Walking in Cornwall


Three walkers walking through a field by the Cornwall coastline.

Whether you prefer a long-distance hike or a morning stroll followed by a leisurely pub lunch, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to walking in Cornwall.

September and October are usually superb months for walking in Cornwall. Although the nights will start gradually drawing in, there are still plenty of daylight hours to explore. And thanks to Cornwall’s mild climate, early autumn is usually much warmer than it is elsewhere in the UK. You might even find yourselves walking in shorts and eating ice cream on the beach in mid-October!

Are you ready to put your best foot forward?

Cornwall has lots to offer walkers

The Clay Trails

The Clay Trails will take you on a journey through the unique landscape of mid-Cornwallโ€™s China Clay Country. Unlike other types of mining, the China clay industry is still very much alive today – china clay (kaolin) is still used in paper and ceramics industries.

There are several different routes to choose from, ranging from around three to five miles in length. They’re mostly traffic-free and take in a variety of settings, including heathland, woodland, coast, and country lanes, as well as Cornish mining villages. Along the way, youโ€™ll see stunning turquoise dams, coloured by fine particles of mica suspended in the water, the huge clay tips of excavation waste, (known as the Cornish Alps), and working china clay pits.

The Fal River area

Explore tucked-away villages and discover hidden creeks around the Fal River. From the Helford to the Roseland, you’ll find unspoilt beauty and breathtaking views aplenty. To top it all off, tuck into hearty home cooked food andย pint of the finest local ale in one of the riverside pubs.ย Take a look at the Fal River websiteย to find out more about walks in this part of Cornwall.

Fancy a challenge? The annual charity Fal River Walk, organised by the Rotary Club takes place on 25 September 2016. The walk starts and finishes at Trelissick. It includes specially-arranged ferries so you can make the most of the walk, followed by a well-earned cream tea at the end. The full walk is 15 miles, but thereโ€™s also a 6-mile version from St Mawes back to Trelissick, which is ideal for families or anyone whoโ€™d prefer a more leisurely walk.

September and October are often the best months for walking in Cornwall
Enjoy beautiful views across the Fal from Trelissick

Walking the South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Pathย runs right around Cornwall.ย Popular with walkers of all ages and abilities, it’s a great way to experience Cornwall’s beautiful coastline. From the thundering waves and dramatic cliffs in the north to the pretty coves in the south, there’s an memorable view around every corner.

Bosinver’sย Pat Smith (aka Action Nan) recently walked the whole of the coast path around Cornwall to raise money from the RNLI. She totted up an impressive 305 miles and over ยฃ8,000 in sponsorship. Visitย theย Action Nan Facebook page to find out more about her epic walk.

Action Nan walked the South West Coast Path to raise money for the RNLI
Action Nan in action on the South West Coast Path

Walking festivals

Theย South East Cornwall Walking Festival (10 – 16 September 2016) has been running for over 10 years. Over the course of a week, you can explore the area in the company of an experienced guide. From the Tamar Valley to the edge of Bodmin Moor, thereโ€™s a huge variety of landscapes toย discover. Many of the walks are free, but most walk leaders ask for a donation of around ยฃ5 to help support the festival.

Self-catering cottages for walking holidays in Cornwall

Bosinver makes an ideal base for couples or groups of friends who want explore Cornwall on foot. Our smaller cottages are perfect for couples, offering plenty of space to relax and unwind.

If youโ€™re planning a group walking holiday in Cornwall, we have several larger cottages. Our Farmhouse and eco-house Lowen are particularly popular with walkers as they each have their own hot tub โ€“ the perfect remedy for aching feet and protesting muscles!

Whichever cottage you choose, you can also enjoy our sauna and lovely solar heated indoor pool throughout your stay.

Discover the whole of Cornwall from Bosinver

Just off the A390 outside St Austell, weโ€™re ideally situated for exploring all areas of Cornwall. Thereโ€™s also a range of walks you can do right from our doorstep, and the South West Coast Path and the Clay Trails are nearby. If you prefer to use public transport rather than drive, several buses stop close to Bosinver, and St Austell railway station is within easy reach.

Happy walking!

Do you have a favourite walk in Cornwall? Share your suggestions below, post on our Facebook page or tweet @Bosinver.

Share this post:

Red cow with a red heart clipart

Here are some more posts you may like


Action Nan and the rest of the team are always busy writing posts that we think you’ll like – from top tips on where to take the kids, to what’s likely to be going on in the local area when you stay – we’ve got it all in our blog!