The Official Guide to South West England
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www.visitsouthwest.co.uk - The Official Guide to South West England
South West England



South West Walks



Walks around the region
Bristol and Bath

Cornwall
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Guide name: Walking in Cornwall  
Type of walk: Details of a selection of Walks throughout Cornwall.
Description: On the DEFRA web site you can find details - and maps - for Cornwall walks, rides and areas of open access provided under the Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Schemes.
Distance: Various
Contact details: DEFRA
Telephone: 08459 33 55 77
Web: countrywalks.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx
Price:  
Guide name: South West Coast Path
Type of walk: Start: Minehead, Somerset  Finish: Poole Harbour, Dorset
Description: The South West Coast Path offers a 630 mile continuous coastal adventure and features some of the most dramatic landscapes and breath taking views of any walking trail. But you don't need to be super-fit to enjoy it! Perfect for a short stroll or walk.
Distance: 630 miles
Contact details: South West Coast Path Team, Devon County Council, Matford Lane, County Hall, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4QW
Telephone: 01392 383560
Email: swcpteam@devon.gov.uk
Web: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southwestcoastpath
Guide name: Discover Hayle & Phillack
Type of walk: 2 Circular Walks
Description: An industrial heritage tour around the rural villages of Hayle & Phillack adjoining St. Ives Bay - taking in the estuary, parks and beach.
Distance: 2.5 & 4 miles
Contact details: Penwith District Council
Telephone: 01736 336720
   
   
Guide name: Discover Marazion, Perranuthnoe & Goldsithney
Type of walk: 3 Circular Walks
Description: An easy walk around a sheltered bay overlooking St Michael's Mount via several villages in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Distance: 1.25, 1.5 & .75 miles
Contact details: Penwith District Council
Telephone: 01736 336720
   
   
Guide name: Discover Mousehole & Paul
Type of walk: 1 Circular Walk
Description: A short and easy walk between two character filled, picturesque traditional fishing villages with idyllic ports, an artist's dream.
Distance: 1 miles
Contact details: Penwith District Council
Telephone: 01736 336720
   
   
Guide name: Discover Newlyn
Type of walk: 2 Circular Walks
Description: Art galleries, the Fisheries Museum and a bustling harbourside filled with working fishing boats, drying nets and colourful buoys on a circular walk.
Distance: .75 & 1 mile
Contact details: Penwith District Council
Telephone: 01736 336720
   
   
Guide name: Discover Pendeen
Type of walk: 2 Circular Walks
Description: A one to two hour walk along the dramatic coast of the Land's End Peninsula visiting disused tin mines. A walk filled with Cornish heritage.
Distance: 1.5 & 3.5 miles
Contact details: Penwith District Council
Telephone: 01736 336720
   
   
Guide name: Discover St. Buryan & Lamorna
Type of walk: 2 Circular Walks
Description: In the heart of West Cornwall a walk around these villages offers green fields and wooded valleys with two prehistoric stone circles.
Distance: 1.5 & 3 miles
Contact details: Penwith District Council
Telephone: 01736 336720
   
   
Guide name: Discover St. Ives
Type of walk: 2 Circular Walks
Description: Streets filled with Celtic character, overlooking golden beaches by the renowned Tate Gallery, this short walk takes it all in.
Distance: 1.25 & 1.75 miles
Contact details: Penwith District Council
Telephone: 01736 336720
   
   
Guide name: Discover St. Just
Type of walk: 2 Circular Walks
Description: A 2 to 3 hour circular walk taking in the remains of Ballowal Barrow, a Neolithic burial chamber combined with stunning views out to sea.
Distance: 3.75 & 1.5 miles
Contact details: Penwith District Council
Telephone: 01736 336720
   
   
Guide name: Explore Kilminorth Woods
Type of walk: 3 Circular Walks
Description: An ancient woodland walk in the West Looe Valley alongside river, salt marshes and includes the Giants Hedge built in the 6th century.
Distance:  
Contact details: S E Cornwall Discovery Centre
Telephone: 01503 263266
Web: www.southeastcornwall.co.uk
   
Guide name: Explore Seaton Valley
Type of walk: 3 Circular Walks
Description: An ancient river valley with springs and wet meadows, teeming with wildlife and lush vegetation with a surfaced path for easy access.
Distance:  
Contact details: S E Cornwall Discovery Centre
Telephone: 01503 263266
Web: www.southeastcornwall.co.uk
   
Guide name: A Guide To Footpaths and Walks in the Liskeard Area
Type of walk: 6 Circular Walks
Description: A series of walks around the Liskeard area taking between 1 hour and all day across fields and footpaths.
Time: Varying from 1 hour to all day
Contact details: S E Cornwall Discovery Centre
Telephone: 01503 263266
Web: www.southeastcornwall.co.uk
   
