Best Cornish Winter Walks

With those hazy summer days behind us, Cornwall’s set to embrace her more dramatic side as winter creeps in. Grab your favourite steaming thermos, a cosy woolly hat and take those windswept locks and rosy cheeks for a stomp around the wild and wintry wonderland of Cornwall. Here’s a little winter walk inspiration for your next cosy break to St Ives:

Lizard Point to Cadgwith

We love it for the wilderness and the drama

Starting at Lizard Point (mainland Britain’s most southerly tip), this breath-taking 2-mile walk takes you to Cadgwith Cove Inn where you can refuel with a warming lunch and stint by the fire before setting off back to the Lizard. You’ll be dwarfed in the shadow of the mighty Lizard Lighthouse that protects our mariners from treacherous seas whilst hearing the roar of the Atlantic waves crashing on the rocks below. As you meander the giant cliffs, your walk will take you past rock formations like the Lion’s Den and the tumultuous Devil’s Frying Pan and of course the spectacular RNLI Lizard Lifeboat station - look out for Terrance Coventry’s hidden, outdoor sculpture gardens as you meander the gigantic cliffs.

Cardinham Woods

We love it for the hot chocolate

Cardinham Woods is 265 hectares of leafy, native woodland on the edge of rugged Bodmin Moor. With walking trails throughout the conifers, you’ll breath in the fresh air and marvel at the woodland streams and natural stone bridges.  Take a refreshing break at the Woods Café for a hot chocolate to write home about whilst you’re snuggled up next to the cosy log fire.

Lamorna Cove to Mousehole

We love it for the fabulous Christmas Lights

The muse for artists such as Laura Knight and Alfred Munnings, Lamorna Cove has been painted by so many. This 2.5 mile walk rambles through every imaginable landscape. One moment you’ll be scurrying under the branches of Monterey Pines and the next gasping at the wide skies above the open ocean.  Soaking up the views of Tater Du Lighthouse, Carn Du and Mount’s Bay, your walk tip toes you into the little fishing village of Mousehole – home of the tale of the Mousehole Cat. It’s a very special walk around Christmastime as there are 7,000 lights that form marvellous beasts and Christmas shapes, all twinkling on the harbour waters. The imagination of the team behind these lights is truly spectacular!

Park Head to Bedruthan Steps

We love it for the views!

A real crowd-pleaser, slow your pace of life right down with this 1 mile ramble that concludes with views your camera will never do justice. Start out by parking your wheels at the National Trust’s Park Head car park and join the coast path. From the safety of the cliff path, enjoy watching the frothy sea-spray of winter waves as they crash over and devour Bedruthan Steps. One of Mother Nature’s performances you don’t want to miss – then again, neither is a hot pot of tea and saffron bun at the nearby National Trust Café!

Talland Bay to Looe to Talland Bay

We love it for the energy

A circular walk, this 5 mile loop will get the blood pumping and reveal scenic sights that not everyone gets to enjoy! Taking the coast path from Talland Bay you’ll pass Portnadler Bay with views of the wildlife sanctuary that is Looe Island. Mosey on up to Hannafore Point and into the lively village of Looe – home to the September Looe Live music festival. Whether you stop for a wholesome Cornish cream tea (jam first of course) or a refreshing Cornish botanicals GnT, you’ll be ready for the next phase through woodlands and lively hills that take you back to Talland Bay Church. Here you’ll find pubs by the plenty for a well-earned spell by the fire and cold Cornish ale before pottering back for a night in by the woodburner at your luxury self-catering cottage.