The Best Places for Walking in Cornwall this Autumn

October 15th, 2020

Autumn has approached us; the temperature is cooling, and the leaves are changing colour. For some, this time of year may make you want to curl up on the sofa with a hot drink. However, the vibrant colours of autumn make it the perfect season time to head outdoors and explore the coast and countryside.

 

 

Our dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall are the perfect base for those who love to explore the outdoors, all the while staying amongst cosy luxury! Located close to Cornwall’s best beaches and heritage sites, we highly recommend wrapping up and heading out for a walk so you can see some of the best of the county as it falls under autumn’s spell.

 

Read on to see where the best places are in Cornwall for a walk this season!

 

 

Lizard Point

Helston

 

An easy walk at the most southerly point in Britain. It is short and suitable for children and dogs, and much of the route is clearly signposted.

 

Highlights

 

Starting from the Lizard lighthouse, the route takes you to Lizard Point, where you might be able to spot seals in the cove below.

 

Further along the coast path, you may be lucky to see Cornish choughs. When you get to Old Lizard Head, you can see out towards Kynance Cove to the west, and Shetland ponies and cattle graze on the coastal slopes.

 

You can head inland after passing Old Lizard Head, following a path that will take you back to the lighthouse, or stay on the coast path a little longer.

 

COVID-19

 

Lizard Point is currently open. However, The National Trust report that the info hut, retail space and The Wildlife Watchpoint remain closed until further notice.

 

Depending on the weather, the toilets may also close, so this is worth bearing in mind when planning your route.

 

Opening Times

Lizard Point can be accessed 24 hours of the day.

 

 

Glendurgan Garden

Falmouth

 

Another National Trust site, Glendurgan Garden offers a stunning display of autumn colour at this time of year, and there are other unusual sights and scents to come across on a walk.

 

Highlights

 

We suggest having an afternoon out in the garden, taking the time to walk along the paths and stopping to admire the plants.

 

Some highlights include the Katsura tree, which originates from Japan and has bright colours in October. You may also notice the smell of candyfloss as you pass by the tree

 

You also won’t want to miss the tulip tree. The giant tree is one of the oldest in the garden and turns a lovely colour in October. The lovely yellow leaves will brighten even the dullest day!

 

COVID-19

 

To visit Glendurgan Garden, your visit should be booked in advance with the National Trust, especially during peak times such as the weekend and bank holidays. The morning also tends to be a busier time to visit, so secure your place to avoid disappointment.

 

Opening Times

Garden and car park: 10:30am–5pm

 

 

Trelissick

Truro

 

The dog-friendly estate is perfect for those who are visiting Cornwall with their dog who will love the vast space to play in!

 

Highlights

 

The estate has miles of woodland and open countryside to explore, and you can alter your walk based on time and ability.

 

You can stroll through the parkland or take a long trek through the trees. In the parkland, livestock can be found grazing, so it is important dogs are kept under control.

 

The cafe at Trelissick is dog-friendly too, perfect for when you stop for lunch.

 

COVID-19

If you are travelling to Trelissick by car, it is essential to book your car park space ahead of arrival. However, if you are arriving by foot, bike or bus, no booking is required. The house at Trelissick is currently closed.

 

Opening Times

Car park: 9am- 5pm

Garden: 10am- 5pm

Penrose

Helston

Have a ramble through Penrose, making your way through a tree plantation and extensive parkland; the huge estate is lovely to walk through all year round.

 

Highlights

 

The route starts from the car park and takes you down the fenced driveway. As you continue down the drive, you will reach a Victorian bath house and the stream.

 

Cross the stream over the footbridge and make your way into the woods, following the woodland path.

 

From the path, you have views over the parkland, and you will end up on the drive again, looping back around and taking you back to the car park.

 

COVID-19

 

The Penrose is free to access throughout the day. If you are driving to the car park at Penrose Hill or the surrounding National Trust car parks, please be aware the spaces cannot be booked in advance.

 

Opening Times

Estate: Dawn till dusk

 

 

Godolphin

Helston

 

Head up to the top of Godolphin Hill, which has views over west Cornwall.

 

The area around Godolphin has a long history, dating to the Bronze Age, and you can see signs of the hundreds of years of human activity in the dips and dents beneath the gorse and heather.

 

Highlights

 

The popular walking route takes you past the Slips, a narrow lane with its walls covered in plants, then by old pits and mine shafts until you reach the old deer park.

 

When you reach the summit of the hill, there are breath-taking panoramas of the area. On clear days, you can see St Michael’s Mount to the south and St Ives Bay to the north.

 

COVID-19

 

The house and outer buildings at Godolphin are currently closed. However, the estate and garden are both open in throughout the day. Visits should be booked ahead of your arrival. Peak times include weekends and bank holidays, so bookings will be necessary at these times to prevent disappointment.

 

Opening Times

Estate: Dawn to dusk

Garden: 10am to 4pm

 

 

West Pentire and Holywell Walking Route

Newquay

 

In the South of Newquay, between West Pentire and Holywell, the coastline is varied with beautiful flora, and you can view grey seal pups in the autumn months.

