Mountaineering in Cornwall is an absolute pleasure and could be loved at any time of the 12 months. From beautiful clifftop vistas to hidden coves, deserted villages and rural heathland, the coastal walks in Cornwall are as diversified as they’re stunning.
Cornwall is one among my favourite locations on the earth because of its attractive seashores, nice browsing alternatives, picturesque fishing villages, and miles upon miles of unspoiled coastal paths.
I’ve been climbing in Cornwall since I used to be sufficiently old to stroll and it’s a pleasure I return to again and again. There are various climbing trails in Cornwall from simple day hikes to multi-day long-distance treks.
You possibly can select coastal footpaths, inland routes, or mix each. Cornwall is absolutely geared in the direction of being open air and it’s simple to seek out refreshments and lodging alongside the numerous climbing routes.
10 Finest Hikes in Cornwall
Having spent a few years touring round Cornwall, I’ve accomplished numerous hikes. I’ve executed many extra hikes than this in Cornwall, however I’ve narrowed down my favorites to this listing of 10 primarily based on accessibility, ease, crowds, views alongside the best way, wildlife, and total enjoyment on the path.
Cornwall’s climbing trails provide some distinctive alternatives for recognizing wildlife. I’ve seen basking sharks, seals, kingfishers, and all method of marine life on my many hikes throughout the county.
Hikers can generally even spot whales and dolphins from the clifftop making a Cornish hike much more memorable.
1. Polzeath to Port Isaac (One of many Finest Coastal Walks in Cornwall)
The hike from Polzeath to the fishing village of Port Isaac is one among my favourite hikes and is the perfect coastal stroll in Cornwall. This hike has all of it; rugged cliffs, abandoned seashores, panoramic views, and finally ends up in Cornwall’s most picturesque village.
This 10-mile Cornwall climbing path is reasonably strenuous however I’ve been doing it since I used to be a baby, so so long as you’re comparatively match, you’re unlikely to seek out it too taxing.
You’ll absorb some well-known landmarks reminiscent of Pentire Level, the Rumps, the deserted village of Port Quinn, and much more in addition to.
The hike takes round 4-5 hours and in summer season the route is kind of uncovered so make sure you cowl up and put on sunscreen. Good climbing boots or sneakers are wanted for some rocky elements down by the seashores.
The route could be hiked in both path and you may take the No 96 bus again.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: South West Coast Path, Polzeath, South West Coast Path, Port Isaac. View on Alltrails
- Size: 10 miles / 15.9 km
- Period: 4h30m
- Kind of Path: Out and again
- Elevation Acquire: 1,496 toes / 456 meters
2. The Camel Path
The Camel Path is an 18-mile monitor following an deserted railway line and the River Camel between Bodmin and Padstow. Due to the flat terrain, the route is widespread with cyclists, but it surely’s additionally nice for strolling too and is without doubt one of the greatest simple hikes in Cornwall.
Mountaineering the 6-mile part between Padstow and Wadebridge is without doubt one of the nice Cornwall day hikes as you observe the Camel Estuary inland. There are many nice locations to cease and have a picnic alongside the best way and I’ve many comfortable recollections of snacking on the river banks.
This is without doubt one of the simple hikes round Cornwall and is appropriate for all health ranges. The flat path alongside the Camel Estuary is one among my favourite Cornwall trails and is one I’ve loved numerous occasions since childhood to newer occasions.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin
- Size: 6 miles / 9.8 km
- Period: 2h10m
- Kind of Path: Out and again
- Elevation Acquire: 380 toes / 116 meters
3. Padstow and Trevone Round Stroll
This reasonably strenuous round stroll beginning and ending in Padstow presents a few of the greatest climbing in Cornwall. The route has some implausible views, a lot of alternatives for recognizing wildlife, and the added bonus of a lot of wonderful pubs and eating places to chill out in after your stroll.
The surroundings on this coastal path in Cornwall is unimaginable and it’s a hike I’ve taken many occasions for the views alone. The path consists of coastal and inland sections with towering cliffs, secluded bays, rolling farmland, and naturally the gorgeous fishing city of Padstow.
You’ll should be comparatively match because the path covers rocky coastal paths and cliffs. It’s an incredible stroll to do with canines and kids who’re used to climbing. This Cornwall climbing path is greatest undertaken from spring to fall to get probably the most out of the expertise.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Padstow Harbor, see the route on AllTrails
- Size: 7.6 miles / 12.2 km
- Period: 3h
- Kind of Path: Circle
- Elevation Acquire: 702 toes / 214 meters
4. Penzance to Newlyn
The round stroll from Penzance to the small village of Newlyn is without doubt one of the greatest winter hikes in Cornwall because it’s a brief route and isn’t as uncovered because the paths on the northern coast. It takes within the attractive fishing port of Newlyn – one of the vital picturesque locations on the south coast.
The route takes in some attention-grabbing native sights such because the Celtic chapel and the previous fishing port in addition to the Victorian tropical gardens and Penzance seafront. This stroll is appropriate for all ranges of health and makes for an ideal stroll regardless of the climate.
