Best Winter Walks in Cornwall

Rosy cheeks and thrilling backdrop after thrilling backdrop. What’s not to love about exploring Cornwall by foot? With summer days just round the corner, this is the time of year that the county is ready to show off its dramatic alter ego and we can’t wait to get outside! For a little inspiration, here are some of our favourite walks and why.

Cadgwith to Lizard Point

Why we love it: The Drama

Starting in the picture-perfect village of Cadgwith and finishing at the Lizard Point (aka Polpeor), mainland Britain’s most southerly point, this superb 2-mile walk is utterly breath-taking in winter. Walk atop the mighty cliffs, weaving your way past the uproarious Devil’s Frying Pan, the gaping Lion’s Den and past the Lizard Lighthouse before winding up at Polpeor as heaving Atlantic waves crash on the rocks below. With every turn heralding views even more mesmerising than the last, it’ll be hard to find a walk more dramatic than this.

Cardinham Woods

Why we love it: The Hot Chocolate

Located on the edge of the brooding Bodmin Moor, Cardinham Woods boasts 265 hectares of mixed conifer and native broadleaf trees and rewards visitors with four equally as beautiful walking trails. Breathe in the unrivalled perfume of fresh air and dewy leaves and bask in the tranquil reverie that winter brings to this part of the county. Then, when you’re ready for refreshment, make your way to the delightful Woods Café – one of our favourite places for hot chocolate in Cornwall – and warm up next to the roaring log fire.

Lamorna Cove to Mousehole

Why we love it: The Christmas Lights

Beginning at the world-famous Lamorna Cove (once the haunt of artists Laura Knight and Alfred Munnings), this 2.5-mile walk takes you through a variety of wonderful landscapes, from windswept coast to tunnels of Monterey Pines. Soak up the views of Carn Du, Tater Du Lighthouse and Mount’s Bay and finish your walk at the quintessentially Cornish village of Mousehole – home of the Mousehole Cat. Although this walk is a year-round favourite, it’s particularly special in winter when the Mousehole’s Christmas lights illuminate the harbour.

Bedruthan Park Head

Why we love it: The Views

A nice and easy 1-mile walk that culminates in mind-blowing views, the Bedruthan Park Head walk is a real pleaser. To get started, park at the National Trust’s Park Head car park and pick up the coast path. High above the sea below, this walk is especially dramatic when roaring winter waves crash over the towering Bedruthan Steps and burst in a watery crescendo, rejoining the turbulent swell. Enjoy the scenes safely set back from the cliff edge and watch Mother Nature take centre stage in a spectacular performance, before heading back to the car (or better, the nearby National Trust Café).

Talland Bay to Looe

Why we love it: The Energy

This 5-mile circular walk is a great option to get the legs pumping and affords plenty of awesome sightseeing along the way. Start your stank at Talland Bay and follow the coast path around Portnadler Bay, seizing the moment to take in the gorgeous views of Looe Island. Next, head past Hannafore Point, wander through the bustling fishing town of Looe, then wend your way through woodland and over hill, before returning to Talland Church. Invigorated and revived, upon reaching the finish line you can make a B line to one of the area’s excellent pubs before kicking back and relaxing in your luxury self-catering cottage.