The Celtic kingdom of Cornwall on the extreme edge of southwest England is blessed with stunning coastlines, quiet sandy coves and picture-postcard fishing villages, making it a rewarding destination to explore on foot.
Enjoy the spectacular north and south coast on a walking holiday in Cornwall. There's so much to see, from discovering hidden stretches of white sands to charming Georgian harbours and pastel-coloured medieval fishing towns with pubs serving up locally brewed beers.
Look at our expertly crafted walking holidays in Cornwall below.
On our walking holidays in Cornwall, you can enjoy peaceful strolls along the beautiful beaches of Polzeath and Daymer Bay. Carry on towards the cliffs of Stepper Point for awe-inspiring ocean views, as peregrine falcons soar overhead.
On visits to the Fowey Estuary, Restormel Castle and the magical, charming Lost Gardens of Heligan, you'll stop along the way to taste excellent seafood, including chef Rick Stein's celebrated fish and chips, and traditional Cornish fare in cosy local pubs.
For invigorating walks in Cornwall, a trip to explore Gribbin Head and on to Polridmouth Cove offers stunning views against a backdrop of the Menabilly estate and woodlands. The Menabilly mansion inspired the mysterious Manderley in Daphne du Maurier's classic 1938 novel Rebecca.
Our experts have years of experience in picking the best accommodation. For our guided walking holiday in Cornwall, you will begin your trip by staying at The Old Custom House located in Padstow's South Quay. From there, you will relocate to The Pier in Charlestown, which sits in the Georgian harbour.
Below is a selection of some of the highlights you can look forward to when booking a guided walking holiday in Cornwall with us:
Self-guided walking
5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
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Where appropriate, we grade our holidays based on distance, terrain, elevation gain, remoteness, etc and categorise them into 4 relative groups. This is ultimately subjective and may vary slightly day to day; for more advice, please see the specific trip page or call one of our friendly team.
With miles of rugged coastal paths and an abundance of green open spaces to explore, Cornwall is a walker's paradise.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing family-friendly stroll around a harbour or a more advanced hike to take in the dramatic cliffs along the Cornish coast, you'll find an array of exciting walking routes to suit your needs.
There are a few essentials that should be on every traveller's list when embarking on a walking holiday. Below are some of our top recommendations for things you should consider packing:
The time of year you are visiting Cornwall will determine what you need to wear.
If you are visiting in the warmer summer months, then light, breathable clothing is best so you can keep cool on your walks. A sun hat and sunglasses will also come in handy, along with swimwear so you can make the most of days on the beach.
If you are planning on visiting during the cooler early autumn, then waterproof clothing and layers such as jumpers and hooded jackets would be best in case you encounter inclement weather.
Due to its location, the weather in Cornwall is generally warmer than in other parts of the country. Being the most south-westerly region in the UK, and on the eastern edge of the Gulf Stream, Cornwall enjoys a mild maritime climate.
We recommend early autumn for a walking holiday in Cornwall. While there is always a possibility that you may encounter rain and cooler conditions, you can make the most of the great outdoors away from the crowds of tourists who flock to Cornwall during the peak holiday months of July and August.
But if you are looking to visit when you will experience the warmest weather and can make the most of the beautiful beaches, then summer would be the best option. Just be aware that the beaches will be a lot more crowded in fine weather.
Whenever you visit, Cornwall is a small county which means you're never much more than 10 miles from the sea. This bathes the area in a bewitching, vibrant light as the sun reflects off the vast expanse of sea on two sides of the county.
Our curated guided walking holiday in Cornwall lasts for five nights. You'll have plenty of time to explore the wonderful beaches, seaside towns and other points of interest that our experts have hand-picked for your excursions.
However, if you would like to extend your trip to discover more of this stunning part of the country, then speak to one of our team who can help you amend the length of your holiday.
At Headwater, we have been crafting exciting walking holidays across the globe for almost four decades. Here are just a few reasons why you should book your hiking trip in Cornwall with us today: