On Saturday 5th June, we celebrate International Trails Day.  A day dedicated to celebrating the development, uses and the healthy lifestyle that walking encourages. This is also chance to show gratitude for our trails and say a huge thank you to all of the amazing people involved in looking after them.

Here in Cornwall, and across the UK and further afield, we are so fortunate to have many National Trails we can explore by the beautiful coast and countryside. Today, on International Trails Day, we want to show our gratitude to all of the wonderful volunteers who keep these paths safe and accessible so they can be enjoyed by all.

One of life's greatest joys in life is a walk amongst nature.

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a gorgeous trail for a countryside ramble or coast path for exploring. Cornwall is perfect for both, with miles of golden beaches, rugged coastal paths and beautiful moorland just waiting to be explored.

For some inspiration this International Trails Day, four of our favourite walks in Cornwall are:

Porthcothan to Bedruthan Steps

This walk is just over 6 miles taking in  some of the most spectacular scenery on the North Cornish coast including the rock stacks at Bedruthan and beautiful Park Head.

Starting at Porthcothan, just a few miles from our candle factory, this beautiful golden beach is framed by high cliffs and delightful rock pools perfect for exmploring. Follow the coastal path passing through Porth Mear and Park Head and on to Bedruthan.

Distance: 6 miles

Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed at Porthcothan and Porth Mear all year round. Although the beach at Bedruthan Steps is no longer accessible due to storm damage from 2019, you can still enjoy the breathtaking views from the coast path and enjoy a delicious cream tea from the café.

 

Polzeath to Rock

This spectacular walk along the coast path and dunes lasts around 2 hours and is rewarded with far-reaching views of the crystal blue waters of the Camel Estuary and, at low tide, you can even walk along the sand from Daymer beach to Rock. Perfect for a beach BBQ, romantic walk or family day out. 

You’ll often spot people kayaking and paddle boarding in the estuary at Rock, or sailing and surfing at Polzeath and Daymer Bay. Once you arrive at Rock, there is also a water taxi which runs every 20 minutes to Padstow harbour if you fancy a change of scenery or a spot of lunch and look around the shops or make a visit to the beautiful St Enodoc church.

Distance: 2.7 miles

Dog Friendly: Rock and Daymer beaches are dog friendly all year round, with a seasonal dog ban in place at Polzeath between 10am and 6pm May 15^th – September 30^th.

 

Crantock to Porth Joke

Enjoy the wonderful view from West Pentire headlands by taking a stroll from Crantock all the way to Porth Joke. At Crantock, follow the coastal path along the dunes and round the headland, keeping the view of the beautiful sandy beach on your right. Once you have passed the Bowgie Inn, where you can visit for a drink with a spectacular view, keep walking along the coastal path around the West Pentire. You will be met with picturesque views of the sea, and if you are walking during late spring and early summer, you will be rewarded with a wonderful display of poppies on the clifftops. Carry on following the coastal path down towards the tranquil cove known as Porth Joke.  

Nestled between Holywell and Crantock, Porth Joke is the perfect place to relax in the sun or go rockpooling with many caves to explore!

Distance: 3 miles

Dog Friendly: Both beaches are dog friendly all year round, just be mindful of sheep grazing in the dunes.

Brown Willy and Rough Tor

On the edge of Bodmin Moor, Rough Tor and Brown Willy are the two highest peaks in Cornwall and boast rugged, picturesque views looking over the moors and out towards the Cornish coast. Begin your ascent to Rough Tor’s summit first, where once at the top you are rewarded with stunning views and several Bronze Age hut circles and contemporary stone monuments.

If you would like to venture on for a longer walk, you can walk down the other side of Rough Tor into a valley, where you can cross a little bridge over the De Lank River. This is on private land, but there is a permitted path to climb up to the highest point in Cornwall, Brown Willy. It is well worth the walk, as you are also greeted with panoramic views across the moors where on a clear day you can see for miles, with Looe to the South and Tintagel to the North.

Distance: 5 miles and we recommend to wear sensible walking boots or shoes and take plenty of refreshments.

Dog Friendly: The is a dog friendly walk but please be mindful of the sheep, cow and horses grazing on the moorland.
 

 

A special thank you

We would like to say a huge thank you to all the hardworking people entrusted with looking after these special places who provide us with so much joy and comfort, especially our beloved South West Coast Path here in Cornwall home to beautiful places for us to explore on our doorstep.

Click here to visit the South West Coast Path’s volunteer fund and make a donation to help equip their volunteers now and for the future. 

We’d love to know your favourite walk near you, whether it’s in Cornwall or further afield. Share with us on social @stevalcandles, or via email: marketing@st-eval.com.

#TrailTribute #ITD2021 #InternationalTrailsDay