Five of the best short walks in Cornwall (Newquay and the North Coast)
Walking on the north coast of Cornwall is breathtaking – sometimes literally when fierce coastal winds whip across the rugged cliffs. Golden beaches nestle between dramatic headlands, with waves crashing against jagged rocks. Wildflowers adorn the coastal paths, and picturesque villages like Padstow and Tintagel offer charm and history when – and it is possible! – one tires of the beach. Short walks in the area provide the perfect opportunity to experience the South West Coast Path in a manageable way, while also visiting the iconic filming locations of Poldark and Doc Martin. Here are five walks to get you started...
15 Short Walks in Cornwall - Newquay and the North Coast
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks around Newquay and the North Coast. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
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The best walk to visit Cornwall's popular Polly Joke Poppies...
What: West Pentire and Polly Joke
Summary: This short circuit is at its best from the end of May to early July when the poppy fields are in full bloom.
Start/finish: Poly Joke car park, West Pentire
Time: 1½hr
Distance: 3.8km (2.4 miles)
Climb: 95m
On a sunny weekend, once the poppies are in bloom, this walk can be a little busy with visitors enjoying the deep red fields contrasting with clear blue skies. But it’s worth the trip. This walk passes through the poppy fields before descending to the classic sandy Cornish beach at Porth Joke, its remote location keeping it free of all but the most determined beachgoers.
The best walk to experience the South West Coast Path...
What: Watergate Bay to Newquay
Summary: A beautiful coastal walk from the spectacular surfing beach at Watergate Bay to the bustling seaside resort of Newquay.
Start: Watergate Bay Finish: Killacourt, Newquay
Time: 2hr
Distance: 5.9km (3.7 miles)
Climb: 115m
This linear walk initially makes use of the Number 56 bus from Newquay to Watergate Bay before returning to Newquay along a section of the South West Coast Path. The return walk along the cliffs offers no real navigational difficulties – just keep the sea on your right, allowing for full enjoyment of the rugged coastal views over the beaches at Whipsiderry, Porth, Lusty Glaze and Tolcarne.
The best walk for fans of Poldark...
What: Park Head and Pentire Steps
Summary: A short circular walk to Park Head, recognisable from the TV series Poldark, with coastal views over Bedruthan Steps.
Start/finish: Park Head National Trust car park, Porthcothan
Time: 1¼hr
Distance: 3.2km (2 miles)
Climb: 50m
Lovers of rugged coastal scenery will particularly enjoy the view from the cliffs at Park Head, with towering sea stacks and picturesque islands. Exploring the rockpools at Porth Mear Beach sounds like the perfect way to while away a sunny afternoon. Although this walk requires a car to access it (or a 3km walk from the nearest bus stop at Carnewas), it is definitely worth the journey.
The best walk for foodies...
What: Padstow and Prideaux Place
Summary: From Padstow’s historic harbour to the Tudor mansion of Prideaux Place, with panoramic views over the River Camel.
Start/finish: Padstow Harbour
Time: 1¾hr
Distance: 4.5km (2.8 miles)
Climb: 100m
This circular walk starts from the bustling harbour at Padstow before following the River Camel into the picturesque countryside and returning past stately Prideaux Place. It offers a perfect mix of a vibrant Cornish harbour town, historical landmarks, coastal and woodland paths, and sweeping estuary views above Harbour Cove. The first part of this walk, as far as Gun Point, is a designated Easy Access Walk suitable for sturdy pushchairs and mobility scooters. Prideaux Place is particularly popular with Rosamunde Pilcher fans as the house regularly features in the German TV adaptations of her novels. Celebrity chef Rick Stein opened his restaurant in Padstow in 1975. His influence transformed Padstow into a gastronomic hub focused on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, particularly seafood,
The best walk to visit a picturesque Cornish fishing village...
What: Port Isaac
Summary: Famous for Doc Martin and the Fisherman’s Friends, this walk explores the quieter side of Port Isaac.
Start/finish: The Platt, Port Isaac
Time: 1½hr
Distance: 3.5km (2.2 miles)
Climb: 125m
The picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac is famous as a filming location for the popular Doc Martin TV series, as well as being the home of the sea shanty group the Fisherman’s Friends. This circular walk begins and ends at the Platt, the wide concrete slipway above the harbour, location of the group’s early performances. Head through the narrow streets into the farmland above the village and explore the quiet beach at Port Gaverne before returning through this historic village.
All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks in Cornwall - Newquay and the North Coast. Other highlights include Tintagel Castle, Boscastle, Bude and Rock and Polzeath. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.
