Walking in Cornwall

The ancient county of Cornwall, blessed with a mild climate, spectacular craggy cliffs, beautiful coves, creeks and rolling moorland, is justifiably one of our favourite holiday destinations. The exceptionally mild south coast has sub- tropical vegetation in places, whereas the north coast is exposed to the bracing Atlantic winds, making it popular for surfing. The small fishing villages are a delight, often nestled in steep combes and once the haunt of pirates.

Cornwall has much to offer the walker, in particular the South West Peninsular National Trail which follows the entire coastline with its dramatic cliffs and idyllic coves. Inland too there is a facinating landscape worth exploring, full of ancient sites such as the pre-historic Lanyon Quoit burial chamber at Madron. Bodmin Moor is a wild and romantic place to walk where you are never far from our ancient ancesters and where you may even spot the wild beast of Bodmin Moor! Here there are also fantastic natural stone formations, the most famous being the Cheesewring granite tor at the 1,250 feet summit of Stowe's Hill.

The coastal area around Falmouth from the Helford River to beyond Mevagissey has an exceptionally mild climate which is immediately apparent to the visitor in the sub-tropical vegetation. The area is often referred to as 'The Cornish Riviera' and it is a delight to walk along this softer coastline of wooded creeks on the Helford and Fal rivers. These are really drowned valleys created eons ago when south Cornwall subsided, allowing the sea to flood in.

Another lovely spot is the Roseland Peninsular opposite the fine resort of St. Mawes. A walk around this peninsula provides a delightful excursion. Start at Porth Farm (NT) [SW 871331] and head west following the creek. There are excellent views of St. Mawes across the Percuil river. From St. Anthony you can either continue to St. Anthony Head to walk the full peninsular, or cross back to the east sea coast to return via Kilgerran Head.

The Lizard Peninsular is England's southermost point and is important both for it's geology and botany. Spectacular high cliffs and secluded coves make for dramatic coastal walking and inland the Goonhilly Downs are home to many rare plants. In May and June a splendid scene is created by the golden gorse and white blackthorn blossom. The peninsular is relatively quiet compared with many areas of Cornwall.

Lizard point is at the very southern tip of the Lizard Peninsula and close by is the lovely Kynance Cove. There is a wonderful circular walking route starting at Lizard village [SW 702142] and heading west to Kynance Cove [SW 686133] where you can see the most spectacular scenery on the Lizard peninsular. There are numerous caves and incredible rock formations carved by the relentless sea. Here you can see cliffs streaked with the red, purple and green colours of the local serpentine rock. From Kynance follow the coast path southward to Lizard Point and then north to Church Bay [SW 722144] from where you turn inland back to the start.

Constantine - A small village situated at the end of a small creek on the north bank of the Helford river. About 2 miles west is the National Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, and about 3 miles east are the beautiful Glendurgan National Trust gardens overlooking the Helford River.

OS Map: Explorer™ 103

A Walk from Constantine [SW 731282]
Woods and water are the main features of this delightful ramble. From Constantine, farm paths with excellent views take you to the Trengilly Wartha Inn, a delightful spot to relax with a drink. From the pub you join a track through a cool lush wood. You then follow the pretty Ponjeravah stream up through mixed woodland to the top of the valley and then back down to the village. About 3 miles.
Best Pub for this walk
Trengilly Wartha Inn, near Constantine Tel: 01326 340332 (Good Pub Guide)
This pretty pub is set in an idyllic position in a lovely valley with gardens stretching down to a lake and stream. Here you can have just a drink, a bar meal or visit the excellent restaurant. There is usually a wide choice of delicious bar meals
This walk is fully described in the guidebook 'Pocket Pub Walks in Cornwall' by Michael Bennie

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