The Best Walks in Cornwall with a Church

Cornwall is packed with places that make you pause – whether it’s a view across a tidal estuary or the moment you hear nothing but birdsong and breeze. But few things add depth to a walk quite like the presence of a church. Tucked away in wooded valleys, perched on windswept cliffs, or hidden behind sand dunes, these ancient buildings tell stories that go back centuries.

This guide brings together some of the most beautiful walks in Cornwall that also feature a church – routes that combine nature, history, and a little bit of magic. Every one of the walks listed below comes from the brilliant iWalk Cornwall app, which we highly recommend. It’s not a paid partnership – we just genuinely rate it for its GPS guidance and insightful local info.

So whether you’re looking for a short stroll to a forgotten chapel or a longer adventure linking coastline and sacred ground, you’ll find something here to inspire your next outing.

1. Boscastle to Minster Church

• Location: Boscastle, North Cornwall

• Parking: Boscastle Harbour Car Park (PL35 0HD)

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, with one stile that may require lifting

• Café: Several options in Boscastle village

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Boscastle to Minster Church

• Distance: 2.6 miles / 4.2 km

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Ancient Celtic churchyard, sacred spring, bluebell woodland, River Valency​

Walk Description:
This enchanting circular walk begins in the picturesque village of Boscastle, following the River Valency through lush bluebell woods to the secluded Minster Church. Nestled in a tranquil valley, the church dates back 1,500 years and is accompanied by a sacred spring. The return journey meanders along the River Jordan, offering glimpses of Bottreaux Castle’s remnants and Boscastle’s historic Old Road. ​

2. Tintagel, Church and Castle

• Location: Tintagel, North Cornwall

• Parking: Tintagel Visitor Centre Car Park (PL34 0AJ)

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, with one manageable stile

• Café: Multiple options in Tintagel village

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Tintagel, Church and Castle

• Distance: Approximately 3 miles / 4.8 km

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: St Materiana’s Church, Tintagel Castle, Merlin’s Cave, panoramic coastal views​

Walk Description:
Explore the legendary landscapes of Tintagel on this circular walk that encompasses the ancient St Materiana’s Church, perched dramatically on the cliffs. The route offers breathtaking views of Tintagel Castle, steeped in Arthurian legend, and the mystical Merlin’s Cave. Wander through the historic village, visiting the Old Post Office and enjoying the unique shops and tea rooms. ​

3. Cadgwith Cove to Church Cove

• Location: The Lizard Peninsula, South Cornwall

• Parking: Cadgwith Car Park (TR12 7JX)

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, though one stile may require lifting

• Café: Cadgwith Cove Inn and local cafés

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Cadgwith Cove to Church Cove

• Distance: 4.1 miles / 6.5 km

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: St Grada’s Church, St Ruan’s Church and Holy Well, Devil’s Frying Pan, coastal scenery​

Walk Description:
This scenic walk takes you from the charming fishing village of Cadgwith along the serpentine cliffs of The Lizard to Church Cove. Along the way, you’ll encounter the dramatic Devil’s Frying Pan, a collapsed sea cave, and visit two ancient churches—St Grada’s and St Ruan’s—each with its own rich history. The route also includes the holy well of St Ruan, adding a spiritual touch to this coastal adventure.

4. Lost Church and Perranporth Dunes

• Location: Perranporth, North Cornwall

• Parking: Perran Sands Holiday Park (TR6 0AQ)

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, with some lead restrictions

• Café: Options available in Perranporth town

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Lost Church and Perranporth dunes

• Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles / 5.6 km

• Difficulty: Moderate (navigation can be challenging in dunes)

• Highlights: St Piran’s Oratory and Cross, Penhale Sands, highest dunes in Britain​

Walk Description:
Traverse the towering dunes of Penhale Sands to uncover the remnants of St Piran’s Oratory, a chapel dating back to Celtic times, lost beneath the sands for nearly a millennium. The walk also features St Piran’s Cross and the remains of a medieval church, offering a profound sense of Cornwall’s spiritual heritage amidst its natural beauty.

5. Gunwalloe Coves

• Location: Gunwalloe, South Cornwall

• Parking: National Trust Car Park at Church Cove (TR12 7QE)

• Dog-Friendly: Seasonal restrictions apply

• Café: Halzephron Inn nearby

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Gunwalloe Coves

• Distance: 5.3 miles / 8.5 km

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: St Winwaloe’s Church, Dollar Cove, Loe Bar, smuggling history​

Walk Description:
This varied walk begins at the windswept sands of Gunwalloe, famous for its hidden coves and dramatic tales of shipwrecks. You’ll visit the uniquely positioned St Winwaloe’s Church, partly buried in the sand and with a detached bell tower. The route follows the coast path past Dollar Cove, named after a shipwreck said to have spilled silver coins onto the shore, then continues to Halzephron Cliffs, known for their stunning sea views and deadly past. Inland, the walk explores countryside footpaths leading to Loe Bar, the natural barrier that separates the freshwater lake of Loe Pool from the sea. It’s a deeply atmospheric walk combining folklore, history, and outstanding coastal views.

