Your guide to the wonders of coastal walks in Cornwall

Imagine the feeling of soft sand between your toes, the cool touch of waves as they brush over your feet, and the gentle breeze whisking past your neck. Sounds beautiful, doesn’t it? With our incredible holiday parks in the south of the UK, you can experience coastal walks in Cornwall like never before.

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The South West Coast Path: Cornwall's iconic trail

The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked footpath. This major tourist attraction is one of the many reasons millions venture to Cornwall for their UK staycation. But how long is the South West Coast Path? This incredible path stretches for 630 miles, and if you ever had the urge to try and walk the whole thing, it would take you around seven to eight weeks. That’s right – it’s a long path!

A coastal walk in Cornwall for only a few miles of the southwest can still give you all the wonder and enjoyment of the entire path. Whether you’re looking for unforgettable family memories or an intimate, romantic getaway, these coastal walks in Cornwall are the perfect ingredient to your dream walking holiday.

A family enjoying a peaceful stroll to the Cornish coastline on a summers day.

The Coast-to-Coast trail

The Coast-to-Coast trail is a great coastal walk in Cornwall for you to experience on your next trip away. The trail runs from Devoran, on the south coast, to Portreath, on the north coast. It amounts to a total of 11 miles and is almost entirely off-road. You can simply walk or cycle a specific section of the path for a less challenging walk.

Incredible coastal walks in Cornwall:

Park Head

This is a great circular coastal walk in Cornwall that overlooks the Bedruthan Steps. It was used as a filming location in the BBC television series, Poldark.

Trevose Head

Trevose Head provides a nice walk along a rugged Cornwall coastline, where you can see the iconic lighthouse and sandy beach at Mother Ivey’s Bay.

Bude to Northcott Mouth

This is a Cornish coastal walk that you’re sure to enjoy. Not only will you see amazing sea views, but you can also see the shipwreck of the SS Belem at low tide.

Botallack Head

Another location you’ll find in the BBC series, Poldark, Botallack Head is a Cornwall walking trail where you’ll find some historic culture in the form of mining remains.

The best locations to stay for coastal walks in Cornwall

At Away Resorts, we offer a range of holiday parks that grant access to the South West Coast Path. Why not take the family down to St Ives Bay? This wonderful resort is the perfect place to stay if you want to experience the secret treasures of the southwest. After a long day, head back to the resort and relax in your holiday home. Whether it’s a caravan, lodge, or camping in a tent, you’ll have everything you need to re-energise for the next day of Cornish walking trails.

Next up, we have Newquay Bay, our fantastic resort that is the perfect base for your Cornwall walking adventures. On top of access to the South West Coast Path, you can enjoy a wide variety of fun activities, from indoor pools and seasonal games to a hair and beauty salon and surfing school.

A brown, fluffy dog running on the beach on a summers day. You can see the sea in the background with a wave coming in.

Dog friendly coastal walks

For those of you out there with a four-legged family member, the thought of coastal walks in Cornwall might make you immediately picture a walking holiday with your dog. And with our dog-friendly holiday parks that dream can become a reality! Feel free to bring along your pooch for some coastal dog walks in Cornwall.

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A family of five strolling through one of our holiday parks. The man is carrying the young girl on his shoulders, and the other young boy and girl are walking. The family is pointing at something in the distance. the surrounding area is green.

Cornwall breaks with Away Resorts

Coastal walks in Cornwall are some of the best ways to spend your UK staycation in the south-west of England. There’s nothing quite like a Cornwall walking trip to get you and all your loved ones out and about, exploring, climbing, and discovering to your heart's content. Get in touch with us now to start planning your next adventure!

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Coastal walks in Cornwall FAQs

What is the most beautiful part of the South West Coast Path?

The most beautiful part of the South West Coast Path might be different for each person. It depends on what you want to see and when. For instance, you might be yearning to see the gorgeous wildflowers and poppy fields in the summer, or the wild and mesmerising waves crashing into the coast in the winter.

What is the halfway point of the South West Coast Path?

The halfway point of the South West Coast Path is Porthallow on the Lizard Peninsula.

Can you wild camp on the South West Coast Path?

Wild camping is not permitted on the South West Coast Path. But that’s okay since our holiday parks offer the best spots to stay when exploring coastal walks in Cornwall.

Where is the end of the South West Coast Path?

The end of the South West Coast Path will depend on where you start. However, most people choose to walk anti-clockwise, starting in Minehead, Somerset, and ending at Poole Harbour, Dorset.

How much does it cost to walk the South West Coast Path?

It does not cost anything to walk the South West Coast Path. However, if you’re exploring coastal walks in Cornwall over multiple days, you need to factor in accommodation costs.

How difficult is the South West Coast Path?

The South West Coast Path does have some difficult sections (such as hills, dips, etc.), despite it being a fun and marvellous experience. We recommend coming prepared for long periods of walking, with up and down sections and some tricky terrain.

Where do I start the Coast-to-Coast walk?

The Coast-to-Coast Trail can be started at any end, whether you complete the coastal walk in Cornwall from Devoran, on the south coast, to Portreath, on the north coast, or vice versa.

What is the hardest part of the Coast-to-Coast walk?

The hardest part of the Coast-to-Coast walk tends to be the sections where there are hills and dips, which only occur a few times along the path since the ground is mostly level across it.

What month is best to walk the Coast-to-Coast trail?

The best month to walk the Coast-to-Coast trail will likely be during the summer months since there’s less chance of strong winds or rain affecting your day out.

How do you plan a Coast-to-Coast walk?

The best way to plan your Coast-to-Coast walk in Cornwall is:

  • Figure out your starting and end points, and have a map for your route
  • Make sure you have enough water to keep you hydrated on your walk
  • Plan regular stopping points for bathroom breaks and rests
  • Pack sufficient food to give you energy on your walk
  • Check the weather to see what the appropriate clothing is for your day out.

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