Best walks from St Ives

St Ives Station to Hayle Station

amazing views, lovely, excellent views over Carbis Bay. A coastal walk of two halves: the first along the busy B-road around the Hayle estuary on the flat, with wide estuary views over salt marshes and mudflats, a slightly eroded waterside path; the second a fun, more strenuous footpath sandwiched between the railway and the cliffs, through dunes and a golf club and with many short ups and downs on steps. Part of the South West Coast Path. Follows the South West Coast Path and St Michael's Way; the railway runs close by throughout and the St Ives branch line offers a recommended return. Passes the complex that housed the 2021 G7 Summit. The churchyard at Lelant is a good picnic spot.

Tough: steep ascents. 8km.

The coastal footpath has steep, tricky sections and many ups and downs on steps, and can be muddy; a waterside path near Hayle may flood at very high tide.

Lunch: No shortage of eating, drinking and snacking opportunities en route, with facilities at Lelant and Carbis Bay.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Penzance Station to St Ives Station

There are fantastic views of both Mount's Bay and St Ives Bay. A coast-to-coast walk mostly following the well-signed St Michael's Way, on varied paths over pasture fields with many gates and high stiles, a final stretch on the South West Coast Path. Up and down throughout and very muddy in places after rain. Mostly follows St Michael's Way, the approved UK branch of the Camino pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Few services at the midpoint. Optional detours up Trencrom Hill and to Knill's Monument.

14km.

Steep slopes, many gates and high stiles, and livestock including cattle in the pasture fields.

Lunch: Tremenheere Sculpture Park has a café; little else in the way of services mid-route.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route