Heading to Cornwall this winter? Sarah McPherson reveals seven fabulous short strolls to add to your holiday wish list
01 GODREVY TO HELL’S MOUTH AND BACK, NORTH COAST
This yomp along the South West Coast Path offers an elemental experience of Cornwall’s north Atlantic Coast. Starting at Godrevy car park, the path leads to Godrevy Point, then passes through the Knavocks, an area of wildlife-rich heathland, before hugging the rugged coastline towards ominously named cove, Hell’s Mouth.
02 GODOLPHIN, NEAR HELSTON
An evocative, 17th-century manor house within 222 hectares of woodland and farmland, lying in the shadow of Godolphin Hill. An hour’s ramble to the summit will reward with a spectacular coast-to-coast panorama, stretching from St Michael’s Mount in the south to St Ives Bay in the north. There’s also a pretty one-mile circular trail along the River Hayle. Garden and tearoom open 10am–4pm (except 24 and 25 Dec).
03 TRELISSICK, NEAR TRURO
Sitting on its own peninsula, this impressive property enjoys a commanding position over the Fal Estuary. Stroll through parkland to Trelissick Beach and look out over the water, then lose yourself in the maze of woodland paths, taking in the view of the house from Tregothnan View. Along the way, catch glimpses of the Fal through the leafless trees. Grounds, house and tearoom open daily (except 25 and 26 Dec).
04 BOSCASTLE AND THE VALENCY VALLEY
Beginning in the scenic harbour of Boscastle, this walk sweeps you south west around the headland before turning inland, passing through the village and up and around Minster Wood, along the banks of the Valency River. At low tide, look out for the blowhole at the base of the cliffs near the harbour entrance, which periodically hurls spouts of white water high into the air.
05 BOTALLACK AND LEVANT MINES, NEAR PENZANCE
Celebrate Cornwall’s mining heritage by exploring the Tin Coast, which stretches seven miles from Pendeen Lighthouse to Cape Cornwall. Starting at the Count House, first explore the atmospheric ruins of Botallack Mine. You can then follow the coast path as far as Levant Mine and Beam Engine (a two-mile round trip), enjoying a host of mining relics along the way. Café and toilets at the Count House.
06 COTEHELE, NEAR PLYMOUTH
On the Cornish side of the River Tamar, this vast estate offers riverside woodland, a water mill and a historic quay. Follow the trail beside Morden Stream to the mill and back, then amble along the bank of the Tamar, where inter-tidal habitat is being restored for wildlife. Grounds open daily (except 25 and 26 Dec).
07 ST ANTHONY’S HEAD, ROSELAND PENINSULA
History and wildlife combine in this interesting ramble around the southernmost tip of Cornwall’s famous Roseland Peninsula. From St Anthony’s Head National Trust car park, the route zigzags towards and away from St Anthony Lighthouse (above) and up to the headland, taking in a bird hide and military outposts. Look out for grey seals hauling out on the rocks below.
Countryfile in Cornwall
Find out more about Cornish life as Matt Baker, Margherita Taylor and Charlotte Smith visit Mount’s Bay.
Available on iPlayer