Skip to content
A couple holding hands and wearing waterproof gear walk up a path covered in autumn leaves, with Lanhydrock house behind them
An autumn stroll through the parkland at Lanhydrock in Cornwall | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Walking in Cornwall

We look after miles of coast and footpaths for walking around Cornwall. Circular walks taking in the South West Coast Path are popular for good reason – but you’ll be rewarded if you head inland too, with hilltop views and peaceful parkland.

Walks with a café

If you fancy a stroll that could start or finish with a hot drink, here are the top places to stretch your legs.

Autumnal view up a long, straight drive, lined by beech trees, to a stone gatehouse, lit by low sun with a blue sky
Trail
Trail

Lanhydrock Great Wood and Beech Avenue walk 

Lanhydrock is home to a wide variety of veteran and ancient trees. This gentle circular walk lets you take in the sweeping views across the woods. Head to the Park Café to warm up with freshly made food and drink.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
Twisting oak branches covered in autumnal leaves frame the view of a calm, broad estuary with boats anchored
Trail
Trail

Trelissick to Roundwood Quay secluded stroll 

Wander tree-lined riverside paths, peeping through twisting oak branches to glimpse your destination of Roundwood- home to an Iron Age fort and 18th-century quay. The café is open to welcome you after your wondering adventures.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
View across the coastline from Port Quin near The Rumps at Pentire, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Pentire headland walk 

Enjoy a walk that takes in the spectacular Pentire Point and the Rumps. The circular route starts at the main car park at Pentireglaze where there are toilets and a café (check for opening).

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.4 (km: 5.44)
View of the quay and river with boat moored up at Cotehele, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Cotehele circular walk 

Explore the Cotehele Estate on a circular walk and discover hidden places along the route that are a haven for wildlife. The Edgcumbe Tea-Room and Barn Restaurant will be waiting with a warm welcome after your walks.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.7 (km: 2.72)
Bar Lodge, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Gunwalloe kiosk to The Stables cafe 

This long leisurely out & back walk follows the wild coastline from Gunwalloe to the heaped shingle beach at Loe Bar and through the woodland at Penrose to The Stables cafe, and back again.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 8.5 (km: 13.6)
View over the countryside to the sea from Godolphin Hill, West Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Godolphin Hill walk 

This gentle ramble up to the top of Godolphin Hill will reward you with some of the most impressive views over West Cornwall you can find.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
A path cutting through dense overgrowth on either side
Trail
Trail

Boscastle and the Valency Valley walk 

Explore the cliffs above Boscastle's medieval harbour before traversing the peaceful woodland and riverside path in the Valency Valley on this wonderful walk

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)

North coast walks in Cornwall

A path cutting through dense overgrowth on either side
Trail
Trail

Boscastle and the Valency Valley walk 

Explore the cliffs above Boscastle's medieval harbour before traversing the peaceful woodland and riverside path in the Valency Valley on this wonderful walk

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
View to the east along the coastline on a sunny summer day at Pentire, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Pentire headland walk 

Enjoy a walk that takes in the spectacular Pentire Point and the Rumps. The circular route starts at the main car park at Pentireglaze where there are toilets and a café (check for opening).

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.4 (km: 5.44)
Botallack Mine near St Just, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Botallack mining walk 

Discover Cornish mining heritage on this beautiful one mile walk around Botallack.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
A view over the beach at Carnewas at Bedruthan on a sunny day
Trail
Trail

Carnewas at Bedruthan coast walk 

A moderate walk taking in a remarkable stretch of the north Cornwall coast, with views of the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bedruthan Steps and the sheltered Porth Mear cove.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)
A view towards Godrevy lighthouse at sunset with cliffs to the right of the image
Trail
Trail

Godrevy to Hell's Mouth coastal walk 

For a walk steeped in local history that leads you across clifftop pathways with glorious ocean views, try the Godrevy to Hell's Mouth coastal walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)
A view of the beach at Holywell, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Holywell beach walk 

Explore one of the most picturesque beaches in the UK and enjoy great views out to sea on the Holywell beach walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Hawker's hut, Morwenstow, where Reverend Hawker would smoke opium and write poetry
Trail
Trail

