Stunning Cornish coastal walks & lunch
- stonesthrowstays
- Jul 28, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 2, 2022
Your Ultimate Guide to Cornish walks with a rewarding lunch as the finale
We've all been on an unintentionally long walk, it begins with good intentions- a light backpack and carefree attitude. It's too late when you realise you have a little less food than ideal and a bottle of water to scantily share. The Cornish coastpath is so exceptionally beautiful that you might find yourself ambling further than planned, only to realise you have to walk back underwatered and hungry. We've made these mistakes for you and come up with three well-planned, tried and tested day trips that are perfect to maximise the coastpath while maintaining nutrition levels. A walk and lunch = a winning combination.
You really want to feel like you've earned your lunch, got the pulse racing and felt the sea air on your skin. it's guaranteed to make lunch taste better. The following three suggestions are just scratching the surface, but they are three of our favourites and can be done all year-round. Use this guide to give you some inspiration for your stay in Cornwall and take away the logistical issues - simply book your table, book your taxi and head out onto the coastpath.
Walk Padstow to Stepper Point circular
Walk to The Pig at Harlyn
A special occasion
Turning out of Karn Havos, walk down to the National Trust cafe and onto the South West Coastpath - turn right and begin this stunning journey. It is a special section of the coastpath taking in some iconic locations. Bedruthan Steps and Park Head provide the elevated scenes and interesting geological features that the area is famed for. Drop down into a series of secluded coves - perfect for a sheltered snack before arriving at some more popular beaches - Porthcothan and Treyarnon. Walk along the golden sand of Constantine bay (just the first few hundred meters) before cutting up through Trevose gold and country club and onto The Pig at Harlyn Bay. What you are met with is exactly what you want after a decent walk - cosy armchairs, a well-stocked bar and roaring fires. Relax with a drink, freshen up before going through to the light and airy, rustic dining room for your lunch.
9 miles approximately
Leave at least 3 hours for the walk
You may want an outfit change to feel your best at The Pig
Taxi back to Karn Havos is 15mins
Walk to the Falcon Inn, St Mawgan
A family friendly option
This time, you turn left onto the coastpath, after a quick stop at the National Trust cafe for last minute snacks. You will wind down to Mawgan Porth taking in the spectacular view of the beach. Witness the waves approaching in perfect uniform and spot the surfers dotted in the whitewash. When approaching the beach, If the tide is out, you can take the steps onto the beach and walk along the sand, exploring rock pools and small caves. If the tide is in, you will take the path directly into the bustling village of Mawgan Porth. This is a great pit-stop for a coffee, or rest - with all the amenities. From Mawgan Porth, take the footpath that tracks East and follow it, close to the river, through the wooded area until you reach the picturesque village of St Mawgan. The Falcon Inn, a firm favourite of our family, offers the traditional pub lunch so many crave after a walk. Whether it's a summer fish and chips in the expansive beer garden or a traditional cosy winter warmer in the winter months, the pub is perfect for adults and children alike. Book a table to avoid disappointment.
Allow 2 hours for the walk
4 miles approximately
Taxi back to Karn Havos is 10 mins
Call 01637 860 225 to book a table - unable to book online
Padstow to Stepper Point circular
A potter around an Old harbourTown
This walk has it all, exposed golden sandbars of the camel Estuary, rugged cliffs and the picturesque harbour of Padstow. Begin in Padstow, parking in the Link Carpark at the edge of the old town and head towards Prideaux Place and past Padstow Farm Shop. This is a gorgeous shop selling local produce and it has a cafe for a quick fuel stop. From there, aim for Trevone Bay and then join the coastpath towards Stepper Point. On this stretch you will pass Tregudda Gorge, Gunver Head and Pepper Hole, which are all dramatic coastal formations. From Stepper Point you follow the path along the river, through some dunes towards Padstow. There are plenty of snack or swim spots - Harbour Cove or St Georges Cove are the best. It won't be long (well a few hours) before you reach Padstow - a traditional fishing village with a pretty Harbourside, excellent shops and more celebrity restaurants than you could conquer in one holiday. Now you can pick your lunch spot, choose from fish and chips on the harbour wall, a pasty or a pub lunch or one of the Michelin star famous restaurants. Our favourite lunch spot, however, is Prawn on the Lawn, on Duke Street. Here you will sit in a tiny fishmongers-come-restaurant and eat small plates of deliciousness in a cosy corner of the Old Town. Be sure to book that well-earned treat after the walk. You car is parked close-by and you can leave it overnight in the car-park. You can update your parking on the 'Just Park' app.
Approximately 7.5 miles
Leave at least 3 hours for the walk
Taxi back from Padstow will be 20 mins
Download the 'Just Park App' for Padstow Parking (Link Road Carpark, not the adjacent carpark as more expensive)
Make a reservation at POTL online here
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