Discover the rugged charm of Newquay and the North Cornwall coast with this collection of 15 carefully selected short walks, revealing the region’s most breathtaking scenery, from dramatic cliffs and golden beaches to historic villages, wildflower-strewn headlands, and evocative reminders of Cornwall’s industrial past. 

Each route is designed to be completed in under three hours (ranging from 3 to 9.6km), making this guidebook the perfect companion for families, newcomers, and anyone eager to explore the untamed beauty and lively atmosphere of Cornwall’s north coast.

• Each of the 15 Newquay and North Coast 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, ensuring that your Cornish adventures are enjoyable, accessible, and perfectly planned, whether you’re exploring hidden coves, cliff-top paths, or lively seaside towns.
• Discover the region’s most memorable sights, from the surf beaches and vibrant energy of Newquay, the wild seascapes of Trevose Head and Watergate Bay, to the picturesque harbours of Padstow and Port Isaac, and the legendary ruins of Tintagel Castle.
• Routes begin from welcoming towns and villages such as Newquay, Padstow, Port Isaac, Camelford, and Boscastle, 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 throughout the area, from simple campsites and cosy cottages to stately hotels, ideal for extending your stay after a day’s adventure.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guide to Newquay and the North Coast brings together everything you need for a memorable day out amid the ever-changing beauty of Cornwall’s Atlantic edge. 

Whether you’re a local resident, a day visitor, or planning a scenic getaway, this guide is your key to discovering the best of Newquay, Padstow, Tintagel and the surrounding coast at an easy, enjoyable pace.

15 Short Walks in Cornwall – Newquay and the North Coast: Quick Facts

Location: Newquay, Padstow, Port Isaac, Camelford, Tintagel, Boscastle, Bude, and the North Cornwall coast, UK
Total walks: 15 selected short walks
Typical duration: Under 3 hours each
Distance per walk: 3–9.6 km (1.9–6 miles)
Walk type: Easy day walks on circular, there-and-back, or linear routes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; short climbs, well-marked coastal paths, no challenging terrain
Navigation: Clear route maps and step-by-step descriptions with numbered points included
Highlights: West Pentire and Polly Joke, Newquay, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth and St Mawgan, Park Head and Pentire Steps, Trevose Head, Padstow and Prideaux Place, Little Petherick Creek, Rock and Polzeath, Pentire Point and The Rumps, Port Isaac, Camelford, Tintagel, Boscastle, Bude Canal and coast
Best season: Walkable all year round (weather and conditions permitting; take extra care on clifftop paths, especially in strong winds or storms)

Author Highlight

"Walking on the north coast of Cornwall is breathtaking – sometimes literally when fierce coastal winds whip across the rugged cliffs. Winter storms rush past, carrying the scent of salt and seaweed, making each step bracing. Outside the main tourist season the raw power of the wind amplifies the wild beauty of this dramatic coastal landscape. 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." 

- Phil Turner, author of 15 Short Walks in Cornwall - Newquay and the North Coast

Location of walks

Map key

Using this guide

Route summary table

Introduction

Walking in Newquay and the North Coast

Things to see

Travel

Where to stay

The walks

Walk 1 West Pentire and Polly Joke

Walk 2 Newquay

Walk 3 Watergate Bay to Newquay

Walk 4 Mawgan Porth to St Mawgan

Walk 5 Park Head and Pentire Steps

Walk 6 Trevose Head

Walk 7 Padstow and Prideaux Place

Walk 8 Little Petherick Creek

Walk 9 Rock and Polzeath

Walk 10 Pentire Point and The Rumps

Walk 11 Port Isaac

Walk 12 Camelford

Walk 13 Tintagel

Walk 14 Boscastle

Walk 15 Bude Canal and Coast

Useful information

Seasons

This book can be enjoyed all year round, busy trails in July are often deserted in November, but several walks run along cliff tops and require particular care in strong winds. Some routes can be particularly muddy after rain, but worth donning wellies.

Centres

Newquay, Padstow, Port Isaac, Tintagel, Boscastle, Camelford and Bude

Difficulty

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

Must See

Lively surf towns, quaint fishing villages and towering cliffs. Miles of golden sand and irresistible secluded coves. Centuries-old pubs providing cosy sanctuary against coastal storms. Relaxed woodland walks along quiet muddy creeks. Arthurian legend, magic and myth

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