The Best Pub Walks in Cornwall: Where Pints Meet Paths

What could be more Cornish than a scenic ramble followed by a pint in a proper pub? Whether you’re winding your way along rugged cliffs, weaving through ancient woodlands, or ambling past creeks and coves, there’s no better reward than a well-earned drink and a warm welcome at the end of the trail.

Cornwall is full of beautiful walks, but we’ve rounded up the very best ones that come with a pub stop built in – because let’s face it, some of life’s best moments happen over a drink with muddy boots under the table. Each route in this guide is a handpicked gem from iWalk Cornwall, a brilliant app we recommend (though we’re not affiliated with them). Every walk comes with GPS-guided directions, so you can focus on enjoying the views and not worrying about which stile to turn left at.

This guide follows our trusted CornishStuff walking format – giving you everything you need to plan the perfect pub walk. Expect local highlights, honest advice, and links directly to the iWalk Cornwall routes.

So, ready to discover Cornwall’s finest pub walks? Let’s get you laced up and out the door. There’s a table waiting with your name on it.

1. St Clether to the Rising Sun

• Location: St Clether, near Altarnun​

• Parking: Available near St Clether Church​

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, though less athletic dogs may need assistance over some stiles​

• Café: None on route, but the Rising Sun Inn offers meals and drinks​

• iWalk Cornwall Route: St Clether to the Rising Sun

• Distance: 5.4 miles / 8.7 km​

• Difficulty: Moderate​

• Highlights: Ancient chapel and holy well, panoramic views over the Inny Valley, and the Rising Sun Inn serving local beer brewed from moorland spring water​

Long Walk Description:

This figure-of-eight walk begins at St Clether, taking you past the ancient chapel and holy well, offering serene views over the Inny Valley. The route meanders through riverside meadows and offers panoramic vistas of the Penpont and Inny valleys. The highlight is the Rising Sun Inn near Altarnun, a traditional pub serving local ales and hearty meals. The path can be muddy in winter, so appropriate footwear is recommended. ​

2. Church Cove and Lizard Point

• Location: The Lizard Peninsula​

• Parking: Available at Church Cove​

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, with some beaches allowing dogs year-round; no stiles on the route​

• Café: Options available at Lizard Point​

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Church Cove and Lizard Point

• Distance: 3.9 miles / 6.3 km​

• Difficulty: Moderate​

• Highlights: The most southerly point in Britain, historic lifeboat stations, and the iconic Lizard Lighthouse​

Long Walk Description:

Starting from Church Cove, this circular walk takes you to Lizard Point, the southernmost tip of mainland Britain. Along the way, you’ll pass historic lifeboat stations and the Lizard Lighthouse, with stunning coastal views throughout. The route includes paths close to unfenced cliff edges, so caution is advised. Dog-friendly beaches and the absence of stiles make it suitable for canine companions. ​

3. Constantine to Scott’s Quay

• Location: Constantine, near Falmouth​

• Parking: Available in Constantine village​

• Dog-Friendly: Yes​

• Café: None on route​

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Constantine to Scott’s Quay

• Distance: 4.2 miles / 6.8 km​

• Difficulty: Easy​

• Highlights: Woodland paths, riverside views, and the historic Scott’s Quay​

Long Walk Description:

This gentle walk from Constantine leads you through Bosahan Woods to the tranquil Scott’s Quay on the Helford River. The route offers peaceful woodland paths and riverside views, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. While there are no cafés on the route, Constantine village offers amenities before or after your walk. 

4. Portscatho to Pendower Beach

• Location: Roseland Peninsula​

• Parking: Available in Portscatho​

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, with some seasonal restrictions on beaches​

• Café: Options available in Portscatho​

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Portscatho to Pendower Beach

• Distance: 4.4 miles / 7 km​

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate​

• Highlights: Coastal paths, sandy beaches, and historical smuggling tales​

Long Walk Description:

Beginning in the picturesque village of Portscatho, this circular walk takes you along the Roseland coast to Pendower Beach. The route offers stunning coastal views and passes through areas rich in smuggling history. Beaches along the way provide opportunities for a seaside picnic, and Portscatho offers café options to relax post-walk.

