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15 Amazing Hiking Trails Along the Cornwall Coast

15 Amazing Hiking Trails Along the Cornwall Coast

Here are 15 awesome hiking trails that will take you along the gorgeous Cornwall coast. Whether you’re looking to visit Land’s End or see the impressive St Michael’s Mount, you won’t be short of options. This list covers hikes of all abilities so there’s something for everyone.

The South West Coast Path

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The South West Coast Path is the longest national trail in the UK and runs along the coast of Cornwall, as well as Devon, Dorset, and Somerset. This 630-mile hike can be split into seven different sections, as you’d need weeks to walk the entirety. Comprising of flat stretches as well as rugged terrain, there’s a section suitable for everyone!

Land’s End

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When hiking at Land’s End, there are two main routes. The route between Land’s End and Nanjizal is considered easy and covers a distance of 3 miles, making it a great option for families. There’s also a route between Sennen Cove and Land’s End. This hike is moderate and is 3.3 miles long. Both trails typically take between 1.5-2 hours.

St Michael’s Mount

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To reach St Michael’s Mount and its historic castle, there’s a 9-mile moderate hike to tackle. Starting from Lamorna Cove, you’ll head along the South West Coast Path on this trail. Although some sections of this hike are steep, it’s certainly achievable for beginners.

The Tintagel Circular

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The Tintagel Circular is an 8-mile hike that starts from the Tintagel Village car park. Although a moderate trail, this route has been created with families in mind, as you can easily split the route up. For sections of this hike, you’ll be walking along the clifftop. Allow two hours for this route.

St Agnes Head

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This circular hike from Trevaunance Cove car park to St Agnes Head covers a distance of 4 miles. This family-friendly trail is rated as moderate but there are only a few short stretches of ascent. On this hike, you’ll get epic coastal views and will wander through open heathland.

Wheal Coates

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From Chapel Porth car park, you can tackle a 2.9-mile hike to Wheal Coates, one of the most iconic mines in Cornwall. This moderate route is beautiful and if it’s low tide, you can head down to the beach for a picnic. Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter walk from Wheal Coates car park.

Pentire Headland Walk

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The Pentire Headland Walk is a dog-friendly route (although they must be kept on leads). It’s rated as moderate and you’ll cover a distance of 3.4 miles. This will take you between 2-3 hours. Along the way, you’ll get fantastic views of the North Cornwall coast.

The Lizard Coastal Walk

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The Lizard Coastal Walk is a challenging hike so is more suitable for experienced walkers. This 7-mile trail will take you along the Lizard Peninsula, mainland Britain’s most southerly tip. The hike starts from Kynance Cove, taking you along cliff-top paths. Allow around 3 hours.

The Loe Circular Walk

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Loe Pool is Cornwall’s largest lake, and this 6-mile hike will trace the banks of it until you reach the Loe Bar. This is an easy-moderate walk as is relatively flat so is suitable for everyone. Along the lake’s western shoreline, there’s also a 2.1-mile section that’s suitable for wheelchair users.

St Ives To Zennor

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Hiking from St Ivers to Zennor is another popular coastal route. This circular trail is 12.1 miles long and is considered moderate-challenging, so isn’t the best option for beginners. This is because you’ll be hiking on rocky uneven surfaces and will need to scramble over boulders.

Fowey Hall Walk

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The Fowey Hall Walk starts from Bodinnick and boasts stunning views of Fowey Habour. This moderate route is 4 miles long and will take around 2.5 hours to complete. You’ll also need to take two very short ferry rides so you may want to check the ferry timetable before you set off.

Perranporth to St Agnes

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Between Perranporth and St Agnes, there’s a popular coastal trail that offers fantastic cliff-top walking. This moderate route covers 3.6 miles and offers a great way to appreciate the local mining heritage. It’s also a great option for dog walkers as it passes beaches and dog-friendly pubs.

Port Isaac to Padstow

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If you want to take in two of Cornwall’s most picturesque destinations then hike the coastal walk between Port Isaac and Padstow. This challenging route will take you along areas of unspoiled coastline, covering a distance of 11.7 miles. If you’re after a shorter alternative, Polzeath is located between the two.

St Ives to Penzance

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For those after a multi-day hike, there’s a coastal path from St Ives to Penzance. The full distance is 40 miles which can be split over five days. This route is very challenging, thanks to the distance and rocky terrain so is more suited to experienced hikers.

Tintagel to Port Isaac

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The hike between Port Isaac and Tintagel is another challenging route. You’ll cover a distance of 9.1 miles and will have to tackle steep descents and tough climbs. However, the coastal views are worth the exertion as you’ll be hiking through one of the UK’s ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

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A woman sitting on a mountain. Behind her is a lake.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.