Walks in Cornwall
Where to Walk in Cornwall
Walking in Padstow and the Camel Estuary
This area has fantastic beaches and miles of coves and inlets waiting to be discovered. The coastline is one of Britain’s most spectacular and can be appreciated at any time of the year. Swimming and fishing are very popular and there are several good surfing beaches.
This is a fantastic area for walking. The two most popular trails are the South West Coastal Path and the Saints’ Way. The South West Coastal Path covers more than 600 miles but the sections in this area are Port Isaac to Padstow, Padstow to Porthcothan and Porthcothan to Newquay. Each of these sections is 10-12 miles long but you can enjoy shorter sections if you wish.
The Saints’ Way, also known as the Drovers’ Way, is based on ancient trade routes and includes many aspects of the landscape of Cornwall – rugged cliffs, inland uplands, ports and harbours. The route was probably used by pilgrims and drovers from Wales and Ireland on their way to Europe’s mainland and wishing to avoid the route by sea around Land’s End. Since 1986 it has been well maintained and signposted and offers a great route for walkers on footpaths and leafy tracks.
In Padstow and the surrounding area there is an incredible choice of places to eat. Whether you are looking for traditional fish and chips or Cornish pasties, regional or international cuisine, there is a restaurant, café or pub to suit every taste. And there is also a wide choice of places to stay – B&Bs, guest houses, hotels and self-catering cottages – all greeting the visitor with a warm welcome.
Walking in St Austell and the Eden Project
The Eden Project is an exciting attraction for people of all ages. It is situated near St Austell and is open every day of the year apart from 24th and 25th December. It is well signposted for visitors arriving on foot or bike, by car or public transport.
It was built in a disused clay mine which has been transformed into a rich, global garden. It offers visitors a place to learn about nature and to be inspired about the world around them. It is also an educational charity pouring energy into environmental projects at home and abroad, creating amazing gardens and doing research into plants and conservation and performing music, theatre and other arts events.
There are over a million plants from different climates around the world in stunning garden displays. There is world class sculpture and art to be enjoyed. A rainforest lookout takes you above the treetops. And the Eden Project’s horticultural programmes are used to connect everyone, from locals to people around the globe, through various outreach projects.
St Austell is a busy market town a few miles from the coast. Its population and prosperity began to grow after clay was discovered by William Cookworthy in 1755. Pits were opened to mine the clay leading to its china-clay industry. Cornwall still exports clay which is used in paint and paper products.
Within easy reach of St Austell are two major tourist attractions, The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan, and also several lovely beaches. In the harbour you can often see old sailing ships. St Austell is a useful base for a holiday or short break with a good choice of accommodation and places to eat.
Walking in Truro
The name Truro comes from Tri-veru meaning three rivers. Truro has good road and rail links and its position means it is within easy reach of most places in Cornwall. It is a cathedral city, the centre of administration and tourism for Cornwall and a busy market town.
Truro is a centre for the farming community with its Livestock Market and the Farmers’ Market offers fresh local food of high quality directly from local producers to the public. There are many art, craft, food and drink fairs held in marquees on Lemon Quay and in Lemon Street Market there is a good choice of specialist shops and cafés.
The cathedral dominates the skyline and it plays a central role in the city. Lunchtime and evening recitals and concerts and also plays are performed there.
Truro’s maritime heritage can be appreciated. There are river trips to Falmouth and to Trelissick Gardens. The King Harry Ferry, one of only five chain ferries in England, is part of the history of Cornwall. It was founded in 1888 and connects St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula with Feock, Truro and Falmouth to avoid what would otherwise be a 27 mile route.
There are many parks and open spaces to be enjoyed in Truro. The Victoria Gardens near the city centre offer a haven of peace for walks and picnics or simply a place to admire the lovely floral displays.
