Cornwall offers a wide range of walking routes, from exposed Atlantic cliffs to sheltered coves, estuaries and inland moorland. Much of the coastline is followed by the South West Coast Path, but many shorter circular and point-to-point walks allow sections to be explored independently.
Walking in Cornwall is often more demanding than distances suggest. Coastal routes involve frequent ascents and descents as the path drops into coves and climbs back to clifftops. Inland routes, particularly across Bodmin Moor, are generally less steep but can be exposed and remote. This page provides an overview of the main types of walks across the county.
Google map of Cornwall
North Coast Cornwall Walks (East to West)
The north coast faces the Atlantic and is generally more exposed, with higher cliffs, stronger winds and more dramatic surf. Walks here tend to be rugged, with frequent elevation change and wide coastal views.
Widemouth Bay to Bude Walk (circular)
Tintagel and Barras Nose Walk (circular)
Polzeath, Pentire Point and Rumps Point Walk (circular)
Padstow and Camel Estuary Walk (circular)
Padstow, Stepper Point and Trevone Walk (circular)
Padstow and Stepper Point Walk (circular)
Harlyn Bay to Mother Ivey’s Bay and Trevose Head Walk (circular)
Bedruthan Steps to Park Head Walk (circular)
Mawgan Porth to Bedruthan Steps and Porthcothan Walk (one-way back by bus)
Newquay, Fistral Beach and Crantock Beach Walk (circular)
Carbis Bay to St Ives Walk (one-way back by bus)
Sennen Beach to Land’s End Walk (one-way)
South Coast Cornwall Walks (West to East)
The south coast is generally more sheltered, with a mix of estuaries, wooded valleys and small harbours. Walks here are often more varied, combining coastal scenery with inland sections.
Porthcurno to Land’s End Walk (one-way, bus back)
Porthcurno to Land’s End and Sennen Cove Walk (one-way, bus back)
Penrose and Porthleven Walk (circular)
Lizard, Church Cove and Kynance Cove Walk (circular)
Lizard Point to Kynance Cove Walk (out and back)
Lizard, Lizard Point and Kynance Cove Walk (circular)
Bothortha and St Anthony’s Head Walk (circular)
St Catherine’s Point Circular Walk
Fowey and Polruan Circular Walk
Polperro to Talland Bay Walk (out and back)
Rame Head Peninsula and Cawsand Circular Walk
Inland Walks
Inland Cornwall offers a quieter alternative to the coast, with woodland, river valleys and open moorland landscapes. These walks are generally less crowded but require more planning due to fewer facilities.
South West Coast Path – Cornwall Sections
The South West Coast Path runs for approximately 300 miles through Cornwall, forming the backbone of the county’s coastal walking. It can be walked in sections as day walks or combined into longer itineraries.
Popular sections include:
Bude to Crackington Haven – Remote coastal stretch with high cliffs and limited development along this less-visited section of the coast.
Boscastle to Tintagel –
Padstow to Newquay – Varied coastal walking with a mix of cliffs, beaches and access points.
St Ives to Land’s End – Longer, more remote section with mining heritage and exposed headlands.
Fowey to Polperro – Scenic south coast section with harbours, coves and moderate terrain.
Lizard Peninsula Circuit – Circular route around Lizard Point with varied coastal scenery.
Planning Cornwall Walks
Most coastal routes follow the South West Coast Path and are well signposted, but terrain can be uneven and weather conditions change quickly. Inland routes may be less clearly marked and require basic navigation.
Parking is available at most start points, though it can be limited in peak season. Public transport is less reliable in rural areas, so circular routes or return planning is often necessary.
Spring to early autumn provides the most stable conditions, although quieter walking can be found outside peak months.