15 Short Walks in Cornwall: Land's End and Penzance

Discover the wild beauty of Land’s End and Penzance with this collection of 15 carefully selected short walks, showcasing the area’s most spectacular scenery, from iconic coastal headlands to ancient moorland, picturesque fishing villages, and legendary landmarks.

Each route is designed to be completed in under three hours (ranging from 2.5 to 8.5km), making this guidebook the perfect companion for families, newcomers, and anyone eager to explore the dramatic landscapes and rich heritage of Cornwall’s far west.

Each of the 15 Land’s End and Penzance walks features clear, easy-to-follow maps alongside step-by-step route descriptions, with numbered points that link directions directly to the maps for straightforward navigation.
Practical details are provided for every walk, including information on parking, public toilets, refreshments, and route highlights, so every outing is enjoyable, accessible, and well-planned.
Discover the region’s most memorable sights, from the dramatic cliffs at Sennen Cove and Land’s End, the mystical stones of Mên-an-Tol and Nine Maidens, to the evocative mining remains at Botallack and Pendeen Watch, and the timeless charm of Mousehole, St Ives, and St Michael’s Mount.
Routes begin from welcoming towns and villages such as Penzance, St Just, Newlyn, Hayle, and St Ives, with suggestions for public transport, including bus and train options, for added convenience.
Experience the best of Cornwall’s hospitality, with advice on local accommodation options in Penzance, Hayle, St Ives, and St Just, ranging from simple campsites to stately hotels and cosy self-catering cottages, ideal for extending your stay after a day’s adventure.


Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guide to Land’s End and Penzance brings together everything you need for a memorable day out amid the ever-changing beauty of Cornwall’s western tip. Whether you’re a local resident, a day visitor, or planning a scenic getaway, this guide is your key to discovering the best of Land’s End, Penzance, and the surrounding area at an easy, enjoyable pace.

Seasons

This book can be enjoyed all year round, although some routes can be particularly muddy after rain. Trails that are busy in July are often deserted in November. However, several walks run along cliff tops and require particular care in strong winds. The West Penwith moors can be a forbidding environment in poor weather.

Centres

Penzance, Hayle, St Ives, St Just, Mousehole, Newlyn

Difficulty

Cornwall is a rural county with most footpaths rough and occasionally muddy. In this county of innovators and engineers, many gates and stiles are creative and may require a clamber. Expect some ascent on all but one of the walks.

Must See

Beautiful, rugged cliffs above turquoise sea; towering engine houses standing silent guard over post-industrial landscapes; miles of golden sand and irresistible fishing coves; atmospheric megaliths surrounded by remote moorland; centuries-old pubs providing cosy sanctuary from coastal storms