Whether you’re planning a trip to the county of Cornwall or are already a Cornish local, spending a day on foot traversing one of the many beautiful walks here is a must. From circular walks through ancient woodlands to cliffside strolls on the South West Coast Path, each and every one has something to offer.
As north Cornwall locals, we happen to think our side of the county has some of the most spectacular walking routes around. In this post, we’ve put together just some of our favourite north Cornwall walks, including routes suited for families and others for the most avid hikers.
Easy north Cornwall walks
These walks are easy to tackle. Some may include a stile or three, but generally these are smooth strolls with only gentle slopes. If you’re walking in summer, feel free to wear your trainers, but we recommend donning your wellies or walking boots for other seasons, as some routes can get a little soggy.
Constantine Bay and Porthcothan
A stunning coastal walk with glorious sea views and historic smuggler coves, this route takes you along the cliff edges and beaches between Constantine Bay and Porthcothan. Take your time on this stroll and explore the high headlands between inlets along the way, but be careful of unfenced cliff paths. Keep an eye out for the stunning natural tidal pool at Treyarnon beach, too. To make this route circular, you can walk back via lanes through the countryside or the same way you came along the coast.
Distance: 4.9 miles / 7.9 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Easy
The Camelford Way
The shortest walk on our list, this lovely circular stroll along the Camelford Way is a treat no matter the season, from the blooms of bluebells and wild garlic in spring to its beautiful golden leaves in autumn. This stile-free walk takes you through the woods, along meadows and the River Camel, and by the picturesque market town of Camelford. At just an average walk time of 30 minutes, this is the perfect post-lunch stroll.
Distance: 1.8 miles / 2.9 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Easy
Polzeath and St Enodoc Church
Another coastal stroll with panoramic views of Hayle Bay, Polzeath beach, Daymer Bay, and across the Camel Estuary, this is a truly gorgeous walk for families. Take in the breath-taking sights, spot shipwreck remains, and see St Enodoc Church, which was once buried in the dunes, but again be aware of unfenced cliff paths. The route back takes you through the beautiful Cornish countryside and the village of Trebetherick, where you can stop by The Mowhay for a delicious meal made with local ingredients.
Distance: 3.7 miles / 6 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Easy
Rock and St Minver
This beautiful circular Cornwall walk takes you along the dunes from Rock to St Enodoc Church, then through the countryside to the picturesque village of St Minver with its medieval church, and finally through the villages of Pityme and back into Rock. You’ll pass many pubs along the way, including Rock Inn, perfect for stopping in for refreshments and comforting meals. We love this walk for its mix of rural views and quaint village scenery.
Distance: 6.7 miles / 10.9 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Easy
Moderate north Cornwall walks
These walks require a little more effort, with stiles, steeper slopes, boulders, and marshes to navigate, but they’re great fun and a fantastic way to burn a bit of energy.
Harbour Cove and Padstow
A beautiful route starting and ending in Padstow, this walk offers you panoramic Camel Estuary views, the Elizabethan manor of Prideaux Place, beautiful sandy beaches at St George’s Cove and Harbour Cove, and a generally lovely countryside stroll. At the start or end of your journey, take your time to explore Padstow and indulge in some fresh seafood.
Distance: 3.1 miles / 5 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Wadebridge and Polbrock
A lovely walk for nature lovers, this circular route takes you through the stunning Treraven Farm, full of ancient woodlands. Part of the walk takes you along the bank of the River Camel, and, depending on the season, through blooming wildflowers in the woods. Start and finish the walk in the charming town of Wadebridge, where you can stop to explore and grab a bite to eat.
Distance: 6.8 miles / 10.9 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Boscastle Headlands
This walk is for the sightseers out there, perfect for those visiting Cornwall on holiday. Start and end in Boscastle, a historic fishing village, then head to Pentargon Waterfall to see water cascade from the clifftops. Climb up to the Willapark Coastguard Lookout for stunning panoramic views, and stroll through the fields of Forrabury Common. It’s best to wear your walking boots, as this one includes a climb.
