Top Cornish Coast Path Walks
We all love a good beach day, but can you beat pulling on your walking boots and hitting the Cornish coast path? Sparkling blue sea as far as the eye can see, warm sunshine on your back and wildflowers at your feet. We've rounded up our top Cornish coast path walks for you...
Portreath to Hell's Mouth
One of our favourites as it starts just down the road from our shop! It's a walk full of dramatic cliffs, small (hard to reach!) coves and if you're lucky, some seals. Walk up the coast path from the left hand side of Portreath, it's a bit steep at first but once you've made the climb you'll find it fairly easy the rest of the way.
Zennor to St Ives
St Ives might be a struggle to get near in a car in the summer these days, so why not walk there. Park up along the coast path instead of fighting for a parking space in St Ives and discover the best way to arrive in St Ives - on foot! We love the tiny village of Zennor with it's traditional pub and mermaid folk tales. Head out of Zennor onto the coast path and at the headland follow it on the right hand side towards St Ives. You'll find craggy headlands, swirling sea birds and amazing views. Don't miss a peek at the 'mermaid chair' in the church before hitting the trail.
Mawnan to Swanpool
This walk starts on the beautiful Helford River and follows the coast path round past several beautiful beaches includes Maenporth and Swanpool. You'll have sweeping views of Falmouth Bay and St Anthony Lighthouse and you'll spot some fascinating huge ships anchored offshore waiting to go into Falmouth Docks. Don't forget to pack your swimmers for this one, we recommend a dip at lovely Maenporth.
Portloe to Caehays
From tiny fishing villages to sandy beaches and a castle, this walk has it all! Start in the perfect little harbour village of Portloe and walk out the left hand side. A steep climb up will take you to up onto the cliffs and into the small village of Portholland with its interesting old lime kiln workings. A few miles further on will bring you to a gorgeous beach at the foot of the Caerhays Castle estate. The beach has a lovely cafe and the castle gardens are well worth exploring as they are famous for their camelias and rhododendrons.
West Pentire to Holywell Bay
Park at the slightly hidden (and therefore you can usually get a spot!) Polly Joke car park in West Pentire and follow the coast path straight out to the headland. From there take the path downhill and to the right to get to the absolutely stunning hidden gem of Polly Joke beach. An idyllic spot to spend a summers day lazing on the sand and dipping in the waves. If you can tear yourself away then keep going on the coast path and you will soon be rewarded at the huge Holywell Bay. You'll have spotted this beach in BBC's Poldark as well as on plenty of Instagram posts and postcards, the craggy twin peaks of Gull Rock offshore are instantly recognisable. There are cafes and pubs at Holywell to fuel your return trip back. If it's low tide don't forget to search out the holy well itself in a cave on the lower right hand side of the beach.
Pack all your need for your top Cornish coast path walks in one of our vegan friendly Roka backpacks.