Cornwall Coastal Walks | 4 Best Coastal Paths

Posted by Select Cornwall

on 06/11/2022

Cornwall is a place known for its coastlines. In fact it's literally covered in them, but this quanitity of coastal walks often makes it difficult to select just one for a sunday afternoon. So, here at Select Cornwall, we've put together a short list of what we view as four must-see coastal paths in Cornwall for Tourists.

1. St. Ives to Zennor

St Ives Coastal Sunset Beach Walk

(Photo Credit: @sockswebb on Instagram)

This hike is a fairly unique proposition but if you want to make a day of it with a few pub visits mixed in, this 7 hour walk could be your guy. 

Full of incredible views, gentle climbs, cliffs, beaches and farmland, the scenes of this walk do well to show off everything Cornwall has to offer. Additionally, offering rocky inshore islands like the Carracks, which host a small colony of wild seals.

For more expeirenced walkers this round route offers a blissful way to experience some St. Ives heritage sites like St. Ives Bay and the Godrevy Lighthouse in accordance with a long and beuaitful display of cliff-edge natural beauty.

Where to Stay:

Luxury Living Room View of St Ives

Our recommended stay is the perfect place to recover from a whole day's walking, offering beach views, hot tubs and parking for two. This beautifully decorated home sleeps 8 with huge living areas and is perfect for a fun stay with your friends.

2. Fowey Hall

Beautiful fowey Coastal Walk

(Photo Credit: @Zea_Purnell on Instagram)

This walk was a must-include in our list because it's bubbling at the brim with originality. Seldom do you see the proposition of a forest walk which is also a coastal path. Now if you mix in the fact that this trail includes, not one, but TWO ferry rides, what you're left with is a fantastical trek that you'll be telling your friends about for years.

This walk is medium in length but cute in nature and feels like it's located in a world of its own. We feel it's often overlooked for more famous spots like The Lizard but it offers a kind of escape that can really keep up with it's more famous counterparts.

Where to Stay: 

Cosy Barn Cottage Sleeps Two Cornwall

We recommend staying in this closeby renovated barn cottage. It makes a charming place for a romatic getaway for two.

3. Harlyn Bay to Padstow

Harlyn Bay Beach

(Photo Credit: @tim_wardd on Instagram)

This path is breathtaking. Coming in at a little more challenging on the legs and just under 3 hours in length, this trail is perfect for those looking for more of a workout in their walk.

As you've come to expect from this list... this walk has EVERYTHING. From low cliffs to much higher ones and even more inland islands with seals, this hike has enough to keep you fully entertained for its duration.

The walk from Harlyn Bay to Padstow is also rich in old in english pubs, local charm and facilities. It's a fantastic day out.

Where to Stay:

Modern Villa Short Walk to Padstow Town

We encourage you to stay in this beautiful three bedroom chic home a short walk from Padstow Town.

4. The Lizard

Lizard Point Cornwall

(Photo Credit: @wheresem on Instagram)

The Lizard has everything other coatsal paths have and is also an attraction known the world over in its own right. You can experience all of Cornwall's charm and also go to Britain's most southern point all in a little over an hour (the round trip will take you about 3).

We still think quieter wanders like those avaialble at Fowey Hall deserve a spot in your itenerary but if you are coming all the way to Cornwall and can only do one coastal walk it should always be this one.

Where to Stay:

Lizard Point Coastal Cottage

Our final recommedation for a coastal home away from home is this stunning colourful cottage in a postcard-esque location. It's also dog friendly so you can bring along your best friend for the ride.

Comment what walks on the South-Coast are your favourite and tag us on instagram @select_cornwall if you decide to give any of our wanders a try!