Coastal walks from St Ives are nothing short of spectacular. As locals, we know that every path and every viewpoint offers something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a short, circular jaunt around the harbour, or a serious coastal trek to a neighbouring village, there is a route for you.
Our guide includes all the essential details on six stunning paths, including directions, difficulty, and length of walk, so you can plan the perfect day out, all while enjoying the breathtaking beaches and famous cliffside panoramas.
The Best Coastal Walks from St Ives
- St Ives to Carbis Bay
- St Ives to Lelant
- St Ives town trail (Round The Island)
- St Ives to Knills Monument and Steeple Woods
- St Ives to Zennor
- St Ives To Penzance (The St Michael’s Way)
The Carbis Bay to St Ives Coastal Walk
The Carbis Bay to St Ives Coastal Walk is arguably the most popular coastal walk in the area, offering continuous views across the famous turquoise waters of St Ives Bay. The path takes you high up along the cliffs, winding through leafy sections of Hain Walk, providing incredible perspectives of Porthminster Beach before dropping you down onto the golden sands of Carbis Bay. Keep an eye out for seals and dolphins in the water below!
Directions
The path begins at the far end of Porthminster Beach. Head up the steps to join Hain Walk, which will take you along the cliffside. Simply follow this path, and it will lead you directly down to Carbis Bay beach. From Carbis Bay, you can retrace your steps back to St Ives, grab a bus from Carbis Bay Road (a steep walk up from the beach), or take the scenic, short train ride back into St Ives.
Difficulty
This is a fairly easy walk and is manageable for most walkers, including children. However, please note that it is not pram friendly due to steps over the railway line along the route.
Length of walk
This is a perfect, short coastal outing, taking around 45 minutes to 1 hour to walk the 2 miles one way.
Stay nearby with the Cottage Boutique
For easy access to this stunning route, why not stay at a property in the Porthminster area, which is perfectly placed for nearby coastal walks.
The St Ives Coastal Walk to Lelant
For those looking for a longer hike, the St Ives Coastal Walk to Lelant continues past Carbis Bay and offers even more sweeping views of the bay. After passing the stunning vista point of Hawkes Point, the path descends toward the wide expanse of Porthkidney Sands. This route truly feels like an escape from the busy town, connecting you with the wild beauty of the South West Coast Path and is one of our favourite dog friendly beaches.
Directions
Start in St Ives by picking up the path at the end of Porthminster Beach (the same start as the Carbis Bay walk). Continue along the main coast path, past Carbis Bay. You will head over the headland at Hawkes Point before descending toward Porthkidney Sands and the village of Lelant. Once you arrive in Lelant, you can get the bus back to St Ives, or enjoy the beautiful coastal train ride home.
Difficulty
As a longer section of the coast path, this walk is considered moderate. The path is clearly marked but involves continuous ups and downs along the cliff, requiring a steady footing.
Length of walk
This walk is approximately 5 miles one way, taking most people around 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Stay nearby with the Cottage Boutique
We have a choice of nearby holiday cottages in Lelant , which is an ideal base for keen walkers who want to start their day right on the edge of the coast path.
The St Ives Town Trail (Round The Island)
A quintessential St Ives experience, this short, circular path takes you right around the iconic headland known simply as ‘The Island.’ It’s less of a hike and more of a charming stroll that connects all the town’s most loved beaches, offering a fantastic combination of harbour views, secluded coves, and windswept cliffs.
Directions
The best place to start is from the harbour. Follow Wharf Road around to Bamaluz Beach, then onto Porthgwidden Beach. Walk in front of the beach huts at Porthgwidden and follow the path and steps up to the top of The Island. From the top, follow the path down the steps around the back of the Island (where it can get a bit blowy!), and then continue to Porthmeor Beach. Walk up Porthmeor Hill and then down the steps that bring you back to the heart of the town via The Digey.
Difficulty
This is an easy, family-friendly circular walk of about a mile, with a few manageable slopes and steps. It’s a perfect casual walk to enjoy before or after dinner!
Length of walk
This walk is a simple 1-mile circular loop and takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.
Stay nearby with the Cottage Boutique
Choosing a Cottage Boutique home right in the centre of St Ives ensures this stunning walk is right on your doorstep. Imagine starting your morning with this loop!
The St Ives Walk to Knills Monument and Steeple Woods
For a different perspective of St Ives, this inland walk takes you away from the immediate coast and up to Knills Monument on Worvas Hill. This vantage point offers stunning panoramic views over the town and on a clear day you can see both the north and south coasts of Cornwall. Below the monument, you can explore the beautiful woodland of Steeple Woods and the open space of Steeple Fields Nature Reserve.
Directions
Take the main road (Trelyon Avenue) out of St Ives toward Carbis Bay. Turn right before you pass The Cornish Arms pub, and take the left-hand fork up the road. At the top you will see signposts and an information board. Turn left here and follow the path up to the monument. If you choose to explore Steeple Woods, be aware that there are disused mine shafts, so please take care, especially if you have a dog off-lead.
Difficulty
This walk involves a steady, uphill climb out of the town to reach the monument, so it is rated moderate for the initial ascent. The paths at the top are generally easier.
Length of walk
Depending on how much time you spend exploring the woods, the walk is about 2 miles one way. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a round trip.
Stay nearby with the Cottage Boutique
Our holiday cottages on the outskirts of St Ives provide the quickest access to this lovely walk – you’ll be halfway up already!
St Ives To Penzance (The St Michael’s Way)
For the ultimate challenge, The St Michael’s Way is a historic pilgrimage route that connects the north and south coasts of Cornwall, ending spectacularly at St Michael’s Mount in Marazion, near Penzance. Starting from St Ives, you first head inland to pick up the path, offering a wonderful mix of coastal vistas, farmlands, and ancient footpaths.
Directions
To start this iconic trail from St Ives, you first follow the route up to Knill’s Monument (see above). From the monument, the St Michael’s Way footpath is clearly signposted. You will then follow this path, which cuts across the peninsula toward the south coast, eventually leading you to the causeway at Marazion, opposite St Michael’s Mount.
Difficulty
This is a very difficult/long walk suitable only for experienced hikers. The sheer distance requires fitness, planning, and a full day dedicated to the trail.
Length of walk
The walk is approximately 10 miles from St Ives (or 12 miles from nearby Lelant) and typically takes 5 to 7 hours to complete.
Stay nearby with the Cottage Boutique
Our St Ives cottages offer the perfect spot for resting and recovering before or after tackling this epic pilgrimage route!
Plan your trip with The Cottage Boutique
Ready to lace up your boots and explore the incredible coastal paths and challenging trails of St Ives? The Cottage Boutique offers a stunning collection of luxury, hand-picked holiday cottages, perfectly situated to give you the best access to these beautiful walks.
Browse our collection of St Ives holiday cottages today and get in touch with the friendly local team at The Cottage Boutique to start planning your next coastal adventure!