 

Highlights

 

The route is lovely all year round, as there are wildflower fields to see in the summer and migratory birds in the winter.

 

As you follow the coastal path, you can see the sea crash on rocks below, and spy sandy beaches in the distance.

 

Closer to Holywell, there is an Iron Age fort to stop at and explore, before the path heads back inland, as it circles back to the starting point of the route.

 

COVID-19

 

The South West Coast Path is a public route and can be accessed 24 hours of the day.

 

Which prime locations in Cornwall will you be adventuring this season? Why not share your adventures with us on our social media channels!

The Best Cornish Beaches for Walks

September 18th, 2020

If you’re staying in one of our sought-after dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall, no doubt you are looking forward to some beautiful walks along the coast! Cornwall is inundated with beautiful beaches across its coastline, attracting avid walkers every year!

 

All our beaches featured are perfect for walking with or without a dog, and we advise on the best times to visit if you are with your furry friend!

 

Our Chosen Locations

There are many beautiful beach walks in the county, so to narrow down our top picks, we have mainly focussed on the southern area of Cornwall below Truro.

 

Many of our chosen locations feature stunning walks either on the beach or surrounding it; you may notice the South West Coast Path features in a few of our sites!

 

Gwithian Towans Beach

 

As Cornwall’s longest beach, Gwithian had to feature on our list.

 

The beach lies between Hayle and Godrevy, and the whole stretch of golden sand can be accessed when the tide is low. Three miles in length, it is the perfect place for those who want to take off their shoes and walk with their toes in the sand.

 

When the surf is pumping, the beach becomes a showground of surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing displays! The rolling sand dunes behind the beach are also perfect for those who want an adventure.

 

Note, dogs are not permitted on the beach during July and August.

 

Buried History

 

One of the main appeals of the beach is its great history! A buried castle is believed to exist beneath the sand belonging to a man called Tendar, an alleged ‘Pagan persecutor of Christians’.

 

A medieval chapel, St Govian’s, is also rumoured to lie beneath the sand dunes and was last seen in the 1940s!

 

The Lighthouse

 

At one end of the beach, you will find the beautiful Godrevy Lighthouse, built to signify the dangerous Storms Reef.

 

Situated just in front of the beach, it makes a stunning photograph, especially on stormier days or during a fiery sunset!

 

Sennen Cove

 

Sennen is a favourite hotspot for surfers. The stunning cove is lined with beautiful white sand, and it is the perfect place for those hoping to try their hand at watersports; the beach is lifeguarded during the summer season, and there are plenty of surf schools to provide extra guidance!

 

If you want to stick solely to walking, the beach and surrounding areas provide many stunning walks for visitors to enjoy. Take a leisurely stroll across the beach and absorb the dramatic coastline and hub of activity.

 

Note that dogs are not permitted on Sennen Beach from 5th May to 30th September between the times of 10am and 6pm.

 

If you have more energy to blow off, follow the South West Coast Path to other close-by locations including Land’s End to the South and Gwenver beach to the north, which is a dog-friendly beach throughout the year.

 

Walking to Land’s End from Sennen

 

Only 1.5 km to Land’s End, Sennen is the perfect base to start an exploration to the famous tourist hotspot at the tip of the county.

 

It is a reasonably easy walk, with almost no steep inclines throughout the hike. If you fancy a different path to the way you came, there are a few circular routes you can take to return to Sennen.

 

Nanjizal Beach

If you are feeling particularly energetic, you can continue on the South West coast path down towards Nanjizal Beach once you have reached Land’s End.

 

Nanjizal Beach is a beautiful secluded beach which isn’t easily accessible by car, so walking is the best way to get there and well worth the visit if you are feeling up to it!

 

It is famous for the Song of the Sea, a captivating natural rock arch which floods with beautiful light in the sun. The beach welcomes dogs all year round!

 

Gyllyngvase Beach

One of Falmouth’s favourite and largest beaches, the bright turquoise waters of Gyllyngvase Beach attracts many visitors throughout the year.

 

Only a 10-minute walk from Falmouth’s town centre, it is easily accessible and a family favourite due to its calm waters and pretty sand. The beach is also a great starting point for coastal walks to other must-see spots including Swanpool Beach and Maenporth.

 

Note that dogs are not permitted on Sennen Beach from 5th May to 30th September between the times of 10am and 6pm.

 

Porthleven

Porthleven is a pretty fishing village on the south coast of Cornwall. The beach is sandy and is accessible to other spots in the area including Loe Bar, just up from the beach in a 40 minutes’ walk.

 

Longer walks along the South West Coast Past from Porthleven include Mullion and Praa Sands which are situated either side of the beach.

 

Which of our featured beaches will you be looking forward to strolling on? Have we missed your favourite location for a beach walk? Why not share your thoughts with us on our social media channels; we would love to know more about your favourite hikes!

