Padstow Walks

Padstow is a pretty little fishing village located on the Camel Estuary in North Cornwall. It’s well-protected from the sea and has a wealth of walking trails along the coast that allows you to explore hidden coves, historical monuments, and views of its jaw-dropping coastline. 

Although you won’t need much for a walk around Padstow, a camera is definitely recommended. Enjoy circular strolls around Trevose Head, long 7-mile trails along the South West Coast Path, and even challenge yourself with a monumental hike along the Cornish Saint’s Way Pilgrimage trail.

---

Padstow walks

Use our quick links below to find out about a specific route:

Moderate Padstow Walks:

• Padstow to Harbour Cove
• Padstow and Stepper Point
• Padstow to Wadebridge along the Camel Trail

Intermediate Padstow Walks:

• Padstow to Harlyn Bay
• Padstow to Trevone
• Padstow Town

Padstow walks for experienced hikers:

• Padstow to Pentire Point Loop
• Cornish Saints’ Way

Padstow Circular Walks:

• Park Head and Pentire Steps
• Lundy Bay and Pennywilgie Point
• Padstow to St Merryn Loop

Walks near Padstow:

• Trevose Head (short version)
• Trevose Head (long version)
• Constantine Bay to Porthcothan

Discover our holiday cottages in Padstow

---

Moderate Padstow walks:

Padstow to Harbour Cove

Length: 3.1 miles

Also known as the Harbour Cove Circular, this Padstow walk is an easy to moderate trail that offers stunning views over the River Camel.

Short but sweet, this stroll starts at The Meadow and takes the South West Coast Path northwards following the Tarmac path to the memorial. 

Once you’ve reached the memorial, you’ll want to continue along the coast path as it runs above the beach at Gun Point. Here, you’ll be able to head down to the beach along one of several paths or carry on towards Harbour Cove.

Along the whole walk, you’ll be treated to some incredible sights. You’ll pass Prideaux Place and Tregirls Farm, and if you want to extend the day why not take a slight detour and view the manicured grounds of Prideaux Place? Otherwise, take a walk along Harbour Cove beach if the tide is low. 

Padstow and Stepper Point

Length: 5.8 miles

The Padstow and Stepper Point Walk is considered to be a moderate walk due to its length and slightly uneven terrain in places. But don’t let any of that stop you as this headland trail offers far-reaching views of the River Camel and the Doom Bar. Expect to see sandy beaches, secret coves, holy wells, a day mark tower, and some stunning rock formations on route. 

Whether you’re doing this walk alone, with your four-legged friend, or with children, it’s a truly enjoyable walk for everyone. This route is extremely pretty in Spring when you can take in the lovely sight of blossom on the trees, and you may even get to see a flock of Whistling Whimbrels fly up the estuary. 

To start this walk, park in the Harbour car park in Padstow and follow the coast Path northwards through the park to the memorial. From there, the walk will take you past Gun Point and Harbour Cove towards Hawkers Cove, the quarry, the day marker tower, and back towards Padstow.

Padstow to Wadebridge Walk along the Camel Trail

Length: 6 miles

This point-to-point walk starts in the beautiful fishing village of Padstow and follows the Camel Trail all the way to Wadebridge. Along the way, you’ll spot a variety of wildlife, and have some breathtaking views along River Camel. Due to its length, this route is generally considered a moderate walk, however the terrain is even and the trail is paved all the way along. 

Used by cyclists, mountain bikers, walkers and hikers, this multi-use route is a great way to explore parts of Cornwall. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging escapade. The Camel Trail is definitely a must-visit. 

Once you’ve reached your destination, take a seat in one of the many Wadebridge restaurants for a refreshing drink and delicious Cornish Pasty before taking a bus back to Padstow, or starting the 6-mile trek back along the path itself.

---

Intermediate Padstow walks:

Padstow to Harlyn Bay

Length: 6.9 miles

If you’re looking for a slightly more challenging walk in the Padstow area, then we think you’ll enjoy this one. This long trail, on mostly level terrain, takes you along the dramatic coastline around Stepper Point, past the collapsed sea cave at Round Hole Point, and passes several sandy beaches and smugglers’ caves. 

This is the ideal walk for older children who can go the distance, as well as seasoned hikers and walkers and those four-legged friends who love nothing more than a long countryside walk. No matter the time of year, the Padstow to Harlyn Bay walk will never disappoint. 

Watch the flocks of kittiwakes and terns fly overhead in autumn, the blossom on the shrubs in spring, and the boats bobbing on the waters in summer. There are also plenty of places to stop along the way for a photo, a bite to eat, or a dip in the sea.

Padstow to Trevone

Length: 7.5 miles

There aren’t many places where you can experience the coast and countryside all in one walk. This is why some of North Cornwall’s walks are extra special. From stunning turquoise sea views to the lush green countryside, the Padstow to Trevone Loop incorporates a little bit of everything. 

Starting from the Link Road car park, follow the Padstow coast path, past several well-known waypoints including St George’s Cove, Harbour Cove, Hawkers Cove, Stepper Point and the Round Hole. 

This route is suitable for all ages and abilities as long as you can handle the distance, but with some truly breathtaking views along the way, we don’t think you’ll want to leave this walk out.

Padstow town walk

Length: 3.5 miles

Although fairly short, the Padstow Town Walk follows Padstow Harbour to the North Quay and then along part of the Coast Path to the war memorial. There’s plenty to see and do along this walk from exploring Prideaux Place, the Celtic Monastery of Lanwthinoc, and the obelisk on Dennis Hill. 

