The Best Beach Walks in Cornwall

With over 400 miles of coastline, Cornwall is home to some of the most beautiful and varied beach walks in the UK. From golden sands backed by grassy dunes to dramatic cliff-top paths overlooking turquoise coves, these walks aren’t just about getting from A to B – they’re about immersing yourself in the raw beauty, rich history, and soul-soothing calm of the Cornish coast.

We’ve handpicked ten of the best beach walks in Cornwall using routes from the brilliant iWalk Cornwall app. It’s our go-to guide for discovering Cornwall on foot – packed with easy-to-follow GPS directions, local facts, and hidden gems you’d otherwise miss. We think IWalk Cornwall is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to explore Cornwall’s coastal paths with confidence.

Each walk below includes everything you need to know – from parking and cafés to highlights and dog-friendliness – so whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll with the family, you’ll find the perfect coastal escape right here.

Trevose Head

Location: Near Padstow, North Cornwall​

Parking: Available at Harlyn Bay car park (charges may apply)​

Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed year-round

Café: Cafés and pubs can be found in nearby villages such as Harlyn and Constantine Bay​

iWalk Cornwall Route: Trevose Head

Distance: 6.1 miles (9.7 km)​

Difficulty: Easy to moderate​

Highlights:

• Spectacular views of the rugged coastline and iconic Trevose Head Lighthouse​

• Golden sandy beaches of Constantine Bay, Booby’s Bay, Mother Ivey’s Bay, and Harlyn Bay​

• Abundant wildflowers during spring and summer​

Description:

This circular walk begins at Harlyn Bay, a beautiful sandy beach popular with surfers and families. From here, the route takes you along the South West Coast Path, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. As you approach Trevose Head, the striking white lighthouse comes into view, standing as a sentinel over the dramatic cliffs. The path continues past the secluded bays of Booby’s and Mother Ivey’s, each offering a tranquil spot to rest and take in the scenery. The return leg passes through Constantine Bay, renowned for its excellent surf and expansive sands, before looping back to Harlyn Bay. This walk combines coastal beauty with diverse wildlife and flora, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts.​

Holywell Bay to Crantock Circular via Porth Joke

Location: Near Newquay, North Cornwall​

Parking: Holywell Bay National Trust car park (charges apply to non-members)​

Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome year-round

Café: Options available in Holywell Bay and Crantock​

iWalk Cornwall Route: Holywell Bay to Crantock

Distance: Varies depending on specific route taken​

Difficulty: Moderate​

Highlights:

• Expansive sandy beaches of Holywell Bay and Crantock​

• The secluded cove of Porth Joke, often less crowded​

• Rich birdlife and wildflowers along the coastal path​

Description:

Starting at Holywell Bay, famous for its sweeping dunes and as a filming location for the TV series “Poldark,” this circular walk takes you along the coast towards the charming village of Crantock. En route, you’ll pass Porth Joke, affectionately known as “Polly Joke,” a hidden gem with a peaceful beach that’s perfect for a quiet rest stop. The path offers stunning views of the Atlantic and is adorned with vibrant wildflowers during the warmer months. Crantock Beach, with its expansive sands and the picturesque Gannel Estuary, provides a delightful midpoint before you loop back towards Holywell Bay. This walk encapsulates the serene beauty of Cornwall’s northern coast.​

Kennack Sands to Cadgwith

Location: The Lizard Peninsula, South Cornwall​

Parking: Kennack Sands car park (charges may apply)

Dog-Friendly: Seasonal dog restrictions may apply on Kennack Sands; check local signage​

Café: Cafés available at Kennack Sands and in Cadgwith​

iWalk Cornwall Route: Kennack Sands to Cadgwith​

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)​

Difficulty: Easy to moderate​

Highlights:

• The serene beauty of Kennack Sands

• Exploring the historic Poltesco valley with its Victorian-era serpentine works

• The traditional fishing village of Cadgwith with its thatched cottages and working harbour​

Description:

Beginning at Kennack Sands, a family-friendly beach known for its clear waters and rock pools, this walk guides you through the enchanting Poltesco valley. Once a bustling centre for the serpentine stone industry, remnants of the old serpentine works can still be seen, offering a glimpse into the area’s industrial past. The path then leads to Cadgwith, a quintessential Cornish fishing village where colourful boats rest on the shingle beach and fresh seafood is often available straight from the harbour. The return journey provides coastal views and the opportunity to spot local wildlife, including seabirds and, occasionally, seals. This walk offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a delightful exploration of The Lizard Peninsula.​

