Hiking in Cornwall

Cornwall contains a huge stretch of the South-West Coast Path, the longest National Trail walking route in England.

The Cornish section runs for almost 300 miles, and takes in some outrageous scenery. If you’ve not got time to do the whole thing, pick some of the best sections.

One top choice includes Lizard Point, an amazing peninsula with 15 kilometers of trails. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in Cornwall, and there are lots of cafés and restaurants where you can refuel along the way.

Another great section is Portreath to Hayle, an 11.7-mile stretch that takes in craggy cliffs and rolling sand dunes. Make sure you look out for the butterflies and glow worms at St. Ives Bay, where you can also try your hand at surfing.

Away from the coast there are also great trails, including The Tinners Way from St Ives to Cape Cornwall. It’s 29 kilometers take in high moorland, where there is evidence of pre-historic settlements, as well as beautiful coastline.

St Michael’s Way is another good choice, a coast-to-coast micro-pilgrimage that runs from St Ives to St Michael’s Mount, a tiny island near Penzance. It was previously used by pilgrims from Wales and Ireland on their way to St Michael’s Mount in order to avoid the choppy seas around Land’s End, but now it offers a great chance to see north and south coasts as well as the interior of Cornwall.