Cornwall's most wonderful walks

An invigorating ramble along a cliff-top coastal path, a peaceful stroll across wild and ancient moorland, or a leafy woodland wander through a secluded valley: if you could pick the perfect walk, which would you choose?

A county filled with 300 miles of the infamous South West Coast Path as well as around 2,000 miles of inland trails, it’s no wonder that hiking in Cornwall is one of the most popular activities. With rich heritage, geology, wildlife and epic scenery along the way, there couldn’t be a better place to don those walking boots and enjoy a good dose of fresh air and adventure.

From short Cornish classics to all-day hikes, we have chosen some of the best walks in Cornwall to inspire your visit to this magical corner of the UK. And if you need somewhere to stay, click the button below to browse our full collection of holiday cottages in Cornwall.

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Skip to our favourite:

• 📌Circular walk
• 📌Pub walk
• 📌Family walk
• 📌Woodland walk
• 📌Short walk
• 📌Long walk
• 📌Coastal walk

Circular walk: Minions, Bodmin Moor

One of our favourite circular walks in Cornwall and relatively easy in pace, is along one of the most accessible parts of Bodmin Moor on the outskirts of Minions village. Starting at the Hurlers, three Neolithic or early Bronze Age stone circles, the circuit takes you over fields, past crumbling chimney ruins and remnants of the area's rich mining past, and through a sprawling valley.

Highlights include the Cheesewring, an iconic 6m tall granite pile sculpted by nature in the form of a cheese press, a mysterious cave said to belong to an eccentric local stonemason in the 1700s, and the engine houses of the Phoenix United Mine. The end of this moorland wander takes you to Houseman’s Engine House, a heritage centre full of fascinating historical and geological displays and finds. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the legendary Beast of Bodmin Moor! 

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Pub walk: Mousehole to Lamorna Cove

Find this route after parking in either the North or South Quay car park in the pretty fishing village of Mousehole, you can embark on a sunny walk along Cornwall’s south coast. Join the South West Coast Path at the southern end of the village and follow it through wildflower meadows, the enchanting wooded glades of the Lamorna Valley, along the edge of windswept cliffs, through the Kemyel Crease Nature Reserve with over 100 tiny Victorian gardens, and around the jaw-dropping Carn Du headland into Lamorna Cove, much-loved by artists and filmmakers.

Cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the small pebble cove and take a moment to relax in the tranquillity of this beauty spot, before heading up the hill to the Lamorna Wink for a swift pint of local ale. Stop for a bite to eat if you wish before making the return trek inland amongst the dramatic scenery of the Lamorna granite quarries. One of the best pub walks in Cornwall, you’ll end this circular route back in Mousehole where you can rest your weary legs in the Ship Inn on the harbour and tuck into a renowned ‘Stargazy Pie’ – a Cornish delicacy involving baked pilchards, eggs and potatoes.

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Family walk: Penzance to Marazion

If you’re looking for family walks in Cornwall, then this is a top choice as this virtually level route follows the sea wall in Penzance on a wide, surfaced path suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. An easy jaunt for little legs to enjoy, this 2-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path flanks the beautiful scenery of Mounts Bay, with the fairy-tale castle of St Michael’s Mount on one side and trains chugging past on the other.

Passing by Marazion Beach and Long Rock Beach, you’ll find plenty of places to stop for a picnic, build sandcastles, have a paddle, and skim pebbles along the way. And when you reach Marazion, you could continue your adventure by crossing the causeway at low tide and visiting the famous tidal island of St Michael’s Mount.

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Woodland walk: Cardinham Woods, near Bodmin

When it comes to woodland walks in Cornwall, Cardinham Woods near Bodmin is the place to go. There are four different colour-coded routes to choose between, from easy pushchair-friendly trails to longer treks that include steep valley climbs and epic views. Fresh air, wildlife and natural beauty are in abundance amongst the woodland’s 265 hectares of mixed conifer and native broadleaf trees.

If you’re up for the challenge, you can follow streamside paths and discover remnants of an old lead and silver mine on the Wheal Glynn walk, or if you prefer something less strenuous, the Lady Vale walk is much easier to navigate and is dotted with activity boards encouraging children to search for mini-beasts. And if you’re bringing four-legged family members with you, the woods are super dog friendly too. Take a picnic, or pop into the lovely Woods Café to warm up by the fire and enjoy a delicious cream tea after your adventures.

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Short walk: Bedruthan Steps Circular

Boasting staggering coastal scenes, this is one of the top short walks in Cornwall. Walkers who complete this circular stroll near Padstow will wind past hidden sandy coves, dramatic clifftops and the remains of Redcliff Castle, all whilst drinking in sweeping views of the Atlantic. And when you finally reach the iconic Bedruthan Steps, you are sure to be blown away by the sight of the imposing volcanic rock formations dwarfing the golden sands below.

This walk is particularly magnificent in spring when colonies of seabirds nest among clumps of pink-headed thrift on the cliffs. It is said that these famous steps are named after a giant who used the stacks as a shortcut to get across the bay. When the tide is out, take a wander along the soft sand to explore the rock pools and mysterious caves, before taking the path back inland to the National Trust tearoom. After warming up with a hot chocolate, you can take the regular bus service back to the start in Porthcothan.  

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Long walk: St Ives to Zennor

Following an unmissable section of the 630-mile Cornwall coast path, this challenging yet rewarding expedition is one for the stout-booted only. Those seeking long walks in Cornwall are sure to love this spectacular stretch of rugged coastline, but watch your step as well as the view, and take time to pause and admire the incredible beauty spots that you encounter along the way.

Begin this hardy hike at Porthmeor Beach in St Ives and strike out along the South West Coast Path towards Zennor. As you meander along wild and rocky cliff-top paths peppered with gorse and heather, there are countless sights to look out for, including the ruins of the old leper hospital, and Seal Island which is home to a colony of grey Atlantic seals. And when you finally reach Zennor, you can stop for a well-deserved rest and some reviving refreshment at the Tinners Arms. Then you can either choose to end your walk at 6 miles and catch the bus back to St Ives, or complete the return leg through beautiful countryside, passing Tremedda and Trevalgan.

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Coastal walk: Lizard loop

Venture towards the most southerly point in the UK on this breathtaking loop of the Lizard Peninsula, one of our favourite coastal walks in Cornwall. Taking in iconic sights like the Lizard Lighthouse and the shipwreck on Pentreath Beach, you will also pass National Trust’s Kynance Cove, one of Cornwall's most photographed beaches. Here, intriguing caves are accessible at low tide, and the clear turquoise waters are perfect for an energising swim. And we highly recommend taking a break at the Kynance Cove Café to sample a delicious fresh crab sandwich and admire the fantastic views.

If you complete this Cornish hike in good weather, be sure to take a camera as the towering 350-million-year-old serpentine rock stacks glow in the sunlight, highlighting the deep reds and greens of their polished surfaces. And there’s a great chance of spotting seals, dolphins and basking sharks along the way too.

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Walking holidays in Cornwall

Ready to pull on those walking boots? Then take a look at our handpicked selection of Cornwall cottages to find somewhere cosy to rest your weary legs after your action-packed adventures. Whether you’re searching for somewhere with a roaring open fire to warm your toes after a chilly winter walk, or a retreat with a bubbling hot tub where you can soothe your tired limbs under a starry sky, you’re sure to find it in our collection.

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