Everyone loves a pub walk. There’s just something about lacing up your walking boots and heading out for a ‘whatever the weather’ trek that ends in a glorious local pub with a well-stocked bar and a menu that’ll have your energy levels refilling in no time. The only thing better? A pub walk in Cornwall, where the scenery holds no punches and the pubs offer only the best local fare.
Oh yes, whether you’re looking for a springtime stroll that ends with a beer garden and a G&T or a winter wander that promises epic views followed by boots thawing by the fire, we’ve asked our team to name their favourite walks with pubs in Cornwall.
So grab your boots, pick a stunning destination, and walk until you see a wooden sign swinging in the distance, tempting you in for golden ales, hearty pies, and somewhere comfy to rest your legs.
Malpas to Tresillian
Best for: Riverside strolls and wildlife watching
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3 miles
Type: Linear
Pub: The Heron Inn
“I love this one. It’s a bit different to your normal Cornish walk!” - Amy, Regional Office Manager
Chosen for its serene setting and peaceful vibes, this relaxed there-and-back again is perfect for those who want an easy walk with lots of birdwatching opportunities. Starting in Malpas (we recommend catching the bus from Truro, as parking is limited in the village), you’ll follow the Tresillian River along a wooded path, with views of the river and St Clement Church guiding your way. When you reach the church, spend some time looking around, marvelling at the Roman monument and keeping an eye out for wandering wildlife.
There are a few places you can turn around, with a detour just below the tearoom in the vicarage leading you back early if the pub calls, or you can continue to the woods by Pencalenick School for some dappled shade. Your return journey follows a permissive path through a lovely wooded area, where ancient oak trees and hazel gather around the path.
Reaching Malpas once more, it’s time to enjoy a well-earned pint at The Heron Inn. Overlooking the water, this welcoming gastropub is the perfect place to refuel after your jaunt, with a well-stocked bar and a menu full of locally-sourced, seasonal goodies. Think Cornish seafood paella, Cornish crab linguine, and an array of sandwiches filled with the very best ingredients - we’re particularly big fans of the beer-battered fish finger sandwiches! Time your walk for mid-to-high tide for the prettiest backdrop and the chance to see wading birds and ducks enjoying the water.
Perranuthnoe to Marazion circular
Best for: A pub at each end
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: Up to 6 miles
Type: Circular
Pubs: The Victoria Inn or The Godolphin Arms
“I love a little walk along the South West Coast Path in a loop from Perranuthnoe, with lunch at The Victoria Inn for good measure.” - Mandy, Commercial Director
The stretch of coast around Mounts Bay is iconic for lots of reasons. There are lots of hidden coves, meaning you can often nab a beach all to yourself, even in the summer months. It’s not too hilly, so perfect for little legs. Oh, and there’s a pretty spectacular castle slap bang in the middle of the bay, providing the ultimate backdrop to your walk. For a mix of field, cliff, and sand, we recommend the loop from Perranuthnoe to Marazion, although you can really start at either end.
We love starting in Perranuthnoe, partly because we’re a little obsessed with this charming little village and large sandy beach, but mostly because we like to stop off at The Cabin Beach Café for a cheeky ice cream before our walk even begins. Every season is ice cream season if you want it enough! The walk begins on the South West Coast Path, just next to the overflow car park in the field. Passing Perranuthnoe Point, where your first true sighting of St Michael’s Mount awaits, and numerous dinky coves offer refreshing dips in the sea, the first section is lovely and flat. Follow the acorn markers past some farmland and keep the sea close on your left until the path curves inland, just before you reach Turnpike Road.
Once in Marazion, you have a few choices. You can dip into The Godolphin Arms for a cheeky drink overlooking the Mount; you can keep walking along the beach towards the long-stay car park (the other possible starting point), where a lovely café awaits; or you can turn right at the road and head straight back to Perranuthnoe via the inland trail. Whichever you choose, Perranuthnoe waits at the end of your walk with one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall. Ah yes, the Victoria Inn is the ultimate pub walk destination, with cosy interiors, crackling fires, and epic Sunday roasts. It’s dog-friendly too, so great for hikes with the hound.
Perranporth to St Agnes
Best for: Spectacular views
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 3.6 miles
Type: Linear
Pubs: The Peterville Inn or The Driftwood Spars
Recommended by Property and Customer Support, Una, this walk is for those who like their backdrops big and the distance short(ish). It’s also one of the best dog walks in Cornwall, as the stretch is peppered with dog-friendly pubs and beaches for fireside snoozes and sandy zoomies. Begin in the oceanside town of Perranporth, made famous for its beachfront bar and excellent surf, at the Droskyn Point car park. Within a few steps, you’ll soon hit the first wow-factor viewpoint at Droskyn Lookout, where the golden sands of Perranporth Beach spread out before you.