Hawker's Hut walk, Morwenstow 

This gentle clifftop walk encompasses breath-taking views of North Cornwall's coast and a visit to Reverend Hawker's famous hut.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Two people walking on the coast path above Towanroath Shaft pumping engine house, part of the Wheal Coates mine, near St Agnes, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Wheal Coates tin mining walk 

Explore the remnants of Wheal Coates's tin mining history, while taking in beautiful views of the Atlantic, on this short circular coastal walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 0.8 (km: 1.28) to miles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Coast path from Lundy Bay toward The Rumps, Pentire, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Lundy Bay walk 

Just a mile or so before you reach New Polzeath, there's a sheltered valley where light woodland and scrub lead to a gem of a rocky bay, with sandy coves at low tide.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
views towards Pentire point and the Rumps
Trail
Trail

Lundy Bay and Pentire walk 

A circular walk at Pentire headland with an abundance of wild flowers and birds to spot, as well as clifftop views of the Rumps. There are toilets and a café at Pentireglaze, part way along the route.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
A view of the Milky Way from Chapel Carn Brea, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Chapel Carn Brea stargazing walk 

Choose a clear night to take this short circular walk to the summit of the most south-westerly of the West Penwith hills and soak up the starry beauty of the dark skies.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Abandoned Beam Engine Houses at Botallack
Trail
Trail

Levant to Botallack and Higher Bal walk 

Follow this 4-mile walk along the South West Coast Path and discover more about the mining industry in this area.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.7 (km: 5.92)
A sea view from the cliffs at Carnewas at Bedruthan
Trail
Trail

Carnewas bus route walking trail 

Carnewas at Bedruthan has a bus stop within a couple of minutes walk. This trail takes in the breathtaking views of the giant rock stacks and further along the coast towards Trevose Head.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.25 (km: 5.2)
A walker with her dog at Trevose Head, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Walk to Trevose Head from the bus stop 

Trevose Head offers stunning coastal views and the chance to spot a variety of wildlife. This walk will take you there from the bus stop at Harlyn.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5.1 (km: 8.16)

South coast walks in Cornwall

View of bay with clear blue sea and grassy headland beyond
Trail
Trail

Lantivet Bay circular walk 

Discover a landscape with a rich fishing and smuggling heritage on this circular walk around Lantivet and Lantic bays in Cornwall.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.8 (km: 4.48)
The sandy shoreline of Carne Beach, Cornwall, backed by grassy cliffs.
Trail
Trail

Carne Beach to Nare Head circular walk 

Explore a wooded valley and look out for signs of local history before taking in the far-ranging views at Nare Head on the Nare and back again walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
Visitors walking along the coastal path at Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

The Lizard coastal walk 

Starting from the beautiful Kynance Cove, get close to nature and enjoy dramatic scenery on the Lizard coastal walk,

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 7 (km: 11.2)
The view to Pencarrow Head, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Polruan to Polperro rollercoaster walk 

A strenuous walk high above turquoise seas and white sandy beaches, and through prime fishing and smuggling territory.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 6.8 (km: 10.88)
Mouth of the Fowey estuary showing The Gribbin and St Catherine's Point, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Covington walk in the Fowey estuary 

A circular walk around the Cornish harbour town of Fowey on this National Trust trail taking in heritage highlights and views across the estuary. It's the perfect place for a stroll with plenty of places to stop for a picnic too.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Aerial view of Dodman Point, Cornwall, in autumn
Trail
Trail

The Dodman long loop trail 

Explore a 3–mile circular walk at Dodman Point, the highest headland on Cornwall's south coast and see far-reaching views and wildlife from its peak.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.7 (km: 7.52)
Rocky, grass-topped cliffs drop down to the golden sandy beach at Porthcurno Cove, Cornwall, with rocky cliffs stretching away into the distance
Trail
Trail

Porthcurno circular walk 

Savour special views, Second World War defences and communications history landmarks on this gentle circular walk along the Cornish coast.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
A sandy cove, Porthcew Beach, flanked by rugged Rinsey cliffs
Trail
Trail

Rinsey walk 

Explore the coast and countryside around Rinsey, on this circular 1-mile (1.6km) walk, and see a mix of landscapes, including remains from the area's mining heritage.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
A sandy beach, a sloping cliff and St Anthony Head lighthouse in the distance
Trail
Trail

St Anthony Head circular walk 

This short circular walk presents dramatic scenery along tree-lined pathways and from clifftop vistas.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
A chough feeding near Lizard Point
Trail
Trail

