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Coastal walks in Cornwall
Ramblers, wanderers and nature lovers are spoiled by the sheer number of coastal walks in Cornwall. This is a region, after all, with some 600 miles of coastline – a coastline marked by dramatic cliffs, sleepy beaches and Britain's best sea views. It really is a walker's paradise.
Guests at The Nare have even more to celebrate. Perched beside Gerrans Bay, the hotel offers easy access to some of Cornwall's most rewarding walking routes, including the famous South West Coast Path. Plus, guests can take advantage of the Boot Room, where a wide selection of wellington boots and walking gear is available – perfect for an impromptu ramble.
The South West Coast Path
Walking time: around 52 days
Difficulty: challenging
Type: point to point
The South West Coast Path is a truly momentous walk – easily the longest and best-known of all coastal walks in Cornwall. Tracing the full extent of the Devon and Cornwall coastline, it stretches for 630 miles from Poole in the south to Minehead in the North. For those brave ramblers who tackle the full trail, it promises a life-changing sense of reward and plenty of life-affirming views along the way.
Of course, the full 630 miles do not need to be walked to enjoy it. The path is directly accessible from The Nare, and hotel staff can advise on manageable, bite-sized routes that take in nearby points of interest.
Veryan Circular
Walking time: around 2½ hours
Difficulty: moderate
Type: circular
Veryan is The Nare's nearest neighbour – a serene, pretty village famed for its iconic roundhouses. This pretty walk starts and finishes on the coastal footpath near the Nare, making a scenic route to the village and back again.
On the way, find an Elizabethan mill, visit one of the longest graves in Britain and, of course, spot those famous roundhouses. The walk includes one steep ascent and one steep descent, but rewards the tenacious with many spectacular views of Gerrans Bay.
Carne Beach to Nare Head Circular
Walking time: around 2½ hours
Difficulty: moderate
Type: circular
Beginning at the National Trust car park next to The Nare, this route is a pleasant ramble through the Roseland countryside. The goal: Nare Head – a grass-topped headland known for its disused Cold War bunker, as well as its breathtaking coastal views.
It is a relatively short walk with much to see. On the way, pass a Bronze Age barrow and an Iron Age earthwork, before following the clifftop path back to the hotel. Keep in mind that the terrain is steep in places and muddy at times, while the cliffs are sheer and unfenced.
Carne and Pendower Beach Circular
Walking time: around 4 hours
Difficulty: moderate to challenging
Type: circular
For those looking for a slightly more substantial coastal walk in Cornwall, do not miss the chance to tackle this route. Start by strolling on clifftop paths between Carne Beach and its neighbour, Pendower, before heading inland across rolling farm fields.
From there follows a whistle-stop tour of local sights, including the villages of Veryan and Portloe. Finally, the walk traces the South West Coast Path up to Nare Head and back to the hotel. Well done – now, kick off walking boots and enjoy a well-deserved warming drink.