For these seeking to discover extra of the southern shoreline, you may observe the coast path east to Marazion and St Michael’s Mount. One factor’s for positive, Penzance is the right base for coastal walks in Cornwall.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Jubilee Pool, Penzance, see the route on IWalkCornwall
- Size: 3.9 miles / 6.3 km
- Period: half-hour
- Kind of Path: Circle
- Elevation Acquire: 377 toes / 115 meters
5. The Lizard Peninsula
Cornwall’s Lizard peninsula is without doubt one of the most scenic elements of the county with rugged cliffs towering above the blue waters of the North Atlantic. This is without doubt one of the greatest hikes in Cornwall for spectacular views and uncommon wildflower and wildlife recognizing alongside the best way.
The route begins and finishes at Kynance Cove, famous as one of the vital beautiful seashores in Cornwall. This 7-mile hike isn’t too difficult and consists of strolling alongside seashores in addition to some stony, clifftop paths.
Pack your swimwear if making this trek in summer season as there are some implausible seashores alongside the best way, and as you’ll go by means of the city of Lizard, there are many nice choices for lunch (the High Home Inn is an ideal conventional pub that serves Cornish ales and hearty meals).
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Kynance Cove, Lizard, Nationwide Belief Route
- Size: 7 miles / 11 km
- Period: 3h
- Kind of Path: Circle
- Elevation Acquire: 700 toes / 220 meters
6. Porthcurno to Land’s Finish
This simple route is without doubt one of the greatest hikes round Cornwall and takes within the westernmost level of mainland Britain at Land’s Finish. The surroundings alongside this stretch of shoreline is phenomenal with breathtaking views out to sea and alongside the cliffs.
The route is out and again, however when you don’t fancy the return journey you may hop on the Land’s Finish Coaster bus again to Porthcurno. This is without doubt one of the greatest summer season hikes in Cornwall and is appropriate for all ages and ranges of health.
You’ll get to absorb the beautiful Porthcurno seashore, one of the vital stunning seashores in Cornwall with virtually turquoise waters lapping on the golden sands, and a rocky shoreline beneath the cliffs.
Make sure you pack sturdy footwear and your swimwear.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Porthcurno, see the route on AllTrails
- Size: 4.8 miles / 7.7 km
- Period: 2h15m
- Kind of Path: Out and again
- Elevation Acquire: 817 toes / 249 meters
7. Bude Coast and Canal Round Stroll
This nice stroll across the Bude shoreline and canal takes in one among Cornwall’s hottest trip locations (and passes some nice pubs just like the Brendon Arms).
The round stroll consists of some beautiful surroundings alongside one among my favourite stretches of shoreline. The canal was constructed to carry supplies to the city from the close by hills and is one among Bude’s nicest options.
The route is a good way to discover every little thing this a part of Cornwall has to supply; from the ocean to the city and open pastures and farmland.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Bude, see on AllTrails
- Size: 6.4 miles / 10.3 km
- Period: 2h30m
- Kind of Path: Circle
- Elevation Acquire: 640 toes / 195 meters
8. St Ives to Zenor
St Ives is one among Cornwall’s high trip locations because the city is perched on a wonderful stretch of the coast with attractive sandy seashores and is backed by dramatic cliffs.
The city itself has one thing of a bohemian vibe with a lot of artwork galleries, cafes, and boutique eating places. At 12 miles, it is a reasonably robust hike that’ll take between 5 and 6 hours to finish, so a average degree of health is required.
The views over the bays, inlets, and shoreline are well worth the effort as the world round St Ives is without doubt one of the greatest locations to hike in Cornwall.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: St Ives, see the route on AllTrails
- Size: 12 miles / 19.3 km
- Period: 5h25m
- Kind of Path: Circle
- Elevation Acquire: 1,900 toes / 579 meters
9. Tintagel Citadel Loop
Tintagel is one among my favourite locations in Cornwall for its historic fortress, allegedly the house of King Arthur. The small city can be situated on a dramatic part of the coast with towering cliffs overlooking secluded bays and hidden coves reminiscent of Merlin’s Cave.
This implausible hike takes within the fortress, cave, seashores, and even one among Cornwall’s stunning waterfalls at St Nectan’s Kieve. It’s a troublesome route with a lot of steps and steep slopes so a average degree of health is required.
The paths can get muddy in winter so be sure to have boots and waterproofs. In summer season, make sure you pack loads of water and canopy up with sunscreen. That is one among my favourite coastal walks in Cornwall because of the wonderful views and historic landmarks alongside the best way.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Tintagel, see the route on AllTrails
- Size: 7 miles / 11.4 km
- Period: 3h25m
- Kind of Path: Circle
- Elevation Acquire: 1,315 toes / 401 meters
10. Complete South West Coast Path
For adventurous souls who’re in search of greater than day hikes or a nice amble then tackling all the 630 miles (1,014km) of the southwest coast path is a mammoth, however massively rewarding endeavor – it’s one thing I’d like to do someday.
The path, which is the longest such climbing path within the UK, begins at Minehead in Somerset and runs by means of Devon, Cornwall, again into Devon, and into Dorset on the south coast.
