As you hike along the Cornish Coast Path, it’s like going back in time. In this magical place, historic villages, landmarks, and ruins are surrounded by the natural beauty of the sea. Granite cliffs, small rocky coves and headlands, sand dunes, sandy beaches and peaceful estuaries greet you at every bend.

The Cornish Coast Path is an awesome treasure found in Cornwall – the most southwestern county in the United Kingdom. It covers the entire coastline of Cornwall and accounts for almost ½ of the South West Coast National Trail which spans across four UK counties. Whether you have a few hours, days or a few weeks for an extended adventure – there is something for everyone.

The Cornish Coast Path originated as a route for the Coast Guard to walk from lighthouse to lighthouse patrolling for smugglers. The Coast Guard needed to be able to look down into every bay and cove: as a result, the path closely hugs the coast offering magnificent views yet rarely provides the most direct path between two points. Today, the path is covered by England's right-of-way laws which keep historic footpaths open to the public even when they pass through private property. 

 Walking Routes

Map Sources:  www.cornishman.com, www.encounterwalkingholidays.com

On the Cornish Trail – up close and personal

In the summer of 2015, we had the good fortune to travel as a family to Cornwall for our summer holiday. Our rental home was situated near St. Just in Penwith; a village not far from Land's End, located right on the Cornish coast.  We spent seven days on the Cornish Coast Trail exploring historic fishing villages, coastal lighthouses, and ruins of old tin mines that once played an important economic role in this part of Cornwall during 19th-century Cornish life. The Trail is well-used, well-marked, and surrounded by stunning views, beautiful beaches and loads of history. 

This place – where land meets sea – is a photographer's delight. If you love the outdoors, the Cornish Coast Path should rank high on your active tourism bucket list.

More resources for the Cornish Coast Path

Cornwall in Focus – Over 90 detailed coastal walks to explore the complete shoreline of Cornwall in bite-sized chunks.

I Walk Cornwall – Information on 106 hikes of varying lengths and difficulty along the Cornish Coast Path. Some hikes are circular while others are one-way and bus/rail-assisted.

Encounter Walking – Self-guided interactive trail maps. Find hikes of varying lengths that are sorted by steepness.