Our Favourite Walks in Cornwall…

Our Property Team Member, Tracey 

There are so many wonderful walks in North Cornwall but my all-time favourite is the circular route from Cubert to the hidden beach of Polly Joke. As this is a daily walk for me and my small posse of dogs I sometimes take for granted just how stunning and peaceful this largely unknown area is. I get to talk to the locals who frequent the same area most days, and to sightseers who are astounded so much beauty is on our doorstep. Coco, Bruno, Buster and Daisy get so excited, running around in circles playing tag along the Cubert Common and dashing in and out with the tide at the beach. It can’t but not bring a smile to your face!   

Our Senior Property Manager, Annabel

One of my favourite springtime things to do after a busy day at work is to head out onto the coast path near Falmouth with my dog Stanley. We head to Mawnan Smith Church and join the path heading east in the direction of Maenporth. The path initially follows a wooded area with steep inclines and you can see the sea peeping through the trees and hear the sounds of the water lapping against rocks.  As you exit the woods the footpath opens out and you are rewarded with some glorious views across Falmouth Bay and the Helford River area. This is a popular sailing spot and the sea can be a hive of activity with marine craft of all shapes and sizes including large freight ships heading out from Falmouth Docks. The path crosses a couple of fields, which are great for blackberry picking in the Autumn, and then a little further on you reach one of my favourite little coves – Nansidwell. It’s usually pretty quiet here as it can only be reached on foot and Stanley loves a paddle in the sea. Another path takes you through woodlands packed with daffodils, primroses and the smell of wild garlic and leads you back up to the lane round to the church. The walk generally takes me about 45 minutes and is perfect for a wind down and some fresh sea air to rejuvenate the soul.

Our Property Manager, Ashleigh

Nothing beats a good ramble along the coastal path, but for me a walk has to strike a few challenges along the way for it to feel truly rewarding once finished. That’s why West Penwith is my favourite location for walking, particularly the coastal path from Zennor to St Just. A scramble is probably a better way to describe this route and climbing is often required to navigate over large boulders and rocks. Being a lesser known route means that you can often walk the path without seeing a soul; the ideal walk for those that want to just get away from it all. This AONB was heavily mined and evidence of its former past can be seen all over the landscape, including the famous mines at Botallack that are used as the filming location for the TV series Poldark.

Our Guest Services Member, Kharis

As an enthusiastic beach comber, shell collector, treasure hunter and rock pool explorer, I have enjoyed a lifetime of endless strolls, dawdles and afternoon meanders along the long promenade and shingle, shell coastline of the picturesque Hannafore Beach, Looe.  Overlooking the magnificent Looe island with its outstanding natural beauty, a mile out from the ragged coastline, it is the ideal place to saunter away a Sunday afternoon, or to take a mosey along with your four legged friends! Whether you are lugging a fishing net full of crabs and shells around enjoying a rocky ramble, or enjoying one of many benches along the stretch, with a flask of tea, a tasty sandwich and a pair of binoculars, there is plenty to see along this varied beach walk.  With the distant shorelines of Plaidy, Millendreath and Downderry visible on a sunny day, and a never ending parade of fishing boats returning their catch to the working port day-to-day, there is always something to catch your eye, whether it be simply passing you by, or wriggling away in a nearby rock pool waiting to be discovered! 

Our Property Manager, Sophie

My favourite walk is the Bodinnick to Fowey circular that starts at one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall, The Old Ferry Inn which is 400 years old and involves two separate ferries! My two small Chihuahua’s love it too and it’s the perfect length with beautiful stretches of woodland as you walk up the creek and then stunning views back to Fowey. The passenger ferry from Polruan charges per dog though so be prepared if you have a few with you!

Our Padstow Team Leader, Mary

Padstow to Trevone approx. 5.5 miles – with option of a bus back to Padstow.

Only a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Padstow’s busy town centre, is the serenity of the clifftops and the start of my favourite coastal walk, with views over the estuary to Rock and Daymer Bay. From the town, you can either climb the small incline to the top viewing point, where you will find Padstow’s war memorial and viewing benches. An alternative at low tide, is to go down to the secluded rocky cove of St George’s Well, where you can scramble over the rocks and walk along the sandy stretch of Tregirls Beach to rejoin the coast path at the end. This takes you to Hawker’s Cove and onto Stepper Point, and when you get close to Trevone you will see the impressive natural blowholes and collapsed cave that the powerful sea has created, alongside the rugged scenery of Trevone beach.

Our Guest Services Member, Sarah

Though Cornwall has hundreds of miles of coastline and no shortage of inland walks, my favourite walk is something slightly unconventional.  On my day off I volunteer with North Cornwall Riding for the Disabled, and while the inside of an indoor riding school is not among the most outstanding scenery Cornwall can boast, it’s the mental challenge of paying attention to what the instructor is asking us to do, and looking after the needs and wellbeing of the rider you’re working with, that I find satisfying. 

Our riders have a wide range of conditions, so everyone needs a different level of assistance, but I’ve got to know the riders I work with regularly, and to understand how much they’re capable of when performing a given task. 

Horse-riding helps in a number of ways, from interaction with the horse and helpers, to the physical exercise and the concentration required, and also provides a change of scene and fresh air.  We do sometimes go outside to the fields and tracks onsite if the weather is nice, and then have the opportunity to look out over the rolling fields towards Camelford and Tintagel.

Our Guest Services Member, Jess

There is nothing I enjoy more on my day off, than a stomp along the coast path to blow the cobwebs away.  One of my favourite walks has to be the beautiful stretch of coastline between Port Quin and Port Isaac.

This walk is not for the faint hearted.  The rugged coast path between the two destinations is just over 3 miles (or there is a 6 mile circular walk). The views are simply breathtaking.  The dramatic coastline noticeably changes as you wander along.  If you are lucky, on a calm day you may spot a pod of dolphins, or a seal popping up to say hello.

The beautifully quaint little fishing village, Port Isaac, is home to the famous Fisherman’s Friends.  If you were to walk into the village on a Friday afternoon during summer time, you will hear sea shanties being sung from the Platt.  The atmosphere is just amazing! Locals and tourists alike flock to join the famous group for every performance.

The return walk is a little easier than the way there.  You can walk back to Port Quinn through beautiful woodlands and fields - perfect if you have indulged in a much deserved Cornish Cream Tea or a pint of Doom bar in the village and are feeling a little sleepy.