Guide name: Great Flat Lode Trail
Type of walk: 1 Circular Walk
Description: Taking approximately 4 hours, this walk can be split up into shorter sections to view many ancient tin mines around Carn Brea Hill.
Distance: 4 sections - 1 to 2.5 miles
Contact details: Mineral Tramways Discovery Centre
Telephone: 01209 613978
Web: www.cornwall-online.co.uk/mineral-tramways
   
Guide name: Walk the Cornish Coastal Path
Type of walk: 62 walks covering 258.25 miles
Description: 62 detailed and informative walks along the Coastal Path, all with breathtaking views at any time of the year.
Contact details: All good book shops
Price: £5.99
   
   
   
Guide name: Walking in Inspirational Cornwall
Type of walk: 13 walks
Description: A series of inspirational walks; Heritage, coastal and countryside, Walks from railways and riverside walks of varying distances and abilities.
Distance: 3 to 11.5 miles
Contact details: Cornwall Tourist Board
Telephone: 01872 322900
   
   
Guide name: Coast to Coast Trail
Type of walk: Start: Portreath Finish: Devoran
Description: This 11 mile trail is full of superb contrasts. Linking the historic mining harbours of Portreath on the exposed Atlantic coast and the sheltered waters of Devoran. In addition to beautiful countryside the trail passes many historic mine sites, now transformed by nature.
Distance: 11 miles
Contact details: Truro & Falmouth Tourist Information Centres
Telephone: 01872 274555 or 01326 312300
Guide name: North Cornwall Heritage Coast
Type of walk: Start: Morwenstow Finish: Morwenstow
Description: Five miles of superb scenery make this short walk a must for any aspiring walkers. Throughout the five miles are many locations with fascinating historical backgrounds, coupled with fantastic views of the Cornish countryside.
Distance: 5 miles
Contact details: Cornwall Tourist Board
Telephone: 01872 322900
Guide name: Looe Valley Line
Type of walk: Start: Looe Finish: Liskeard
Description: Depending on your route this picturesque trail can be anything between 6.5 and 10 miles long. The walk from Looe to Liskeard follows the East Looe river through some of Cornwalls most beautiful woodlands. The remainder of the walk is through pretty paths.
Distance: 6.5 to 10 miles
Contact details: Cornwall Tourist Board
Telephone: 01872 322900
Guide name: The Saints Way
Type of walk: Start: Padstow Finish: Fowey
Description: The Saints way crosses mid-Cornwall and follows a diverse range of scenery from valleys and pastures to woodland, moors and villages. The 30 mile trail commences in the town of Padstow and terminates at the southern port of Fowey.
Distance: 30 miles
Contact details: Cornwall Tourist Board
Telephone: 01872 322900
Guide name: St Michaels Way
Type of walk: Start: Lelant Finish: St Michaels Mount
Description:

This historic route takes walkers to areas and landmarks, which bear either historical or religious significance. It traces the steps of the Pilgrims, beginning at Lelant on the North Coast to St Michaels Mount on the south coast

Distance: 12 miles
Contact details: Cornwall Tourist Board
Telephone: 01872 322900
Guide name: Boscastle Circular Walk
Type of walk: Start: Boscastle Finish: Boscastle
Description:

This is an inland walk through woods and farmland rising to one of the highest points on the Heritage Coast which gives magnificent coastal views north and south

Distance: 6.5 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Bossiney Nr Tintagel Circular Walk
Type of walk: Start: Bossiney Finish: Bossiney
Description:

Starting in the ancient borough of Bossiney, the walk takes you along picturesque cliffs, across Rocky Valley to the hamlet of Trevalga. It then turns inland to join the beatiful woods of St Nectan's Glen before you return to Bossiney

Distance: 6 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Trebarwith Nr Tintagel Circular Walk
Type of walk: Start: Trebarwith Finish: Trebarwith
Description:

A contrasting walk over agricultural land, giving magnificent distant coastal views, passing through the attractive village of Treligga and along the top of totally unspoilt cliffs, rich in wildlife and returning through sites of industrial archaeological interest

Distance: 6 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Port Isaac Circular Walk
Type of walk: Start: Port Isaac Finish: Port Isaac
Description:

This walk takes you through one of the most architecturally interesting villages in North Cornwall. Views of the village can be seen from points along the walk. The walk takes you along the coastal footpath to Port Quin and back inland past Roscarrock

Distance: 5 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Polzeath Circular Walk
Type of walk: Start: Polzeath Finish: Polzeath
Description:

This walk leads you away from the hustle and bustle of the popular beaches of Polzeath to the tranquil hinterland. Basically a flat, easy walk, there is one long steady hill up a country lane from where the views of St Minver are magnificent

Distance: 4 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Padstow Circular Walk
Type of walk: Start: Padstow Finish: Padstow
Description:

