on 14/11/2022
Cornwall is full of relaxing walks for you, your dog and the whole family... but what about the times when when you really want to test yourself?
This is our list of the most captivating difficult walks in the Cornish County. We walked all of the hikes listed as strenuous on iwalkcornwall's guide to walking Cornwall and we have a few favourites which we believe are more than worth the effort.
(Photo Credit: @joshrichards52 on Instagram)
Obviously, with it being in this list, its a bit of a workout - beginning with some steeper declines before long sandy straights and large cliff-side inclines take you to panoramic views and the Medieval history of Dannonchapel Manor.
However, we also believe this to be one of the most beautiful walks in Cornwall in the summer if you are up to the task. Painting pictures of Bali, New Zealand and Driftmark, there are rolling hills punctuated by cliff edges and views of rippling clearwater and stunning rock formations round every corner.
It's a place where Cornwall is at it's most tropical.
Despite those who make it as far as to finish this colussus beauty obviously being some of the most physically fit Cornish hikers, we imagine you still might want a particularly good rest afterwards.
Thus, our recommendation is this luxury (and equally as perfect in the summer) Padstow, Holiday House. The property boasts a private sun-trapped garden and stellarly furnsihed kitchen and dining rooms. It's also dog friendly.
(Photo Credit: @allterraintim on Instagram)
Next up is a HIKE which makes it onto this list for being one of North Cornwall's most well hidden gems. Sharing a coatline with tourism heavyweights like St Ives can make it difficult for more remote attractions to stand out.
But if you're interested in the rich medieval history of the County and want a walk which makes a refreshing departure from busy beaches, this is the one. St Gennys to Dizzard is physcially difficult and truly quiet. Ideal for someone looking for a walk with plenty of hustle and no bustle.
Dogs are welcome, just be sure they are up to all 7 Kilometers of the trek - or you may end up carrying more weight than you bargained for.
St Gennys Church, The Crumbling Iron-Age Cliff-Edge Fort, Bluebell Fields, Cliff-Edge Sea Views, Very Unique Rock Formations.
We recommend this Affordable Staycation Wonder with Sea Views, located in near-by Bude. This gem comfortably sleeps 6, is perched with a view of North-Coast waves and is dog friendly for under £50 per-night depending on the time of booking.
(Photo Credit: @lucy.daniel.guide on Instagram)
No we haven't just put this walk in because it sounds like something from Game of Thrones...
Yes we may have put it in because it looks like something from Game of Thrones.
But who can blame us? This South Coast offering has the hills, sights and end-of-middle-earth quality of the other two on this list AND has it all backed by the quiet escapism of South Cornwall's gentle waves.
This walk is gorgeous and has mutliple pubs along it's route if you ever need a rest. It is largely dog friendly other than Lansallos Cove - which allows no dogs year-round so you'll have to steer around it to the finishing line.
We implore you to check out this Beautiful Cottage Home. The two story offering is the perfect place to hunker down for your stay in Cornwall as it's location allows for easy access to the gold mine of walking trails around both Looe and Fowey. The property is also dog friendly.
And that's our list! If you check out any of these challenging treks tag us on instagram at @select_cornwall and comment down below if theres any hikes you'd add to our list!
