10 New Year’s Day walks in Cornwall

You know the festive drill – after three days of living on the sofa watching Christmas telly, gorging on mince pies and drinking your bodyweight in champagne, there comes a point when it’s time to get some fresh air and waddle off some of that festive food and drink. Fortunately, you’re spoiled for choice for bracing winter walks in Cornwall. Here we’ve picked 10 of the best New Year’s Day rambles to blow away the cobwebs and enjoy nature at its wildest.

1. Kynance Cove to Lizard, south Cornwall

Any walk that starts and finishes at Kynance Cove is going to be stunning. Wrap up against the elements and marvel at the multicoloured rocks that have been sculpted by the sea into islands. Pick up the South West Coast Path to Lizard, taking in the lighthouse and the old lifeboat station at Polpeor cove, then follow the coast to Lizard Point. The route continues past a shipwreck on Pentreath beach back to Kynance Cove.

2. Calstock and Cotehele loop, south Cornwall

Cotehele’s gardens are lovely to wander around. You’ll find terraced herbaceous borders on the east side of the house, leading down towards the fantastic view of the viaduct towards Calstock. Carry on to circle the Danescombe valley on the way to Calstock church before joining the Tamar Discovery Trail, passing Okel Tor mine. Admire the views of the Tamar, before returning along the river via Lower Kelly and Cotehele chapel. 

3. The Cheesewring on Bodmin Moor, north-east Cornwall

What better place for cobweb-clearing than Bodmin Moor? Pull on your boots, wrap up warm and revel in the raw wilderness of this ancient landscape. Take in the sweeping views towards Plymouth Sound and Dartmoor, then discover the Hurlers, a stone circle that dates back at least 3,000 years. Halfway through, you’ll find a strange rock formation known as the Cheesewring, which looks like a giant game of Jenga. Beyond is an old granite quarry – more Monument Valley than Cornwall. In Minions, the highest village in Cornwall, you’ll find plenty of places to warm up with a hot chocolate.

4. Mousehole to Lamorna Cove

Starting in the harbour that inspired the famous children’s book, The Mousehole Cat, this walk is a circuit to the enchanting Lamorna Cove, beloved by artists and film-makers. Absorb the spectacular views and fantastic light of this unique harbour town then set off on the coast path to enjoy plenty of ups and downs and some low-growing trees to duck under in the Kemyel Crease Nature Reserve. You’ll also travel through the remains of more than 100 Victorian market gardens known as ‘quillets’.

5. Perranuthnoe, between Porthleven and Mount’s Bay, south Cornwall

Venture out to Perranuthnoe for a bracing family walk. The white-sand beach is often busy with surfers braving the cold. At the end of the beach, climb up for a fabulous view of St Michael’s Mount. Watch gannets dive and, if you’re really lucky, humpbacks breach. Head to the Cabin Beach Cafe for warming drinks and homemade cakes and scones.

6. Hall Walk, Polruan, south Cornwall

Catch the ferry to Bodinnick from Fowey, then walk through the woods above the creek towards Polruan. Through winter-bare trees glimpse boats, herons, jetties and houses with lush gardens. At Polruan, enjoy the hustle and bustle of the boats, warm up with a hot pasty, or find refuge in the Lugger Inn. Take the ferry across the harbour, back to Fowey.

7. Padstow Harbour and coast path, north Cornwall

Wander around Padstow’s lively, colourful harbour and take in a medley of fishing boats, historic warehouses, pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops. Carry on along the coast path, stopping to gaze at the lovely views across the Camel estuary to Rock, Brea Hill and the Doom Bar. Head back to Padstow for a warm and welcoming drink at the ​​Golden Lion, complete with crackling fire. 

8. White Rocks to St Agnes Beacon, north Cornwall

Start at the White Rocks car park and head south, taking in far-reaching views and surfers being pummelled by waves at St Agnes. Climb St Agnes Beacon, the highest point for miles at 190 metres. From here, gaze down on the echoes of Cornwall’s past. You’ll see the engine houses and chimney stacks of copper and tin mines, caged-over mine shafts and spoil heaps. Book a table at the Peterville Inn to celebrate your epic climb.

9. Zennor to Gurnard’s Head loop, near St Ives, north Cornwall

For salty air and fantastic sea views, head to Zennor. Look out for the mermaid at Pendour Cove then follow the coast path past Veor Cove and over Carnelloe Cliff and Boswednack Cliff to Treen Cove where there are remains of an engine house and a medieval chapel. Follow the footpath inland to one of Cornwall’s trendiest pubs, the Gurnard’s Head, at Treen, where you can stop for refreshments. Complete the circular route on the ancient paths of the Zennor Churchway and reward yourself in the olde worlde Tinners Arms or stop for an award-winning ice cream at the Moomaid of Zennor cafe.

10. Boscastle to Tintagel, north Cornwall

This particularly scenic stretch of the South West Coast Path runs from the pretty harbour village of Boscastle to Tintagel, in Cornwall, which is nine miles one way. Make sure you have a car parked at the other end! Watch white waves crashing against jagged rocks and keep a lookout for Tintagel castle coming into view – an ethereal sight that will transport you back through the mists of time.