Coastal walks with Cornwall’s best pub stops

With views so stunning (and beaches to rival the Caribbean), visitors from around the world are drawn to this humble coast every year – and we can’t blame them. 

While the views are easy on the eyes, though, the walks can be somewhat less easy on the feet. That’s why finding the perfect pit-stop for your coastal adventure should be a top priority when planning your route; after all, there’s nothing like finding a well-deserved tipple after a day out in the sea air!  

Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you. This guide is all about helping you plan those memorable coastal walks with Cornwall’s best pub stops along our 330 miles of South West Coast Path. 

There are numerous popular walks around the pretty coastal village of St Agnes, but, if you like a bit of a challenge, this 6.2-mile circular route could be just what the doctor ordered. Starting from (and ending at) the Driftwood Spars pub and restaurant, take in some of the area’s most beloved landmarks. 

Starting with a climb to the top of St Agnes Beacon, enjoy the outstanding views, before descending to the coast to see the idyllic Chapel Porth beach. From here, you’ll then follow the coast path to Wheal Coates mine, taking in St Agnes Head and Trevaunance Cove, before ending at Driftwood Spars. 

The pub itself is just a stone’s throw from Trevaunance Cove, offering quality, homemade pub grub every day.   

With beautiful views over the Gannel Estuary and sweeping Atlantic coast, this walk is perfect for those who are less experienced hikers or are unable to walk longer distances, while still offering a real taste of Cornwall’s inspiring north coast. 

Starting and ending in the quaint village of Crantock (just a short drive from Lewinnick Lodge), this circular route promises an adventure along picturesque sand dunes, woodland and more. For the best experience, begin this walk at golden hour and finish it in the Old Albion Inn, where you can enjoy the post-walk buzz over a pint of ale. 

Head to South East Cornwall, and you’ll find a very different coastline to the north’s rugged cliffs and drops. On this coast, experience more gentle inclines and rolling valleys, where land meets sea. 

One of our favourite walks starts at Par Beach, where you can stroll the soft white sands and follow the coast path to Booley Beach, before wandering down into the wooded valley to reach the picture-perfect village of Polkerris. 

Here, you’ll find the Rashleigh Inn. Savour fresh, local food and drink at this half-way pit-stop, then follow the coast back to Polmear.   

In the depths of Cornwall’s mystical west, discover a world of legend on this walk that starts at Zennor. With a coastline famed for its mermaid lore, it’s not just the views that inspire.  

Walk the coast down to Pendour Cove, where it’s said you may just hear the lover of the mermaid of Zennor singing. From there, take the path to Treen Cove and explore the remains of an engine house and a medieval chapel.  

En route, you’ll find the Gurnard’s Head pub, which boasts fine dining with a warm, cosy atmosphere. The circular route is completed on the ancient paths of the Zennor Churchway. 

Here at Lewinnick Lodge, we’re lucky to find awe-inspiring coastline right on our doorstep in almost every direction – and we’ve got the perfect walk to help you explore. 

Covering three miles, this walk starts at our front door and takes you down to the world-famous Fistral Beach, where you can watch surfers riding this iconic shoreline. As you retrace your steps back to Pentire Headland, spot our cliff-side deck from the dunes. 

Before you walk through our doors, though, this walk ends with a loop around the headland itself, where you can keep your eyes peeled for birds of prey, including the short-eared owl (best seen at dawn and dusk). 

Post-walk, relax on our deck with a crisp white wine, or, in the winter, hunker down by our log burner with a warm cider (don’t forget to check out the view through our restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows). Our full menu is available all year, changing seasonally with Cornwall’s best local ingredients. 

Book your table today – we can’t wait to welcome you!