Best Coastal Walks in and Around St Ives, Cornwall

One of the best ways to discover St Ives is on foot. With spectacular sea views, hidden coves, golden beaches and rugged cliff paths, this part of Cornwall is a dream for anyone who loves being outdoors.

Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll before breakfast, a family walk with an ice cream stop, or a more adventurous hike along the cliffs, there are wonderful walks to enjoy right from St Ives.

At Day Dawn, we're lucky to be so well placed for exploring the coastline. You can leave the car behind for several of these walks, follow the South West Coast Path and discover a different side of St Ives with every step.

1. St Ives to Clodgy Point – Best for Dramatic Coastal Views

If you fancy heading away from the bustle of town, walk west from Porthmeor Beach along the South West Coast path to Clodgy Point. It's one of our favourite ways to experience the wilder side of St Ives.

The path soon leaves the busy beaches behind, opening up to rugged headlands, open heathland and wonderful views back towards St Ives and out across the Atlantic. Keep your eyes open for seabirds and, if you're lucky, seals in the water below.

This is a fairly easy walk, practically on your doorstep at Day Dawn. It's about 1.5 miles round trip with some uneven ground and gentle ups and downs. 

Best for: Sea views, photography and a breath of fresh air away.

Good to know: The path is rough in places and goes very close to the cliff edge, so sensible footwear is recommended and dogs and children should be supervised. 

2. St Ives to Zennor – Best for a Proper Coastal Adventure

For something more challenging, the coastal path heading west from St Ives towards Zennor is spectacular.

This is rugged Cornwall at its best, with dramatic cliffs, granite outcrops, secluded coves and huge Atlantic views. It's a wonderful walk for anyone who enjoys getting away from the crowds and experiencing the coastline in its natural state. The Tinners Arms is great for a hearty lunch at the end!

It's also a walk to take seriously. The terrain is rocky and uneven in places, and the route includes steep sections. Allow plenty of time, check the weather and take water and snacks. If you don't want to walk the full distance, you can simply head out from Porthmeor for a short stretch and return the same way.

For those tackling the longer walk, plan your return transport in advance rather than assuming you'll want to walk back - it's quite a tough one.

Best for: Experienced walkers, wild scenery and a real sense of adventure.

Good to know: This isn't the best choice for little legs or anyone wanting an easy afternoon stroll.

3. St Ives to Carbis Bay – Best for an Easy Walk with Sea Views

This is a lovely little walk to do during a stay in St Ives, and you don't need to be a serious hiker to enjoy it as it's only 1 mile.

Starting at the far end of Porthminster Beach by the Porthminster Beach Cafe, follow the South West Coast Path towards Carbis Bay. The path winds above the railway line, with beautiful views across St Ives Bay and glimpses of the beaches below.

Carbis Bay itself is well worth a stop. With its pale sand and clear water, it's a lovely place to pause for a drink, enjoy the beach or simply sit and admire the view.

One of the best things about this route is that you can walk one way and take the scenic branch-line train back to St Ives. It's a great option for families, or for anyone who wants the views without committing to a long circular walk.

Best for: Couples, families, and anyone who loves a scenic stroll.

Good to know: The path has some slopes and steps, so it isn't completely flat.

4. Carbis Bay to Lelant – Best for a Longer Bay Walk

If you'd like to explore further, continue beyond Carbis Bay towards Lelant.

This stretch of the coast path offers lovely views over St Ives Bay, with the railway line running along the coast and the dunes and wide sands of Porthkidney Beach coming into view. The landscape feels more open and peaceful as you move away from the busier beaches.

You can shorten the walk to suit your group or make a longer day of it by continuing towards Lelant and catching the train back.

It's particularly lovely outside the busiest summer weeks, when you can enjoy the fresh sea air and the changing colours of the coast.

Best for: Longer walks, birdwatching and exploring beyond the town.

Good to know: Check train times before setting off, especially outside the main season.

5. Godrevy Head – Best for Seal Spotting

A short drive from St Ives, Godrevy is one of the area's most spectacular coastal spots.

Park at the National Trust car park and follow the paths around the headland for wonderful views of Godrevy Lighthouse, standing on its rocky island just offshore. The cliffs, sandy beaches and open grassland make this a beautiful place for a walk in almost any season.

One of the highlights is Mutton Cove, where grey seals can often be seen resting on the beach below. Bring binoculars if you have them, and watch quietly from the designated path so you don't disturb the wildlife.

After your walk, stop for a coffee or something to eat at the nearby Godrevy Café.

Best for: Wildlife lovers, photographers and families who enjoy exploring.

Good to know: Paths can be uneven and exposed to wind. Keep a safe distance from cliff edges and seals.

6. Gwithian Beach – Best for a Long Beach Walk

Sometimes the best walk is simply a long stretch of sand with the sea beside you.

Gwithian offers a vast sweep of beach backed by dunes, with views towards Godrevy Lighthouse at one end and St Ives Bay stretching away into the distance. At low tide, there's plenty of room for walking, beach games and exploring the shoreline.

It's particularly beautiful in the early morning or towards sunset, when the beach feels quieter and the light over the water is wonderful.

Do check the tide times before setting off, as the beach can change considerably with the tide and conditions.

Best for: Beach lovers, families, dogs and anyone who enjoys wide-open spaces.

Good to know: Check local beach notices for seasonal dog restrictions.

7. The St Ives Town Trail – Best for a Gentle Stroll

Not every walk needs to involve clifftops and hiking boots. St Ives itself is a lovely place to explore on foot.

Wander around the harbour, through the narrow cobbled streets and past the little shops, galleries and historic buildings. You can take a detour around The Island for sea views, stop for a coffee, or spend time browsing the independent shops.

This is a great option on a day when you want to take things slowly, and it can easily be combined with a visit to one of the beaches or a leisurely lunch.

Best for: All ages, a relaxed morning and discovering the town's character.

Good to know: The streets can be steep and cobbled, so comfortable shoes are useful.

Our Tips for Coastal Walking in St Ives

A few simple things will help you make the most of your walk:

• Wear suitable footwear. Even on sunny days, coastal paths can be uneven, muddy or slippery.

• Check the weather. The coast can be much windier than the town, and conditions can change quickly.

• Take water and snacks. Some stretches are remote, with no cafés or shops nearby.

• Respect the cliffs and wildlife. Keep back from cliff edges and follow signs around livestock and seals.

• Plan your return. Trains and buses can make one-way walks much easier, but check timetables before setting off.

• Take your time. Some of the best moments are the unexpected ones: a quiet cove, a seal in the water or a view that makes you stop in your tracks.

Make Day Dawn Your Base for Exploring St Ives

One of the joys of staying at Day Dawn is being able to enjoy the best of St Ives without needing to drive everywhere. Head out for a morning walk along the coast, spend the afternoon on the beach, then return to relax and watch the sunset over the sea.

Whether you prefer a gentle wander into town or a more adventurous day on the South West Coast Path, there are few better ways to experience this beautiful corner of Cornwall.

For more inspiration, take a look at our guides to the best beaches in and around St Ives, family-friendly things to do in St Ives, and dog-friendly St Ives.