When most people think of walking in Cornwall, they picture the South West Coast Path—and yes, it’s spectacular. But there’s more to Cornwall than cliff edges and crashing surf. Hidden valleys, ancient woodlands, moorland tors, and sleepy inland villages offer just as much magic, especially when you leave the well-trodden routes behind.
Here are ten of my favourite walks, blending classic coast path beauty with lesser-known trails and a few personal gems I’ve included in my walking guides. Whether you're after sea air or solitude, myth or mud, here’s where to lace up your boots.
1. Mevagissey to Portmellon via Bodrugan
Distance: 4 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Let’s start close to home. This circular route begins in the harbour, climbs through the farmland at Bodrugan, and dips into the peaceful cove of Portmellon. It’s a gentle but satisfying loop—one I’ve walked countless times—and there’s plenty of opportunity to finish with a slice of cake back in Meva.
2. St Ives to Zennor
Distance: 6.5 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
A deserved classic. This stretch of the coast path is wild and wonderful, full of boulder-strewn paths, crashing waves, and the occasional goat or seal. It’s a tough walk in places, but Zennor’s pub makes for a very rewarding finish before catching the bus back.
3. Luxulyan Valley and Treffry Viaduct
Distance: 3–5 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
A magical, inland woodland walk steeped in Cornwall’s mining history. Granite ruins, mossy trails, and the remarkable Treffry Viaduct make this a favourite of mine—especially in early spring when the woods are waking up and the light is golden.
4. The Clay Country Trails
Distance: Various | Difficulty: Moderate
Around St Austell, the china clay landscape is strange, dramatic and strangely beautiful. These trails take you through the scarred, chalky landscapes of Cornwall’s industrial heart—quiet, atmospheric, and totally unlike the coast.
5. Lanhydrock and the River Fowey
Distance: 5 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
A mix of stately grandeur and riverside peace, this route begins near the house and winds down to the River Fowey, through shady woodland and across ancient bridges. It’s particularly lovely in autumn, with crisp leaves and still water.
6. Carn Marth and Gwennap Pit
Distance: 4 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Moderate
This walk has everything: wildflowers, wide views, and deep heritage. You’ll pass through former mining land, walk across windswept moorland, and visit Gwennap Pit—a place with both spiritual and historical weight. It’s one of those walks that makes you feel very small in the best possible way.
7. Porthcurno to Land’s End
Distance: 6 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
Yes, it’s back to the coast—but this stretch is too beautiful to leave out. Clifftops, turquoise water, and the open-air Minack Theatre carved into the rock. The path winds its way past hidden coves and dramatic views all the way to Land’s End. If you catch it on a calm day, it feels like the edge of the world.
8. Brown Willy and Rough Tor
Distance: 5 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
This is Cornwall at its most rugged. The two highest points in the county, rising out of the open expanse of Bodmin Moor, offer wide skies and silence. Granite tors, wild ponies, and a deep breath of solitude. A perfect antidote to busy beaches.
9. Golitha Falls and Siblyback Lake
Distance: 5 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
An enchanting mix of tumbling waterfalls and moorland lake views. Start in the ancient oak woodlands of Golitha Falls before heading out onto open moorland near Siblyback. A great walk if you fancy trees, rivers, and a peaceful picnic spot.
10. St Agnes Beacon and Wheal Coates
Distance: 4 miles (loop) | Difficulty: Moderate
This one ticks all the boxes: mining history, clifftop drama, and wide views across the Atlantic. The ruined engine houses at Wheal Coates are starkly beautiful, especially at sunset when the light turns everything gold. A proper Cornish postcard of a walk.
Feeling Inspired?
Many of these routes—and dozens more—are featured in my walking guides, available in the shop and online. Each one is tried, tested and written with muddy boots, local history, and a firm belief that every walk deserves a good pasty break.
If you head out on one of these walks, I’d love to hear how you got on. Tag Mudlarks Press on social media or drop by the bookshop to share your favourite trails.
Happy walking!