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Cornwall is a paradise for walkers, boasting breathtaking scenery at every turn. The north coast promises you incredible clifftop views, powerful waves and golden surf beaches. Meanwhile, the west coast has an ancient, sculptured feel with its dramatic granite headlands and turquoise waters. In contrast, the southern coastline is more sheltered, with wooded valleys, estuaries and calmer seas, while the east nestles hidden coves among pastoral downs. Thankfully, the famous South West Coast Path winds along seamlessly connecting all this natural beauty with charming fishing villages and historic sites; you just need to decide which part to explore.
Whether you’re in the mood for leisurely walks, a satisfying half-day hike, or an exhilarating clifftop adventure let us guide you with 10 of the best coastal walks in Cornwall, outlining their locations, the beaches they pass, their length and difficulty, and what makes each route unique. For each walk, we’ll also recommend the best coastal towns nearby for Cornwall beach accommodation, highlighting their attractions and local amenities to help you plan the ideal walking holiday by the sea.
1. St Ives to Carbis Bay
Location: West Cornwall
Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Beaches passed: Porthminster Beach, Carbis Bay Beach
This beautifully maintained coastal path connects arty St Ives with the idyllic crescent-shaped white sands and turquoise waters of Carbis Bay. The route gently hugs the cliff, offering spectacular sea views across St Ives Bay and out towards Godrevy Lighthouse.
Why it’s a top choice:
Despite its short length, the mesmerising views over the sea and golden beaches against the lush vegetation give it a distinctly Mediterranean feel in good weather.
Best towns to stay nearby:
- St Ives: This lively seaside town is loved for its vibrant art scene, trendy harbour cottages and perfect sandy beaches, not to mention the numerous galleries, cool shops, supermarkets, eateries, boat trips and a scenic rail link to Carbis Bay.
- Carbis Bay: Quieter and more relaxed, known for its coastal footpaths, cafés, hotel spa and scenic rail link to St Ives.
2. Padstow to Stepper Point
Location: North Cornwall
Distance: Approx. 5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Beaches passed: Hawker’s Cove, Butterhole Beach
Starting at Padstow Harbour, this route follows the South West Coast Path around the serene Camel Estuary before opening onto the wild Atlantic waves at Stepper Point. This journey beautifully combines tranquil waterways with open-ocean drama.
Why it’s in the top 10:
Few walks offer such a striking contrast between such calm inland waters and raw open ocean. The views from Stepper Point are particularly impressive on windy days.
Best towns to stay nearby:
- Padstow: Famous for its food scene, scenic harbour walks and Camel cycle tracks. You’ll find plenty of cottages, shops, bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants, boat trips and bike hire.
- Rock: A laid-back coastal village opposite Padstow, popular for sailing, sandy beaches and family-friendly coastal cottages.
3. Newquay to Crantock
Location: North Cornwall
Distance: Approx. 3 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Beaches passed: Fistral Beach, Crantock Beach
Admire Cornwall’s surf coast on this thrilling walk, which starts in Newquay and runs high above Fistral Beach before crossing the turquoise Gannel estuary and opening onto the broad sands of stunning Crantock beach. The clifftop views give you a wonderful perspective of perfect glassy surf rolling into those pristine golden sands.
Why it’s one of the best:
Few walks capture the essence of Cornwall’s surf culture as vividly as this one. Seeing those perfect waves, surfers riding them, and the wide beach views create an invigorating coastal experience.
Best towns to stay nearby:
- Newquay: This lively seaside town is home to seven beaches, numerous surf schools, tons of restaurants, shops, nightlife and plenty of family-friendly beach accommodation.
- Crantock: This sweet village with its broad sandy beach, dunes and great pubs offers a much more relaxed vibe.
4. Lizard Point Circular Walk
Location: South Cornwall
Distance: Approx. 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Beaches passed: Kynance Cove, Housel Bay
This circular route explores the wild Lizard Peninsula, which is the southernmost point of mainland Britain. The walk combines raw coastline, soaring cliffs, marine life, rare plants and fascinating geology enhanced by the striking turquoise waters of Kynance Cove.
Why it’s one of the best:
The remoteness and unique geology combined with the wildlife, makes this one of Cornwall’s most special and soulful coastal walks.
Best towns to stay nearby:
- The Lizard: A quaint village with cafés, pubs, local shops and access to other great coastal footpaths.
- Mullion: A larger village offering supermarkets, restaurants, sea view accommodation, a golf course and easy access to Mullion Cove.
