Cornwall is a walker’s paradise. With dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, peaceful woodlands and wide-open moorland, it offers endless opportunities to get out and explore. Here are our top five local walks right on our doorstep and what you can look forward to discovering along the way.

1. Bedruthan Steps

Bedruthan Steps is one of Cornwall’s most iconic coastal walks. You’ll follow a path along towering cliffs with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The highlight? The giant rock stacks that rise dramatically from the sea, said to be the stepping stones of the mythical giant Bedruthan. As you wander along the cliff edge, you’ll see the picturesque sandy coves and tide pools filled with marine life and if you’re lucky, you might spot seabirds swooping above the cliffs. It’s also a fantastic spot for photographers, especially at sunset when the rocks glow gold.

2. Rock to Polzeath

This gentle coastal walk takes you from the charming village of Rock to the surfing hotspot of Polzeath. Along the way, you’ll pass tidal estuaries where wading birds gather and small sandy beaches perfect for a quick picnic. The path winds through dunes, cliff-top meadows and hidden coves, offering endless views of the sparkling sea. Surfers catching waves in Polzeath and the scent of salty air make this walk a sensory delight.

3. Harlyn to Constantine Bay

A quieter stretch of the north Cornwall coast, the walk from Harlyn to Constantine Bay is perfect if you’re looking for calm, wide-open views and a moment to breathe. The path follows the cliffs and unfolds sweeping vistas of golden beaches and bright turquoise water. As you round the headland, pause to admire one of Cornwall’s most photographed lifeboat stations, Padstow Lifeboat Station at Mother Ivey’s Bay, and take in the striking silhouette of Trevose Head Lighthouse in the distance. Keep an eye out when passing the blowhole, as the sea can put on quite a show here, depending on the tide and weather. Along the way, dramatic rock formations, colourful spring wildflowers and even the occasional seal in the surf make this walk feel wonderfully wild and untouched.

4. Cardinham Woods

For a complete change of pace, Cardinham Woods sits right at the end of the drive and is perfectly placed for guests to explore. This beautiful ancient woodland is threaded with well-marked trails that wind through moss-covered trees, alongside babbling streams, and over gentle, rolling hills. In spring, the forest floor is blanketed with bluebells, while autumn brings a golden canopy overhead. Wildlife is plentiful keep an eye out for deer, rabbits and a wonderful variety of woodland birds. It’s an ideal spot for a family adventure or a peaceful escape into nature.

5. Bodmin Moor

For truly wild and untamed scenery, Bodmin Moor is hard to beat. Its vast open landscape stretches out in every direction, scattered with granite tors, ancient stone circles, and remnants of Cornwall’s past. From Tawnamoor Rural Retreat, the bridle path leads you straight onto the moor itself, where trails wind through heather and gorse and open up to sweeping, uninterrupted views. For the most impressive panoramas, make your way up Brown Willy, Cornwall’s highest point, or take on nearby Rough Tor, where dramatic granite outcrops reward you with a sense of adventure and incredible vistas. On a clear day, you can see for miles across the countryside, with even a glimpse of the distant coastline. It’s the perfect walk for anyone wanting to experience Cornwall at its most raw, rugged, and unforgettable.

Cornwall’s walks offer something for everyone from serene woodland strolls to rugged coastal adventures. Each trail is a chance to connect with nature, breathe in the fresh sea air and discover the county’s hidden beauty.