3 Inspiring Short Walks in Cornwall

In the South West you are never far from nature. The sea and its variety of beaches from sweeping sand to rocky coves, the coast path with relentless ups and downs but stunning views and inspiring sunsets. Then there are the moors, wild and unpredictable, plus everything in between. Cornwall certainly has it’s fair share of all of these, some well known, others less so. Where to head for can sometimes be a challenge.

AD – For this post I am delighted to have teamed up with the Sandal Shop based in Falmouth. Adriana has shared 3 inspiring walks from across the county.

Whatever your reason for visiting, Cornwall rarely fails to leave a lasting impression drawing many people back again and again. From family camping holidays to luxury stays with Cornwall Holiday Cottages, weekend breaks or just a day trip, Cornwall is a beautiful county to explore.

Inspiration from the Cornish Landscape

Aside from my work as a copywriter, I (Andriana) am also a fiction writer. When I moved to Cornwall to study creative writing, I couldn’t begin to imagine how it would affect my work. The Cornish landscape is brimming with stories, mystery and there is certainly a good amount of real-life characters to get inspired by. I am here to share some of my favourite spots which hold endless wells of inspiration for me.

The dramatic landscape has a unique charm that never ceases to captivate my imagination. From pirates, mermaids and piskies to the rich industrial and mining heritage, the area is full of mystery and stories waiting to be discovered. One must only go out and find them.

1. Kennall Vale Nature Reserve

Kennall Vale in Ponsanooth (between Truro and Falmouth) is a protected woodland filled with rich undergrowth, waterfalls, open glades and remnants of its industrial past as a gunpowder factory, which was active from 1811 to 1910.

Since production ceased, nature has slowly overrun the area, leaving behind a wild woodland, home to amazing fauna and flora, such as the pipistrelle bat and a ravishing indigo sea of bluebells in the spring.

The area is not very large, but it has enough webbed trails and pockets of nature to keep you occupied for the afternoon.

Kennall Nature Reserve Short Walk in Cornwall

With a rich industrial history and soaked in natural beauty, it feels like you’re stepping into a different world, and the shadows of the canopy begin to take form in front of you, the trees and waterfalls sing of stories from the past. There have even been claims made that the site is haunted by workers who died in accidents over the years.

The terrain can be difficult to navigate sometimes, especially during the rainy season as it gets very muddy, but the views are well worth the effort. This is a great spot for a day trip and there is a short circular walk around the reserve. You can also easily extend the walk on footpaths around the Kennall Vale and towards Stithians.

The Cornish Wildlife Trust advises visitors to avoid peak times (weekends) as the level of traffic in the 2020 lockdown has been detrimental to the welfare of the local wildlife.

Directions to Kennall Vale

To get to the reserve, head north from Falmouth towards Ponsanooth on A393.  Turn left at the Ponsanooth Post Office. Park in the village and continue on foot for a short distance on Cot Hill Road. Walk past the main entrance to Kennall House, up the hill. The entrance to the reserve is on the right of the old pottery.

Do not park along Cot Hill, as the narrow road should be kept clear for access required by emergency vehicles.

2. Prussia Cove to Cudden Point

Another place bathed in rich history, Prussia Cove is most famous for its ties to smugglers. Even now, you can see the cart tracks carved into the rock in the bay which were used to transport cargo along the coast. The first time I went there was a stormy afternoon, and as I walked along the coast, I could envisage a crew of smuggles braving the roiling sea, trying to land in the bay to stash their “catch” in the nearby caves.

Short Walks in Cornwall Prussia Cove

During sunny spells, the area is just as breath-taking, the craggy coastline steeped in history still holds a certain kind of mysterious charm.

A wonderful short circular walk packed with stunning views and local charm. Not one to be missed!  

If you’re in the area over winter, make sure to say hello (from a distance) to the grazing ponies at Cudden Point. Do not approach or attempt to feed them, and keep dogs under control.

Ponies grazing at Cudden Point Cornwall

Directions to Prussia Cove

Prussia Cove is on the South Coast near Penzanace and Cudden Point is owned by the National Trust. The area is privately owned with a small carpark 10 minutes walk from the beach and South West Coast Path. TR20 9BA off the A394  More details HERE .

From the beach at Prussia Cove, facing the sea head right (West) along the coast path to reach Cudden Point (approx. 1 km). Return the same way or head inland for a short circular walk.

Find details HERE of a South West Coast Path circular walk of 4.2km and suggestions for longer walks as well.

 

Short Walks in Cornwall Porthtowan Beach

3. South West Coast Path Walk Hayle-Gordrevy-Portreath-Porthtowan

The 15 miles stretch between Hayle and Porthtowan on the north coast is one of my favourite walks. Dotted with sandy coves, old mine shafts and spectacular cliff views, it never ceases to leave an impression on me. Virginia Woolf’s To The Lighthouse is said to have been inspired by the Godrevy Lighthouse which can be seen just offshore from Hayle Beach.

Portreath and Porthtowan are the perfect representation of the quintessential small Cornish village and are especially popular spots for local surfing. This area is also great for seal spotting, as they often rest on the rocks below.  Again, the views are spectacular, and if, like me, you’re a bit of a sea fanatic, there is no better place on Earth.

This is a longer walk, so if you’re short on time, you’re better off only doing portions of it such as Hayle to Godrevy, Godrevy to Portreath, or Portreath to Porthtowan.  There are also many options for circular walks on this stretch of coast. It’s all equally stunning!

There are public buses between Hayle and Portreath. Halye is just 6 miles from St Ives. 

South West Coast Path Cornwall

There are countless magnificent spots to walk in Cornwall, and the best part is discovering your own favourites. I have so much more left to explore, which is good because writing is never a smooth journey!

More Salt Path Walks

If you are looking for more inspiration for walking the in the South West along the South West Coast Path aka the Salt Path, then I have also posts for north Devon for Ilfracombe to Woolacombe or Heddon Valley  as well as many more in East Devon.

AD – This post is written in collaboration with the Sandal Shop, based in Cornwall, who recommend Teva sandals for your next summer excursion out on the Cornish cliffs. Teva sandals are great for outdoor lovers, as they are comfortable and supportive, and they are fashionable too!

You can shop online for the Teva range for men and women on SandalShop.co.uk as well as many other styles and brands.

A huge thankyou to Adriana for sharing her knowledge of Cornwall and this really has made me want to explore the county even more.

If you are in Devon and want ideas for walking the coast path in East Devon then take a look at my guide to my favourite walks in the area HERE or browse through my walks archive.