5. Fowey to Polkerris
Location: South Cornwall
Distance: Approx. 4 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Beaches passed: Readymoney Cove, Polkerris Beach
This sheltered south coast walk near Fowey blends ambrosia woodland paths, serene estuary views and cosy coves. It’s less exposed than many walks on the north coast, making it a great choice for windy weather, and particularly delightful in the spring and autumn when nature’s colours are more vibrant.
Why it’s one of the best:
The mix of shaded woodland and sparkling sea views provides idylic waterscapes and photographic appeal all year-round.
Best towns to stay nearby:
- Fowey: This elegant harbour town offers a sailing social scene with unique shops, impressive art galleries, cosy eateries and gorgeous waterside cottages.
- Polkerris: A tiny beach village with a café, pub, watersports and a lovely low-key coastal vibe.
6. Port Isaac to Tintagel
Location: North Cornwall
Distance: Approx. 9 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Challenging
Beaches passed: Port Gaverne, Bossiney Cove
This challenging hike from Port Isaac to Tintagel takes walkers through lush, deep valleys and steep climbs along some of Cornwall’s most dramatic and iconic cliffside views, culminating at the spectacular Tintagel Castle.
Why it’s one of the best:
It offers breathtaking ocean vistas with history, folklore and a real sense of achievement.
Best towns to stay nearby:
- Port Isaac: One of Cornwall’s most charming fishing villages with cottages on narrow lanes, harbour views, pubs and great eateries.
- Tintagel: Known for its legendary castle, dramatic coastline walks and enough cafés and attractions for a fun stay.
7. Mousehole to Lamorna Cove
Location: West Cornwall
Distance: Approx. 4 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Beaches passed: Lamorna Cove
This peaceful path takes you along rugged granite cliffs west of Mousehole, weaving past ancient stone walls, wildflowers, rocky inlets and sheltered coves. Then the path gently rises and falls above the crashing waves before leading you down through a wooded valley into lovely Lamorna Cove, where you’ll find boats, boulders and crystal-clear water to paddle in.
Why it’s one of the best:
The sense of tranquillity and unspoilt beauty of this walk makes it feel timeless and deeply atmospheric.
Best towns to stay nearby:
- Mousehole: A picturesque harbour village with quaint cottages, galleries, restaurants and a rich artistic heritage.
- Lamorna: A small, secluded cove perfect for those looking for a slower-paced coastal getaway.
8. Perranporth to St Agnes
Location: North Cornwall
Distance: Approx. 6 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Beaches passed: Perranporth Beach, Chapel Porth
Starting on the open clifftops near Perranporth shaped by Cornwall’s mining past, this coastal path meanders between heathland, old mine shafts and the iconic ruins of engine houses that overlook the Atlantic. The coastline is rugged and exposed, with deep-cut cliffs, iron-stained rock faces and broad beaches unfolding as you approach Chapel Porth and St Agnes Head.
Why it’s one of the best:
The combination of wild scenery and Cornwall’s industrial heritage creates a fulfilling and unique experience.
Best towns to stay nearby:
- Perranporth: A lively beach town with shops, cafés, restaurants, idyllic seaside homes and a huge sandy beach.
- St Agnes: A lovely village known for galleries, independent shops, cafés and coastal cottages.
9. Marazion to Perranuthnoe
Location: South Cornwall
Distance: Approx. 3 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Beaches passed: Marazion Beach, Perranuthnoe Beach
This incredibly scenic route from Marazion promises unforgettable views of stunning St Michael’s Mount, along a coastal path that rises and falls gently. Along the way the seasonal wildflowers, rocky coves and ever-changing light over Mount’s Bay enhance its idyllic photographic appeal.
Why it’s one of the best:
The constantly changing perspective of St Michael’s Mount makes this walk iconically beautiful.
Best towns to stay nearby:
- Marazion: A historic town with a great beach, trendy cafés, galleries, beach cottages and a picturesque causeway crossing to reach St Michael’s Mount.
- Perranuthnoe: A peaceful village with a gorgeous beach and a more relaxed atmosphere.
10. Bude to Widemouth Bay
Location: North Cornwall
Distance: Approx. 4 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Beaches passed: Summerleaze Beach, Widemouth Bay
The steady climbs of this clifftop walk from Bude to Widemouth Bay deliver stunning views of the Atlantic and a thrilling sense of scale. The exposed headlands, steep cliffs and the relentless roaring energy of the waves below combine to create an exhilarating coastal experience, especially on clear or windy days.
Why it’s one of the best:
The sheer scale of the coastline and the power of the ocean are literally breathtaking.
Best towns to stay nearby:
- Bude: A welcoming seaside town with great shops, cafés, a tidal pool, family-friendly attractions and plenty of seaside cottages.
- Widemouth Bay: A surfy beachside village next to Bude with wide beaches and coastal activities.