The crowds have dispersed, but the weather and sea temperature remain warm. Autumn is walking season, being the best time to spot migrating birds heading back south against flashes of red in the trees. You’ll also benefit from cool, crisp air, balmy sunshine and vivid blue sea vistas. Here’s some of our favourite autumnal short walks – all within easy reach of our properties. Your four-legged friends would love a walk too, so why not stay at one of our dog-friendly retreats?
Save 20% on stays throughout September and October at selected retreats, see our special offers page for more information.
Godrevy Head
A circular route with great views across St Ives Bay and Godrevy lighthouse just offshore. If you’re lucky you’ll also spot seals swimming in the sea or basking in the autumn sun down below in Mutton Cove. Just be sure to keep the noise down when passing them, so not to disturb their nap time! In autumn and especially in strong winds you’ll find huge flocks of migrating seabirds sheltering on the headland.
Credit: Matt Jessop for Visit Cornwall
Watergate Bay to Whipsiderry
A walk to blow the cobwebs away. You can either start or finish your stomp along Watergate Bay’s low tide beach before cutting back in along the coastpath at Whipsiderry – a real hidden gem – high up on the cliffs.
Glendurgan Garden
Worth heading inland for. With its mild climate and sheltered valleys, the amazing plants of Glendurgan take on new features in the autumn months. As low light filters through the woodlands on the valley sides, the leaves and trunks of trees take on fascinating shades of autumnal colour.
Copyright: Gordon Jolly.
Sennen Cove to Land’s End
A walk with spectacular views of granite coastline, shipwrecks and inaccessible coves. You can vary the length and difficulty of the walk to suit your needs as there are three options for returning to Sennen.
Cremyll Ferry to Kingsand and Cawsand
Catch the ferry from Royal William Yard in Plymouth across the water to the historic grounds and gardens of Mount Edgecumbe to start an unusual section of the coast path. Eventually the path leads you to the attractive villages of Kingsand and Cawsand. You can extend your walk to Whitsand Bay if you wish.
Chapel Porth to Porthtowan
An iconic Cornish walk that takes in the historic Wheal Coates mine engine. Head to Chapel Porth at low tide to walk along the beautiful golden sand to Porthtowan, returning along the high cliffs and mining remains above.
