Whether you’re a wild rambler or just love a stroll to clear your head, Cornwall’s varied landscape is best explored on foot. Viv, from our admin team, loves to walk in spring, “when the bluebells start to bloom and all the natural Cornish hedgerows come out.” But for Dave, in our marketing team, it has to be November or January. “In winter, it’s cold and crisp, so wrap up warm and enjoy the quietness.”
This is a fab circular walk from Treyarnon up via Trevose Head lighthouse, which takes you through Constantine and Booby’s Bay continuing on to Mother Ivey’s Bay and Harlyn. From the beach at Harlyn, follow the lanes and footpath back to Constantine to complete the loop. Even though Constantine is popular, once you’ve walked right along the beach it’s never busy beyond. It’s so lovely being up high by the lighthouse looking across the water. Trevose Head is now owned by the National Trust, of which Rick is a proud patron.
Postcode: PL28 8JR | Length: 6.1 Miles | Difficulty: Easy
Bodmin Moor is the best place to wander lonely as a cloud in Cornwall. We love this walk that begins at Poldue Downs, and takes in the Holy Well, before climbing mighty Rough Tor, and crossing the ridge of Showery Tor, with views reaching back to the north coast. Drop down the valley before ascending Brown Willy, the highest point in Cornwall. Here, the view is pretty memorable, so bring a packed lunch from our deli, sit on a granite rock and eat, maybe noticing the extraordinary Stone Age ruins around you.
Postcode: PL32 9QG | Length: 5.2 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
For a circular clifftop walk, just a short drive on the coast road from Padstow past Porthcothan beach, park up at Park Head and set off along the footpath to discover incredible views of the towering sea stacks of Bedruthan Steps. In summer the cliffs are covered in wild flowers adding a splash of colour to the landscape. Finish the day with a drink overlooking the beach at Watergate Bay.
Postcode: PL27 7UU | Length: 5 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
About an hour’s drive south of Padstow, park up near Polkerris beach, stopping for fresh coffee at the café adjoining the rustic looking but enormous fun watersports centre. Take the coast path south, past the daymark tower, to soak up the views at Gribbin Head, before following round to Polridmouth Cove for a paddle. Continue north to Coombe and Lankelly, before cutting back for well-earned ice creams on the beach at Polkerris, or a pint at the Rashleigh Arms if you prefer.
Postcode: PL24 2TL | Length: 5 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
Venturing further west, it’s well worth going to the fishing village of Porthleven. If you park at Penrose Hill car park, there’s a lovely 3-hour circular walk around Loe Pool, the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall, separated from the sea by a shingle bank. The bar itself is particularly treacherous for swimmers, so avoid taking a dip. Instead, perhaps just enjoy the beauty of the lake, before heading into Porthleven itself to walk round the pretty bustling harbour.
Postcode: TR13 0RB | Length: 6.25 Miles | Difficulty: Easy