For people who don’t have the luxurious of the seven or eight weeks it takes to finish, you may also select a piece and are available again and hike completely different elements as time permits.
Path Particulars and Data
- Location: Minehead, Poole Harbor, see the route on AllTrails
- Size: 630 miles / 1,014 km
- Period: 7/8 weeks
- Kind of Path: One-way
- Elevation Acquire: 1,043 toes / 318 meters
The place to Keep for Mountaineering in Cornwall
These are a couple of of the perfect areas round Cornwall that make nice bases for climbing and strolling within the area.
Padstow
The charming fishing port of Padstow is a superb start line for lots of the greatest treks in Cornwall from the Camel Path to Polzeath, Daymer Bay, and much more in addition to.
There’s a ferry service crossing the Camel Estuary so that you received’t be confined to westerly hikes solely.
The Outdated Customized Home is a wonderful lodge situated in an previous stone constructing proper on the Harbour and is inside simple attain of each the southwest coast path and Camel Path.
Port Isaac
Port Isaac is without doubt one of the prettiest fishing villages in Cornwall and the southwest coast path runs proper alongside the harbor. You possibly can hike west in the direction of Padstow or east in the direction of Tintagel. There are additionally some nice inland routes beginning in Port Isaac that discover the gorgeous Cornish countryside.
The Slipway is a superb lodge simply steps from Port Isaac’s picturesque harbor and the southwest coast path.
Polzeath
Polzeath makes an incredible base for a few of the greatest hikes in Cornwall together with Polzeath to Port Isaac, Padstow to Trevone, and shorter hikes such because the routes to Pentire Level and the Rumps. The city has a lot of bars and eating places (the Oystercatcher is my favourite) and is the right base for seashore and climbing holidays.
Polzeath Seaside Home is the right place to remain for climbing in Cornwall. The seashore and southwest coast path to Pentire Level, Polzeath, and Padstow is simply steps from this boutique lodge.
Penzance
Penzance is a superb vacation spot for hikers seeking to discover the southern and western elements of the Cornish coast and delve into the county’s attention-grabbing historical past of fishermen, pirates, and smugglers.
The Penzance to Newlyn hike is a pleasant simple one which begins within the city, however there’s a lot extra to find.
The Ship Inn is a conventional Cornish pub, restaurant, and lodge a stone’s throw from the harbor and coast path.
Bude
Bude is one among my favourite cities in Cornwall because of its nice seashores and easy accessibility to the coast path and different walks. There’s heaps to do within the city itself from swimming and browsing to having fun with bars, eating places, and walks alongside the canal. Make sure you take a look at my favourite watering gap, the Brendon Arms.
Holbein Home is a mattress and breakfast simply 500 meters from the seashore and southwest coast path that provides comfy stays at cheap costs.
Mountaineering in Cornwall: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on climbing round Cornwall.
One of the vital widespread coastal walks in Cornwall is Porthcurno to Land’s Finish as this takes within the westernmost level of the mainland British Isles and a few of the greatest surroundings within the nation.
The Camel Path is the best hike round Cornwall because it’s virtually fully flat attributable to following the River Camel and an previous, disused railway line.
There are some nice waterfall trails round Cornwall together with the falls at St Nectan’s Kieve close to Tintagel and Rocky Valley in close by Boscastle. If you wish to head inland then Bodmin Moor additionally has some nice waterfall hikes.
You’ll want sturdy sneakers or boots to hit the climbing trails in Cornwall as lots of them embody rocky cliff paths. It must also go with out saying that it’s clever to pack waterproofs as Cornwall has its justifiable share of showers.
Any part of the southwest coast path alongside the north coast is especially stunning. The areas round Tintagel, Port Isaac, and Polzeath provide a few of the greatest views.
Trekking Cornwall may be very protected offering you persist with the paths on the coast paths and keep away from going out in extreme storms. Maintain canines and kids shut by when excessive up on the cliffs and don’t go close to any uncovered edges.
The perfect coastal stroll in Cornwall is the part of south west coast path between Polzeath and Port Isaac. This route takes in some unimaginable surroundings, previous villages, secluded seashores, and many wildlife alongside the best way.
The whole southwest coast path, which incorporates each Cornwall and Devon, is 630 miles (1,114km). The Cornwall part runs for round 422 miles (697km).
Cornwall is without doubt one of the greatest locations within the UK for climbing because of its pristine nature, beautiful views, seashores, fishing villages, and extra.
In Closing
Mountaineering in Cornwall is without doubt one of the greatest actions because of the beautiful surroundings, wildlife, and lots of great pubs and eating places to find alongside the best way. One of many first issues I do on any go to is to hit the coastal walks in Cornwall to blow away the cobwebs.
Whether or not you’re in search of a brief amble, a day hike, or one thing extra demanding, the Cornwall strolling trails shouldn’t be missed. Many of those hikes round Cornwall absorb a few of the county’s most well-known sights reminiscent of Tintagel Citadel and Padstow harbor.
In fact, many of those Cornwall treks additionally embody some implausible seashores, so make sure you pack your swimwear if climbing in the summertime months. The one query now needs to be, which one among these nice coastal walks in Cornwall do you have to select first?
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