryside, this is one of the best walks in Cornwall for you on your holiday. This circular route is located on the south coast and takes you past the Roseland peninsular along the coast towards the pretty fishing village of St Mawes.

Some of the highlights of this circular walk are the Tudor castle in St Mawes, the sub-tropical gardens at St Just church, and the stunning scenery of the Percuil River.

Gorran Haven Beach to Mevagissey

Distance: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

The route from Gorran Haven to Mevagissey is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets. Travel along the coast path through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and admire the sandy beaches before walking across the countryside towards Great Perhaver Point, Carn Rocks and Jobbles Rock.

You can visit a Bronze Age burial mound on the way to Turbot Point before you head down towards Chapel Cove and Colona Beach. Once you make it to Mevagissey, you can rest and have a bite to eat.

Whitsand Bay circular walk

Distance: 6.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Another fantastic route for walking your dog is along the Whitsand Bay circular walk on the south coast of Cornwall. Take in breathtaking views of the coast and enjoy the fresh seaside air.

Start at the Freathy parking area near Looe and walk along the South West Coast Path (SWCP) towards Tregantle Fort. If you see red flags flying, you’ll need to join the road. Take care on this road as there can be high levels of traffic and there are sharp bends. If no flags are flying, continue on the route.

On your journey, you’ll visit Trethill House, Crafthole reservoir, as well as wetlands and wildlife habitats before rejoining the South West Coast Path.

Sennen Cove to Lamorna

Distance: 11.7 miles

Difficulty: Hard

If you’re visiting Land’s End for a day out, the walk from Sennen Cove to Lamorna is worth a visit. It can be quite a challenging walk, especially as you head towards Lamorna, but it is rewarding and has some incredible views to discover.

Explore the edge of Britain and walk alongside the rugged coastline of South Cornwall past the country’s most westerly point. On clear days you can see all the way out to Wolf Rock Lighthouse and even to the Isles of Scilly. This is truly one of the best coastal walks in Cornwall.

Look out for The Irish Lady, a rocky offshore islet, as well as seals, basking sharks and dolphins. For a shorter route, travel to Porthcurno (6.3 miles), and for a more extended way, travel to Mousehole (an extra 2.4 miles).

Visit your holiday home and explore the Cornish coast

With your own Cornish holiday home, you can enjoy a relaxing walk alongside a sandy beach or towering granite cliffs at any time of year.

Our holiday home ownership in Cornwall is available at two of our most popular parks, Sun Haven Holiday Park and Padstow Holiday Village on the north coast. Both parks are located only a stone’s throw away from sandy beaches and some of the best coastal walks in Cornwall.