Welcome to St Ives, Cornwall, one of the most beautiful towns in the United Kingdom!
There are so many great walks to explore in this area, from coastal hikes to tranquil strolls.
In this article, I’ll be taking you through 15 of the best walks in St Ives, including hikes and nice walks.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike with stunning views or a leisurely walk, there’s something for everyone here.
So let’s get started and explore the wonderful paths that St Ives has to offer!
The Porthmeor Beach to Porthgwidden Beach Walk
You’ll enjoy the leisurely stroll from Porthmeor Beach to Porthgwidden Beach, a walk that will reward you with stunning views.
This walk takes you along the coastline, where you can take in the amazing Cornish scenery.
The entire walk is about a mile long, making it perfect for the whole family.
Along the way, you’ll get to see the beautiful beach cottages that line the cliffs, as well as the picturesque harbor with its many fishing boats.
As you make your way along the path, you’ll be able to spot some of the local wildlife, like seals and seabirds.
In the summer months, you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the waves.
Once you reach the end of the walk, you’ll be rewarded with the stunning views of Porthgwidden Beach and St Ives Bay.
The breathtaking scenery will be sure to stay with you, long after you’ve completed your walk.
The St Ives to Zennor Walk
Exploring the rugged Cornish coast, the St Ives to Zennor Walk offers a stunning, scenic journey.
The walk begins in the heart of St Ives, where visitors can take in its quaint cobbled streets, vibrant harbor, and golden beaches. From here, they can make their way west, along the coast, towards Zennor.
Along the way, they will be treated to incredible views of the azure ocean, jagged cliffs, and picturesque coves. It’s a great walk for those looking to get away from it all and find some peace and tranquility.
With its varied terrain, including sandy beaches and steep paths, it’s a perfect spot for a stroll for all levels of walker. The walk is also a great opportunity for wildlife spotting, with many species of sea birds, seals, and dolphins often seen from the path.
At the end of the journey, visitors will arrive at the ancient village of Zennor, where they can take in its quaint church, and soak up its beautiful, unspoiled charm.
The St Ives to Carbis Bay Walk
Meandering along the Cornish coast, the St Ives to Carbis Bay Walk offers an unforgettable experience.
The journey begins in the picturesque fishing town of St Ives, with its quaint cobbled streets and cottages, before heading out onto the South West Coast path.
The route passes the dramatic Carbis Bay beach, with its golden sands and crystal blue waters.
The path then rises up onto the cliffs, with spectacular views of the stunning coastline.
The walk takes around an hour and a half, and is a great way to explore the area and take in the fresh sea air.
The route is well marked and easy to follow, making it suitable for all levels of fitness.
Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning views and enjoy a picnic or a spot of wildlife watching.
At the end of the walk, Carbis Bay beach offers a great spot to relax and soak up the sun.
With its stunning scenery, the St Ives to Carbis Bay Walk is one of the best walks in the area and is a must-do for any visitor to the area.
The St Ives to Lelant Walk
Take a journey along the Cornish coast and explore the St Ives to Lelant Walk, a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the area.
This 8.5 mile walk takes you through stunning countryside, along the coast and also past some of the area’s historical sites, including Trencrom Hill Iron Age Hillfort and the ancient churches of St Uny and St Hilary.
The walk is mostly flat, but there are some hills to climb, which offer a great view of the region.
Once you reach the end of the walk, you’ll be rewarded with a glimpse of the beautiful views over the bay and across the coast.
Along the way, you’ll pass by the picturesque villages of Lelant and Carbis Bay, offering a glimpse of life in the countryside.
The walk is suitable for all ages and abilities, so it’s the perfect way to get some exercise and take in the stunning views.
The St Ives to Porthkidney Beach Walk
Embark on a scenic adventure from St Ives to Porthkidney Beach and discover the delights of the Cornish coast.
This easy 4.5 mile walk begins at the town of St Ives and heads west along the coast to the tranquil Porthkidney Beach.
Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the surrounding coastline and admire the beauty of the St Ives Bay area.
As you approach Porthkidney Beach, you’ll get to experience the stunning views of the vast beach and its golden sands, as well as the dramatic cliffs and rolling hills that make up the backdrop.
It’s an ideal spot for a picnic and a swim, and you can even take a boat trip to explore the nearby islands.
Don’t forget to take some time to explore St Ives itself and its many attractions before you set off on your journey.
