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This walk is quite a tough hike, although if you own a
pair of walking boots you will be unable to resist the
undulating footpaths that follow the jutting shores. Starting at Tintagel, the Rocky Valley and St Nectan’s Glen are particularly attractive parts of the walk where you need to keep your eyes peeled for foxes and badgers in the undergrowth. Much of the strenuous walking on this route is along the coastline at the end, so ensure you keep some
energy in reserve. If historical landmarks are of interest to you then enjoy Tintagel with its Arthurian links, The Old Post Office, a medieval manor house and St Piran’s Well and Chapel.
Distance: 4 miles
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Head away from civilisation to the bleak wilderness of Bodmin Moor, a world apart from the traditional images of a Cornish landscape. A land of granite tors and windswept open moors; from Minions, Cornwall’s highest village, to The Hurlers – a series of three large stone circles built over 4000 years ago – this route offers a fascinating insight into Iron Age Man. From here it leads onto Rillaton Barrow and then the precarious, seemingly unstable Cheesewring, a naturally occurring rock formation. Do have stout waterproof walking boots as parts of this track can be muddy, and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Bodmin Beast!
Distance: 2.5 miles
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Two superb books, each containing full details of 60 beautiful walks in Cornwall, are available at £5.99 each (£10 for the two if purchased by phoning Cornwall and Devon Media Ltd on 01872 247 522).
The books are called Cornwall Classic Walks and all the walks have been tried and tested, and are suitable for all levels of walker, with road walking kept to a minimum
Walking tips:
Take a map and a compass and know your route before you set off
Wear comfortable walking boots and carry a stick to make the Cornish hills a little less daunting
Most of the routes have amenities at the start and finish but do take drinks and snacks with you
The Cornish weather can be unpredictable so be prepared for anything. Layer your clothes so that you can remove or add, to suit the conditions.
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The terrain of this walk isn’t too demanding, providing a varied route through farmland before traversing the coastal path. En route to the isolated Butter Hole Cove and Pepper Hole (a collapsed sea cave) you will reach a war memorial that provides extensive views across to your start point of Padstow. In contrast to the beautiful beaches you have seen so far, you will pass the notorious sandbank aptly named the Doom Bar, which provides a reminder of the ships and lives lost there. You might want to take a snack to keep your energy up, as this walk can take almost four hours.
Distance: 5 miles
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This walk explores a landscape steeped in mining history. From the scenic cove of Chapel Porth, a
onetime mining location, it passes the preserved mine engine house at Towanroath, which is one of Cornwall’s most photographed mining remains. The coastal cliff walk heads inland where you can surmount the 629 foot-high summit of St Agnes beacon, which provides sprawling views over Cornwall – on a clear day you can see 23 miles of coast and 32 church towers from the top. In season, The National Trust provides toilets and refreshments, but be aware that out of season St Agnes is your nearest port of call for amenities.
Distance: 3.5 miles
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For a total escape from civilisation head for this isolated coastal plain sandwiched between inland granite moors and towering sea cliffs, where even the houses seem to cling to the hillside! This walk follows the striking coastal route from Zennor Head to Wicca Pool and onto River Cove. The well-used return loop inland to Zennor crosses a lush, sheltered valley, as well as open countryside and farmland, where small fields enclosed by irregular granite borders dominate the landscape. The terrain is quite tough on this walk, and do be conscious of sticking to the path, which isn’t always too clear in some parts.
Distance: 4.5 miles
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Covering one of the most stunning scenic areas in west Cornwall, starting from Treen, this walk
passes through the delightful fishing cove of Penberth, before climbing to the hill fort of Treryn Dinas. Taking a steep zig-zag route up the hillside you will reach Logan Rock, the 60-ton stone famed for its rocking ability (but which now, unfortunately, no longer rocks). Make sure you stop to catch your breath whilst taking in the spectacular views over Porthcurno beach, which are especially good on a clear, bright day. Leaving the coastal views behind, the walk heads through farmland, passing the Museum of Submarine Telegraphy, which is well worth a visit.
Distance: 4 miles
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Offering the walker a calm serenity, Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake provides the setting for a
walk that’s not too strenuous – and if you don’t like hills this is the one for you! Boardwalks allow you to get close to the water’s edge, which you leave only for a brief spell whilst you head into Loe Valley from your start at Degibna. For all you twitchers out there, over 100 species of bird have been spotted at Loe Pool, but ornithology aside, the sheer contrast between the waters of the lake and the sea ensure this walk is one of the visual highlights of west Cornwall. For this walk the nearest amenities are to be found in Helston, neither toilets nor eateries are available en route.
Distance: 5 miles
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The main feature of this walk, which commences from Carne Beach, is the stunning view across Gerrans Bay from Nare Head. The outward leg along the coastal path provides plenty of ups and downs as well as superb coastal scenery, whilst the return route is through open farmland and the village of Veryan, famous for its five thatched Round Houses. Shortly before the end of the walk the route passes the unusual Carne Beacon, Cornwall’s largest tumulus and the believed (though unconfirmed) burial site of a sixth century king. You might want to take a welcome break at the pub in Veryan, as there are no amenities at Carne Beach.
Distance: 5 miles
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This walk heads towards one of Cornwall’s boldest and most striking headlands, Dodman Point. Starting at Gorran Haven, the coastal path takes you past the rarely crowded Vault beach, which provides an excellent picnic spot if you want to fuel up before really setting off. You know that you have reached your halfway marker on this walk when you approach the granite cross of Dodman Point – originally erected as a landmark for sailors, today it commands even more attention to be paid to the already stunning views. Turning inland you will traverse the ditch of the Bulwark, part of a massive Iron Age defence system. Do take care on the return path, as it can often be muddy.
Distance: 4 miles
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There are views of the estuary from the start point of this route at Fowey, and continuing on to Castle Field’s viewpoint you will see the remains of St Catherine’s Castle. Following The Saints Way and re-tracing a route used for centuries by traders travelling between Padstow and Fowey, you will pass Love Lane, which might put you in the mood to utilise the kissing gate that you approach shortly afterwards! Passing through Covington Woods and across farmland, you reach Polridmouth Cove with its ornamental lake, before heading back towards the colourful and busy Fowey harbour.
Distance: 3.5 miles
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