A walk offering views of the quiet estuary, dramatic cliffs and farmed landscape. From Stepper Point, views north to Tintagel and Hartland can be enjoyed, whilst to the south lies Trevose Head

Distance: 5 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Crackinton Haven Circular Walk
Type of walk: Start: Crackinton Haven Finish: Same
Description:

A contrasting walk through sheltered valley woodlands and along rugged exposed cliffs. It gives marvellous coastal scenery with views of interesting geological formations

Distance: 4 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Morwenstow Circular Walk
Type of walk: Start: Morwenstow Finish: Same
Description:

Starting at the Parish church, a secluded building and one of the finest examples of an unspoilt church in North Cornwall. The grandeur of the treacherous cliffs and the steep sided, wooded Marsland Valley RSNC nature reserve adds atmosphere to a remote and beautiful part of the Heritage Coast. Some of the valley slopes are very steep

Distance: 5 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Duckpool Circular Walk
Type of walk: Start: Duckpool Finish: Same
Description:

This walk takes you into unexplored Heritage Coast and provides a sense of solitude and an atmosphere of local history not often gained elsewhere. There are a number of steep slopes to cope with and the cliff top can get very windy at times.

Distance: 5 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Bude Circular Walk
Type of walk: Start: Bude Finish: Same
Description:

A walk which shows industrial archaeology, agricultural landscapes and impressive crumbling cliff scenery. Views between Lundy island and Pentire Point can be enjoyed.

Distance: 7 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Millbrook Circular Walk
Type of walk: Start: Millbrook Finish: Same
Description:

This walk takes you through one of the most beautiful, remote and interesting areas in the whole of Cornwall. The ancient woodlands of the Millbrook valley offer a splendid contrast to the breathtaking cliff top views above the prehistoric stunted woods of the Dizzard.

Distance: 5 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: In the Footsteps of Thomas & Emma Hardy
Type of walk: Start: Boscastle Finish: Same
Description:

This book looks at the importance of Thomas Hardy at a time when he came to Boscastle to oversee the restoration of St Juliot Church and his meetings with Emma Gifford, his future wife. A circular walk is included in the book from Boscastle to St Juliot Church and back via the Valency Valley. This route follows in the footsteps of Emma and Thomas Hardy and visits many of their favourite places.

Distance: 5 miles
Contact details: North Cornwall District Council
Telephone: 01208 893333
Guide name: Tintagel Village Trail
Type of walk: Start: Tintagel Finish: Same
Description:

This varied walk is a journey through Tintagel?s history, visiting the village, castle, harbour, the quarries with stupendous coastal views, the magnificent church of St Materiana with tales of Romans, Celtic Missionaries and ship wrecks, then finally past its old vicarage and medieval dovecote.

Distance: 2½ miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Boscastle Village Trail
Type of walk: Start: Boscastle Finish: Same
Description:

You will be taken on a tour of the village and will be shown some of the finest examples of local buildings in north Cornwall. A fairly easy walk which lets you into the secret of Boscastle village. The terrain is mainly tarmac with some coastal footpaths. There are some steep slopes in places.

Distance: 2 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Boscastle - Tintagel Coastal Trail
Type of walk: Start: Boscastle Finish: Tintagel
Description:

This is a fairly easy walk with some dramatic cliff scenery and a good deal of historic interest. The terrain is the coastal path and there are some slopes and steps in places. It is recommended that you plan the route one way. You can park at Boscastle and start the walk.

Distance: 5 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Boscastle - Pentargon Walk
Type of walk: Start: Boscastle Finish: same
Description:

This is a walk from Boscastle out along the coast path to Pentargon Waterfall, Beeny and beyond. It provides magnificent coastal scenery stretching from Tintagel to Hartland, the dramatic cliffs and waterfall of Pentargon, winding lanes and the majestic Valeny valley with its enchanting river. The terrain is a mixture of coastal path, woodlands and lanes. There are some steep slopes too.

Distance: 7 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Boscastle - 4 Churches Walk
Type of walk: Start: Boscastle Finish: same
Description:

The 4 church walk provides a wonderful opportunity to discover some of the numerous churches within the Boscastle area. The terrain is a mixture of farmland, woodland and lanes. It can be wet in places. There are some steep slopes.

Distance: 8½ miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Bude Town Trail
Type of walk: Start: Bude Finish: same
Description:

As you follow this trail you will see how the coming of the canal and then the railway encouraged investment. Aspects of Bude?s history will be revealed which may not have been obvious but which the give the town a special character. The terrain is mainly pavement. There are some slopes in places.

Distance: 4 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Wadebridge Town Trail
Type of walk: Start: Wadebridge Finish: same
Description:

An ancient market town with a busy port dating back to the Middle Ages, transporting a variety of commodities from china clay to granite and agricultural sand. Today the twon relies on farming, numerous small industries including boat building and an increase in the tourist trade thanks to the Camel Trail.

