10 of the best walks in West Cornwall

The best thing to do is witness Cornwall. From misty moors to rugged cliffs, mystical forests, and beautiful beaches, it has all the scenery you can think of and more. Which makes it one of the best places in the UK for a walking, hiking, or rambling holiday. And though there are so many routes to choose from, I've managed to shortlist my top 10 best walks in Cornwall.

You could even plan your hike around some of the 10 best beaches in Cornwall, which sit along the South West Coast Path.

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is a 630 mile trail that runs from Somerset, through Devon and Cornwall, and into Dorset (or the other way around!) More than 300 miles of the South West Coast Path is in Cornwall, and it’s a popular trail to do one bit at a time. And during your trip to West Cornwall, you’ll be able to explore its unique landscape and the exotic plants and wildlife that thrive here due to the Cornish microclimate.

So it's no surprise that most of the best walks in Cornwall are along the South West Coast Path. Both in West Penwith, and beyond.

Walk 1: Pendeen Lighthouse

There are a number of circular walks that can be made from Pendeen Lighthouse. My favourite route goes over the top of Boat Cove and Portheras Cove – which you can explore for a while – before heading inland, through the villages of Boscaswell and Trewellard and into the Levant tin mine before heading back along the coast path to the lighthouse.

This walk takes about two hours. For a shorter route, head either east or west to take in the beaches, tin mines, and dramatic scenery of this rugged coast.

Walk 2: Botallack Mines

Parking at the Count House, owned by The National Trust, you can walk east to witness the amazing cliffside Crown Mines, and west to see Wheal Owles and Wheal Edwards. Continue on this path for about two miles – down and back up out of the stunning Kenidjack Valley and Porth Nanven in the Cot Valley, and you’ll get to Cape Cornwall.

Not including stops, this walk takes about 45 minutes each way.

Walk 3: Sennen to Gwynver

From Sennen Cove, walk north either along the beach or the footpath behind to find Gwynver Bay. Away from the surfers and tourists at Sennen it can feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure. And if you like to include a pub in your walking routes, be sure to book a table at The Old Success Inn.

It’s an easy stroll that takes less than 30 minutes each way. You could even fit into your afternoon at Sennen beach when you want a break from swimming or sunbathing.

Walk 4: Sennen to Porthcurno

From Sennen, you can walk up the western cliff towards the landmark at Lands End. Though not worth visiting on its own anymore, the site of the old, popular tourist attraction is still there – just much quieter and with a slightly bleak feeling. The famous signpost is still there, as well as a cafe and ice cream stand, and some attractions for families.

From there, carry on along the South West Coast Path towards the beautiful Nanjizal beach where you can stop to see the Song Of The Sea cave. Though this path is well maintained by the National Trust, the coast is degrading and in some spots, including near Gwennap Head where a blow hole in the cliff has formed a looping path over the sea.

When you pass the Coast Guards watch houses on the headland, you will descend into the village of Porthgwarra. Here you’ll find a cafe with delicious Cornish pasties, and a tiny fishing harbour where seals are often spotted.

My favourite stretch of the South West Coast Path starts at Porthgwarra and carries you through St Levan and past the ancient well and over the top of Porth Chapel beach (which can be accessed by a small cliff that’s fairly easy to scramble up and down). I spent my childhood holidays on this beach, and the view of it from the rock at the top of the coast path is one of my favourite in the world. From here, you continue on to the Minack Theatre where you can choose to walk down the cliffside or along the road to Porthcurno beach.

Not including stops, this walk takes about 2 hours in either direction. You could walk back to Sennen, catch one of the Coastliner buses from the car park depending on the timetable, or call Logan Rock Cars for a taxi.

Walk 5: Porthcurno to Lamorna

Joining the South West Coast Path from Porthcurno and heading east will carry you towards the headland that is home to the Logan Rock. Famous for having been pushed off the cliff by a bunch of seamen who were then ordered to hoist it back up, it now sits on its side on the third peak in from the sea and is said to wobble if stood on. I’ve given it a go, but never climbed that far!

Here you will go across Pedn Vounder beach and also across the site of an ancient Iron Age fort. You might even see ponies! When the path drops down into the sleepy fishing village of Penberth Cove, you might need to walk across stepping stones to enter the village, depending on the depth of the stream!

