SOUTH WEST
01. CORNWALL, LAND’S END
Distance: 3.3 miles/5.2km | Time: 2 hours | Grade: Moderate | Total ascent: 175m
This clifftop walk from Sennen Cove is a rewarding way to arrive at mainland England’s most westerly point, with wonderful coastal scenery, a range of birdlife and the waves of the Celtic Sea rolling in from the horizon.
Land’s End itself is now a built-up complex, but this route gives you the time and space to appreciate the dramatic surroundings.
1. START
At surfing hotspot Sennen Cove, a golden beach furls out around the bay. Take a while to enjoy the scene, then head west along the seafront, sticking to the road as it winds past the RNLI lifeboat station and the Round House and Capstan Gallery, a showcase for Cornish art and craft.
2. 0.3 MILES
After passing a car park, turn left to climb a set of steps curving up towards the cliffs. This becomes the coastal path that will take you to Land’s End. The views expand as you gain height, with rugged, gull-flown coves appearing below and a glorious maritime panorama to the west. Look out for Longships Lighthouse, built by Trinity House in 1875, and, on a fine day, the Isles of Scilly archipelago beyond.
3. 0.7 MILES
This is a popular path and relatively easy to walk, but there are treats to be had from slowing down. Don’t miss spying the shipwreck of the RMS Mulheim, a German cargo ship carrying scrap plastic that crashed on to the rocky shoreline in 2003. Its remains can be seen safely from the clifftop.
4. 1.3 MILES
The path leads to Dr Syntax’s Head, where a flagpole marks the true westernmost point on the English mainland. From here it’s a short stroll to pass through the cafés, shops and family attractions that cluster around Land’s End.
5. 1.4 MILES
Head for the eastern end of the complex and pick up the roadside path that begins next to a modern stone circle ringed by model houses. Stay on the path, passing a car park and a white house.
6. 1.7 MILES
When you reach a bend in the road, you’ll see a perpendicular gravel path in front of a double five-barred gate. Turn left along this path and follow it back to Sennen Cove as it dog-legs through meadows. Enjoy the close-at-hand details, from gorse and brambles to stonechats and wrens.
7. 2.7 MILES
After passing Longships Watch Holiday Cottages on the right, head immediately left and follow the road that bends down towards town. After a sharp right-hand bend, look out for a tight flight of steps on the left. Descend these to eventually rejoin the path at point two, then retrace your steps back to the seafront.
For more walks and days out visit countryfile.com
USEFUL INFO
Starting point
The Old Success Inn on the seafront at Sennen Cove. Park a minute’s walk away at Sennen Cove Beach Car Park (£3.90 for three hours, £6 for eight hours). Or arrive by the Land’s End Coaster Bus from Penzance; in the summer season, it’s an open-top ride.
Terrain
The route is generally easy underfoot but has some steep sections and, at times, lots of steps. Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Map
OS Explorer 102
Eat/drink
Book ahead for a table at the Old Success Inn. oldsuccess.co.uk
Stay
Ten minutes’ drive from Sennen Cove, YHA Land’s End is friendly and well-priced. yha.org.uk/ hostel/yha-lands-end
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