Distance: 3.3 miles / 5.3 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Moderate
Rocky Valley and Tintagel
Take a historic stroll through the village of Tintagel and its beautiful stretch of cliffy coastline. The panoramic views from the headlands are truly special, as are the two mysterious, seven-circuit labyrinth carvings in a rock face in the Rocky Valley you’ll walk through. Pass by the incredible Tintagel Castle, home to the legend of King Arthur, and spot the eerie, 8-foot-tall bronze statue of King Arthur himself.
Distance: 3.8 miles / 6.1 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Moderate
Rough Tor and Brown Willy
This walk is a bit of a hike! Journey through the beautiful Cornish countryside and the Bodmin Moors, and enjoy beautiful panoramic views from the summits of Rough Tor and Brown Willy. See the incredible remnants of ancient Neolithic civilisation in the form of cairns, stone circles, and St Michael’s Holy Well, as well as the stunning Showery Tor. You’ll need your walking boots for this one.
Distance: 5.2 miles / 8.4 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Moderate
Challenging north Cornwall walks
These stunning north Cornwall walks aren’t suited to young children or those with mobility issues. They’re tricky, with plenty of mud in wet weather, steep slopes, obstacles, and cattle, but they are certainly worth it for the views.
Crackington Haven
A quick yet steep walk, this short circular route leads you along the outskirts of Crackington Haven into the coastal countryside. You’ll see Penkenna Point, which, if you climb, will give you the most incredible panoramic views of the surroundings and the sea. On the way back, the route takes you by St Gennys Church, dating back to the 7th century, and woodlands leading back into Crackington Haven.
Distance: 2.9 miles / 4.6 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Dizzard and Millook
A walk with a mythical feel, this route takes you along the Millook valley, offering stunning views of the coast, and through its ancient woodlands to Dizzard, an area of farms and a dramatic forest of gnarled, lichen-covered oak trees. This circular walk is the perfect stroll for when you want to feel adventurous and let your imagination run wild.
Distance: 4.8 miles / 7.7 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Tregardock circular
This captivating but very steep route is worth the hike. Remote beaches with secluded waterfalls and rockpools, the medieval Dannonchapel hamlet ruins, and beautiful blooms of clifftop wildflowers in spring and summer: all of this can be explored during this 4-mile circular stroll.
Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km | Route style: Circular | Difficulty: Challenging
Port Isaac to Tintagel
A linear route that will require catching transport there or back, this spectacular coastal walk takes you between Tintagel and Port Isaac. You’ll discover sandy beaches, winter sea foam tornadoes, Tintagel Castle, Merlin’s Cave, the old St Materiana Church, and breathtaking sea views on this long and steep route.
Distance: 9.7 miles / 15.6 km | Route style: Linear | Difficulty: Challenging
Padstow to Porthcothan
While not a particularly difficult walk, what makes this linear route challenging is its length. You’ll make your way along the jagged cliff edge between Padstow and Porthcothan, all the while surrounded by the most beautiful panoramic views of the beaches, sea, and Cornish countryside. As with all coastal walks in Cornwall, there will likely be many unfenced portions of the path, so mind yourself and others during your walk. We’d recommend dedicating a full day to this stunning stretch of the South West Coast Path, so pack plenty of water and perhaps a picnic to really enjoy the experience.
Distance: 13.4 miles / 21.6 km | Route style: Linear | Difficulty: Challenging
Holiday homes in north Cornwall
We reckon you’ll be tired after traversing some of these routes. If you’re looking for the perfect place to rest your head during your holiday, take a look through our beautiful north Cornwall holiday homes. From cosy one-bedroom cottages to spacious homes fit for large families and friendship groups, we’ve got something to suit everyone across Rock, Padstow, and the bays.