The St Ives to Godrevy Point Walk
The St Ives to Porthkidney Beach Walk is a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Cornwall. But if you’re looking for a longer walk that still offers spectacular views of the coast, consider the St Ives to Godrevy Point Walk.
This circular route takes around four hours to complete, and takes you along some of the county’s most stunning trails.
Starting off in St Ives, you’ll make your way up through the hills toward the coast, with stunning views of the ocean to your left.
You’ll then make your way to Zennor Hill, where you’ll find a historic chapel and a number of ancient burial mounds.
From here, you’ll make your way to the beautiful National Trust-protected Godrevy Point, where you can take in the views of the rugged coastline and enjoy a picnic lunch.
As you make your way back to St Ives, you’ll pass some of the most picturesque beaches in Cornwall, including Porthkidney and Hayle.
This is a great walk for both experienced hikers and families looking for a leisurely stroll.
The St Ives to Towednack Walk
For a longer journey with stunning views, consider the St Ives to Towednack Walk, a four-hour trek through some of Cornwall’s most breathtaking scenery.
Starting from St Ives, you’ll cross the Towednack Valley and head up the hill to the village of Towednack. Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy fantastic views of the sea and the surrounding countryside, dotted with small villages, ancient ruins, and plenty of flora and fauna.
The path is well marked and mostly flat, so it’s suitable for all levels of walkers. As you approach Towednack, you’ll have the chance to explore the old church, visit a traditional pub, and take in the historic atmosphere.
Once you reach the top of the hill, the views are simply stunning – you can see for miles around. It’s a great place to stop for a picnic, take some photos, and just soak up the beauty of the area.
After that, the journey back to St Ives is just as beautiful and rewarding.
All in all, the St Ives to Towednack Walk is a great way to explore the area and experience some of the best that Cornwall has to offer.
The St Ives to Lelant Saltings Walk
Take a journey through the wilds of Cornwall on the St Ives to Lelant Saltings Walk, a four-hour hike with spectacular views of the sea and the countryside.
Begin your journey from the beautiful seaside town of St Ives, renowned for its art galleries and golden sandy beaches.
After a short walk through the picturesque streets of the town, you will reach the start of the path.
Follow the path along the edge of the Towednack Valley, with its lush green grass and rolling hills, until you reach the saltings of Lelant.
Enjoy the changing scenery of the coastline as you walk, with its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and white sand beaches.
Along the way, keep an eye out for seabirds, seals, and even dolphins enjoying the waters of the bay.
At the end of the walk, you will find yourself in the sleepy village of Lelant, with its old-fashioned charm.
Enjoy a well-earned rest at one of the local pubs or cafes, before heading back to St Ives.
This remarkable walk is sure to leave you with a lasting impression of the beauty of Cornwall.
The St Ives to Staithes Walk
Explore the breathtaking coastline of Cornwall on the St Ives to Staithes Walk, a four-hour journey with stunning views of the sea and the countryside.
The walk starts in St Ives and follows the coast for miles, offering incredible views of the dramatic cliffs and the rolling sea beneath them.
Along the way, you’ll pass through small fishing villages, see ancient ruins hidden among the cliffs, and explore the many coves and beaches that line the coast.
The breathtaking scenery makes this an unforgettable journey, and the perfect way to get away from it all.
The walk ends in the small fishing village of Staithes, where you’ll find quaint shops and cafes, and plenty of opportunities to explore the local area.
If you’re looking for a memorable outdoor adventure with spectacular views of Cornwall, the St Ives to Staithes Walk is the perfect choice.
The St Ives to Lelant Downs Walk
Wander through the stunning countryside of Cornwall on the St Ives to Lelant Downs Walk, a four-hour journey of breathtaking beauty.
This walk takes you through the Cambridgeshire countryside, starting in the charming seaside town of St Ives, and meandering through the peaceful countryside of Lelant Downs, before returning to St Ives.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the countryside and coast, including the picturesque Hayle Estuary, and the dramatic cliffs of Gwithian Beach.
You’ll also pass by several historic sites, including the old town of Lelant, and the ruins of St Ia’s Church.
The entire walk is a great way to appreciate the beauty of Cornwall and get a real sense of the rich history of the area.
Plus, with plenty of pubs, cafes, and restaurants along the way, it’s the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon.
The St Ives to Gwithian Walk
Experience the unique beauty of Cornwall on the St Ives to Gwithian Walk, a 4-hour journey of spectacular scenery.