For a shorter walk, I like to head north out of the village, then walk left into the woodland next to an old white stone house. Following the forest uphill will bring you into a field, and you’ll see the village of Treen in the distance which is home to the cosy Logan Rock pub.

But if you’re set on your route to Lamorna, continue along the coast path. It will lead you through woodland to the rocky St Loy’s Cove. Just past this point you’ll see Tater-Du lighthouse. This stretch of coast was home to the famous author John Le Carre. Soon, you’ll see the harbour of Lamorna Cove in your sights.

Here there is a small cafe where you can grab a drink and wait for a taxi. Or you might want to take the wooded lane out to the main road where you can catch a bus. But be sure to check the timetable! The buses in Cornwall aren’t that regular.

Along the lane to and from Lamorna Cove you’ll also find the pub, the Lamorna Wink, where you can stop for a well-earned pint.

This walk takes about 2 hours 15 minutes in either direction, not including stops.

Walk 6: Zennor via Wicca

One of my favourite loop walks. It covers fields, woodland, ancient hamlets, coastline, country roads, and even a short climb over boulders.

Parking in Zennor village near the Tinner’s Arms, you’ll see the large old church. Inside is a famous pew carved with the image of a mermaid, which holds many mythical associations to the village of Zennor. You can start this walk by taking a look, or heading straight past the church and onto the walking trail that runs along its side.

This path will take you across moor-like pastures, corn fields, and into a wood that eventually comes out into a small hamlet of farm houses called Wicca. Following the path directly towards the sea will bring you out onto the South West Coast Path, which you want to follow to the west – the east will take you to St Ives.

This will take you over the top of Zennor Beach, where you should stop and check Seal Island for resting seals. The path is mostly well maintained, but there are streams that run out to the sea which, in one spot, can only be traversed by climbing over large boulders. It’s safe, but it does make this walk better suited to those who are capable of more challenging terrains.

You’ll eventually get to Porthzennor Cove where you can see the Gurnard’s Head headland in the distance. Here, you take the path back into Zennor Village through fields and country roads until you reach the Tinner’s Arms. Stop here for food and drink. Or drive back west to The Gurnard’s Head for something a little fancier.

This circular walk takes about 2.5 hours, not including stops.

Walk 8: Kynance Cove

Park at the popular Lizard Point and walk east. This will lead you directly along the cliff tops to Kynance Cove. It’s a direct walk rather than a circular, but the view never gets old.

When you arrive down the steps to Kynance Cove, take time to explore the beach. Enjoy a cold cider at the cafe, and then head straight back the way you came.

This easy walk takes about 45 minutes each way, not including stops.

Walk 9: Prussia Cove

Parking at the designated parking area at Prussia Cove and following the path towards the coast will bring you to a crossroads.

If you turn left, you’ll follow the path past old abandoned fishermen’s cottages. There's also a landmark to an old battleship, the HMS Warspite, that ran aground at this point. Follow the path over Piskies Cove and you’ll find yourself at the National Trust landmark of Cudden Point.

This is an easy walk with a marked footpath that takes about 15 minutes each way.

If you turn right at the crossroads, the road will lead you down towards a rocky outcrop known as The Enys. Following the path east will bring you to Prussia Cove, which is beautiful but stony. To spend some time on the sand, carry on a little further to the stunning (and fairly quiet) Kenneggy Cove.

This is another easy, 15 minute walk.

To create an hour-long circular walk, combine the two routes by heading out to Cudden Point. Then walk back along to Kenneggy Cove and on to the car park at St Hilary.

Walk 10: Sancreed

This is the only walk on my list that’s not on the coast path. The nature reserve of Sancreed Beacon offers some incredible panoramic views over Penzance. And in good weather, you can see as far as the Isles of Scilly. Parking near the village hall, you can walk directly up the hill to the beacon. But take care. There are signs for abandoned mine shafts in these fields. So don’t stray off the marked paths.

For a longer circular walk, head south from the village hall and into the woodlands. You'll spot Sancreed Holy Well by the ribbons and trinkets adorning the tree. From here you will come out into farming fields, which you can follow west towards Caer Bran.

Next to Caer Bran Farm, a farm track will lead you north up to the site of the Sancreed Beacon. You will cross this from west to east, and back down towards the village hall.

This walk is fairly easy. But does have some steep up-hills. In total it takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Want to do more in Cornwall? Read my blog: Top 15 things to do in West Cornwall.