A Guide to Hiking in Cornwall | Find the Best Trails

Discover the best trails for hiking in Cornwall

When it comes to hiking in Cornwall, you’re in for a treat, thanks to the county’s incredibly varied landscape. From dramatic coastal cliffs to the enchanting greenery of its forests, there are so many walks in Cornwall to uncover here.

If you’re after wildlife spotting opportunities during a Cornwall hike, a walk through the Bissoe Valley Nature Reserve is a must. Bosveal, a National Trust hiking area, is also packed with wildlife and varying trails for you to enjoy!

Prefer spectacular coastal views during a walk? Be sure to venture along the trail between the South West Coast Path to Bre-Pen – National Trust. Or, venture along the cliff-top hike from Bude town to Compass Point.

Up for a challenge? Be sure to give the rural hike of Cadson Bury Hill Fort – National Trust a go!

Uncover the best hikes in Cornwall below…

Penzance to Marazion

Penzance Railway Station
Wharf Rd
Penzance
Cornwall
TR18 2LT

An easy two-mile walk on a surfaced path suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
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Polperro to Looe Walk

2.5 hours

5.5 miles

Moderate

A stunning coastal walking trail, located on the South West Coast Path and protected by the National Trust, it is steeped in medieval history and is said to have once been visited by Jesus Christ.
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Shirehall Moor Local Nature Reserve

2 Pill Cottages
Lostwithiel
Cornwall
England
United Kingdom
PL22 0JR

A peaceful nature reserve sitting alongside the River Fowey ideal for dog walks and wildlife watching.
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Image Credits: Tim Green - CC BY 2.0

St Agnes Head

Beacon Dr
St Agnes
Saint Agnes
Cornwall
TR5 0NU

01872552412

A remote and peaceful spot once used as a light anti-aircraft artillery range in WWII and a rifle range during the Napoleonic War.
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St Agnes Heritage Coast

7 Beachfield Ct
Penzance
Cornwall
TR18 4NQ

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty situated on Cornwall’s north coast with spectacular beaches and walks.
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Stepper Point

Stepper Point
Padstow
Cornwall,

A geologically important headland marking the entry to the Camel Estuary where a Daymark was built as an aid for sailors entering the port.
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Swanvale Nature Reserve

Silverdale Road
Falmouth
TR11 4HP

01872 273939

Swanvale Nature Reserve is a wooded conservation area near Falmouth, home to a wide variety of animals and birds and the beautiful Swanpool lake.
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Tamar Lakes Country Park

Upper Tamar Lake
Bude
EX23 9SB

01288 321712

Tamar Lakes Country Park is situated near Bude and is home to a wealth of activities. Come here for stunning views, birdwatching, watersports, fishing and cycling.
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The Bagalow

S W Coast Path
Tintagel
Cornwall
England
PL34 0DW

You can find The Bagalow hiking area on the edges of Tintagel and Treknow. It’s a hiking area that’s owned by the National Trust and makes for a wonderful, scenic walk!
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The Camel Trail

PL27 7AL

01208 814104

A scenic 18-mile walking trail that passes through beautiful Cornish countryside a disused railway, the trail is also a much-favoured cycling route.
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