Cornwall – a land of stunning, rugged coastal paths and astonishing natural beauty – was made famous for surfing, tin, and the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of The Round Table. As one of the United Kingdom’s least inhabited areas, it is a place where avid walkers and hikers come for a truly wild adventure.
Whether seeking the quiet charm of sparse valleys or the postcard cliffs of Land’s End – Cornwall eagerly invites you to explore its natural treasures on foot. With so much variety to choose from for a walking adventure, the following suggestions are some of the key trails that visitors to the South West county ought to consider.
The Camel Trail
One of Cornwall's most popular walking routes, the Camel Trail stretches over 18 miles, linking the seaside town of Padstow to the moors of Bodmin. This riverside path is flat, with many parts covering the former railway line, making it perfect for families with young children, casual walkers, and cyclists. With fantastic local bus, ferry, and train connections, walkers can plan how far they want to trek and pick an easy ending point if they’re not up for the whole stretch of the trail.
Nature lovers will enjoy the beauty spread between Wadebridge and Bodmin in particular, where the Camel River winds gracefully through lush green countryside, and the water starts to flow much quicker as the terrain begins to climb into the Moorland. No matter which way around the trail is completed, both Bodmin and Padstow are fantastic places to stay overnight and explore more of the many beautiful and scenic trails in the local area.
The South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is Cornwall’s showcase for coastal hiking. With over 630 miles of trails, technically, the route covers the entire coast of Cornwall, Devon, and some of West Dorset, giving willing walkers plenty of choices from where to either begin their journey or end it.
The route offers everything from gorgeous hidden coves and pebbly beaches to dramatic cliff faces that can reach dizzying heights – treating walkers to panoramic views of turquoise waters. There are many highlights on this route where wildflowers, seabirds, and even seals are common sights along the trail. The section between the towns of St Ives and Zennor is particularly enchanting, and exploring Zennor's medieval charm brings the chance to learn more about the fascinating local history of smugglers and Spanish Armadas in this beautiful part of the Cornish Coast.
The Lizard Peninsula
The trail from Kynance Cove to Lizard Point takes walkers across the southmost tip of the Cornish peninsula. Passing along dramatic cliff faces and rocky beaches, walkers will encounter fascinating geological formations in the form of lizardite, from which the peninsula derives its name. This section of the coastline is an intricate canvas of geology and the best example of an exposed ophiolite ( a section of ocean crust) in the UK.
Moving along this imposing section of coastline, keen-eyed walkers will be able to detect exposed remnants of the Earth’s upper mantle, formed in this area over 35 million years ago. It's not uncommon to spot seals relaxing on rocks during the summer months, and there are many charming fishing villages, such as Cadgwith, replete with beautiful thatched stone cottages.
St. Michael’s Way
St. Michael’s Mount is one of Cornwall's most notable attractions. Twinned with its French counterpart across the English Channel, this tidal island is steeped in history and legend, known in Cornish folklore as the origin of the fable of Jack the Giant Slayer. The Aubyn family donated the Mount to the National Trust almost 400 years after first taking ownership of the land, and it was opened to the public shortly afterwards.
In keeping with tradition, it's only right that there be a pilgrimage of sorts to this hallowed seat of angels. The St. Michael’s Way offers a 12-mile walk through Cornwall’s scenic heartland, beginning in St Ives and ending at this stunning castle and abbey complex. Along the way, walkers will pass through charming fields and hidden coves before making their way to the final stretch across the breakwater pathway to the Mount at Lowtide. It is a truly spectacular trek to be visited on a trip to Cornwall.
Bodmin Moor
For a walk on the wilder side, the rugged hilltops and dense woods of Bodmin Moor deliver a real sense of adventure. Suitable for walkers of all inclinations, whether out for a casual stroll or in the mood to truly wander off the beaten track, the landscape is dotted with ancient standing stones and mining relics reminiscent of its rich heritage.
The walk from Minions to Cheesewring is a particularly noteworthy trail, showcasing dramatic tors (natural stone monoliths occurring on top of hills) and the enigmatic Hurlers stone circles (man-made, unlike their tor brethren). Bodmin Moor offers a sense of disconnect from the wider world, which makes it the perfect place to tap into Cornwall’s untamed spirit. While the terrain can be challenging, the sense of accomplishment and breathtaking views will more than makeup for any sore feet at the end of a trek through these iconic Cornish moors.
Boscastle & Tintagel
A great option for experienced hikers with a lot of energy, this circular trail requires persistence to complete within the five hours earmarked for it, but for those looking for an excuse to dive straight into the myths and legends of King Arthur, it is well worth the effort. The walk begins at the Cobweb pub by the River Valency in the pretty seaside town of Boscastle (past Boscastle Harbour, where you can swim and see the ‘Devil’s Bellows’ at low tide).
The coastal path leads walkers past seabird colonies around Trevalga, Rocky Valley and the secluded sandy beaches of Beneath Cove and Bossiney Have, to the fabled Tintagel. Visitors can cross the historic footbridge from the mainland to the castle and learn about the origins of King Arthur. The way back leads through the countryside with a notable detour via St Nectan’s Waterfall – a dramatic natural feature that is 60 feet high and passes through a natural circle in the rock.
Cornwall has some of the most dramatic coastlines to explore in the United Kingdom. There are dozens of hidden coves, secluded beaches, and magnificent rock formations along both sides of the Cornish coastline, whilst inland routes are just as engaging. With rugged hills, foreboding moors, and peaceful flower meadows, Cornwall is the ultimate destination for walkers in the South of England and an ideal stomping ground for enthusiastic and active individuals to escape into nature.
