Cornwall’s Best Coastal Walks for a Breathtaking Day Out

Explore 10 Stunning Trails with Breathtaking Views, Hidden Coves & Wild Clifftops

Cornwall’s coastline is something else. From towering cliffs and windswept headlands to smugglers’ coves and golden beaches, it’s no wonder people travel from all over just to walk it. But where do you start?

We’ve picked 10 of the very best coastal walks in Cornwall, using routes featured on the fantastic iWalkCornwall app – a brilliant tool for finding proper, circular walks with full step-by-step directions and offline GPS guidance (especially handy when phone signal drops out near the cliffs).

Each route brings its own flavour – whether it’s the legend of the Mermaid of Zennor, the roar of the waves at Tintagel, or the peaceful beauty of the Seven Bays. You’ll find walks for all abilities, and every one comes with jaw-dropping views and a dose of proper Cornish air.

So lace up your boots, charge your phone, and let’s hit the coast. Here are 10 Cornish coastal walks you absolutely need to try.

1. Zennor to St Ives (via bus)

🟢 7.7 miles | Moderate to Strenuous | One-way with return by bus
🔗 Walk link

One of Cornwall’s most iconic routes, this walk starts in the granite village of Zennor and follows the wild, rocky coastline to St Ives. Expect dramatic sea views, gnarled rocks, and sheer cliff drops with the Atlantic crashing far below. Wildlife sightings are common – keep an eye out for seals and choughs.

You’ll pass secret coves, sea arches, and rocky inlets, with constant ocean views. The walk ends in the artistic harbour town of St Ives, where you can relax with a pint or an ice cream before catching the bus back.

Highlights:

• Wild, rugged coastline

• Mermaid of Zennor legend

• Epic views across St Ives Bay

• Seals and seabirds along the way

2. Port Isaac to Polzeath (via bus)

🟢 9.9 miles | Moderate to Strenuous | One-way with return by bus
🔗 Walk link

Begin in the picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac – made famous by Doc Martin – and set out along a rollercoaster of a coastal path toward Polzeath. The route takes you past the secluded cove of Port Quin, the stunning sands of Lundy Bay, and the dramatic headland known as The Rumps.

It’s a walk packed with variety – sea cliffs, ancient history, sandy beaches and Iron Age forts. It finishes at Polzeath, one of Cornwall’s most popular surf beaches, where you can grab a drink or a dip in the sea.

Highlights:

• Historic fishing villages

• Iron Age hillfort at The Rumps

• Wildflowers and stunning cliff views

• Remote coves and golden sands

3. St Ives to Zennor

🟢 12.1 miles | Moderate to Strenuous | Circular
🔗 Walk link

Prefer to start in St Ives and make a day of it? This is the full circular version of the previous route, perfect for fit walkers who want to experience the entire stretch with no transport needed.

It begins in St Ives and follows the rugged coast path to Zennor, then loops back inland across moorland and farmland. Expect challenging terrain, narrow paths and big climbs – but also unforgettable views and a deep sense of peace and isolation.

Highlights:

• Remote coastal sections

• Ancient field systems inland

• Great wildlife and birdwatching

• A real Cornish endurance challenge

4. Poundstock to Millook

🟢 3.6 miles | Strenuous | Circular
🔗 Walk link

This shorter but steeper route rewards walkers with incredible geological scenery. Start in Poundstock and descend through ancient woodland before reaching Millook Haven, a quiet shingle beach backed by towering cliffs. The cliff face here is famous for its folded layers of rock – a natural textbook in geological time.

You’ll climb back out along the coast path, where panoramic views stretch as far as Hartland on a clear day. A peaceful, lesser-known gem.

Highlights:

• Chevron-folded cliffs of Millook

• Wooded river valley with bluebells in spring

• Quiet beach with no facilities – bring a flask!

• Wild, remote atmosphere

5. Crackington Haven to Boscastle (via bus)

🟢 7 miles | Strenuous | One-way with return by bus
🔗 Walk link

This section of Cornwall’s north coast is known as the Shipwreck Coast for good reason. It’s wild, high, and completely unspoilt. You’ll walk past High Cliff, the tallest cliff in Cornwall, and descend to The Strangles, a hidden beach only accessible on foot.

