The Best walks in North Cornwall
Can you really say you’ve been to Cornwall if you haven’t refilled your lungs with fresh Cornish air?
At Wylde Valley Camping we all love a good ramble, so we’ve put our favourite walks on the map below. For detailed maps of all public footpaths in the area, check out the Cornwall Council Interactive Map, Devon Council Interactive map and FootPathMap.
If you’re taking your smartphone or tablet with you, we also recommend the iWalkCornwall, National Trust and GetOutside apps, which have lots of information on things to do in the area, and recommended walking and cycling routes uploaded by members and enthusiasts.
St Nectan’s Glen
St Nectan's Glen is a magical, easy walk through a wooded valley, alongside the river Trevillet. Said to be one of the most sacred and spiritual places in the country, visitors come from all over the world to visit the waterfalls, dip their toes in its healing waters, and soak in the peaceful ambience. Here you will see wishes left in the form of ribbons and trinkets hanging from trees, stone stacks in every nook, and pennies embedded into the bark of the valley's fallen trees.
The woodland walk and parking is free, but there is a small entrance fee to visit the main waterfall.
Rocky Valley
A magical walk through a wooded valley, past old mills, through ruins and out into an otherworldly chasm in the cliff. This place is a local secret (no really, shh!), and holds so much history, beauty and tranquility that it is a pilgrimage spot for the spiritual.
Go too quickly and you might miss some of its treasures - look out for talismans left in nooks and hanging from tree branches, and the ancient labyrinths (believed to be up to 4000 years old!) carved into the walls around the ruined mills. Clamber over the rocks at the river mouth, or continue up the steps for spectacular views over Bossiney Bay.
There is a small car parking area by the side of the road - make sure you park carefully and diagonally here if you can, so that others can enjoy this beautiful place too.
Week St Mary to Penhallam Manor
A circular walk from the Saxon village of Week St Mary, through Ashbury Woods, beneath the iron age fort, to the ruined remains of Penhallam Manor.
Cycle from here, or park at the village square.
Crackington Haven to The Strangles
This walk is a fairly strenuous one over dramatic cliffs, with panoramic views of the Shipwreck Coast, ending at the beautiful and peaceful Strangles beach.
You can make this walk circular by returning via Pengold, where the footpath leads through bluebell woodland, back to Crackington Haven.
Rough Tor
(Pronounced ‘row’, as in argument)
Rough Tor is the second highest hill on Bodmin Moor, and hosts a wealth of archaeological and historical features, along with stunning views over ancient settlement and countryside. The summit fo Rough Tor has a logan stone, a Neolithic tor enclosure, and Bronze age circles and remains.
This walk can be as long or as short as you want it to be over the moors, and has a free public car park nearby. We recommend walking to the summit with a picnic and a camera, to enjoy the 360 views as they should be enjoyed!