Cornwall is a hiker’s paradise. With over 300 miles of breathtaking coastline, wild moorland, charming fishing villages, and ancient heritage sites, the region is home to some of the most stunning hiking trails in the UK.
Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a weekend walker, Cornwall’s landscape offers a diverse range of trails—from short, family-friendly loops to rugged cliff walks with panoramic ocean views.
This comprehensive guide to the best hiking trails in Cornwall covers:
- Top routes by region and difficulty
- Trail highlights, distance, and estimated time
- Where to park, eat, and stay
- Gear tips and safety advice
- High CPC keyword targets for AdSense monetization
Let’s explore the footpaths that make Cornwall one of the UK’s most rewarding hiking destinations.
1. South West Coast Path: St Ives to Zennor
Location: West Cornwall
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This iconic section of the South West Coast Path is rugged, remote, and jaw-droppingly beautiful. The path hugs the cliffs, offering uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Highlights:
- Granite sea cliffs and turquoise coves
- Birdwatching opportunities (peregrine falcons, kestrels)
- Zennor’s historic church and mermaid folklore
Parking: St Ives Railway Station
Best Time to Hike: Spring to early autumn
2. Lizard Point Circular Walk
Location: Lizard Peninsula
Distance: 7 miles (11.2 km)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This loop takes you to the southernmost point of mainland Britain, combining wild coastal cliffs with inland meadows and local wildlife.
Highlights:
- Dramatic cliffs and crashing waves
- Rare wildflowers and seabirds
- Iconic Lizard Lighthouse
Parking: National Trust Car Park at Lizard Point
Tip: Try local Cornish ice cream at the Lizard village café afterward.
3. Tintagel to Boscastle
Location: North Cornwall
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8 km)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Explore Arthurian legend and rugged cliffscapes on this rewarding trail connecting the historic village of Tintagel with the picturesque harbor of Boscastle.
Highlights:
- Tintagel Castle ruins and Merlin’s Cave
- Steep valleys and rocky headlands
- Boscastle’s charming harbor and shops
Parking: Tintagel Visitor Centre
Public Transport: Bus back to Tintagel from Boscastle
4. Bodmin Moor: Brown Willy & Rough Tor
Location: Central Cornwall
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Bodmin Moor’s highest peaks offer windswept solitude and open wilderness unlike anywhere else in Cornwall.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views from Brown Willy (Cornwall’s highest point)
- Bronze Age stone circles
- Wild ponies and moorland flora
Parking: Poldue Downs or Rough Tor Car Park
Tip: Pack a windbreaker—conditions can change quickly.
5. Perranporth to St Agnes Heritage Coast
Location: North Coast
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This walk combines seaside scenery with Cornwall’s mining heritage, passing through remnants of the tin industry and spectacular cliff-top views.
Highlights:
- Chapel Porth beach
- Historic engine houses at Wheal Coates
- Surfer culture in Perranporth
Facilities: Cafés, public toilets, parking at both ends
Best Time: Golden hour (sunset along the coast)
6. St Michael’s Mount Causeway Walk
Location: Marazion
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip
Duration: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
A unique short walk across a tidal causeway to the island castle of St Michael’s Mount. Only accessible during low tide.
Highlights:
- Cobbled causeway path
- Medieval castle and gardens
- Views across Mount’s Bay
Check Tide Times: Plan to walk both ways or return by boat during high tide.
Family-friendly: Yes – great for children and dogs.
7. Fowey Hall Walk (Estuary Circular)
Location: South Cornwall
Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This circular route around the Fowey estuary includes ferry crossings and wooded trails, offering a serene alternative to cliff hiking.
Highlights:
- Polruan ferry ride
- Daphne du Maurier literary connections
- Hidden coves and lush woodland
Start Point: Fowey Town Quay
Cost: Small ferry fee required (cash/card)
8. Luxulyan Valley Trail
Location: Near St Austell
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Step into a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Victorian industrial relics and forest paths.
Highlights:
- Treffry Viaduct
- River Par waterfalls
- Nature trails and birdlife
Great for history lovers and quiet nature walks.
Pet-friendly: Yes.
9. Penrose & Loe Pool Trail
Location: Helston
Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
This trail winds around Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake through ancient woodlands and farmland, ending at the coast.
Highlights:
- Loe Pool views
- Woodpeckers, herons, and kingfishers
- Flat, accessible paths for families and cyclists
Free Parking: Penrose Estate
Dog-friendly: Yes
Best Scenic Spots for Photography
|
Spot |
Trail |
What to Capture |
|
Bedruthan Steps |
Mawgan Porth loop |
Rock stacks & turquoise waters |
|
Lizard Point |
Lizard loop |
Sunrise cliffs |
|
Tintagel Bridge |
Tintagel walk |
Dramatic ruins |
|
St Michael’s Mount |
Marazion causeway |
Tidal reflections |
|
Camel Estuary |
Padstow loop |
Birds & boats |
Interactive Map of Cornwall Hiking Trails (Optional Embed)
Use GPS tools like Komoot or AllTrails to plan your hikes, download offline maps, and view elevation changes.
What to Pack for Hiking in Cornwall
- Comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes
- Waterproof layers (weather can change quickly)
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Local OS Map (or app)
- Power bank and phone with GPS
- Snacks and sunscreen
- Lightweight backpack
- Binoculars for birdwatching
Optional: Trekking poles, especially for steep sections.
Are Cornwall’s Trails Family-Friendly?
Yes! Many trails are suitable for all ages:
|
Trail |
Difficulty |
Family Friendly? |
|
St Michael’s Mount |
Easy |
✅ |
|
Luxulyan Valley |
Easy–Moderate |
✅ |
|
Penrose Trail |
Easy |
✅ |
|
Tintagel to Boscastle |
Challenging |
❌ under 12 |
|
Bodmin Moor |
Moderate |
✅ with teens |
Hiking Responsibly: Leave No Trace
- Stay on marked paths to protect fragile ecosystems
- Take litter home with you
- Avoid wildlife disturbance
- Don’t pick flowers or plants
- Respect tide times on coastal routes
- Dogs on leads near livestock
Travel & Accommodation Tips
|
Option |
Details |
|
Parking |
Many car parks are run by Cornwall Council or the National Trust (approx. £2–£6/day) |
|
Public Transport |
Some trails can be accessed by train (e.g., St Ives, Looe) or local bus |
|
Accommodation |
Stay in B&Bs, eco-lodges, or hike-in campsites near trails |
|
Best Time to Hike |
March–October (April and September are quietest) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ What is the best time of year to hike in Cornwall?
Late spring and early autumn offer the best weather with fewer crowds. Summer is warm but busy. Winter hikes are possible with care.
❓ Are the trails dog-friendly?
Most trails are—but always bring waste bags, water, and leads near farmland.
❓ Can you camp along Cornwall’s hiking trails?
Wild camping is not officially permitted, but some landowners and campsites near trails allow overnight stays. Always ask permission.
❓ Are there guided walking tours?
Yes! Companies like Cornish Walks, iWalk Cornwall, and HF Holidays offer group hikes and self-guided routes.
Read Also: Jobs in Cornwall: Where to Find Local Opportunities (Career Guide)
Conclusion
Hiking in Cornwall is about more than just exercise—it’s an immersion in history, nature, and wild beauty. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, climbing moorland tors, or watching the sun melt into the sea, Cornwall offers unforgettable adventures for every walker.
From the iconic cliffs of St Ives to the secret woodland trails of Luxulyan, there’s a path waiting for you. So lace up your boots, pack your backpack, and let Cornwall lead the way.
