Walk - Coverack to Helford

Moderate

This walk follows the South West Coast Path through a huge variety of different landscapes, involving dramatic cliffs, fishing villages by the sea, lush woodland, beaches, heathland, a working quarry, pastures and a creek crossing. As you leave Coverack the Path crosses fairly flat heathland which is not much above sea level, as this is in fact a raised beach and the original cliffs are a few hundred yards inland.

Easy walking leads you around the edge of the Bronze Age field systems of Lowland Point. It is important to follow the signs from here as you will be passing through active quarry workings between Lowland Point and Dean Point. A steep climb out of Porthoustock begins the inland route to Porthallow, where you then join the sea again and walk round Nare Point to the beautiful Gillan Creek. At Gillan Creek there is a feeling of shelter and peace in contrast to the exposed cliffs of the Lizard peninsula. From here on some sections of the Path are wooded and others offer fine views ahead extending to the lighthouse at St. Anthony Head, the Roseland and the headland of Dodman Point.

The nearest mainline station is Truro, from where you can catch buses to Coverack and Helford by changing at Helston.  For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the train station and bus stop symbols, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

For information about the availability of the Gillan Creek & Helford ferries check our Ferry & Estuaries page.

Coverack (Postcode for Sat Navs: TR12 6TB), Porthoustock, Porthkerris Cove, Porthallow, St Anthony-in-Meneage and Helford.

Coverack, Porthoustock, Porthkerris Cove, Porthallow and Helford.

You can stock up on refreshments at the beginning of your walk in the shops of Coverack. There are also cafes, shops and a pub in Porthallow. Further facilities can be found in Helford, which has a cafe, restaurant and pub.