The five best walks in south east Cornwall
With miles of beautiful Cornish countryside and the stunning South West Coast Path right on our doorstep, there are countless amazing walks within easy reach of Talland Bay.
Whether you’re in the market for a gentle woodland amble or a breathtaking coastal hike, want to spot wildlife, unearth Cornwall’s smuggling heritage or fancy following in the footsteps of literary giants…Here are five of our favourites.
Talland Bay to Polperro
3.7 miles - [click for details]
Pick up the South West Coast Path for a hike to the charming fishing village of Polperro and a chance to soak up local smuggling tales. Thanks to recent repairs to the footpath the route along the coast has now re-opened (welcome news to many who had to toil up the hill as part of the diversion). On a clear day, you can see the Eddystone Lighthouse, nine miles off the coast at Rame Head. Once in Polperro pay a visit to the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing and seek out a cosy Cornish inn for a spot of lunch.
For the return leg, the number 73 bus runs between Polperro and Looe, stopping at Barcelona to the north of Talland Bay.
Hendersick and Talland Bay loop
2.5 miles - [click for details]
This lovely coastal loop can be joined from Talland Bay Hotel, taking the footpath across the fields towards the lane and Talland Church. Highlights include the secluded beach at Portnadler Bay with its views of Looe Island. And the grassy slopes of Hore Point with grazing sheep, Dartford warblers and linnets.
A stroll through Kilminorth Woods
Various distances – [click for details]
The perfect walk for a rainy day, Kilminorth Woods is an ancient woodland and Local Nature Reserve along the West Looe River. These beautiful woods sit in the largest valley of oaklands in Cornwall with banks bursting full of primroses and bluebells in the springtime. This can be made into a longer walk (4 miles) starting from Millpool car park in Looe, walking to Watergate and then back via Kilminorth.
Pencarrow Head
1.5 miles - [click for details]
If you want a walk with ‘wow’ factor then this short stroll around Pencarrow Head is for you. In medieval times, Pencarrow Head was a warren for breeding rabbits. The footpath boasts views out over beautiful Lantic Bay and on a clear day, all the way east to Bolt Head in Devon and west to the Lizard. The walk can be extended to a longer circuit taking in smugglers’ tracks, an old sawmill and the church at Lanteglos where Daphne Du Maurier was married.
Head west along the coast path to Polruan with its inviting watering holes or east towards Lansallos. You will come upon a watch house where once upon a time a lookout was posted to capture smugglers.
Menabilly and Polridmouth
5 miles - [click for details]
In the footsteps of Daphne Du Maurier
To the west of the Fowey, this walk is right in the heart of Daphne Du Maurier county, skirting around the Menabilly Estate where the writer once resided. Parking is available at either Menabilly Barton Farm or Coombe Farm. Follow the trail down to Polridmouth; Menabilly house and the beach here are believed to have been the inspiration for Manderley in ‘Rebecca’. To the left there is a lake with nesting swans and abundant waterfowl. There is a boat house by the lake which is now a holiday let. Gribbon Head can be seen up to the right; The view at the top of the hill is magnificent and well worth the climb to see St Austell Bay and beyond.
Ask about booking a walk with a local guide and enquire at Reception for print outs of our most popular walks.