The 7 best walks in Cornwall

1. Crantock to Holywell Circular, Crantock

• Length: 7.3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

If you're staying at Crantock Beach Holiday Park, you couldn't be better positioned for one of the best circular walks in Cornwall, as the starting point is right on your doorstep! Beginning at Crantock Beach car park, this leisurely walk takes in some of Cornwall's most dramatic coastal scenery along the South West Coast Path.

Make sure to keep an eye out for some local marine life that may be gracing the nearby waters, including seals and even dolphins if you're lucky. Another highlight which makes this particular walk so picturesque is the abundance of wildflowers you'll encounter, as this part of Cornwall is often described as one of the most colourful places in the world.

Top tip: You can find the full details of this Ramblers members' route via their website - and if you book a holiday with Parkdean Resorts, you'll also get exclusive discount on membership!

2. Botallack to Higher Bal

• Length: 3.7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

Enrich your mind with some of Cornwall's remarkable mining history on this easy walk compiled by the National Trust. Featuring not one, but two mine ruins en route, you can learn all about this fascinating Cornish heritage whilst soaking up the amazing views from the coastal path.

Starting at the Levant Mine - where you'll also find a car park - the trail navigates from there towards the Botallack Mine before looping past the Crown Engine Houses, Count House and back to the main track to Levant, where you'll find Higher Bal near the end of the route. It's one of our favourite dog walks in Cornwall too.

Did you know? Botallack is more recently renowned for being the filming location to the BBC series, Poldark.

3. Lizard Peninsula

• Length: 15.3 miles
• Difficulty: Hard

If you're an experienced hiker looking for more of a challenge, this strenuous linear walk could be just the thing if you're staying at Lizard Point or Sea Acres in South Cornwall. Starting at the National Trust Degibna car park, the route follows 15 miles of coastline, culminating at the most southerly point of the UK mainland. One of the major highlights is the unrivalled view you'll come across from the clifftops in the final section between Mullion Cove and Lizard Point.

This is a free Ramblers walking route and you can find more information here, along with many more of the best walks in Cornwall waiting to be discovered.

"Breathtaking views of the rocky coastline - Britain's most southerly point. Walks along the headland reveal more spectacular sights at every turn." - EileenRoyalWindsor via TripAdvisor

4. The Camel Trail

• Length: Varies depending on route
• Difficulty: Easy

Popular with cyclists, walkers and horse-riders alike, Cornwall's Camel Trail is an 18 mile surfaced and mostly level trail which follows a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. Offering varied landscapes including the Camel Estuary and pretty woodland, you'll experience some of North Cornwall's most beautiful countryside.

With so many different starting points, you can walk as much or as little of the trail as you like, and should you wish to stop for refreshments along the way, you'll have many villages at your disposal to choose from. Being a virtually flat route, this walk would also be suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users.

Did you know? The original railway track formerly served passengers travelling via the Atlantic Express Rail Route between London and the West Country.

5. St Michael's Mount

• Length: 9 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

While there are plenty of coastal walks in Cornwall to choose from, this 9 mile walk from Lamorna Cove to St Michael's Mount is undoubtedly one of our favourites with its diverse scenery, opportunities for wildlife spotting and, of course, its iconic endpoint.

Traversing along the South West Coast Path, the route passes through several pretty Cornish villages should you want to make any pit stops, and winds up at the recognisable island of St Michael's Mount, which is well worth a visit at low tide.

"Beautiful view, definitely worth a visit if you're in Cornwall. You'll regret it if you don't see it." - Amelia via TripAdvisor

6. YHA Boscastle Short Circular, Boscastle

• Length: 1.6 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

For those families holidaying with younger kids and looking for shorter and easier walks in Cornwall, this free Ramblers route should only take around an hour to complete so is perfect for little walking legs. Parking can be found in the main village car park.

Discover the quaint harbour village of Boscastle and the surrounding area on this circular walk, beginning with a section of the South West Coast Path followed by an upward climb towards Penally Hill. The main point of interest on this scenic route is undeniably the Pentargon Waterfall, cascading an impressive 120ft down the cliff face.

Malcolm, a local resident, highlights Bocastle as one of Cornwall's hidden gems, “Also if you're in Padstow drive up to Boscastle, Port Quinn and Port Isaac, which is quite famous and there are some beautiful places up there.”

Did you know? Boscastle sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and much of the land is now owned by the National Trust - there are many more walks in the area worth discovering.

7. Pentire Headland, New Polzeath

• Length: 3.4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Beginning in Pentireglaze, it's easy to see why this route is one of the finest coastal walks in Cornwall. At a fairly short distance, you'll find an abundance of interesting wildlife along the way, plus the remains of an Iron Age hill fort. You may also catch a glimpse of Tintagel Castle from Pentire Point on a clear day.

Park in the Lead Mines car park and venture towards the fields before joining the South West Coast Path and following for approximately 2 miles, then head inland to complete the trail.

Top tip: If you're on holiday with your canine companion and are looking for dog walks in Cornwall, this particular route is perfect for bringing your pooch along too!

Looking for even more inspiration for walks in Cornwall? Explore more walking routes by heading to our local attractions page or why not check out some recommendations from Cornwall locals. Don't forget to share your favourites via our Facebook page!

Please note, these walk summaries are intended as guidance only and it is recommended that you always plan your full route in advance, ensure you are prepared with suitable clothing and equipment before you set off and even let someone know which route you're planning on walking. Do not attempt difficult walking routes in adverse weather conditions or if you do not feel you have appropriate experience or the fitness level required to complete it safely.