Cornwall is famous for its spectacular coastline, from towering cliffs and hidden coves to sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages. One of the best ways to experience these landscapes is on foot, following sections of the South West Coast Path as it winds around the county. However, you don’t have to tackle steep climbs or spend an entire day walking to enjoy some of Cornwall’s most beautiful coastal scenery.
There are plenty of shorter, gentler stretches of the Coast Path that are ideal for leisurely strolls, family outings and anyone who prefers a more relaxed pace. Whether you’re looking for a relatively level path with sea views, a short walk to a lighthouse or a gentle wander beside a sandy beach, these easier coastal walks in Cornwall are a wonderful way to explore the great outdoors.
Penzance to Marazion
Distance: Approximately 2 miles (3.2km) one way
The stretch of the South West Coast Path between Penzance and Marazion is a lovely choice if you’re looking for an easy coastal walk with spectacular views. Following the seafront along Mount’s Bay, the route is relatively flat and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the scenery along the way.
One of the highlights is the view across the water to St Michael’s Mount. On a clear day, the island makes a beautiful backdrop as you walk beside the sea, with the sandy shoreline providing places to pause and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Starting in Penzance means you can finish your walk in Marazion, where you can explore the village or stop for refreshments overlooking the bay. Alternatively, you can walk in the opposite direction or simply turn around whenever you’ve had enough.
The route is also a useful option for those who prefer not to return along the same path, as buses connect Penzance and Marazion. Check local services before setting off.
Swanpool to Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth
Distance: Approximately 1 mile (1.6km) between the beaches
For an easy coastal stroll near Falmouth, the path linking Swanpool Beach and Gyllyngvase Beach is a great option. This short route offers a taste of Cornwall’s coastal scenery without requiring a long walk, making it particularly appealing for families and anyone looking for a gentle outing.
The path follows the coastline between two popular beaches, with views across Falmouth Bay and opportunities to stop and watch the waves. The scenery changes as you move between the sandy shores, grassy edges and coastal viewpoints.
You can start at either beach and walk to the other before retracing your steps, or spend some time enjoying the beach at either end. Both locations are popular places to relax by the sea, making this an easy walk to combine with a leisurely lunch, an ice cream or a little time on the sand.
Although the route is relatively short, there are some gentle inclines, so it is worth checking the terrain if you need a completely level path. The nearby beaches also make this a good choice for a relaxed day out rather than a walk that needs to fill an entire afternoon.
Godrevy Head
Distance: Choose a short walk to suit your ability
Godrevy Head, near Hayle and Gwithian, is a wonderful place to enjoy Cornwall’s wilder coastal scenery without necessarily committing to a lengthy walk. The headland offers views across St Ives Bay, with Godrevy Lighthouse standing on an island just offshore.
The surrounding coastal paths provide opportunities for shorter strolls, allowing you to take in the sea views and watch for seabirds without walking a long distance. Depending on the route you choose, you may also spot seals in the water below, particularly around the wider Godrevy and Mutton Cove area.
For a gentler outing, stick to a short section of the path rather than attempting a longer circuit of the headland. The terrain varies, so choose your route carefully and avoid assuming that every coastal path here is flat or suitable for all abilities.
The open landscape is especially beautiful on a clear day, when the lighthouse and sweeping curve of St Ives Bay make a striking coastal panorama. Bring a camera, take your time and enjoy the views before heading back.
Stepper Point, Padstow
Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4km) to the Daymark
If you would like to enjoy the North Cornwall coastline at a gentler pace, the walk towards Stepper Point from the Padstow area is well worth considering. The route crosses wildlife-rich farmland and leads to the distinctive Daymark, a tall navigation tower that stands above the coastline.
One of the appealing features of this walk is the variety of scenery. As you make your way across the headland, you’ll enjoy views along the rugged coast and across the Camel Estuary, with the surrounding countryside offering a change from the busy harbour in Padstow itself.
The route to the Daymark is approximately 1.5 miles each way, so you should allow time for the return journey as well as stops to admire the views. Although it is considered a relatively easy walk, the ground is not uniformly paved, and conditions can be uneven in places.
Boscastle Harbour
Distance: Approximately 0.7 miles (1.1km)
Boscastle is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque coastal villages, known for its historic harbour, steep-sided valley and dramatic surrounding cliffs. While some of the longer walks around the village involve significant climbs, the harbour area offers an opportunity to enjoy the scenery over a much shorter distance.