Rosemullion Head

Location: Near Falmouth, South Cornwall
Parking: Maenporth Beach car park (charges may apply)
Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed year-round
Café: Life’s a Beach café at Maenporth Beach
iWalk Cornwall Route: Rosemullion Head
Distance: 3.6 miles (5.8 km)
Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

• Beautiful coastal scenery with views across Falmouth Bay

• Hidden coves and rocky outcrops ideal for exploring at low tide

• Peaceful woodland paths and wildflowers in spring and summer

Description:

This scenic circular walk starts from Maenporth Beach, just a short drive from Falmouth, and offers a stunning blend of coast and countryside. You’ll first follow the South West Coast Path around Rosemullion Head, a quiet and dramatic headland overlooking the Fal Estuary. The views here are superb, with dramatic cliffs and hidden sandy coves perfect for a picnic or paddle.

The walk then loops inland through tranquil woodlands and meadows that are teeming with wildlife, particularly in spring when bluebells and wild garlic line the paths. You’ll pass the secluded beaches of Bream Cove and Polgwidden Cove along the way, before circling back to Maenporth. It’s an ideal choice for a shorter yet incredibly rewarding beach walk.

Talland Bay to Polperro

Location: South East Cornwall
Parking: Talland Bay car park (limited spaces, charges apply)
Dog-Friendly: Yes, all year round
Café: Talland Bay Beach Café and plenty of options in Polperro
iWalk Cornwall Route: Talland Bay to Polperro
Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km)
Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

• Cliff-top views across the south Cornish coast

• The charming, historic fishing village of Polperro

• Hidden beaches and smuggler’s tales

Description:

A walk steeped in history and coastal charm, this route takes you from the quiet and peaceful Talland Bay to the iconic village of Polperro. The path hugs the cliffs, revealing sweeping views of the turquoise sea and rocky inlets far below.

As you approach Polperro, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. With its narrow winding streets, whitewashed cottages, and smuggling legends, it’s one of Cornwall’s most atmospheric coastal villages. Take time to explore the harbour, shops, and pubs before retracing your steps or catching a local bus back.

It’s a fairly short walk but rich in scenery, local history and sea air – the kind of Cornish experience that leaves a lasting memory.

Porthtowan to Chapel Porth

Location: North Cornwall, between St Agnes and Portreath
Parking: Porthtowan Beach car park (charges apply)
Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs allowed seasonally on Porthtowan and year-round at Chapel Porth
Café: Blue Bar at Porthtowan and the National Trust café at Chapel Porth
iWalk Cornwall Route: Porthtowan to Chapel Porth
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections)

Highlights:

• Dramatic cliffs of the St Agnes Heritage Coast

• Historic mining engine houses on the cliffs

• Golden sandy beaches and surf culture

Description:

This walk showcases some of Cornwall’s most iconic mining heritage alongside breath-taking coastal views. Starting at the surfy, youthful village of Porthtowan, the route climbs the cliffs and traces the coast past the remains of Wheal Coates tin mine. The mine buildings perched above the Atlantic are some of the most photographed in Cornwall.

At low tide, you can return along the beach, discovering hidden caves and rock formations between Chapel Porth and Porthtowan. It’s a spectacular blend of Cornwall’s industrial past and wild coastal beauty, with both beaches offering the chance for a swim, ice cream or well-earned pasty at the end.

Porthcurno to Penberth

Location: Far West Cornwall, near Land’s End
Parking: Porthcurno car park (charges apply)
Dog-Friendly: Seasonal restrictions at Porthcurno, Penberth is dog-friendly year-round
Café: Logan Rock Inn at Treen and seasonal café at Porthcurno
iWalk Cornwall Route: Porthcurno to Penberth
Distance: 2.7 miles (4.4 km)
Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

• Turquoise waters and white sands at Porthcurno

• The famous Minack Theatre carved into the cliffs

• The peaceful fishing cove of Penberth

Description:

This short but truly spectacular coastal walk begins at Porthcurno, a beach so striking it could be mistaken for the Mediterranean. Climb the steep path past the world-famous Minack Theatre, which offers not only shows but panoramic views over the bay.

The route follows a quiet stretch of the South West Coast Path towards Penberth Cove – an old fishing hamlet untouched by modern tourism. The granite slipway and traditional boats make it a peaceful spot to stop and soak in the surroundings. On the return, you can also detour to see Logan Rock or head into Treen for refreshments.

This is a must-do walk for anyone staying in the west of Cornwall and offers a wonderful combination of beach, history, and raw coastal beauty.

