Winter walks in and around Perranporth

Pull on your walking boots, wrap up and head out for a bracing beach walk or coastal stomp this winter. Walks around Cornwall are definitely not just for the sunny days, there’s nothing like a rejuvenating walk along the coast path, the last of the autumn leaves crunching underfoot or taking in the fresh sea air, as you stroll along a moody shoreline. No wintery walk is complete without a stop off at a cosy café for a tasty hot chocolate (with all the trimmings) or a Cornish pub with a warming fire and welcoming menu of warming tipples.

Perranporth beach to Penhale Sands at low tide

At low tide the beach at Perranporth stretches for just under three miles and is the backdrop to mermaid pools, rocky caverns and vast rolling sand dunes. There’s so much to explore and something for everyone. Starting from the promenade, and expanse of sand awaits as you walk towards Penhale Sands, the very end of the beach! You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing somewhere to warm up after. On the sand, the Watering Hole offers hot drinks and an array of cakes and sweet treats; as does Alcatraz, overlooking the sand and out to sea.

Don’t forget to check the tide times before you head off.

Perran Sands to St Pirans Oratory

Said to have been built by the Patron Saint of Cornwall, St Piran, after being washed up from Ireland many centuries ago. St Pirans Oratory are the remains of a small chapel and graveyard, that can be prone to flooding during bouts of rain. So check the weather and pack wellies before heading off!

From the vast expanse of the dunes at Perran Sands, walk away from Perranporth along the pathways and towards Perran Sands. Miles of open sandy, grassland are soft underfoot and lead to the Celtic ruins. Listen to the sounds of crashing waves below and birdsong above.

Perranporth to St Agnes
From Perranporth, head west on the South West Coast Path and wander along the cliff path towards the village of St Agnes. As you walk you’ll see ocean for miles around, backed by craggy cliffs that are dotted with old mine shafts.

Arriving in the village, make a stop at the infamous St Agnes Bakery for one of their sausage rolls, you won’t be disappointed! Also available from this quaint Cornish bakery are pasties, cakes, pastries and locally made and sourced delicacies, including lots of tasty vegan options.  If it’s coffee and cake you’re looking for, a well-earned rest at The Sorting Office will warm you up. Coffee, cakes, bagels, pastries and more… ready to fuel you on your way. From the village take a wander through the quaint roads to Trevaunance Cove, a small fishing nook, surrounded by rising stone cliffs and rocky outcrops. At low tide families can explore the sandy cove and rockpools, whilst hardy surfers make the most of the Atlantic swell.

Holywell to Crantock

Breathtaking views await on this walk; from the magnificent sand dunes of Holywell Bay to the tranquil Cornish countryside. From Holywell’s sandy beach, the coast path takes you across the dunes to wildflower-filled paths with far reaching views of sea and sky, arriving at the picturesque cove of Porth Joke the village of Cubert you find yourself heading back to those sandy dunes. As well as mesmerising views and stunning scenery you’ll find an abundance for Cornish flora and fauna on this walk.

From the sandy dunes of Holywell Bay beach, it’s a few footsteps to the St Pirans Inn and a short stroll further into the village to The Treguth Inn. Cornish pubs serving heart lunches and homemade meals. Just what you need after a day walking the coast.

For those doing the full circular walk, exploring both the coast path and countryside of quintessential corner of Cornwall, make your way through the village of Crantock to a little slice of heaven at Jam Jar Kitchen, where you can tuck into mouth-watering cakes and freshly baked pastries.

Fancy exploring the coast path for yourself this winter? Stay in one of our cosy cottages or wake up to waves with a sea view stay, and if you’re bringing your pooch, we’ve got plenty of dog friendly properties with miles of walks on the doorstep. Find the perfect place for you, browse our holiday homes.