Cornwall boasts some of the most amazing coastal scenery in the world, and in vast abundance. Here are my five favourite walks from around my hometown of St Ives, most will require a short drive but are more than worth it to get away from the crowds and experience the best views Cornwall has to offer. The time estimates are for each direction.
St.Ives to Zennor – 3 Hours
This walk is one of the hardest coastal walks in Cornwall, but is definitely worth powering through for the dramatic coastline that you experience the entire way. You start from Porthmeor Beach in St Ives and walk approximately 6 miles to the little village of Zennor which happens to boast the Tinners Arms, one of the best pubs in Cornwall.
Trencrom – 45 minutes
Just on the outskirts of St Ives this walk offers the most amazing 360 degree view across this area of Cornwall, you can view the entire St Ives Bay, and then on the other side you have incredible views over St Michaels Mount. On a clear day this view is hard to beat. This is also one of the most practical of walks as you have a car park at the bottom of the hill.
Gwithian to Hells Mouth – 1 hour
This walk gives views over the 3 miles of golden sands leading from Hayle to Godrevy, you then walk over to Godrevy Lighthouse and follow the coastal path around several points until you come to Hells Mouth, a notorious cliff edge which always has flocks of birds nesting into the cliff side. There is also the lovely Hells Mouth Cafe which offers amazing ciabatta sandwiches and coffee, the perfect accompaniment for the walk.
Carnsew Pool, Hayle – 30 minutes
A short and easy walk that is always fairly quiet even in peak summer, perfect for walking the dog. The walk follows a thin path around a pool of water and alongside Hayle estuary, offering lovely views on both sides. The walk leads out to a point where you have unobstructed views over the Hayle river mouth and St Ives Bay.
Minnack Theatre – Nanjizel Arch – 1 hour 30 minutes
Starting at the iconic Minnack Theatre you can follow the coastal path all the way past Porthgwarra and onto Nanjizal Beach, which has the amazing but little known Nanjizal Arch, which makes for a great photograph opportunity with the crystal clear rock pools. If time permits then when you get back to your car you can pop down for a swim at Porthcurno, easily one of Cornwalls most beautiful beaches, and follow up with a show at the Minack Theatre, a pretty perfect day.
These are just a few of my favourite walks, if you want to see more then keep an eye on my Instagram for some more inspirational walks around the Cornish coast.
We are working our way around the South West Coastal Path and will be sharing our photos while we do it.
