Great walks to enjoy whilst staying at South Priddacombe

Whether you are looking for a gentle amble to a holy well or a rugged hike up a Cornish mountain, East Cornwall has it all. Here are a few of our personal favourite walks to get you started during your stay at South Priddacombe…

A quick note for the uninitiated: The weather on the moor can change quickly, so please always take a map, suitable footwear, and waterproofs with you, even if it looks sunny when you set off!

The “Mighty” Brown Willy Walk

Yes, our highest Cornish peak (it means “Big Hill” for those wondering…) can be conquered directly from the cottage door. The walk takes about an hour and a half each way, though do be prepared for it to get a little boggy underfoot. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, you can extend the walk to Roughtor. It is always satisfying to feel a little smug looking at the crowds who have just walked up from the car park, knowing you have trekked all the way from home!

From Roughtor, you can complete a loop to King Arthur’s Hall and back across Shallow Water Common to the cottage. Please note that this full loop is a long route and only recommended for those who are fit and confident map readers.

The Hall Walk at Fowey

This is a wonderful day out involving fresh air, ferries, and food. Our top tip is to drive to Bodinnick and park in the tiny car park on road down to the creek. From here, you can follow the well-signed ‘Hall Walk’ up to Pont and over to Polruan (where there is a good pub), before hopping on the foot ferry across to Fowey. After a pause for an ice cream—or lunch at one of the many great food spots—you can catch the car ferry back to Bodinnick to complete the loop.

Alternatively, if you just want to wander around town, you can park on the Fowey side of the creek, next to the Bodinnick ferry. Just remember to check the last ferry times if you plan on staying for supper!

Port Isaac without the Traffic

To see the famous fishing village of Port Isaac without getting stuck in the bustle, we recommend parking at neighbouring Port Gaverne (National Trust car park) and walking along the coast path. It is a stunning walk, but do bear in mind that coasts “wiggle,” so it takes longer than you might think! Once you arrive, there is a shack on the shore where you can buy delicious local dressed crab, alongside various pubs and cafes. When you are ready to head home, you can take the quicker inland route over the fields.

Coastal Splendour and Hidden Valleys

There is so much magnificent coast that often the trick is finding the parking spaces. Here’s another insider North Coast tip: St Genny’s, above Crackington Haven, is a tiny, ancient hamlet with space to park.

The little steep valley that drops away between you and the coast is completely magical, and there are a range of paths to keep your walk as short or as long as you like. Head down to Crackington Haven for pub and café refreshment, or walk further north for spectacular cliffs on a relatively little-walked stretch of coast.

A Magical Mini-Walk

If you are en route to the North Coast and want a peaceful stop, St Clether Holy Well Chapel is a hidden gem. Park at St Clether church, just beyond Altarnun, and take the short signposted walk up the valley beyond the churchyard. It is a mystical, magical little spot that feels a world away from the busy roads.