6. Polzeath to St Enodoc Church

• Location: Polzeath, North Cornwall

• Parking: Polzeath Beach Car Park (PL27 6SS)

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

• Café: Multiple options in Polzeath village

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Polzeath to St Enodoc Church

• Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: St Enodoc Church, Daymer Bay, Trebetherick Point, Camel Estuary views​

Walk Description:
This circular walk begins at the popular surfing beach of Polzeath, following the coastline past a series of small coves to the expansive sands of Daymer Bay. The route then turns inland through the dunes to the charming St Enodoc Church, once buried in sand and accessible only through the roof. The churchyard is the final resting place of poet Sir John Betjeman. The walk offers stunning views across the Camel Estuary and includes a mix of beach, cliff, and countryside paths.​

7. Three Saints Way

• Location: Tremaine, North Cornwall

• Parking: Limited parking near Tremaine Church (PL15 8SA)

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, with some stiles

• Café: None on route; nearest options in Launceston

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Three Saints Way

• Distance: 6 miles / 9.7 km

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Tremaine Church, River Ottery, River Kensey, tranquil countryside

Walk Description:
This circular walk explores the tributary valleys of the River Ottery and River Kensey, connecting three of Cornwall’s lesser-known medieval churches. Starting at the Norman-era Tremaine Church, the route meanders through peaceful countryside, offering glimpses of ancient woodlands and serene riverbanks. The walk is rich in history and provides a sense of solitude and reflection.​

8. Cremyll to Maker Church

• Location: Cremyll, Southeast Cornwall

• Parking: Mount Edgcumbe Car Park (PL10 1HZ)

• Dog-Friendly: Yes

• Café: The Orangery at Mount Edgcumbe

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Cremyll to Maker Church

• Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Maker Church, Mount Edgcumbe Estate, panoramic views of Plymouth Sound​

Walk Description:
This scenic walk starts at the historic Cremyll Ferry landing and ascends through the Mount Edgcumbe Estate to Maker Church, offering panoramic views over Plymouth Sound. The route passes through landscaped gardens, woodlands, and open parkland, blending natural beauty with historical landmarks. Maker Church, with its commanding position, has been a navigational aid for sailors for centuries.

9. St Buryan to Penberth Cove

• Location: St Buryan, West Cornwall

• Parking: St Buryan Village Car Park (TR19 6DU)

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, with some stiles

• Café: St Buryan Village Stores

• iWalk Cornwall Route: St Buryan to Penberth Cove

• Distance: 7.6 miles / 12.3 km

• Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous

• Highlights: St Buryan Church, Penberth Cove, St Loy’s Cove, granite cliffs​

Walk Description:
Beginning at the historic St Buryan Church, this walk traverses the rugged granite cliffs of West Cornwall, descending into the picturesque fishing cove of Penberth. The route continues through the lush valley of St Loy’s Cove, known for its subtropical gardens, before looping back to St Buryan. The walk offers a mix of coastal and inland scenery, rich in natural beauty and historical interest.

10. Talland Bay to Looe

• Location: Talland Bay, Southeast Cornwall

• Parking: Talland Bay Car Park (PL13 2JA)

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, with some stiles

• Café: Talland Bay Beach Café

• iWalk Cornwall Route: Talland Bay to Looe

• Distance: 6.8 miles / 10.9 km

• Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous

• Highlights: Talland Church, Looe Island views, Kilminorth Woods, Giant’s Hedge​

Walk Description:
This stunning coastal and woodland walk sets off from Talland Bay, heading east along the South West Coast Path with breathtaking views over the ocean and Looe Island. After passing through the historic Talland Church, nestled in a hollow above the beach, the route continues toward the lively town of Looe, crossing the West Looe River. The return journey ventures inland through ancient woodland and alongside the impressive Giant’s Hedge, an early medieval earthwork believed to stretch for miles. With coastal views, tranquil forests, and Cornish legends at every turn, this route is both a visual and cultural feast.

Walks with a Soul

Whether you’re drawn to Cornwall for its craggy cliffs, secret coves, or windswept moors, there’s something deeply grounding about stumbling upon a centuries-old church along your route. These sacred spaces – often nestled in the most unexpected corners of the landscape – add a quiet sense of connection to Cornwall’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

By following the routes on the iWalk Cornwall app, you’re not only discovering some of the county’s most beautiful walking trails – you’re walking in the footsteps of saints, poets, smugglers, and pilgrims. Each path offers a story, and each church a moment of reflection, stillness, or awe.

So lace up your boots, grab your OS map (or better yet, download the app), and head out to explore Cornwall’s most soul-stirring walks – with a church at the heart of every journey.