The Coastpath Wanderer: Top 10 places to go hiking in Cornwall
The Coastpath Wanderer: Top 10 places to go hiking in Cornwall
There’s something about Cornwall in late summer and early autumn that feels almost otherworldly. The sun lingers low, casting gold across the cliffs; the sea, restless yet calming, keeps time with your heartbeat. The South West Coast Path unfurls for miles, sometimes busy with summer crowds, but in September the rhythm changes. The trails quieten, beaches open once more to dogs and the land feels like it’s waiting just for you.
Every step becomes more than exercise – it becomes a meditation. You stop counting miles and start counting moments: the hush of wind in the gorse, the gleam of turquoise water in a hidden cove, the sudden freedom of your four-legged companion racing across sand that was off-limits just weeks before.
If you’re ready to discover the best of Cornwall’s coast on foot, here’s our top 10 South West Coast Path walks – a blend of famous landmarks and secret gems, suitable for all kinds of walkers.
What to pack for a Cornwall coast path walk
- Sturdy walking boots or shoes – uneven paths and rocky descents demand good grip
- Waterproof jacket – even on blue-sky days, Atlantic showers roll in quickly
- Layers – the sea breeze can chill faster than you expect
- Plenty of water and snacks – some sections are remote, so don’t rely on finding a cafe en route
- OS map or offline GPS – signal can drop along the cliffs
- Sun protection – coastal light can be deceptively strong
- Dog essentials (if bringing one) – collapsible bowl, lead for cliff edges, dog-friendly snacks
Top tips for walking the South West Coast Path in Cornwall
- Time your trip: September is magical – quieter paths, dog-friendly beaches and softer light for photography
- Check the tides: Some walks involve beach sections or coves only accessible at low tide
- Start early: Morning mist makes the coast feel ethereal and you’ll have much of the trail to yourself
- Respect the path: Clifftop sections can be narrow and exposed – take care in wet weather
- Use public transport when possible: Many walks are easier as one-way hikes; Cornwall’s buses can get you back to your start point
- Pause often: This isn’t just about distance – it’s about soaking in the wild, rugged beauty
Top 10 coast path hikes in Cornwall
St Ives to Zennor
Difficulty: Challenging | Length: 18.7km
Granite boulders and steep climbs make this a demanding stretch, but the rewards are unmatched. Heather and gorse bloom purple and gold, the Atlantic crashes below and the timeless village of Zennor waits at the end, steeped in mermaid folklore.
Tintagel to Boscastle
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 8.7km
This hike weaves myth and history into every step. Start at Tintagel’s castle ruins – said to be King Arthur’s birthplace – then follow the rugged cliffs north to Boscastle’s serene harbour. Expect dramatic drops and sweeping Atlantic views.
Lizard Point to Kynance Cove
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Length: 11.2km
At Britain’s southernmost point, the walk to Kynance Cove feels like stepping into another world. Serpentine rocks gleam green and red, caves whisper with the tide, and in autumn, the crowds melt away.
Port Isaac to Polzeath
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 15.3km
Leave behind the fishing boats of Port Isaac and trace a coastline of secret coves and high cliffs. The trail eases into Polzeath, where surfers carve shapes into the Atlantic. A perfect mix of ruggedness and wide-open beach bliss.
Porthcurno to Land’s End
Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging | Length: 7.6km
Begin beside the Minack Theatre, carved into rock above the sea, and follow the headland west. Dolphins sometimes play in the waters here, and the path feels cinematic, culminating at Land’s End – the symbolic edge of England.
Mullion Cove to Poldhu Cove
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 7.4km
A shorter stroll, ideal for an unhurried afternoon. Mullion’s harbour clings to the cliffs, while fields roll gently to Poldhu’s golden sands. Simple, soulful and deeply Cornish.
Crackington Haven to Bude
Difficulty: Challenging | Length: 15.8km
One of the more strenuous stretches of the coast path, with sharp ascents and plunging descents. The drama of the cliffs makes the effort worthwhile, and Bude’s wide sandy beaches are a welcome finale.
Mousehole to Lamorna Cove
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 4km
From Mousehole’s postcard-perfect harbour, the path dips into shaded lanes and rocky coves before revealing Lamorna – a hidden gem with emerald waters, steeped in art history and quiet beauty.
Bedruthan Steps Circular
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 7.3km
Short in distance but huge in scale. Giant sea stacks rise like guardians from the sands, sculpted by centuries of tide. From above, the views stretch endlessly.
Pentire Point and The Rumps
Difficulty: Moderate | Length: 8.2km
A walk that feels timeless. The twin headlands, known as The Rumps, jut proudly into the sea. Wildflowers line the path in spring, seals sometimes bask below and the sense of remoteness is complete.
Each walk offers its own rhythm, whether it’s the challenge of high cliffs, the serenity of a hidden cove or the joy of watching your dog run free on golden sand.
Travel in September or beyond and you’ll find the coast quieter, the air softer, the experience more intimate. Walk with your feet, but also with your heart. Because here, on Cornwall’s edges, every step feels like a meditation.
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