Pentire Point to The Rumps

Location: North Cornwall, near Polzeath
Parking: New Polzeath car park (charges apply)
Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome year-round
Café: Plenty of cafés and pubs in Polzeath and nearby Port Isaac
iWalk Cornwall Route: The Rumps to Polzeath around Pentire Point
Distance: 4.2 miles (6.7 km)
Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

• Breathtaking headland views and dramatic cliffs

• Secluded coves and crystal-clear waters

• Iron Age promontory fort at The Rumps

Description:

This circular walk from New Polzeath explores one of the most striking headlands on the North Cornwall coast. The route follows the South West Coast Path around Pentire Point, offering uninterrupted views of the Atlantic and the Camel Estuary.

The trail winds out to the twin headlands known as The Rumps – the site of a well-preserved Iron Age hillfort. With turquoise waters below and sea birds circling overhead, it’s a place that feels truly wild and ancient. Along the way, you’ll pass quiet coves and rugged cliffs that look particularly impressive during stormy seas or golden hour.

It’s a moderately challenging walk with big rewards, especially if you’re into photography, history, or just wide open space and salty air.

Hayle and The Towans

Location: North Cornwall, near St Ives Bay
Parking: Public car parks in Hayle (East Quay or Phillack); charges may apply
Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs allowed on large parts of The Towans year-round (some seasonal restrictions)
Café: Multiple cafés and bakeries in Hayle town centre and near the beach
iWalk Cornwall Route: Hayle and The Towans
Distance: 2.7 miles (4.3 km)
Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

• Miles of golden dunes and beach along St Ives Bay

• Fascinating industrial heritage and views over Hayle estuary

• Ideal for birdwatching and peaceful, open scenery

Description:

This gentle loop around the vast sandy expanse of The Towans offers a relaxing and scenic beach walk with a historic twist. Starting in the town of Hayle, the route winds through the dunes and coastal grasslands that stretch along St Ives Bay. The views across the estuary and out to Godrevy Lighthouse are nothing short of stunning, especially on a clear day.

The walk also dips into Hayle’s fascinating past as a centre for Cornish engineering and shipping. You’ll pass the remnants of quays, beam engine works, and tidal waters that once made Hayle one of the busiest ports in Cornwall. The wide-open skies and abundance of seabirds make this a perfect route for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape with minimal hills.

Bedruthan Steps to Porthcothan

Location: Near Mawgan Porth, North Cornwall
Parking: Carnewas at Bedruthan National Trust car park (charges apply)
Dog-Friendly: Yes, year-round (note: beach access limited at Bedruthan due to cliff falls)
Café: Carnewas Tearooms at Bedruthan (seasonal) and options at Porthcothan
iWalk Cornwall Route: Bedruthan Steps to Porthcothan
Distance: 5.8 miles (9.3 km)
Difficulty: Moderate (some narrow and uneven paths)

Highlights:

• The legendary sea stacks of Bedruthan Steps

• Hidden coves and sandy bays

• Panoramic clifftop views

Description:

This walk is a visual masterpiece, tracing the wild Atlantic coast from the famed Bedruthan Steps to the quiet cove of Porthcothan. Although access to the beach at Bedruthan is currently restricted due to erosion, the clifftop views of the dramatic sea stacks remain a jaw-dropping highlight.

From Carnewas, the route weaves through headlands, past coves like Porth Mear and Park Head, each one more beautiful than the last. In spring and summer, the cliffs are alive with colour from wildflowers, and seabirds can often be seen diving offshore. The walk ends at Porthcothan, a peaceful and sheltered beach ideal for relaxing or catching the sunset.

Where Will Your Next Beach Walk Take You?

Cornwall’s coastline is nothing short of spectacular, and there’s no better way to experience its wild beauty than by walking it. Whether you’re drawn to towering cliffs, secret coves, sweeping sands, or the quiet charm of a fishing village, these beach walks offer something for every kind of adventurer. Each route we’ve shared not only celebrates the natural wonder of Cornwall but also connects you with its deep history, wildlife, and coastal heritage.

Using the iWalk Cornwall app makes exploring these trails even easier. It provides clear, GPS-guided directions, local insights, and safety information – all from your phone – so you can focus on soaking up the scenery without worrying about getting lost.

So pack your boots, grab your dog (if you’ve got one), and head for the coast. Whether it’s a windswept stomp in winter or a barefoot amble in the summer sun, these beach walks will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and completely in love with Cornwall – all over again.