Walking Holidays and Outdoor Adventures in Cornwall National Landscape

Wild Coasts, Sandy Bays, and Ancient Traditions

Where rugged cliffs meet golden beaches, and trails wind through history and legend.

Cornwall National Landscape, formerly the Cornwall AONB, is made up of 12 distinct sections scattered across England’s far southwest peninsula. From the granite headlands of Land’s End to the tidal estuaries of the Camel and Fal, these protected areas showcase the county’s most striking scenery for walking holidays and outdoor adventures.

Whether you follow the South West Coast Path along clifftops and coves, or wander inland through moorland, woodland, and ancient villages, Cornwall offers a mix of drama and charm. Fishing harbours, tin mine relics, and prehistoric standing stones all add cultural depth to the landscape.

Areas of Cornwall National Landscape

Cornwall’s protected landscapes are spread across 12 distinct sections, each offering unique walking and adventure opportunities:

• Hartland (Cornwall portion) – rugged cliffs and quiet coves on the north coast
• Pentire Point to Widemouth – dramatic headlands and Atlantic views
• Camel Estuary – tidal creeks, birdlife, and the start of the Camel Trail
• Trevose Head to Stepper Point – sweeping bays and sandy beaches
• St Agnes – mining heritage, cliffs, and wildflower-covered slopes
• Godrevy to Portreath – seals, seabirds, and lighthouse views
• Porthtowan to St Agnes – classic Cornish heritage coast
• West Penwith (Land’s End) – iconic headlands, ancient monuments, and prehistoric sites
• South Coast Western (The Lizard) – serpentine cliffs and turquoise coves
• South Coast Central (Mullion to Helford) – hidden creeks and quiet harbours
• South Coast Eastern (Rame Head to Looe) – historic coastline near Plymouth
• Bodmin Moor – granite tors, ancient monuments, and open upland walking

Featured Trails

South West Coast Path (Cornwall Sections)
Cornwall is home to some of the most iconic stretches of this 630-mile National Trail, from dramatic cliffs at Tintagel to sweeping bays near St Ives.

Saints’ Way
A 30-mile inland route across Cornwall, linking Padstow on the north coast with Fowey on the south, following old pilgrimage paths.

Camel Trail
An easy riverside and estuary route following a former railway line from Padstow to Bodmin Moor. Popular for walking and cycling.

Cornwall Circulars
Smaller loops around St Agnes Heritage Coast, Lizard Point, and Pentire Head reveal Cornwall’s coastal drama in short, accessible walks.

Adventure Highlights

• Dramatic cliffs and Atlantic views along the South West Coast Path
• Golden beaches and hidden coves at Sennen, Porthcurno, Kynance Cove
• Historic harbours like St Ives, Mousehole, and Padstow
• Prehistoric remains on Bodmin Moor, including stone circles and hut circles
• Mining heritage sites, part of Cornwall’s UNESCO World Heritage landscape
• Estuaries and river valleys, from the Fal to the Camel
• Rare wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and seasonal wildflowers