5. The Camelford Way

• Location: Camelford, North Cornwall​

• Parking: Available in Camelford town centre​

• Dog-Friendly: Yes​

• Café: Cafés available in Camelford​

• iWalk Cornwall Route: The Camelford Way​

• Distance: 1.8 miles / 2.9 km​

• Difficulty: Easy​

• Highlights: Wildflower-rich meadows, River Camel, clapper bridge at Fenteroon​

Long Walk Description:

This short and easy circular walk from Camelford takes you along the wildflower-rich meadows of the River Camel to the historic clapper bridge at Fenteroon. The return journey offers views over the Camel Valley, making it a delightful stroll for those seeking a gentle walk with natural beauty.​

6. Hayle and The Towans

• Location: Hayle, West Cornwall​

• Parking: Available in Hayle town centre​

• Dog-Friendly: Yes​

• Café: Cafés available in Hayle​

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Hayle and The Towans​

• Distance: 2.7 miles / 4.3 km

• Difficulty: Easy​

• Highlights: Sandy dunes, historic industrial sites, coastal views​

Long Walk Description:

This circular walk explores the Towans at Hayle, where Cornwall’s beam engines were once cast using sand from a prehistoric lagoon. The route offers a mix of coastal scenery and industrial heritage, providing insights into the area’s rich history.​

7. Helston

• Location: Helston, South Cornwall​

• Parking: Available in Helston town centre​

• Dog-Friendly: Yes​

• Café: Cafés available in Helston​

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Helston​

• Distance: 2.9 miles / 4.7 km​

• Difficulty: Easy​

• Highlights: Wooded valley of the River Cober, historic town centre​

Long Walk Description:

This circular walk in Helston takes you along the wooded valley of the River Cober and through the town via the church. It’s a pleasant route that combines natural beauty with the charm of Helston’s historic streets.​

8. King’s Wood and Pentewan Valley

• Location: Pentewan, South Cornwall​

• Parking: Available near King’s Wood​

• Dog-Friendly: Yes​

• Café: Cafés available in Pentewan​

• iWalk Cornwall Route: King’s Wood and Pentewan Valley​

• Distance: 3.2 miles / 5.2 km​

• Difficulty: Easy​

• Highlights: Woodland reserve, historic tramway, lost port of Pentewan​

Long Walk Description:

This circular walk takes you through the King’s Wood Woodland Trust reserve to the lost port of Pentewan. You’ll follow the trackbed of the horse-drawn tramway that once carried china clay to the busy port, exploring the system of reservoirs and sluices used to flush sand out of the harbour.​

9. Bude to Northcott Mouth

• Location: Bude, North Cornwall

• Parking: Available in Bude town centre​

• Dog-Friendly: Yes​

• Café: Cafés available in Bude​

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Bude to Northcott Mouth​

• Distance: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km​

• Difficulty: Easy​

• Highlights: Sea Pool, Maer cliff, shipwreck of the SS Belem​

Long Walk Description:

This circular walk takes you past the Bude Sea Pool to Crooklets beach and along Maer cliff to the beach at Northcott Mouth. At low tide, you can see the shipwreck of the SS Belem. The route offers stunning coastal views and a glimpse into maritime history.​

10. Polzeath to St Enodoc Church

• Location: Polzeath, North Cornwall

• Parking: Available in Polzeath (seafront car park or village car park)

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, but note some seasonal restrictions on beaches

• Café: Multiple cafés and eateries in Polzeath

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Polzeath to St Enodoc Church

• Distance: 3.2 miles / 5.2 km

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: Coastal path, sand dunes, St Enodoc Church, Sir John Betjeman’s grave, River Camel views

Long Walk Description:

This peaceful and scenic walk starts from the ever-popular surf spot of Polzeath, following the South West Coast Path across sandy dunes and grassy headlands. The route weaves through the St Enodoc Golf Course to the famous St Enodoc Church – once buried in sand and now a beautifully secluded spot overlooking the Camel Estuary.

The church is the final resting place of poet laureate Sir John Betjeman, and its whitewashed tower and tranquil location are a highlight of the walk. The return route offers sweeping views over the Camel Estuary towards Padstow. A gentle, well-marked route with very little elevation, it’s perfect for walkers looking to combine sea air, literary history, and a cosy pub at the end.

Stop off in Polzeath for a pint or a bite to eat – you’ve earned it.

Cheers to the Trail: Wrapping Up Cornwall’s Best Pub Walks

There’s something truly special about a walk that ends (or begins) at a proper Cornish pub. Whether it’s the satisfaction of a Sunday roast by a roaring fire or a cold pint in a sunny beer garden after a breezy cliff-top stroll, these pub walks offer the perfect pairing of fresh air and local flavour.

Each route we’ve featured from iWalk Cornwall is more than just a walk – they’re immersive journeys through Cornwall’s rich tapestry of coast, countryside, history and hospitality. With the iWalk Cornwall app in hand, you’ll never miss a turn or a tale along the way.

So lace up your boots, grab your dog (or a few good mates), and head out on a proper Cornish adventure. Just don’t forget to raise a glass to the view. 🍻

If you try one of these walks, let us know how you got on – better yet, send us a photo from your favourite pub stop and we might just share it on CornishStuff.