Lizard peninsula rare flora and fauna walk 

Take a short walk around the western side of the Lizard Peninsula for stunning coastal scenery and a chance to spot rare plants, birds and other wildlife.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Sunset over Falmouth and the Carrick Roads estuary, with silhouettes of pine trees at Messack Point in the foreground
Trail
Trail

Messack creek and woodland walk on the Roseland 

Explore a circular waterside walk from St Just in Roseland church, up St Just Creek and out to Messack Point, with views over Falmouth and the Carrick Roads.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)
Image shows a wooden waymarker signposting the Riverside Footpath at Porth, with green foliage in the background and blue skies above.
Trail
Trail

Porth circular coast and woodland walk 

Enjoy this circular walk along the coastal path at Porth, Roseland, passing through farmland and woodland, with long-reaching views and clifftop vistas.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Image shows a group of people walking through a field on Bosigran Farm in Cornwall, with views over the countryside visible in the background.
Trail
Trail

Bosigran circular walk 

Explore an ancient landscape steeped in mining history on this circular walk around Bosigran, Cornwall, with far-reaching coastal and moorland views.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
The view out to sea from Struddicks in south east Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Struddicks circular walk 

Explore the rugged Cornish coastline, unkempt wilderness, sea views, coastal ponies and other resident wildlife on this short but demanding circular walk that starts in Seaton, Cornwall.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.75 (km: 4.4)
Looking over to the net loft, a grey stone building perched on a rocky promontory, at Polperro from the harbour
Trail
Trail

Chapel Cliff walk 

Discover a mysterious 19th-century boat house, old fishmen's shelters, and origins of St Peter's Chapel on this short but tough walk along the rugged coastline from Polperro, Cornwall.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Looking over to Blackbottle Rock near Lantic Bay, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Blackbottle Rock picnic walk 

This short but beautiful jaunt along the Cornwall portion of the South West Coast Path runs along the cliffs overlooking Blackbottle Rock, close to Lantic Bay.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Countryside and riverside walks in Cornwall

The beautiful parkland at Penrose
Trail
Trail

Plantations and parkland walk 

Enjoy a wild ramble through the woods at Penrose, followed by a gentle stroll through the Victorian parkland.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
A view across parkland to the stone house and church at Lanhydrock, surrounded by autumnal trees
Trail
Trail

Lanhydrock Parkland walk 

Get to know Lanhydrock's varied parkland on this moderate circular walk, as you explore its paths through woodland, riverside and open pasture – plus the striking Beech Avenue.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.1 (km: 4.96)
View over the countryside to the sea from Godolphin Hill, West Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Godolphin Hill walk 

This gentle ramble up to the top of Godolphin Hill will reward you with some of the most impressive views over West Cornwall you can find.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Stony woodland path running through steep-sided valley beside rushing river
Trail
Trail

Rocky Valley walk, Tintagel 

Follow this gentle trail down through rocky bluffs to Bossiney Bay, close to Boscastle, Cornwall.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
View of the quay and river with boat moored up at Cotehele, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Cotehele circular walk 

Explore the National Trust's Cotehele Estate on a circular walk and discover hidden places along the route that are a haven for wildlife in Cornwall.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.7 (km: 2.72)
Twisting oak branches covered in autumnal leaves frame the view of a calm, broad estuary with boats anchored
Trail
Trail

Trelissick to Roundwood Quay secluded stroll 

Wander tree-lined riverside paths, peeping through twisting oak branches to glimpse your destination of Roundwood – home to an Iron Age fort and 18th-century quay.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
The view from Trencrom Hill, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Trencrom Hill trail 

Take a walk up Trencrom Hill, not far from Godolphin, for breath-taking views from the top. It's the ideal hill for a quiet walk with a view.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Countryside code

A visitor with their dog leaving the Muddy Paws café at Lyme Park, Cheshire
Article
Article

Visiting National Trust places with your dog 

If you’re bringing your dog(s) to the places we care for, you'll find information on our Canine Code and pawprint rating system, created in partnership with Forthglade, to help plan your visit.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

All walking in Cornwall

    Visitors exploring the gardens at Cotehele, Cornwall

    Discover more in Cornwall

    You can find exotic gardens, ancient houses and mining history encircled by a much-loved coastline.