The best walks and hikes in South West England

If you follow the coastal path on the east side of the Lizard peninsula, you will reach the picturesque Church Cove. This small, sheltered bay owes its name to the historic church of St. Wynwallow, which is almost hidden among the green hills and lies close to the beach. From the path, you look out over a beautiful contrast: the calm, sheltered sandy beach below, enclosed by traditional cottages with thatched roofs, and the rugged, dark rocks that protect the cove from the open sea. It is a wonderfully peaceful place to take a break. The relaxed atmosphere, the sound of the babbling creek, and the unique view of the ancient church on the coast make Church Cove one of the most beautiful hidden gems on the route.

Walking along the south coast of The Lizard, you will pass the breathtaking viewpoint at Housel Bay. This sheltered bay is hidden between high, steep cliffs and is known for its clear, turquoise water and the small white sandy beach below. From the coastal path, you look straight into the deep valley where the Atlantic Ocean rolls in calmly. At the top of the cliff, the iconic Housel Bay Hotel has a prime spot, making it a very classic English coastal picture. It is the ideal place to pause and enjoy the peace. The combination of the green cliff edges, the deep blue sea, and the screeching seabirds makes this view an absolute recommendation on the route.

When we walk along the coastal path of the Lizard peninsula, we arrive at the atmospheric Caerthillian Cove. This narrow, sheltered cove is surrounded by steep cliffs and is known for its special geology, where the rare serpentine rocks are beautifully visible. The view over the coastline is absolutely impressive here. Down in the bay, the waves of the Atlantic Ocean break on the rocky bottom, while the path leads us past colorful coastal vegetation and unique plant species that thrive in this wind-swept location. It is a wonderfully peaceful place to slow down and enjoy the power of nature. From the height, we look out over the vast coastline of Cornwall, where the fresh sea air and the continuous sound of the surf give the hike an extra dynamic character.

When walking along the coastal path at Lizard Point, we cannot miss the imposing white towers of the Lizard Lighthouse. This historic beacon has marked the dangerous passage along the south coast of Cornwall since 1619, warning mariners of the treacherous rocks offshore. A little further along the cliff edge stands the monumental foghorn, one of the most recognisable parts of the complex. In dense fog, this gigantic double horn produced a bellowing sound that could be heard for miles across the rough Atlantic Ocean, keeping ships safely away from the cliffs. From the path near the lighthouse and the foghorn building, we have a magnificent view of the interplay between the architecture and the rugged coastal landscape. It is an impressive place to reflect on the region's rich maritime history and enjoy the sweeping ocean views.

The view of the Camel Estuary is one of the most beautiful river and coastal landscapes in North Cornwall. From the cliffs and surrounding walking paths, you have a magnificent view down onto the wide estuary where the River Camel flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The changing tide constantly transforms the panorama from a vast, azure expanse of water to an idyllic landscape full of golden sandbanks, including the infamous The Doom Bar. Around the estuary, you will see green hills, sailboats bobbing on the water, and the picturesque silhouettes of villages such as Padstow and Rock. It is a fantastic place to get some fresh air, spot waterfowl, and enjoy the soothing English coastal scenery.

The rugged coastal cliffs of Cornwall are among the most spectacular and impressive natural landscapes in Great Britain. The granite and slate rocks, meters high and rising directly from the Atlantic Ocean, are constantly battered by wild waves and powerful sea winds. Walking along the famous South West Coast Path, you will discover a succession of dramatic cliffs, deep coves, hidden smugglers' bays, and remnants of historic tin mines balancing above the water. From the cliff paths, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, often encounter seabirds and seals, and experience the raw, pure power of the English coastal nature.

Stepper Point Daymark Tower is a striking, stone-built 1830s lighthouse that towers high above the cliffs at the northern end of Stepper Point, near Padstow in Cornwall. The round lighthouse, over nine metres high, was originally built to safely guide and warn ships into the mouth of the River Camel and Padstow harbour, alerting them to the infamous and dangerous sandbank, The Doom Bar. Today, the tower is a beloved and photogenic landmark for walkers on the iconic South West Coast Path. From the cliffs surrounding the tower, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean, the rugged north Cornwall coastline, and the inner reaches of the Camel Estuary.

The Bay: You’ll see the curve of Swanage Bay, dotted with colorful buoys and the occasional fishing boat or yacht making its way toward the pier. The Steam Train: If you time it right, you’ll see a literal plume of white steam puffing across the valley. The Swanage Railway runs right through the landscape below, looking like a high-end model railway set from this height. Peveril Point: To the far left of the town, the land juts out into the sea. You can often see the "white water" where the tides churn around the ledge—it’s a great reminder of how powerful the coast is, even when it looks peaceful from your perch. The Isle of Wight: On a crisp day, look straight out past the cliffs. You’ll see the Needles rising out of the water like jagged white teeth in the distance.