Spring is finally (sort of) in the air, and a van trip to Cornwall was calling for some much needed outdoor time and some Cornish sunshine - for some of the week anyway!
We took the opportunity to go on some gorgeous walks and enjoy some brisk swims in a few of Cornwall’s beautiful coves and on its crisp white sand beaches. With the Southwest Coast Path looping around the entirety of Cornwall’s coastline you’re spoilt for choice on walks and it’s not hard to find spots for a dip either. We thought we’d share three walks near Cornwall’s most southerly points and spots for a swim - as well as some other tips along the way!
As a side note - we went in April which is still low season for Cornwall so nowhere was very busy and dogs are still allowed on most beaches. It’s always worth checking tide times, dog beach rules and remembering that a lot of spots will get busy early in the peak of summer! Regardless, they are all beautiful!
1. Lizard Point to Kynance Cove
Lizard Point is the UK’s most southerly point and has gorgeous far reaching views out to sea. We had a delicious lunch at Polpeor Cafe at the point, grabbed an ice cream (Roskilly’s Cornish Fudge is where it’s at) and spotted some seals on the rocks at the National Trust Wildlife Watchpoint.
We did this walk as part of a larger 15 km loop from our campsite near Cadgwith, but if you’re wanting to walk from Lizard to Kynance Cove for a swim and loop back around then this National Trust recommended loop which is 7 miles would be a great option. You could start at the car parks in either Lizard or Kynance Cove and enjoy the coastal path and sea views for most of the walk. Once at Kynance Cove you can enjoy a dip in the gorgeous crystal clear turquoise water which looks more like it should be the Mediterranean Sea than the Atlantic Ocean! There is also a café at Kynance Cove - which rumour has it does a cracking crab sandwich!
2. Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre
Heading further round the coast to Cornwall’s opposite peninsula you will find the beautiful Porthcurno beach with soft white sand and more crystal clear water!
Another great spot for a swim, we stopped off here after a visit to the nearby Minack Theatre which is a stunning spot and well worth a visit just to take in the views and learn about the amazing Rowena Cade who designed and built it. There is a car park at Porthcurno beach which is also next door to the PK Museum of Global Communications (we didn’t go but we overheard some very impressed visitors on the beach!).
There are plenty of walks in this area again which follow the coastal path and we’d say to take this route so you can tie in a trip to the Minack (check opening times) and finish with a dip to reward your efforts when you’re back at Porthcurno.
3. Trevedra loop including Gwynver Beach
After our day travelling around both peninsulas from Cadgwith, and stopping off at a few sites and beaches, we stayed the night at Trevedra Farm Campsite.
From here we took Pip on a lovely 5km walk in the morning which followed footpaths inland and then came out along the coastal path with views across to the old tin mine on Cape Cornwall and on a clear day you can see out to the Isles of Scilly. The loop comes back to finish at Gwynver beach which is located just below the campsite. From here you can easily swim or go for a surf/bodyboard if the waves are up to it! It is a beautiful stretch of beach with soft sand and again is dog friendly until the peak of summer!
There are countless more coves and beaches in Cornwall, and so many you can just stumble across by accident when walking along the coastal path. We hope this has inspired you to enjoy some walks and swims in the near future! And let us know your favourite hikes and swim spots in Cornwall too!
