OUR FAVOURITE COASTAL AND COUNTRYSIDE WALKS ACROSS THE DUCHY
You can keep your car, boat, motorbike and airplane. We at Proper Cornwall firmly believe that the best way to explore the countryside, the coast and everywhere in between is by using those two long things that dominate the lower half of your body. Walking not only gets the blood pumping but it also allows you to take your time and soak in your surroundings. In Cornwall, that means soaking in drama, history and nature at its beautiful best. So, from coast to coast, we’ve highlighted our best eight under-six-miles hikes out of the county’s hundreds. These have been selected to showcase Cornwall’s majestic variety, from her landscapes of legend to her colossal cliffs, and from her holiday hotspots to her heavenly havens. So grab your boots, fill a flask and, whatever the weather, remember your camera…
Distance: 4.5 miles
Starting point: Rough Tor Car Park, Roughtor Road, near Camelford and Tintagel
This trek over Cornwall’s two highest peaks – Brown Willy at 420m and Rough Tor at just under 400m – takes you through mystical and ancient Bronze Age landscapes along the way. The scenery, the air, the ponies, the landscapes, the breathtaking views and the triumph of conquering two steep climbs is worth savouring for the rest of the year.
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Distance: 5.5 miles
Starting point: Join the northbound section of the Camel Trail at Lidl car park, Eddystone Road, Wadebridge
The Camel Trail may be a famous cycling route but the flat stretch between Wadebridge and Padstow also makes for an incredible walk. The trail edges the Camel River and is teeming with wildlife and sumptuous estuary views. So pack your picnic and bring the whole family for a perfect slow amble along the riverside with a bleddy good pasty at the end of it!
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Distance: 3.5 miles
Starting point: Crackington, between Tintagel and Bude
Some natural places are so monumental that they make us reflect on how we’re just a tiny part of our massive swirling universe. With looming cliffs and rock formations hewn from the pressure of millions of tons of earth over thousands of years on show, this dramatic walk is one of those that leaves the spirit refreshed and the camera roll full of spectacular snaps!
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Distance: 4 miles
Starting point: Near Polzeath Beach, between Padstow, Port Isaac and Wadebridge
Soar like a, well, puffin on this wild and windswept corner of Cornwall’s rugged north coast. Over four fabulous miles, take in weather beaten headlands, traditional coastal farming landscapes and one of the most epic panoramas that Cornwall has to offer. Prepare for that breath to be well and truly taken.
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Distance: 3.7 miles
Starting point: Polperro Harbour in Polperro
The sleepy southern fishing harbour of Polperro is the start of this journey that takes you to the crystal clear waters that surround Talland Bay Beach. This walk showcases Cornwall’s smuggler havens in nooks and crannies along the way. Be sure to pack your swimming gear for a dip if the sun is out and keep your eyes peeled for grey seals out to sea.
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Distance: 3.3 miles
Starting point: Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
You can be forgiven for visiting St Ives and just getting lost in her meandering cobbled streets, sun-kissed beaches and fascinating art exhibitions. But if you’re up for seeing ‘the other side’ of the town then strap on those boots and follow this circular trail around craggy coastlines, grassy paths and some of the world’s oldest structures that are still in use today.
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Distance: 5 miles
Starting point: Glebe Cliff, next to Tintagel Castle, Tintagel
If walks were legends, this one would be rubbing shoulders with King Arthur himself. Traversing from the mystical Tintagel, with the famous Tintagel Castle rising at your back, this magical hike takes you along rugged coastlines and exposed sea cliffs all the way to the beautiful village of Boscastle. It’s a rollercoaster. The Holy Grail of Cornwall’s best hikes.
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Distance: 3 miles
Starting point: Wheal Basset, Redruth
According to legend, Carn Brea, the ‘rocky hill’ that overlooks Redruth from 738 feet, used to be home to a Cornish giant. Today, it’s home to the county’s most photogenic castle and its most recognised monument which stands at 90 feet. This trail takes you across it all and also through mining heritage heartlands. With so much to see, this three-mile meander is a must.
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