Distance: 3½ miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: St Breward Village Trail
Type of walk: Start: St Breward Finish: same
Description:

The delightful footpaths that surround the settlement allow an insight into this most Cornish of villages. The village trail offers two options to explore the area. There are some steep slopes. Suitable footwear and wet weather gear are advisable.

Distance: 2½ miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Launceston Town Trail
Type of walk: Start: Launceston Finish: same
Description:

Typical of a market town, Launceston has lost little of its character and there are some very good quality buildings to enjoy on this walk. The terrain is mainly pavement but there are some slopes in places.

Distance: 1½ miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Bodmin Town Trail
Type of walk: Start: Launceston Finish: same
Description:

The town?s character owes much to its Victorian development which it has retained but there are still some glimpses of its mediaeval past to be seen, The terrain is mainly pavement, but there are some steep slopes and a grassy field on top of Bodmin Beacon from where there are extensive views of the surrounding countryside.

Distance: 6 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Delabole Village Trail
Type of walk: Start: Delabole Finish: same
Description:

Famous for its production of Slate, Delabole is the location of a 500 ft deep hole in the ground, quarried since the Middle Ages. This trail will introduce you to the hidden parts of Delabole, a village very much influenced throughout its life by the presence of the quarry.

Distance: 1½ miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Port Isaac Village Trail
Type of walk: Start: Port Isaac Finish: same
Description:

Narrow streets wind their way between cottages, many of which display superb examples of local building styles. The roofs undulate up the valley slopes. Occasionally taller houses peeping above the roof line for a better view of the sea. This village is well worth exploring. The terrain is mainly tarmac with some steep slopes in places.

Distance: 1½ miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Padstow Town Trail
Type of walk: Start: Padstow Finish: same
Description:

This trail provides an insight into the past glory of Padstow and a town and a port. The golden sands of the Camel Estuary provide a backdrop to the busy port which still sustains a number of fishing vessels and to the holiday activities of numerous visitors. The terrain is mainly pavement and there are some slopes in places.

Distance: 1½ miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Bedruthan to Padstow Coastal Footpath
Type of walk: Start: Bedruthan Finish: Padstow
Description:

This section is described as moderate by the South West Coast Path Ass.. The walk is quite easy but there are some slopes with loose gravel. You also need to be aware of the tide as you cross Harlyn and Constantine Bays, although they are usually always passable. There are plenty of shops, pubs and other refreshment sites on the way.

Distance: 15 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Rock to Port Isaac Coastal Footpath
Type of walk: Start: Rock Finish: Port Isaac
Description:

The walk is quite easy in most parts although there are some steep slopes to negotiate towards the end of the walk. There are plenty of shops, pubs and other refreshment sites as far as Polzeath. Beyond there are limited facilities close to the path until you get to Port Isaac. It is recommended to park at Port Isaac and catch the bus to Rock or Polzeath.

Distance: 12 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Port Isaac to Tintagel Coastal Footpath
Type of walk: Start: Port Isaac Finish: Tintagel
Description:

The slopes on this walk can be difficult with loose stones. There are eight very steep valleys between Port Isaac and Tintagel so it is hard going! The path is also very remote with no access to phones and limited access to the main road in case of emergencies.

Distance: 8 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Tintagel to Crackington Coastal Footpath
Type of walk: Start: Tintagel Finish: Crackington
Description:

This section of the coastal path is described as strenuous. The slopes can be difficult with loose stones. Beyond Boscastle is a remote section with no easy access to phones or assistance.

Distance: 12 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Crackington to Bude Coastal Footpath
Type of walk: Start: Crackington Finish: Bude
Description:

From one of the most secretive places on the north Corwall coast at Crackinton to Pencarrow with its splendid views south to Tintagel along to Castle Point following the cliff tops down to Butterfly Valley and then onto Millook for a superb view of the whole of Bude Bay and carrying on up to Bude

Distance: 9 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Bude to Marsland Mouth Coastal Footpath
Type of walk: Start: Bude Finish: Marsland Mouth
Description:

Part of this section has been described as severe by the SWWA particularly between Duckpool and Marsland Mouth. The walk is relatively easy until you get to Duckpool. After that it is hard! Most of the walk is remote, possibly some of the remotest coast in England. You cannot expect many watering holes although Northcott Mouth, Sandymouth and Morwentow do provide some facilities in the summer.

Distance: 10 miles
Contact details: Heritage Coast and Countryside Services
Telephone: 01840 250010
Guide name: Looe Valley Line Working Party  
Type of walk: Start: - Finish: -
Description:

Compliments the free Looe Valley Trails from the Track Pack that features a range of ten self-guided walks of varying lengths that are all linked to the Looe Valley Line.

Distance:  
Contact details: Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership
Telephone: 01752 233094