🌿 Why Cornish Beaches Are Rubbish (Well… Sometimes)
(And Why Inland Hiking Might Just Be Your Best Move This Summer)
Don’t get us wrong—we love the Cornish coast. The sweeping cliff paths, the sea-lashed coves, the hidden smugglers' beaches… they’re glorious, and rightly celebrated. But during peak season, they can also be a bit much—crowded beaches, busy car parks, queues for ice creams, and the odd game of windbreak Jenga.
If you're craving space, stillness, and something a little different this summer, then head inland. Cornwall’s interior is packed with atmosphere: moorland ridges, ancient stone circles, deep green valleys, mining relics, secret chapels and sun-dappled woods. These eight inland walks—and two longer trails—offer all the beauty, magic and storytelling of the coast, but with fewer people and more peace.
1. Helman Tor & the Wilderness Trail (6 miles)
From: Mid Cornwall
Winding through country lanes, boggy nature reserves and up onto the granite-strewn summit of Helman Tor, this walk includes ancient trackways, wide-open skies, and one of the best picnic spots in Cornwall. It also traces part of the Saints’ Way and links easily to other moorland trails.
đź“– Find it in: Top Walks in Mid Cornwall
2. Siblyback, Cheesewring and The Hurlers (7 miles)
From: East Cornwall
A moorland adventure taking in Cornwall’s most famous stone circle (The Hurlers), the dramatic Cheesewring tor, and a peaceful loop around Siblyback Lake. Ancient history, industrial ruins and big skies come as standard.
đź“– Find it in: Top Walks in East Cornwall
3. Gwennap Pit & Carn Marth (3 miles)
From: West Cornwall
This short circular walk is packed with surprises: a dramatic open-air amphitheatre, moorland pools, mining remains, and sweeping views across to Falmouth. Ideal for a half-day exploration with historical detours.
đź“– Find it in: Top Walks in West Cornwall
4. Eden Trails – Clay Country & Sky Trail (3.5–6 miles)
From: Mid Cornwall
Explore the futuristic alien landscapes of St Austell’s china clay district. Dogs love the space, and kids will love knowing a Doctor Who episode was filmed here. Views across St Austell Bay top it all off.
đź“– Find it in: Top Walks in Mid Cornwall
5. Luxulyan Valley & the Treffry Viaduct (part of Saints’ Way)
From: Walking with Saints and Tinners
A deeply wooded route past granite leats, tramways and the towering Treffry Viaduct. This is one of Cornwall’s finest examples of industrial heritage embedded in nature.
đź“– Find it in: Walking with Saints and Tinners
6. St Mawgan & the Vale of Lanherne (4.5 miles)
From: Mid Cornwall
An easy figure-eight walk exploring leafy valleys, ancient bridges, Carmelite convent walls and sleepy hamlets—quintessential rural Cornwall just minutes from Newquay.
đź“– Find it in: Top Walks in Mid Cornwall
7. Brown Willy & Two More Tors (5.5 miles)
From: East Cornwall
Tackle Cornwall’s highest peak, gaze across Bodmin Moor and laugh about the name—because how could you not? One of the most satisfying walks in the county for those craving elevation and ancient energy.
đź“– Find it in: Top Walks in East Cornwall
8. Cape Cornwall to Botallack Mines (4 miles)
From: West Cornwall
Although it starts at the sea, the best part of this walk happens inland—climbing through ruined mine works, hidden valleys, and ancient forts before circling back via high-level paths. Wild, rugged, unforgettable.
đź“– Find it in: Top Walks in West Cornwall
🕵️ The Smuggler’s Way
This 36–38 mile coast-to-coast route from Looe to Boscastle follows old smuggling routes, footpaths and moorland tracks. You’ll cross Brown Willy, visit Jamaica Inn, and pass the eerie Dozmary Pool—all wrapped in Cornish myth and mischief.
⛺ Best done over 2–3 days. Navigation skills essential in moorland sections.
đź”— More info
🛤️ The Copper Trail
Created by Cornish historian Mark Camp, this 60-mile circular route around Bodmin Moor connects copper and tin mining villages including Minions, St Neot, Camelford, and St Breward. Wild moorland, granite tors, ancient stones, and empty paths—this is deep Cornwall.
🗺️ Six main stages, 4–6 days walking.
đź”— More info
Where to Buy the Books
All the featured walks can be found in the Cornish Walks series by Liz Hurley, published by Mudlark’s Press:
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Walking with Saints and Tinners
đź‘Ł Final Thought
Beaches? Overrated. If you want to experience Cornwall in its truest form—quiet, wild, and storied—then lace up your boots, head inland, and take the trail less trodden.
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