Walk: Land’s End, Cornwall

This short coastal walk from Sennen Cove to Land’s End is the perfect way to experience Britain’s most westerly point

By Ben Lerwill

Published: Sunday, 26 March 2023 at 12:00 am

This clifftop walk from Sennen Cove to Land’s End is one of Cornwall’s best walks. It is a rewarding way to arrive at mainland England’s most westerly point, with wonderful coastal scenery, good 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.

Discover more coastal walks in Cornwall at Cadgwith, Zennor Head and Loe Pool.

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Looking south along the Cornish coast from Land’s End/Credit: Getty

Land’s End walk

3.3 miles/ 5.2km | 2 hours | moderate | 175m

1. Sennen Cove

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 & Capstan art gallery.

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Spend some time exploring Sennen Cove’s famous surfing beach before of after your walk/Credit: Getty

2. Coast path

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 and, on a fine day, the Isles of Scilly beyond.

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Looking back towards Sennen Cove from the coast path/Credit: Getty

3. RMS Mulheim

This is a popular path, and relatively easy to walk, but there are treats to be had from slowing down. Don’t miss the shipwreck of the RMS Mulheim, a German cargo ship that was wrecked in 2003. Its remains can be seen safely from the clifftop.

4. Dr Syntax’s Head

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 cafes, shops and family attractions that cluster around Land’s End.

Cornwall walks

From wooded valleys and rolling farmland to rugged coastal cliffs and pretty fishing villages, Cornwall’s countryside offers a wealth of opportunity to get outdoors. Explore this magical county on foot with our pick of the best walks in Cornwall.

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5. Land’s End

At the eastern end of the complex, 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. Inland return

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.

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Land’s End signppost/Credit: Getty

7. Longships Watch Holiday Cottages

After passing Longships Watch Holiday Cottages on 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 2, then retrace your steps to the seafront.

Land’s End map

Sennen Cove to Land’s End – OS Maps walking route

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Useful information

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 3 hours, £6 for 8 hours), or arrive by the Land’s End Coaster Bus from Penzance – in 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 and drink

Book ahead for a table at the Old Success Inn.

Stay

Ten minutes’ drive from Sennen Cove, YHA Land’s End is friendly and well-priced.