Circular walks along Cornwall’s coast path around Falmouth and Helford
Wander along stunning coastal trails around Falmouth and the Helford River. Each route is packed with breathtaking sea views, charming hidden coves, and a refreshing dose of Cornish heritage.
This blog was kindly provided by Cornish Holiday Cottages, who share their local knowledge of some beautiful circular walks along Cornwall’s coast path around Falmouth and the Helford.
Falmouth’s Secret Sea Front Walk
Total distance: 8.5 km
Gentle pace: > 3 hours 30 mins
Beginning at the heart of Falmouth’s seafront at Gyllyngvase Beach, this spectacular circular journey reveals the town’s best-kept secrets while navigating sandy beaches, exotic gardens, and hidden woodland tracks around Pendennis Point.
This walk entirely encapsulates Falmouth’s character, from the bustling energy of its main beach to the Tudor fortress of Little Dennis—one of the oldest buildings in Falmouth, constructed nearly 500 years ago. The route takes you through Fox Rosehill Gardens, possibly the UK’s first sub-tropical garden, established by the Fox shipping family who brought exotic plants from their worldwide travels.
The industrial heritage comes alive at Falmouth Docks, where around seventeen businesses still operate today, though few know that a 17th-century tide mill lies sealed beneath the modern Port Pendennis development. As you round Pendennis Point, panoramic views unfold across Carrick Roads, The Roseland, and Falmouth Bay—vistas that have inspired artists and writers for generations.
Ideal for: Those seeking a blend of natural beauty, maritime history, and gentle coastal walking with stunning sea views throughout.
The North Helford Walk
Total distance: 10 km
Gentle pace: > 4 hours 15 mins
This route embraces the well-trodden coast path leading into the mouth of the legendary Helford River, guiding you through peaceful woodlands filled with birdsong, enchanting glebe lands, and lush green fields overlooking the river’s winding creeks.
Starting from Bosveal National Trust Car Park, the walk winds through Mawnan Smith—a village named after four blacksmiths’ “smithies” who served local farms for over a century. Today, The Mawnan Anvil Trust maintains a working forge with resident artisan blacksmiths, keeping traditional crafts alive. It’s also where you’ll find our office and friendly holiday cottage team, right in The Square. Pop in to say hello.
The mysterious Mawnan Glebe provides one of the walk’s most atmospheric moments. This steep woodland beneath the 13th-century Mawnan Church creates an otherworldly experience among ancient holm oaks, and local folklore tells of the Owlman—a protective spirit with an owl’s head and human body who guards this sacred space.
The route’s coastal section reveals hidden delights like Bream Cove’s shingle beach and interesting rocky reef structures, while the finish at Durgan Beach offers postcard-perfect views. If you have time, we highly recommend visiting nearby Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens, created by the Fox family in the 1830s.
Ideal for: Walkers seeking variety in terrain, from woodland paths to coastal views, with rich historical connections and a touch of Cornish mystery.
Constantine’s Woods & Scott’s Quay
Total distance: 6.8 km
Gentle pace: > 2 hours 50 mins
This charming walk guides you through diverse woodland habitats alongside descending valley streams to a fascinating old industrial quay, where you can stand on the banks of Polwheveral Creek and imagine the merchant ships of yesteryear. It is now a tranquil place to sit and watch the birds glide across the water.
Constantine village, at the heart of the Helford Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, celebrates its patron Saint Constantine each March—one of the few Celtic saints who was actually Cornish. The village maintains a thriving community with its own successful theatre and numerous active groups.
The walk’s highlight is Scott’s Quay, constructed in the early 1800s by wealthy landowner Charles Scott, who planted the surrounding woods and built the quay to export minerals and stone via merchant schooners. This preserved piece of industrial archaeology tells the story of Cornwall’s maritime trading past.
Bosahan Woods provides a peaceful finale to the walk. Now gifted to the community and owned by Constantine Enterprises Company—the village’s own charity—these woods host a local forest school and offer a sanctuary of birdsong and flowing water where ancient traditions of woodland management continue.
Ideal for: Those interested in Cornish heritage, village life, and woodland walking with opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.
To stay close to these beautiful coastal walks, explore Cornish Holiday Cottages collections of properties. From seaside retreats to countryside hideaways, their properties around Falmouth and the Helford make the perfect base for your walking adventures.
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