Best Autumn Walks for Dogs Near Truro

October 19th, 2018

Autumn is a beautiful time to get out with your dog, and Cornwall is one of the most dog-friendly holiday destinations, with plenty of places to visit, from beaches to woodland. Our dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall are the perfect place for a short autumn break with your four-legged friend!

 

Take a look below at some of the best walks to take your dog on, many of which are close by our luxury cottages.

 

Lanhydrock, Bodmin

The woods around this grand estate is a haven for dogs and walkers. From the car park, you can set out on woods along the River Fowey around the estate. Grab a map of the various trails you can take from the reception or cafe, and be aware you can’t take dogs into the main garden, but dogs are welcome at the Stable Cafe.

 

 

Porthallow Beach, Falmouth

A fishing village located just south of Falmouth, Porthallow is picturesque, with white-washed cottages and quaint quayside views. With a circular coast path route starting and ending at the beach over Nare Head, it is also perfect for dog walks! Passing small coves and even a Bronze Age remnant, there are plenty of exciting sights for both you and your pet, with plenty of opportunity for them to be let off the lead.

 

Cardinham Woods, Bodmin

Not far from Bodmin, this area of woodland is run by the Forestry Commission. Through the woods there are several marked out walks, ranging from easy to challenging routes. There are small streams and leafy paths that are great for the dog to play around in too. Along the way, you can also find Woods Cafe which offers freshly baked cakes and tea and is also dog-friendly.

 

Trelissick Gardens, Truro

Run by the National Trust, the parkland area around the main garden is very welcoming to dogs. The three-mile Woodland Walk is lovely, taking you all the way to the Fal estuary and along the river bank. The main gardens do not allow dogs, but the parkland surrounding it is perfect for an afternoon out with the dog. With autumn leaves acting as a blanket over the forest floor at this time of the year, dogs will love scampering through the woods.

 

Tehidy Woods, Camborne

At Tehidy Woods there are 9 miles and over 250 acres of woodland for you and your dog to enjoy walks through. With so many routes to choose from, you will definitely enjoy exploring the stunning woodlands. Look out for the ancient tree with a twisted trunk, the little flower garden, and you can also access the South West Coast Path from the woods near Godrevy.

 

If you’re bringing your pup along on holiday with you, then check out our guide to some of the best dog-friendly restaurants near Truro!

Exciting Winter Walks Near Truro

December 22nd, 2017

With the South West Coast Path spanning the entirety of Cornwall, there are plenty of beautiful locations along the way for winter walks with stunning views. Walk off the Christmas pud with these exciting strolls through the Cornish countryside!

 

Trelissick Gardens

With gorgeous views and an incredible variety of plants, this garden sits right on the water’s edge, providing a year-round display of vibrant blooms. While you can take a casual stroll through the gardens to admire the flower beds, there are also 375-acres of park and woodland to explore. With an extensive number of trails to choose from, you can enjoy the gardens whatever the weather, picking your route based on the conditions or how much time (and energy!) you have. Follow the river and discover the creeks, or take in the views from the farmland and woods. Warm up after your walk by popping into Trelissick’s tea room and indulge in a delicious cup of hot chocolate and a slice of cake.

 

St. Michael’s Mount

For a bit of a different walk, combined with incredible views, why not walk along the causeway to St. Michael’s Mount!? While you’re there, wander around the village and harbour, before ambling through the gardens. Be sure to check the causeway closing times before you head off, as there will be no public boats to and from the island until mid-March!

 

Percuil

The gentle, rolling landscape around Roseland makes for a calming walking experience, perfect for those wintertime rambles. Strolls across the beach are great at any time of the year, but there is certainly something quite enchanting about the seasonal scenery during this time of the year. While it is colder out and about in the winter, the beaches here remain sheltered, protecting you from the full force of the winter winds! If you are looking for a bit of a longer walk to burn off some of the mince pies you’ve been scoffing for the past month, then set off from Porthscatho and head south-west around the coast and headland, before returning up the inland waterway to get some incredible views from St. Anthony. This walk will take you through all sorts of striking landscapes, from beaches to wooded riversides, making it a very exciting journey!

 

Devoran Circular Walk

The beauty of this walk includes the fact it can be started from your cottage! Embark on a tranquil journey as you head towards peace and quiet along a track which was once used to link the copper and tin mines in the Centre and the North of Cornwall. Following the trail you can enjoy stunning views at Restronguet Creek and the River Fal as well as learning about the history of the port found on the interpretation boards. Regain your energy as the walk draws to a close by sitting down to a well-earned drink and bite to eat at the Old Quay Inn.

 

If you’re looking for luxury family holidays in Cornwall to get the New Year started, then The Valley is in an ideal location to enjoy all of these walks this winter!

 

 

Image Credit: AtticTapestry

Why Cornwall is magical in the winter

December 29th, 2016

Many people in the UK will leave their staycations for the summer, when the weather is, on occasion, warmer and brighter; however, these people tend to miss out on the magical side of Cornwall that can only be experienced during the winter months. With these great reasons, there will be no reason not to book your breaks in Cornwall during the winter:

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