End your walk in Boscastle, where the charming natural harbour and Witchcraft Museum await. A brilliant route for seasoned hikers who want Cornwall at its rawest.

Highlights:

• Highest cliffs in Cornwall

• Secret beach at The Strangles

• Historic Boscastle harbour

• Rich in local legends and shipwreck tales

6. Watergate Bay to Newquay (via bus)

🟢 4 miles | Easy to Moderate | One-way with return by bus
🔗 Walk link

This one’s ideal for a half-day coastal ramble with plenty of places to stop along the way. From Watergate Bay, the path hugs the clifftops and takes in sandy beaches, dramatic headlands, and family-friendly coves all the way into Newquay.

You’ll pass Whipsiderry Beach, Trevelgue Head (with its Iron Age remains), and the scenic coves of Porth and Lusty Glaze, before ending on the main beach in Newquay.

Highlights:

• Family-friendly route

• Fascinating historical sites

• Cafes, pubs and plenty of pit stops

• Ends in bustling Newquay

7. Seven Bays (via bus)

🟢 6.8 miles | Easy to Moderate | One-way with return by bus
🔗 Walk link

This coastal route takes you around Trevose Head and through Cornwall’s iconic Seven Bays area. From Treyarnon Bay to Mother Ivey’s Bay, the path weaves along sandy beaches, over grassy cliffs and past the Trevose Lighthouse.

A favourite for summer walking thanks to its gentle paths and access to beaches along the way. Great for kids, dogs and a swim break or two.

Highlights:

• Family-friendly route

• Several beaches for swimming or picnics

• Trevose Head lighthouse views

• Accessible with regular buses

8. Lelant to St Ives

🟢 4.3 miles | Moderate | One-way with return via train
🔗 Walk link

A golden classic. Start in the peaceful village of Lelant, then walk along the edge of the Hayle Estuary, across vast sandy expanses like Porthkidney Sands, and through the coves of Carbis Bay and Porthminster Beach into St Ives.

It’s relatively easy-going and full of jaw-dropping views. The return by train hugs the same coast, so you can enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.

Highlights:

• Sweeping beach views

• Beautiful train ride back

• Perfect for sunny days

• Dog-friendly in low season

9. Perranporth to St Agnes (via bus)

🟢 4.7 miles | Moderate | One-way with return by bus
🔗 Walk link

This stunning stretch takes you from Perranporth, past crumbling engine houses and windswept cliffs, into the heart of Cornish Mining Country. You’ll pass the old WW2 airfield, tin streaming remains, and the iconic Blue Hills Works, where traditional tin processing still takes place.

It’s not just history though – the clifftop views are spectacular, and the walk ends in the picturesque village of St Agnes.

Highlights:

• World Heritage mining landscape

• WW2 military remains

• Ends in a proper Cornish village

• Short but packed with interest

10. Boscastle to Tintagel (via bus)

🟢 5.5 miles | Moderate | One-way with return by bus
🔗 Walk link

Finish strong with this epic route between two legendary Cornish locations. From the natural harbour at Boscastle, follow the cliffs south past sea stacks, blowholes, and eerie formations.

Eventually, you’ll reach Tintagel Castle, steeped in Arthurian legend and perched dramatically on the headland. An unforgettable walk.

Highlights:

• King Arthur country

• Spectacular coastal geology

• Quiet sections away from crowds

• Tintagel village and castle to explore

Get the App

Every one of these walks is fully mapped and guided in the iWalkCornwall app, which includes:

• GPS navigation

• Step-by-step instructions

• Offline access (no signal needed)

• Local history, wildlife and folklore

Final Thoughts: Get Your Boots On and Explore the Coast

Whether you’re a seasoned rambler or just fancy a gentle stroll with sea views, Cornwall’s coastal paths offer something truly special. From the raw, untamed cliffs of the north coast to the sheltered coves and historic villages of the south, these walks are a powerful reminder of how lucky we are to call this place home – or to visit it.

All of the walks featured above are available via the iWalkCornwall app, which we think is a brilliant resource for anyone exploring on foot. Each route is fully guided with GPS tracking, step-by-step instructions, and fascinating local facts – and it works even when you’re out of signal. We’re simply big fans.

So pack some snacks, check the tide times, download a route, and let Cornwall’s wild beauty do the rest. Just don’t forget your camera – and maybe a flask of tea for the top of the cliff.