The Wanders of Cornwall
Walking is an activity to be enjoyed all year round when it comes to Cornwall. You can beat the crowds by taking to your feet to explore the coastline and countryside on an expansive network of footpaths. Few places in the world can match Cornwall for the beauty and variety of its coastline, with hidden coves, dramatic sea cliffs, picture-perfect fishing villages and fantastic inns to be discovered around every headland.
We've been thinking about routes we've walked already or would love to and outlined them below. Here's an excellent website which gives detailed route info and can be used on your phone when out and about, check out iWalkCornwall here: www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk
Lelant Saltings to Carbis Bay
This walk takes in a variety of scenery, following the branch line all the way into Carbis Bay, passing the Hayle estuary which is teeming with bird life before opening up to the vistas of the expanses of sand at Porth Kidney and then the panoramic view over Carbis bay. Stop here for lunch, ice creams, or spend the day on the beach and then make your way back by taking the inland route or the way you came to take those views again, but no one would blame you if you decided to take the train!
Mylor to Flushing
This walk takes in some of the best views of the Carrick Roads, a waterway busy with leisure, fishing and sailing boats. Starting in Mylor Churchtown where Mylor Creek joins the River Fal and Carrick Roads, home to the Mylor Yacht Harbour. The walk takes in several points with views to Feock and over to St Mawes. The halfway point is Flushing which sits opposite the well known town of Falmouth, there's a popular pub here too. The return walk is inland through woodland and back via the Mylor Creek.
Mullion Three Coves
Start in the centre of Mullion Village, pick up a pasty before heading down through the village, past the chocolate factory and into Mullion Cove. This pretty harbour is still home to a handful of fishing boats, from here head over to Polurrian Cove, a sandy beach backed by a steep cliff face that catches the sun from midday right into the evening. The next stop is Poldhu Cove, passing the Marconi Centre where the first transatlantic radio signal was sent from. Poldhu itself is another sandy beach popular all year round with a busy cafe, a car park and toilets.
Helford to Frenchman's Creek
Helford is a very pretty village on the Helford River. Under the shade of woodlands this walk takes you away from the village up through the surrounding countryside and ancient farmsteads. On the way back round to Helford you'll walk along Frenchman's Creek, a secluded and romantic area which is featured in Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name. Stop by the Shipwrights Arms for a delicious meal once back in Helford village.
Holywell to Crantock
This walk takes in two excellent sandy beaches with picture perfect panoramic views, and there's a pub or two along the way. The walk starts by crossing the sandy beach at Holywell and follows the coast path around Kelsey Head to the pretty cove of Porth Joke. Continuing around West Pentire point, famous for its wildflowers, past the blowhole, to Crantock beach and then inland to the Bowgee Inn. The return route is over Cubert Common along the edge of the Holywell dunes which forms part of Penhale Sands where there's wildlife aplenty.
Roughtor & Brown Willy, Bodmin Moor
The walk climbs to the summit of Rough Tor, via the Holy Well, and follows the ridge Showery Tor, where there are spectacular views to the North Cornish coast. The route then drops into the valley and climbs to the top of Brown Willy - the highest point in Cornwall - where there are views south to the China clay hills around St Austell. The return route circles the base of Rough Tor, through the remains of prehistoric settlements overlooking the Fernacre stone circle.
All route info is credit of and web linked to: http://www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk/