Explore the town itself where you’ll find a wide variety of pubs, restaurants, and cafes as well as shops to peruse. Discover parts of the Camel Estuary, the Coast path, the National Lobster Hatchery, and some exceptional views.

---

Padstow walks for confident hikers:

Padstow to Pentire Point

Length: 12.4 miles

Are you an experienced walker or hiker? This hike will be right up your street if so. The Padstow to Pentire Point loop is approximately 12.4 miles long and incorporates walking along some truly stunning paths… and catching a ferry!

Starting from Padstow town centre, follow the coast path to the ferry crossing which will take you across the water to Rock. From here you can follow the coast path again, northward towards Trebetherick and Polzeath to Pentire Point. 

Take a slight detour off the path to Polzeath beach and enjoy a bite to eat on the sandy shores, or a dip in the refreshing sea before continuing on your way. Be sure to enjoy the views as this route takes you along the rugged Cornish coast.

Cornish Saints’ Way

Length: 30 miles

The Cornish Saints’ Way follows a varied course through valleys, pastures, moors, woodlands, farmlands, and villages. This pilgrimage route covers approximately 30 miles and stretches from coast to coast. 

This beautiful hike starts at Padstow Harbour and heads south through Little Petherick, Lanivet and St Breock Downs. The trail then follows the Fowey River, near Lostwithiel, before passing through the site of a medieval monastic settlement. 

While this is a super long walk and may be a little too challenging for some, even doing part of this trail is worth it for the views along the way. Expect to see rolling pastures, pre-historic remains, ancient bridges, old tracks, churches and some picturesque villages.

---

Padstow Circular Walks:

Park Head and Pentire Steps

Length: 2 miles

This short circular walk descends to the coast at Porth Mear, and follows the Coast Path across Park Head (used as one of the filming locations in the popular BBC series Poldark) to the cliffs that overlook Pentire Steps beach. This route is fairly easy and perfect for families, individuals and dogs. 

Be careful though as some paths follow close to the cliff edge. Admire the spectacular coastal scenery along the way, the white blossom on the blackthorn bushes in the spring, and watch as kestrels, skylarks, and other seabirds fly overhead. 

Lundy Bay and Pennywilgie Point

Length: 1 mile

The Lundy Bay and Pennywilgie Point Walk is a short but delightful walk that takes you to one of Cornwall’s hidden gems. It’s the ideal spot for a picnic and you’ll be treated to glorious sands, waterfalls, wildlife, and an interesting collapsed sea cave.

Padstow to St Merryn Loop

Length: 7.8 miles

The starting point of the Padstow to St Merryn Loop is accessible by public transport, although you can park in a local car park as well. Starting from Padstow, this walk will take you past Tinker Bunny’s Bathing Pool – a popular wild swimming spot in Cornwall.

Once you’ve enjoyed the cooling waters of Tinker Bunny’s Bathing Pool, you’ll be taken past the village of Trevone along the coast path past Harlyn and down to St Merryn, before completing the loop and ending up back in Padstow. This walk mixes countryside splendour with seaside views. So be sure to bring your camera with you.

---

Walks near Padstow:

Trevose Head (short version)

Length: 2 miles

This short circular walk begins at the end of Trevose Headland near the lighthouse and follows along the South West Coast Path towards Padstow. Along the way, you’ll pass Padstow Lifeboat Station and the sheltered beach of Mother Ivey’s Bay.

It’s the ideal afternoon walk on a warm summer’s day. The beaches of Mother Ivey’s Bay and Booby’s Bay are dog-friendly so you can bring your four-legged pooch along for some exercise. 

Trevose Head (long version)

Length: 9 miles

There are two walks you can do around Trevose Head. The short version, which we mentioned above, or the longer version. The long version of Trevose Head covers a distance of 9 miles and starts in the picturesque village of Harlyn. Be sure to check out the full route from Harlyn to Treyarnon.

Following the coast path from Harlyn to Treyarnon, this walk near Padstow is really rewarding. Offering views of Mother Ivey’s Bay, Trevose Head Lighthouse, Round Hole, the popular wild swimming spot of Treyarnon Tidal Pool, and the golden sands of Constantine Bay, this walk allows you to take in some of Cornwall’s treasures. 

Constantine Bay to Porthcothan Walk

Length: 4.9 miles

This circular walk from Constantine Bay to Porthcothan follows the coast to Treyarnon Beach, past a series of deep inlets and onto the sheltered sandy beach at Porthcothan. Covering a full distance of nearly 5 miles, this walk is considered easy and is perfect for all ages and abilities. 

The return route is fairly quick as it follows some lanes, so you can make the most of the coastal stretch with a trip down to the beaches at low tide, or bring a picnic with you and find a spot to stop and enjoy your tasty treats.

---

Looking for some more inspiration? Check out these blogs on things to do in Cornwall:

• Spring Walks North Cornwall

• North Cornwall Walks

• Things to do in Padstow

• Things to do in North Cornwall

• Things to do with your dog in North Cornwall

• Things to do when it’s raining

---

Holiday Cottages in Padstow

From luxury coastal cottages and contemporary boltholes to dog-friendly cottages and large properties for groups, we have a fantastic selection for you to choose from. We have properties stretching from Polzeath and Rock to Daymer Bay and Port Isaac.

So, whatever your holiday needs are, our team of local experts are on hand to help you have the best getaway. 

Book a Padstow holiday cottage today!