Cornwall may be most famous for its beaches and fishing villages, but it’s also one of the UK’s best walking destinations.
With the South West Coast Path circling the entire peninsula, inland moors dotted with tors, and ancient sites steeped in legend, Cornwall has trails that will challenge your legs while feeding your soul. If you’re exploring the best hikes in England, Cornwall deserves a spot near the top of your list.
These are not short pub-to-pub strolls. These are the hikes that leave you satisfyingly tired, sun-kissed, and maybe a little windswept. If you’re tackling several of these longer routes, it’s worth taking a look at how to prepare for longer hikes before you set off.In this guide, we’ll cover five of the very best.
Also, for more info on what to do in Cornwall once you visit, be sure to check out our Hiking in Cornwall guide here!
St Ives to Zennor (South West Coast Path)
If dramatic cliffs and wild seas are your thing, the St Ives to Zennor section of the South West Coast Path is about as good as it gets. Starting from the artistic hub of St Ives, the trail quickly leaves behind galleries and harbors and plunges into rugged coastal scenery.
You can fully expect steep ups and downs, narrow paths, and plenty of rocky footing. Since you’re likely to be on the trail for five to six hours, plan your water supply ahead of time and check how much water to take on a hike before you leave. The views, though, make every calf burn worth it. You’ll find turquoise water below, seabirds circling above, and headlands that seem to roll on endlessly.
Zennor itself is a reward, with its ancient church and a legendary connection to the tale of the Mermaid of Zennor. There’s even a welcoming pub to rest your tired legs. This route is considered one of the hardest day hikes near St Ives, but it’s also one of the most rewarding for walkers who want the full Cornish coastal experience.
- Average Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Distance: 11 km (7 miles) one way
- Altitude Gain/Loss: 550 m (1,804 ft)
- Highlights: Cliff-top views and rugged coastal drama
- Don’t Miss: The Mermaid of Zennor carving inside the village church
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Tintagel to Boscastle
This is the hike for those who love a story with their scenery. Tintagel is forever linked with King Arthur, and the trail begins with the dramatic Tintagel Castle ruins clinging to the cliffs. From there, the South West Coast Path winds north toward Boscastle, which is another village steeped in legend and history.
The walk is full of steep ascents and descents, so you can fully expect your legs to feel it. If your knees tend to complain on downhill sections, it’s also worth knowing how to manage and prevent hiker’s knee before taking on a route like this.
Boscastle itself is a gem with a picturesque harbor and narrow streets. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic adds a quirky twist to the finish. For walkers who enjoy a blend of myth and tough coastal terrain, this is one of the best full day hikes from Tintagel.
- Average Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Distance: 14 km (8.5 miles) one way
- Altitude Gain/Loss: 600 m (1,968 ft)
- Highlights: Tintagel Castle and sweeping sea cliffs
- Don’t Miss: Exploring Boscastle’s harbor and visiting the museum for something different
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Lizard Peninsula Circular (Lizard Point and Kynance Cove)
If you want Cornwall’s south coast at its most spectacular, you should head to the Lizard Peninsula. Starting and finishing at Lizard village, this circular hike takes in Lizard Point (which is the southernmost spot in mainland Britain), as well as Kynance Cove, which is one of the most photographed beaches in the UK. The path runs along high cliffs with views across turquoise seas and rugged rock formations, before dropping down to sandy coves.
The walk is less about endless miles and more about jaw-dropping scenery. For those of you who really enjoy hikes that combine natural drama with manageable distances, this is one of the best coastal hikes from Lizard village. The mix of wildlife, geology, and iconic landmarks makes it a must!
- Average Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
- Altitude Gain/Loss: 400 m (1,312 ft)
- Highlights: Lizard Point and its lighthouse, Kynance Cove’s turquoise waters
- Don’t Miss: Watching for seals and seabirds along the cliffs
Bodmin Moor and Brown Willy Summit
For a change of pace from the coast, you can head inland to Bodmin Moor. The terrain is more remote, so make sure you’re carrying the essentials and know how to pack your hiking backpack efficiently before setting out.The hike to Brown Willy, which is Cornwall’s highest point, is a leg-stretcher that swaps sea spray for windswept granite tors and wide-open views.
Starting from Rough Tor car park, the path climbs over rough ground and past ancient stone circles before finally reaching the summit of Rough Tor and then on to Brown Willy.
This is one of the best mountain-style hikes in Cornwall, though at 420 meters (1,378 ft) it’s hardly alpine. Still, the sense of space and history is powerful.
On a clear day, you can see all the way across the county. For those who enjoy wild, remote walking with a dash of archaeology, this route is hard to beat.
- Average Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Altitude Gain/Loss: 300 m (984 ft)
- Highlights: Summit views and ancient stone circles
- Don’t Miss: Exploring Rough Tor’s rocky summit before heading to Brown Willy
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Land’s End to Sennen Cove and Cape Cornwall
Few places feel as dramatic as Land’s End, which is the iconic westernmost point of England. This hike stretches from Land’s End past towering cliffs and sea arches to Sennen Cove (with its golden beach) before continuing on toward Cape Cornwall. The walk combines Cornwall’s rugged west coast with some of its most famous landmarks too.
This route is great for those of you who want to say they have walked at the edge of the world. Sennen Cove offers a place to dip your toes in the water, while Cape Cornwall is less visited than Land’s End but arguably more beautiful. This is one of the best day hikes for families near Land’s End, as the trail is varied but not overly technical at the end of the day.
- Average Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Distance: 13 km (8 miles)
- Altitude Gain/Loss: 450 m (1,476 ft)
- Highlights: Land’s End cliffs and Sennen Cove’s beach
- Don’t Miss: The wild beauty of Cape Cornwall at the hike’s end
Stretching Your Legs in Cornwall
Cornwall is a place where hikes are never just about distance. They are about legends, landscapes, and the unique rhythm of the sea.
From myth-filled castles to the southernmost tip of Britain, and from inland moors to rugged headlands, these hikes will seriously stretch your legs while also giving you plenty of stories and memories to carry home.
Where to Next?
- Ultimate Guides – your gateway to hiking across Europe
- Hikes & Trails – curated lists of the best hikes and local gems
- Walking Holidays – extended journeys for when a single day just isn’t enough
- General Blog – all the extras: gear reviews, planning tips, and personal stories
Where To Go Next?
Be sure to check out these related guides:
- [Hiking in Cornwall]
- Planning a longer trip? Explore our walking holidays in England for more ideas.
