Cornwall is simply beautiful in the winter. There are cold, crisp days with brilliant blue skies, wilder days which are ideal for storm watching and huge empty beaches, all to yourself.
I’ve rounded up some of my favourite bracing winter walks with the all-important pub at the end for a warming hot chocolate (or something stronger) and a roaring fire.
Restronguet Creek
Restronguet Creek is a beautiful haven on the northern reaches of the Fal estuary near Devoran, just a short drive from Truro. The creek is always peaceful and has it’s own beauty in the winter. Enjoy a gentle two-mile circular walk via Mylor Bridge around the creek and take in the views. To see it at its best, try to do the walk at high tide. Click here to find a map with two circular walks.
After your walk The Pandora Inn is a lovely place to warm up. This is a beautiful thatched pub on the edge of the river which dates back to the 13th century.
Crantock
Crantock beach is a smooth, pale gold stretch of sand just beyond a pretty village of the same name, near Newquay. The Bowgie Inn is a lovely starting point, perched above the cliffs with views over Pentire Point and the ocean beyond. Enjoy a scenic 3.5 mile circular walk along the coast path and take in the best of what the area has to offer, including West Pentire Point , Crantock Beach, Vugga Cove and very often seals playing in the waves offshore.
Stop off afterwards at The Bowgie Inn, one of the most distinctive pubs in Cornwall, with it’s bright pink exterior. If you’re wondering about the name, ‘bowgie’ is actually Cornish for cowshed.
Helford
A really lovely walk in the winter (with wellies!) is a circular walk around Helford and Frenchman’s Creek. This walk is sheltered and takes in the dense oak woods which cover the riverbanks and hills in this enchanting corner of Cornwall which was where Daphne du Maurier based her famous romance. Click here for a map and route for a gentle 3 mile circular walk from Helford around Frenchman’s Creek.
For your warming reward, visit the Shipwrights Arms in Helford. This is another traditional thatched pub on the river with new tenants who have rapidly earned an excellent reputation.
More winter walks in Cornwall
You can also find more suggestions for great winter walks in Cornwall on the South West Coast Path website and iwalk cornwall.
Winter breaks in Cornwall
If you fancy a winter break in Cornwall, take a look at our award-winning self-catering cottages. All our cottages are well-equipped with all the mod cons, and several have wood burners – great for snuggling up after a bracing wintery walk. The Farmhouse and Lowen are ideal for group weekends away, with plenty of room for socialising – and they each have a private hot tub where you can soak your cares away and soothe any aching muscles. Bliss!
What’s your favourite pub/walk combination in Cornwall? We’d love to hear your suggestions for the best places to go for a hearty meal after you’ve been out walking for hours. Leave a comment below, post on our Facebook page or tweet @actionnan.
