Winter walks in Cornwall


Two people walking along the beach in Cornwall on a sunny winter day.

Crisp, clear days are ideal for winter walks in Cornwall.ย On frosty days the landscape is transformed and takes on a magical, ethereal quality โ€“ it almost feels like youโ€™re stepping into another world.

Winter highlights

  • Enjoying a moment of stillness as the dawn breaks and the sky turns pink, orange and gold (without having to get up super early)
  • Watching the waves pound against the cliffs when itโ€™s stormy
  • Heaps of opportunities for keen photographers
  • Having the place to yourself
  • Treating yourself to hot chocolate with whipped cream after a blustery walk by the sea โ€“ mmm!

Warming up with hot chocolate after a winter walk in Cornwall

St Ives to Carbis Bay

Winter is an ideal time to visit places that get very busy in the summer months, like St Ives. While you might not want to lie on the beach during the winter, you can take advantage of everything else St Ives has to offer โ€“ without the crowds.

You can combine a great walk along the coast, taking in the magnificent views of St Ives Bay with a stroll around the town’s winding streets. Visit to the Tate or the Barbara Hepworth Museum, wander round the town’s pretty harbour and enjoy browsing in galleries and shops.

Thereโ€™s a lovely 20 minute walk along the coast path from St Ives to Carbis Bay, which is ideal for families and offers spectacular views of St Ives Bay. If you donโ€™t want to walk both ways, take the train from St Ives to Carbis Bay then walk back. Alternatively, try a car-free day out and travel to St Ives from Bosinver by train (just get off at Carbis Bay and walk to St Ives rather than staying on the train).

Or why not tryย a walking tour of the town with a free app from Tate St Ives?ย Following in the footsteps of artist, Ben Nicholson, this multimedia walking tour connects places and spaces in and around the town to Nicholson, his work and his life.

St Ives harbour

Godrevy to Hell’s Mouth

This exhilarating 5-mile walk offers takes you along the cliffs around the Godrevy headland to Hell’s Mouth and back, offering breathtaking views of St Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse and through the heathland of the Knavocks. Watch out for seals in the cove just around the corner from the lighthouse. If you’re lucky, you may even spot seals or basking sharks. At the end of your walk, stop off at Godrevy Beach Cafรฉ to warm up and treat yourselves to a hot chocolate and a delicious slice of homemade cake.

Godrevy Beach is one of Cornwall's most popular beaches all year round
Godrevy Beach is one of Cornwall’s most popular beaches all year round

More winter walks in Cornwall

The South West Coast Path team have some great suggestions forย winter walks in Cornwall. They’ve pulled together a selection of easy, moderate and challenging walks around Cornwall that are perfect for this time of year. You can also print out or save maps and directions for all the walks. The National Trust also has some great suggestions for winter walks in Cornwall and beyond.

Where’s your favouriteย winter walk in Cornwall? Leave a message below, tweet @Bosinver or post on our Facebook page –ย ย weโ€™d love to hear your suggestions.

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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!