When you visit Penzance, don’t miss out on some amazing walks around the area.
These walks show off the local heritage, wildlife, and natural scenery, making them a key part of any trip here.
I want to recommend five walks that are great for everyone, no matter if you’re into serious hiking, love nature, or just want a nice walk with great views.
Each one offers a special look at what makes Penzance beautiful. So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore the best of Cornwall’s rugged landscape.
1. Mount’s Bay Coastal Walk
One of my go-to walks in Penzance is the Mount’s Bay Coastal Walk. It starts at Penzance railway station and ends at St. Michael’s Mount, covering about 2.7 miles.
It’s a pretty easy walk, perfect for anyone, and it’s flat enough for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The views along the way are incredible, looking out over Mount’s Bay, the Lizard, and Mousehole.
Plus, you get to see a lot of seabirds and other wildlife, especially around Marazion Marsh.
What’s great is that you can walk back the same way or catch the U4 bus from St. Michael’s Mount back to Penzance.
And if you’re visiting when the tide is low, you can walk right up to St. Michael’s Mount. I always make sure to stop and enjoy the scenery, maybe have an ice cream if it’s sunny.
For those who like a challenge, there’s also the longer hike from Penzance to Poldhu Cove along the South West Coast Path, which is about 18.6 miles.
This walk from Penzance to Marazion is perfect for a relaxed day out, offering a mix of stunning scenery, local wildlife, and a touch of adventure.
2. Perranuthnoe to Prussia Cove
I recently explored with a friend a coastal path from Perranuthnoe to Prussia Cove and it was a remarkable experience.
This path takes you by several small coves with wide views over Mount’s Bay, showcasing the stunning South Cornwall coast.
The journey begins in the historic and charming village of Perranuthnoe.
Walking along the Coast Path, you encounter coves that are tied to tales of smuggling, thanks to the rugged coast and hidden caves.
As someone who loves a good adventure, these stories of piracy added a thrilling backdrop to my walk.
Reaching Prussia Cove, I was struck by its peaceful, turquoise waters and the rich history of smuggling that surrounds it. It’s a tranquil spot that feels like stepping into another world, ideal for pausing and enjoying the natural beauty.
The walk doesn’t end at the cove; it goes inland, offering a fresh view of Cornwall’s fields and a different angle on St Michael’s Mount.
This part of the walk was just as enjoyable, providing a lovely contrast to the coastal scenes.
- Distance: 2.4 miles (3.9 km)
- Starting point: Perranuthnoe village
- Highlights: Small coves, panoramic views, Prussia Cove
- Terrain: Coast Path, fields
3. Loe Pool Nature Reserve
Exploring Penzance led me to the Loe Pool Nature Reserve trail, a captivating walk around Cornwall’s largest natural freshwater lake, brimming with biodiversity.
The lake’s surroundings are a haven for bird enthusiasts like myself, offering sightings of various bird species, butterflies, and dragonflies.
The highlight of the walk is where the Loe Pool meets Loe Bar Beach.
The beach has its own intriguing history and presents a stunning, albeit treacherous, landscape where the lake and the sea are separated by a sandbank.
This area’s history of accidents has even led to innovations in lifesaving techniques.
The circular route around the lake is about 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long and offers options for a peaceful stroll or a more demanding hike with panoramic views.
It’s the perfect mix of tranquility and physical challenge.
Birdwatching at Loe Pool is a treat, with the chance to observe a variety of birds, both resident and migratory.
The reserve truly is a hidden gem for nature lovers and those looking to indulge in the outdoor beauty of Cornwall.
4. Porthgwarra to Minack
We started in Porthgwarra, a small fishing village, and walked through the fields to St Leven’s Church.
The church has a fascinating history, and I was especially interested in its ties to Rospletha cove.
Moving on, I got a great view of the Minack Theatre, an impressive open-air theatre cut into the cliffs, with amazing views over Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder beaches.
The path then took me to Porth Chapel Beach and St Levan’s Holy Well.
Porth Chapel was perfect for a swim in clear waters, and the Holy Well, said to have healing properties, added something special to the walk.
The journey through rugged cliffs and greenery against the backdrop of the sea was visually stunning.
We saw different bird species along the way and even spotted seals near Gwennap Head.
This walk is something I’d recommend to anyone coming to Penzance, for its mix of scenery, and wildlife.
- A moderately challenging 3.1-mile (5 km) circular route
- Historical landmarks such as St Leven’s Church and the Minack Theatre
- Beautiful coastal scenery and wildlife encounters
- Opportunities for swimming at Porth Chapel beach and visiting St Levan’s Holy Well
5. Newlyn to Mousehole
It kicks off in Newlyn, a picturesque fishing village, and quickly goes uphill towards the quaint village of Paul.
There, I made sure to visit the church, learning its vicar in the 19th century was related to Napoleon Bonaparte.
After Paul, the trail heads down to Mousehole through fields, a path that might have been used by villagers escaping a Spanish attack centuries ago.
The sense of history here is palpable.
Mousehole, praised by Dylan Thomas as “the prettiest village in England,” lives up to the hype with its narrow streets and beautiful harbor.
The whole loop is about 6.3 km and offers a moderate challenge.
The best time for this walk, according to AllTrails, is between April and September.
Here are the highlights of my walk:
- Started at Penzance Station’s main car park
- Passed through the docks of Penzance and Newlyn
- Explored Paul village and its church
- Took the footpath through the fields to Mousehole
Each stop is worth your time, but remember, the 3-mile journey requires at least an hour. The path is mostly paved, which makes it fairly easy to navigate.