The coastal path between Perranporth and St Agnes has its ups and downs (literally), although even the steeper climbs aren’t too bad. During the walk, it’s fun to think about this stretch of coast and its fascinating history with smugglers, who made good use of the hidden coves and caves that sit beneath the rugged cliffs. Many of the valleys along this section also boast strong connections with Cornwall’s mining past. You can often see dark lines of ore running through the granite cliffs, with engine houses dotting the heritage landscape as you approach St Agnes.
Reaching Trevaunance Cove, it’s time to face the biggest challenge of the walk: choosing which pub to visit! This might seem impossible, as St Agnes is home to an excellent array of taprooms, pubs, and inns, but each establishment has its own tempting offering, whether you want some fearless Cornish cider (The Bearded Brewery), a craft ale overlooking the sea (Verdant Schooners), or a big ol’ Sunday lunch (The Peterville Inn). Our pick? The Driftwood Spars, as you’ll find three great bars stocked with ale from their own microbrewery, a superb menu filled with all the pub classics, and a great roster of live music throughout the year. Pick up cans to take home with you before heading back onto the coast path for your return journey.
Zennor to Gurnard’s Head
Best for: A taste of Cornish wilderness
Difficulty: Challenging in places
Distance: 4.2 miles
Type: Circular
Pubs: The Tinners Arms and The Gurnard’s Head
“I absolutely love wandering this stretch of coastline. It’s tucked away along the west coast and feels completely wild, especially in the winter. My family and I love to head to The Gurnard’s Head afterwards for the perfect cosy reward after our walk.” - Eve, Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
You can turn up at Zennor on Cornwall’s wild, western peninsula, pick any direction, and be guaranteed a spectacular view. Whether you aim for the coast, with its granite-hewn cliffs or the boulder-clad moors, this corner of Cornwall is made for walking (and pausing to take in the view). For a merry mix of scenery, we love the circular walk between Zennor and Gurnard’s Head, which you can easily extend for a short detour up into the craggy moors.
We recommend starting the walk along the coast, when you still have a spring in your step, as there are a few steep climbs to tackle. Each ascent is rewarded with even more views, though, alongside the possibilities of spotting seals bobbing in the waters below and wild ponies grazing on the cliffs. Turning inland at Gurnard’s Head (the headland), you’ll soon see the welcoming and uber-distinct yellow of The Gurnard’s Head (the pub). Michelin-recommended and positively oozing cosy character and charm, this award-winning inn promises exceptional food alongside a hearty bar stocked with all your favourites. From big and beautiful burgers to the traditional joys of a Sunday lunch, this is food worth lingering for.
When tums are full, and feet are itching to return home, it’s a short walk back to Zennor along the road, where, if you’re feeling particularly thirsty, you can pop into The Tinners Arms for a second pub stop (when in Cornwall, after all). This ancient drinking hole is the perfect place to wet your whistle after a stomp across the cliffs - and it’s dog-friendly, too!
Tintagel to Boscastle
Best for: A legendary setting
Difficulty: Medium/challenging
Distance: 5.5 miles
Type: Linear
Pubs: The Olde Malthouse or The Cobweb Inn
“I love this walk because the views are epic, there’s a pub at each end, and you can get the bus back if you fancy less walking and more pub time!” - Annie, Senior Content Writer
If you like a side of history with your Cornish pub walk, you’ll love the stretch of coast between Tintagel and Boscastle. You can do this walk in either direction, with a regular bus service ensuring you only need to do the walk once if you don’t fancy retracing your steps. We love walking from Tintagel, as there are so many wonderful shops in Boscastle, and we can never resist a few purchases!
Starting from the historic village of Tintagel, there are a few landmarks worth exploring before your journey even begins. In the village, the Old Post Office is a fascinating building to see, with its wibbly-wobbly roof and intriguing interiors. Of course, the big draw is the clifftop ruins of Tintagel Castle, and the incredible bridge that connects it to the mainland. Take a look around the atmospheric ruins, say hello to the iconic statue of King Arthur, and pop down to the beach below to see Merlin’s Cave.
When you’re thoroughly caught up on the area’s myths and legends, it’s time to start the walk! One of the most beautiful coastal walks in Cornwall, this route follows the South West Coast Path, so it’s wonderfully easy to find your way. The views are simply boggling here, with towering cliffs giving way to white-capped waves in a true show of Cornwall’s raw natural beauty. There are some steep sections, but the lure of a pub stop at the end is all the motivation you need to keep those calves moving. Boscastle is as historic as its neighbour, with an equal sprinkling of magic. Visit the Museum of Witchcraft for a peek behind the mystical curtain, or stop by Boscastle Rocks to fill your bags with crystals, gems, and charming figures to remind you of your trip. When you’ve had your feel of the occult, head to The Cobweb Inn for a properly traditional welcome, complete with tankards hanging from beams and a roaring fireplace for warming chilly toes.
Ready for your next Cornish pub walk? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages in Cornwall and start planning your perfect break.