Starting from the iconic St Ives, you’ll be treated to stunning coastal views as you climb up to the top of Carn Barges.
As you make your way down towards the golden beaches of Gwithian, you’ll be surrounded by the rolling hills and undulating fields of the beautiful Cornish countryside.
The winding footpath will take you through quiet villages and past historic sites, such as the Iron Age hillfort of Carn Euny.
The final stretch of the walk offers spectacular views of the Godrevy Lighthouse, before you reach your final destination of Gwithian.
With fresh air and stunning scenery, the St Ives to Gwithian Walk is the perfect way to explore the beautiful county of Cornwall.
The St Ives to Rosemullion Head Walk
Take in the breathtaking sights of Cornwall’s South Coast on the St Ives to Rosemullion Head Walk, a 4-hour journey of spectacular beauty.
Begin your journey at the picturesque village of St Ives and head north on the South West Coast Path.
You’ll soon come across the Carbis Bay Beach, where you can admire the crystal clear waters and the nearby picturesque cottages.
After that, the path will lead you to the Rosemullion Headland, where you can see the incredible views of St Ives Bay.
Enjoy the dramatic cliffs, the ruins of a Victorian fort, and the wonderful wildflowers that grow there.
Along the way, you will also be able to spot some rare bird species.
Don’t forget to take a break at the Rosemullion Head Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
When you’re done, you can return to St Ives and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
The St Ives to Pendeen Lighthouse Walk
Embark on an adventure to explore the wild and rugged landscape of Cornwall’s South Coast as you take on the St Ives to Pendeen Lighthouse Walk.
This stunning trail takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area, with cliff-top paths, wooded valleys, and dramatic coastal views.
You’ll start in the picturesque fishing village of St Ives, wandering through the cobbled streets and past the traditional cottages before heading onto the coast path.
The trail then follows the coast, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, before heading inland to the woodland surrounding Lelant Downs.
After winding through the trees, you’ll emerge at the clifftop Pendeen Lighthouse, which has been standing since 1900 and is a great spot to take in the views.
The entire walk is around 6 miles in length and is suitable for all ages and abilities, making it the perfect way to get out and explore the area.
The St Ives to Zennor Head Walk
Discover the wild beauty of Cornwall’s South Coast on the mesmerizing St Ives to Zennor Head Walk.
With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, this scenic hike will take you through a unique landscape of ancient pathways, rolling hills, lush valleys, and picturesque villages.
The route starts in St Ives and takes you up and around the village of Zennor, a charming coastal village.
Along the way, you will come across some of the area’s most spectacular sights, including the rugged cliffs of Zennor Head and the stunning Zennor Church, said to be the oldest in Cornwall.
As you ascend the hill, you will be rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding countryside, the sea, and the nearby islands of Tresco and St Mary’s.
The magical experience of walking through this wild and beautiful landscape will stay with you long after you have left.
The St Ives to Marazion Marsh Walk
After the incredible views of the St Ives to Zennor Head walk, it’s time to take on another great walk in the area. The St Ives to Marazion Marsh walk is a stunning, yet relatively unknown walk that offers an array of beautiful sights and sounds along the way.
Starting in the quaint fishing town of St Ives, the walk takes you past the iconic Tate St Ives, past the Harbour beach, around the Harbour wall and towards the Marazion Marsh. The path is relatively flat and easy to traverse, making it suitable for all ages and abilities.
The main highlight of this walk is the Marazion Marsh itself. The marsh is a nature reserve that’s home to a variety of wildlife and plant life, including seabirds, wading birds, and rare marshland plants. As you walk through the marsh, you’ll be surrounded by the sound of birdsong and the scent of wildflowers.
The path then winds its way back to St Ives, giving you a chance to take in the breathtaking views of the bay and the town. A perfect way to spend a day, the St Ives to Marazion Marsh walk is an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
I’ve explored some of the best walks in St Ives, and I can say it was an incredible experience.
From the Porthmeor Beach to Porthgwidden Beach Walk, to the St Ives to Zennor Walk, each route offered a unique look at the beauty of the region.
I can honestly say that all of the walks were enjoyable, and I’m sure that anyone who takes them will be pleasantly surprised.
Overall, it was a great adventure and I would definitely recommend these hikes to anyone looking for a great outdoor experience.
If you’re looking for a way to explore this beautiful part of Cornwall, a walk in St Ives is the perfect way to do it!