Best walks in Newquay

Difficulty: easy-moderate 

Distance: 5 miles 

Terrain: moderately steep 

This walk’s a great option if you fancy fairly easy dog walks in Newquay with plenty of ocean views. Starting in the middle of Newquay town at the train station, walk onto Cliff Road and head towards The Griffin pub. From here, turn right and you’ll join the Tram Track, an old horse-drawn tramway. Follow this along and you’ll reach Bank Street. Continue along until you get to Fore Street. 

At the split in the road, keep right and keep walking until you reach the Red Lion. If you want, pop in for a drink, or continue down North Quay Hill onto the harbour. There’s a coast path here which you can follow up to Huer’s Hut and then right towards Fistral Beach. Watch the surfers on the water, then follow the waymarker through the dunes. In a few minutes, you’ll get a gorgeous view of the beach.  

This next bit gets steep, so watch your footing. Once you see the ‘private’ sign, take the coast path and follow it all the way past the residential buildings, over the golf course, and onto Atlantic Road. Cross to Crantock Street and you’ll eventually get back to Bank Street.  

After all that walking, you’re bound to be peckish. Thankfully, there’s plenty of places to stop off for a drink and a bite to eat! 

Difficulty: moderate 

Distance: 5 miles 

Terrain: a lot of hills! 

A perfectly beachy walk, with lots of hills to test those calf muscles! 

Start off at Pentire Headland, just over the road from Kelly’s ice cream hut. From here, head down to South Fistral’s water’s edge. Follow the dune path or walk across the beach. Once the path ends, keep to the left and follow the coastal path to Towan Head. Take a moment to absorb the gorgeous view here next to the old lifeboat house—there are plenty of photo opportunities here with the lighthouse in full view. 

When you set off again, you’ll make your way down to the harbour. Treat yourself to some food at one of the cafes or restaurants here, then either go into town or head back the way you came. 

Difficulty: moderate 

Distance: 2.5 miles 

Terrain: mostly flat and even, with some steps 

If you want to go walking in Newquay but don’t want to trek out into the middle of nowhere, this trail makes for a nice, short stroll with dramatic views of the coast. 

Start at the car park in Porthcothan, then go straight onto the South West Coast Path. If you follow the paved pathway, you’ll walk along the top of the cliffs to the headland at Porth Mear. Along the way, you can spot maritime plant species that survive the harsh sea winds, and the Jack and Jane' stone walls. Keep heading south and you’ll come to Park Head and the iconic Bedruthan Steps, a stack of massive rocks. Reach the National Trust Carnewas car park and grab refreshments at the cafe.

Difficulty: challenging 

Distance: 6 miles 

Terrain: rural, rough ground 

If you’re up for a challenge, this steep circular might be right up your street. About three miles out of Newquay, start your walk at Cubert Church. An old path follows the valley here and then crosses meadows and farmland. It’s a straightforward route, but there are plenty of steep climbs. Take breaks to look around—there’s lots of wildlife to spot on your trek. 

Make your way to St Piran’s Round, a medieval amphitheatre that’s well-preserved. Walk across the mining land and eventually, you’ll come to the Smuggler’s Den Inn for a chance to rest your feet and sip a nice old one.  

Continue your journey down the footpath and you’ll arrive back at Cubert Church. 

Difficulty: easy 

Distance: 4 miles 

Terrain: fairly even ground, with a bridge that’s dependent on the tides 

This walk’s not too challenging. You’ll get the chance to pass through a mix of countryside, beaches, and pretty villages.

Start off near Fistral Beach, making your way down towards the estuary on the signposted footpath. You’ll need to turn left and then cross the bridge here, then start walking across the sand. There are two options here - either find the small road and go straight to Crantock or keep walking through the woodland. There’s beautiful architecture to admire here, including a Norman church and the thatched Old Albion Inn pub.

Keep heading through the village to Polly Joke, then take the cliff path through the nature reserve to Crantock Beach. When you’re ready, head back across the beach or through the dunes.