A gentle wander around the harbour allows you to appreciate the distinctive landscape, watch the sea moving through the narrow harbour entrance and explore the village’s traditional buildings. It is a particularly appealing option if you want to experience a little of Cornwall’s coastal character without embarking on a demanding hike.
Glebe Cliff, Tintagel
Distance: Approximately 0.2 miles (0.4km)
For a particularly short coastal walk, Glebe Cliff near Tintagel offers a chance to enjoy some of North Cornwall’s dramatic scenery without covering much ground. The section of path provides views towards the coastline and the historic landscape associated with Tintagel Castle.
The rugged cliffs and Atlantic views make this a memorable place to stop, even if you only have time for a brief stroll. It is a useful option for visitors who want to enjoy the scenery without attempting one of the area’s longer coastal routes.
Although the distance is short, remember that coastal paths can still have exposed edges, uneven surfaces and changing weather conditions.
If you have more time, you could combine a short walk with a visit to Tintagel village. Just bear in mind that reaching Tintagel Castle itself involves a more demanding approach, so it is worth planning separately if you are looking for a particularly easy outing.
Porthgwarra and Gwennap Head
Distance: Approximately 1 mile (1.6km)
On Cornwall’s far western tip, the coastline around Porthgwarra and Gwennap Head offers a beautiful setting for a shorter walk. This part of the county is known for its rugged cliffs, clear coastal waters and far-reaching views across the Atlantic.
Starting around Porthgwarra, you can follow a short section of the South West Coast Path towards Gwennap Head, enjoying the dramatic scenery as you go. The landscape feels wonderfully wild, with rocky headlands and open sea providing a different atmosphere from the more sheltered beaches and estuaries elsewhere in Cornwall.
The route is listed among the shorter walks in the South West Coast Path’s easy-walk recommendations. However, the terrain is still coastal rather than promenade-like, so expect natural paths and check the gradient and surface before setting off if you need a particularly gentle route.
This is a lovely choice for anyone who wants to experience the scenery around Land’s End without committing to a much longer walk. It is also an opportunity to explore a quieter corner of West Cornwall, away from some of the county’s busier coastal destinations.
Bedruthan Steps, Near Newquay
Distance: Approximately 0.8 miles (1.2km) for the designated easy-access walk
Bedruthan Steps is famous for its enormous rock stacks rising from the sand, creating one of the most recognisable coastal views in Cornwall. The surrounding cliffs offer a spectacular vantage point, and you don’t necessarily need to complete a long hike to appreciate the scenery.
A short easy-access walk at Carnewas provides views over the dramatic coastline and towards the rock formations below. It is a good option for visitors who want a relatively brief walk with plenty of visual rewards.
The route is a particularly useful one to investigate if you’re searching for easier sections of the South West Coast Path, as the designated walk has been identified as an easy-access option. Check the latest route information before visiting, including any restrictions affecting access to viewpoints.
It is important to remember that the beach below the cliffs is a separate proposition. Access down to Bedruthan Steps involves steep steps and may be restricted, so don’t assume that an easy clifftop walk means the beach itself is easily accessible.
Instead, enjoy the views from the designated path and take time to appreciate the changing colours of the sea, the rock formations and the rugged cliffs.
North Cliffs, Near Portreath
Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles (0.8km)
The North Cliffs area near Portreath is another option for those looking for a short coastal walk in Cornwall. This stretch of coastline offers dramatic sea views, rugged headlands and the chance to experience the wilder side of the county without planning a lengthy hike.
A short section of the Coast Path allows you to enjoy the landscape and look out across the Atlantic. The surrounding cliffs provide a wonderful backdrop for a peaceful stroll, particularly if you enjoy open coastal scenery and the sound of the waves below.
North Cliffs is included in the South West Coast Path’s easy-walk recommendations, with a short route listed at approximately half a mile.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, looking for a little fresh air between beach visits or simply want to enjoy Cornwall’s scenery without tackling strenuous hills, choosing a shorter route can be just as rewarding as a full day’s hike.
Make the most of your time in Cornwall by finding a holiday cottage near Truro that gives you a comfortable base for exploring the coast. With beautiful beaches, scenic walking routes and charming towns and villages to discover, you can enjoy a walking holiday that is as relaxed or adventurous as you wish.