Walking tours in Cornwall

The Celtic kingdom of Cornwall on the extreme edge of southwest England is blessed with stunning coastlines, quiet sandy coves and picture-postcard fishing villages, making it a rewarding destination to explore on foot.

Enjoy the spectacular north and south coast on a walking holiday in Cornwall. There's so much to see, from discovering hidden stretches of white sands to charming Georgian harbours and pastel-coloured medieval fishing towns with pubs serving up locally brewed beers.

Look at our expertly crafted walking holidays in Cornwall below.

Where can I go on a walking holiday in Cornwall?

On our Guided Walking in Cornwall holiday, you can enjoy peaceful strolls along the beautiful beaches of Polzeath and Daymer Bay. Carry on towards the cliffs of Stepper Point for awe-inspiring ocean views, as peregrine falcons soar overhead.

On visits to the Fowey Estuary, Restormel Castle and the magical, charming Lost Gardens of Heligan, you'll stop along the way to taste excellent seafood, including chef Rick Stein's celebrated fish and chips, and traditional Cornish fare in cosy local pubs.

For invigorating walks in Cornwall, a trip to explore Gribbin Head and on to Polridmouth Cove offers stunning views against a backdrop of the Menabilly estate and woodlands. The Menabilly mansion inspired the mysterious Manderley in Daphne du Maurier's classic 1938 novel Rebecca.

Our experts have years of experience in picking the best accommodation. For our guided walking holiday in Cornwall, you will begin your trip by staying at The Old Custom House located in Padstow's South Quay. From there, you will relocate to The Pier in Charlestown, which sits in the Georgian harbour.

Below is a selection of some of the highlights you can look forward to when booking a guided walking holiday in Cornwall with us:

  • Travel along the Saint's Way trail: Take in the sights of the quaint village of Golant as you join the Saint's Way route, before reaching the south Cornish coast.
  • Visit Rick Stein's seafood restaurant: Sample delicious fish and chips at the acclaimed chef's flagship seafood restaurant in the seaside town of Padstow.
  • Polridmouth Cove: Pay a visit to this picturesque part of the south Cornish coastline, where Daphne Du Maurier set much of her famous gothic novel, Rebecca.
  • Polzeath and Daymer Bay: Hop on a foot ferry across the Camel Estuary to the small seaside village of Rock, before watching surfers catch waves at the idyllic beaches of Polzeath and Daymer Bay.

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Walking the Western Tip of Cornwall
United Kingdom: Cornwall

Walking the Western Tip of Cornwall

A 6 night self guided holiday including Lands End; the most westerly tip of mainland UK. Exploring pretty fishing villages such as picturesque St Ives and beautiful Mousehole and featuring the wonderful coastal path each day.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW06IM
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1925per person, tour only

  • 15 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfasts daily
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

Frequently asked questions

Is Cornwall a good place for a walking holiday?

With miles of rugged coastal paths and an abundance of green open spaces to explore, Cornwall is a walker's paradise.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing family-friendly stroll around a harbour or a more advanced hike to take in the dramatic cliffs along the Cornish coast, you'll find an array of exciting walking routes to suit your needs.

What should I pack for my walking holiday in Cornwall?

There are a few essentials that should be on every traveller's list when embarking on a walking holiday. Below are some of our top recommendations for things you should consider packing:

  • Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes
  • Backpack
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Sun protection
  • Beach towel
  • Snacks
  • First aid kit
  • Mobile phone or camera

What should I wear for my walking holiday in Cornwall?

The time of year you are visiting Cornwall will determine what you need to wear.

If you are visiting in the warmer summer months, then light, breathable clothing is best so you can keep cool on your walks. A sun hat and sunglasses will also come in handy, along with swimwear so you can make the most of days on the beach.

If you are planning on visiting during the cooler early autumn, then waterproof clothing and layers such as jumpers and hooded jackets would be best in case you encounter inclement weather.

What is the best month to go walking in Cornwall?

Due to its location, the weather in Cornwall is generally warmer than in other parts of the country. Being the most south-westerly region in the UK, and on the eastern edge of the Gulf Stream, Cornwall enjoys a mild maritime climate.

We recommend early autumn for a walking holiday in Cornwall. While there is always a possibility that you may encounter rain and cooler conditions, you can make the most of the great outdoors away from the crowds of tourists who flock to Cornwall during the peak holiday months of July and August.

But if you are looking to visit when you will experience the warmest weather and can make the most of the beautiful beaches, then summer would be the best option. Just be aware that the beaches will be a lot more crowded in fine weather.

Whenever you visit, Cornwall is a small county which means you're never much more than 10 miles from the sea. This bathes the area in a bewitching, vibrant light as the sun reflects off the vast expanse of sea on two sides of the county.

How many days do I need for a walking holiday in Cornwall?

Our curated guided walking holiday in Cornwall lasts for five nights. You'll have plenty of time to explore the wonderful beaches, seaside towns and other points of interest that our experts have hand-picked for your excursions.

However, if you would like to extend your trip to discover more of this stunning part of the country, then speak to one of our team who can help you amend the length of your holiday.

How much would a walking holiday in Cornwall cost?

To give you an idea of how much our walking holidays could cost, we have added a starting price next to each of the holiday packages.

Our guided walking holiday in Cornwall starts at £1,499 per person, which includes accommodation, breakfast each morning, transport and listed activities.

If you decide to extend your trip beyond the original five nights, then you can discuss this with us, and we will guide you through any additional costs.

Why choose a walking holiday in Cornwall with Headwater?

At Headwater, we have been crafting exciting walking holidays across the globe for almost four decades. Here are just a few reasons why you should book your hiking trip in Cornwall with us today:

  • Happy customers: We have 5-star reviews on Feefo, where you can read some of the fantastic experiences holidaymakers have had when booking with us.
  • Award-winning holiday providers: We are proud of the awards we have won, including recognition for Best Travel Company to Western Europe from the British Travel Awards in 2023.
  • Expertly crafted holidays: Our travel experts have been creating unforgettable holidays across the world for nearly 40 years.
  • ABTA and ATOL protection: You can book trips with Headwater in confidence as all our holidays are ABTA- and ATOL-protected.
  • Sustainability: We care about the planet, which is why we run our tours in line with our People, Places & Planet plan.

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