The best walks and hikes around The Loe
4.6
(576)
5,451
hikers
164
hikes
Hikes around The Loe explore the area surrounding Cornwall's largest natural freshwater lake, situated within the Penrose Estate. The landscape is a mix of woodland paths, coastal sections along the shingle bank of Loe Bar, and trails beside the lake itself. The terrain is generally low-lying, with some gentle ascents and descents through the woods and along the coast.
Best hiking trails around The Loe
- The most popular hiking route is The Loe and Loe Bar – Porthleven Harbour loop…
Last updated: June 25, 2026
5.0
(1)
32
hikers
4.03km
01:07
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
30
hikers
8.31km
02:17
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9
hikers
5.37km
01:23
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
2.74km
00:46
60m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
3.45km
00:57
60m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
From here, beautiful paths start to Loe and further to Porthleven.
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A lovely National Trust property, with a fantastic walk through the estate leading to the sea.
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Loe Bar is the name of the sand bank separating the lake from the sea. The lake, known as the Loe, is the largest freshwater lake in Cornwall. It was once the mouth of the River Cober. Some say the Loe Bar was formed when two local giants had an argument and one of them dropped a bag of sand here as he was being attacked by the other who was throwing rocks at him, one of the rocks being St Michael's Mount. No wonder he was keen to get away!
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The Loe, also called Loe Pool, is a freshwater lake cared for by the National Trust. Loe actually means 'pool' in Cornish, so Loe Pool is really like saying pool pool! Recently a lot of hard work has gone into improving the declining water quality of the Loe, caused by nearby sewerage treatment works and agricultural run-off. Legend has it that this is where King Arthur threw his sword Excalibur, although it has never been found...
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On Saturday mornings, Penrose becomes the venue of West Cornwall's Parkrun with around 200 runners each week completing the 5km course. The running route follows the old Victorian carriageway through woodland and parkland with views of Loe Pool and beyond. At that time it is very busy.
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You will also find toilets at The Stable. That's useful to know.
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An area to the east of Loe Pool has been cleared for the reintroduction of Riempjes, a plant belonging to the carnation family (Corrigiola litoralis), which was identified by Natural England in 2020 as being at high risk of extinction. The plant was first sighted on the beach near the tin mine at Helston in 1800. By 1908 it was becoming rarer and was last recorded here in 1915. Its loss was believed to have been caused by a lack of fluctuating water levels following work on the outflow from the lake. By the 20th century beltwort in the UK grew only in Slapton Ley in south Devon. Seed was raised at Paignton Zoo, Devon by the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT), and in May 2015 over 1,000 seedlings were planted at the eastern end of Loe Pool. (Wikipedia)
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The Penrose Hill Estate is owned by the National Trust. The estate comprises of woodland, a coastal lake, Stable cafe plus traffic free cycling and walking tracks. For further details see their website nationaltrust.org.uk/penrose/features/new-cycling-at-penrose
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the main starting points for walks around The Loe?
Most hikes start from either the town of Porthleven on the coast or from one of the National Trust car parks within the Penrose Estate, near Helston. The Penrose car park is a popular choice, offering direct access to the estate's network of paths.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, circular routes are very common. The classic walk is a 10km loop around the entire Loe Pool, but there are many shorter options too. For a brief but scenic walk, the Loe Pool – The Loe Circular Route loop from Porthleven is just over 3 km and offers a great taste of the area.
Can I bring my dog on hikes around The Loe?
Yes, dogs are welcome on most trails within the Penrose Estate. However, they should be kept under close control, especially near farmland and wildlife. Be aware of seasonal restrictions and always follow the on-site signage provided by the National Trust.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks?
Definitely. The area is well-suited for families. Many of the paths through the Penrose Estate are relatively flat and well-surfaced. A great option is the Loe Pool loop from Porthleven, which is a gentle 5 km walk with lovely lakeside views.
What is the terrain like on the trails?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll encounter gentle, well-maintained woodland paths, lakeside trails, and the unique shingle bank of Loe Bar. Most routes involve some gentle ascents and descents, but there are very few steep sections, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
How many hiking trails are there around The Loe?
There are over 150 routes to explore around The Loe on komoot. This includes a wide range of options, from short, easy strolls of just a few kilometers to more substantial moderate hikes that take a couple of hours.
Is there a café or place to get refreshments on the walks?
Yes, The Stables Café, located within the Penrose Estate, is a perfect stop for refreshments. It's situated in a historic 18th-century stable block and is ideally positioned as a midway point for many of the circular walks around the lake.
What do other hikers think of the trails around The Loe?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning contrast between the calm freshwater lake and the dramatic coastline, as well as the beautiful, well-kept woodland paths.
Is it possible to swim in Loe Pool or at Loe Bar?
No, swimming is extremely dangerous and strictly advised against in both locations. Loe Bar is known for its powerful waves and strong undertows, while the lake itself can have hidden currents and deep, cold water. Please admire the water from the safety of the shore.
Are there any accessible trails for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
The National Trust has worked to make parts of the Penrose Estate accessible. There are some well-surfaced, level paths, particularly starting from the main Penrose car park, which are suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. It's best to check the National Trust Penrose website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife. The woodlands and lake are a haven for birdwatchers, with chances to see swans, geese, various duck species, and warblers. In spring, the woods are carpeted with bluebells and primroses. If you're very lucky, you might even spot an otter in the creeks.
Where can I park to walk around The Loe?
There are several National Trust car parks serving the Penrose Estate. The main one is simply called 'Penrose', located off Penrose Hill near Helston. Another option is near Porthleven, which provides good access to the coastal part of the walks. Parking can be busy, especially on sunny weekends.
Most popular routes around The Loe
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