If you’re planning a walking break in Cornwall, many of our beautiful Cornish holiday cottages are the perfect base for exploring. Cornwall is famous for its unspoilt coastline, rugged cliffs, and wild countryside – ideal for walking enthusiasts who want to discover more than just the popular trails.
For your next Cornwall walking adventure, why not take the path less trodden? These secret walks and hidden gems offer peace, stunning scenery, and the chance to explore quiet corners of the county.
Top Secret Walks and Hidden Gems in Cornwall
Golitha Falls is a series of breathtaking waterfalls along the River Fowey, flowing through ancient Draynes Wood. The 1.9-mile walk begins in lush woodland and gradually opens into a dramatic gorge, making walking boots essential. After heavy rain, the cascades are particularly spectacular.
Golitha Falls is a National Nature Reserve and a site of Special Scientific Interest, home to over 120 species of moss, 50 species of lichens, and wildlife including bats and dormice. English Nature maintains a “hands-off” approach, allowing the natural beauty to flourish.
Parking is easy near Draynes Bridge, with toilets and the Inkie’s Smokehouse BBQ trailer nearby, offering refreshments and snacks. The falls themselves are just 500 metres from the car park, following a path along the river and through enchanting woodland – a perfect spot for photography and quiet contemplation.
This 3-mile coastal walk starts and finishes at Land’s End car park, taking in the hidden beach of Nanjizal. Although the route is relatively easy, it’s not fully signposted, so a map and compass are recommended. Dogs should be kept under control as the path passes through working farmland.
The route follows the South West Coast Path past tiny coves, dramatic cliffs, and the Longships Lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll spot Bronze Age ruins and impressive stone formations, including natural pillars and buttresses.
The highlight is Nanjizal beach, accessible via a short detour from the main path. This secluded cove has remained largely untouched, making it perfect for solitude and breathtaking views. The “Song of the Sea” rock arch is particularly stunning in the late afternoon sunlight.
Find the whole route here.
St Nectan’s Glen, near Trethevy, is often described as one of Cornwall’s most tranquil and beautiful spots. The ancient woodland follows the edge of a river, winding over rocks and slate beds worn by centuries of water flow.
You’ll pass the site of a hermitage established by 6th-century Celtic saint Nectan before reaching the magnificent waterfalls. There’s a café along the trail where you can enjoy a cream tea before exploring the final stretch of the walk.
Lantic Bay is a hidden coastal gem, accessible from the National Trust car park near Fowey. The well-marked footpath takes you across rolling fields and windswept countryside, opening up to a stunning view of turquoise waters and a secluded sand and shingle beach framed by cliffs, gorse, and hawthorn.
The trail down to the beach is steep, so take your time to enjoy the dramatic scenery. Once on the shoreline, it’s an ideal spot for a picnic, swimming, or simply relaxing in a peaceful natural setting.
Stay Close to Cornwall’s Best Walking Routes
A Cornish holiday cottage offers the perfect base for exploring these secret walks. After a day discovering waterfalls, hidden coves, and ancient woodland, there’s nothing better than returning to a cosy cottage, perhaps with a roaring fire and a well-earned drink.