Looking for the best walks in Cornwall? Then look no further. The South West Coast Path National Trail is a 630-mile adventure around the coastline of the South West peninsula, from Minehead in Somerset to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset.
Almost half of its length (approximately 300 miles) takes in the entire Cornwall coast, from the wild and rugged Atlantic cliff tops as seen in the popular TV series of Poldark, to the fishing ports and harbours typical of the south coast.
Not only is the South West Coastal Path one of the best walks in Cornwall, it is also arguably one of the world’s greatest and has been voted the nation’s favourite Coastal Path by readers of Coast and Walk magazine.
With 19th century origins as a coastguard patrol route to restrict smuggling, the modern day South West Coast Path has a colourful past, and uncovering these stories within the present landscape is one of the joys of walking it, along with simply stunning views that can often only be accessed on foot.
Generations of artists and writers have been inspired by this coastline and it’s easy to see why. To discover this for yourself, here’s a selection of some of the most awe-inspiring and best walks in Cornwall along the South West Coast Path:
Why not set yourself some new fitness goals by walking some of your favourite stretches of the coastal path or by taking part in the South West Coast Path Challenge in October. This annual event aims to help raise funds for improvement projects to protect the Coast Path and every mile counts towards the overall total number of miles clocked up in one month. The current record is around 9,000 miles with almost 700 people taking part. Sign up for updates at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge/ what will your challenge be?
For more information such as a distance calculator or to download short circular walking routes, as well as day to day guides to walking the entire Coast Path, visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk