Walk - Looe, Talland & the Giant's Hedge

7.4 miles (12.0 km)

Millpool Car Park - PL13 2AF Millpool Car Park

Challenging - There are some fairly steep uphill climbs, but the last mile or so is mostly level walking. People with mobility problems can enjoy this section with its views of Looe Island - start from the Hannafore area of West Looe and follow the Coast Path westwards.

A varied walk taking in the beautiful wooded estuary of the West Looe River before crossing the coastal plateau to join the South West Coast Path and follow it from Talland back to Looe. Children will love to follow the ancient earthwork through the woods above the river, and the tiny smugglers' beach at Talland. A wonderful walk in autumn, when the trees start to turn and birds and small mammals rummage through the woods to stockpile supplies for winter.

Use this walk (or part of it) to visit the beach at Talland Bay. This walk is particularly good for dogs as it passes a beach and pubs where dogs are welcome.

Dogs on the coastpath

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There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Studio Cottage Talland Bay

Experience the Beauty of Cornish Coastal Living at its Best - Self-Catering in Talland Bay for 10 max

Talland Bay Hotel

Luxury hotel on a secluded stretch of Cornish coast The true spirit of Cornwall lies to the South East. Undiscovered and unspoilt. Away from the crowds, in a quiet nook.

Killigarth Manor Holiday Park

Nestled down a country lane, this Park offers a wide range of caravans and lodges. There's a direct path to the magical cove of Talland Bay and facilities for adults and children, including indoor pool, gym, sauna & tennis court.

House on the Props

B&B & Restaurant.16th Century timber building 'propped' up over the river on old ships timbers. On the Path overlooking Polperro Harbour & Quay

Landaviddy Farm B&B

01503 273302/07528877658

Situated just a 10 minute walk from Polperro and close to beautiful Lansallos & Lantic beaches. 2 ensuite bedrooms, ample parking.

Trelawne Manor Holiday Park

A family friendly holiday park just 2 miles from the lively fishing village of Looe. There's a range of caravans, apartments and lodges available and heated indoor and outdoor pools (with flume).

Great Kellow Farm Caravan & Campsite

*Budget* Situated above the beautiful village of Polperro. We are a quiet family & dog friendly campsite. The campsite has sea views and easy access to country and coastal walks.

Hannafore Point Hotel, West Looe

Hannafore Point Hotel & Spa in Looe offering Well Appointed AA 3 Star Accommodation with Stunning Views across Looe Bay, Restaurant & Bistro for Residents and Non-Residents, Indoor leisure Facilities, Spa and Beauticians.

Bridgeside Guest House

A family run Victorian Guest House situated in the heart of Looe with bar, outdoor area and harbour views. A stone's throw from Looe's many shops and restaurants and 5 minutes from the coast path.

Room at number 9

Bedroom in a 2 bedroomed bungalow, access to a shared bathroom. Within 5 min walk from coast path. King sized bed, breakfast extra. .

Highertown Farm Campsite

Campsite sits 3/4 of a mile from the secluded beach of Lansallos Cove. A simple site with basic facilities where guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful setting without distractions.

FOX VALLEY COTTAGES

Fox Valley Cottages, beautiful rural holiday cottages just a few miles from Lantivet, Lansallos & Lantic bays. With indoor pool, hot tub & sauna, plus dog & boot wash.

Looe Country Park

A quiet site with great views offering a choice of hard standing or grass pitches, camping pods and static caravans. Hot showers and a small shop for essentials.

Mount Brioni Holiday Apartments

Situated on the South West Coast Path and two minutes from Seaton beach , Mount Brioni is a collection of 1 or 2 bedroom holiday apartments with incredible sea views.

East Trenean Farm Luxury Holiday Cottages

Four luxury holiday cottages sleeping 2-20, each with wonderful rural views, private hot tubs and gardens, storage for walkers equipment and EV charging.

You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Catch

Award winning Fish & Chip shop on Looe harbour with gluten-free and vegan options. Featured in Beyond Paradise TV show. Click & collect via website.

Rosslyn Café

Small café and take away situated in the heart of Lansallos servinging hot and cold drinks, sweet treats and savoury pastries.

What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Looe Tourist Information

Find all the information you need on places to stay, eat and drink and visit in the Looe area

Motts Sauna

Beautiful wood fired sauna set in natural beach and river side locations in south east Cornwall. Find us on the south west coast path at mount Edgcumbe and Millendreath.

Route Description

Start the walk from the Millpool Car Park. From the inland end of the car park, take the Giant’s Hedge route through Kilminorth Woods, a Local Nature Reserve with a wealth of wildlife interest all year round.

The Giant’s Hedge is an ancient earthwork which ran between the Looe and Fowey Estuaries – a distance of some nine miles. It is thought to have been built in the 6th century by a local chieftain to defend his home territory against neighbouring clans. Patches of it still survive as an earth bank up to two metres high.

When the path leaves Kilminorth Woods, you join a country lane which climbs uphill to cross the main road at Parker’s Cross.
Continue along the lane and turn right at Tencreek Holiday Park to follow the valley down to Talland Bay (which is dog-friendly throughout the year).

This coastline has a long history of smuggling, and at Talland these activities have continued to very recent times. Take in the wonderful views and if you have time, the lovely Talland Church is well worth a detour.

From Talland Bay, follow the Coast Path eastward to Looe.

As you leave Talland behind, there are two prominent black and white panels – daymarks indicating a measured nautical mile and used by the Royal Navy.

Further on the Coast Path rounds Hore Point and the view of St George’s or Looe Island will be with you all the way back to Looe.

Until recently, the island was inhabited by two sisters, but is now owned and managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

From Hannafore Point, the Coast Path follows West Looe Quay to the bridge separating East and West Looe. The car park is just across the road.

Public transport

Looe can be reached by bus from Plymouth, St Austell and Polperro. Trains run between Looe and Liskeard which is on the main Penzance to Plymouth line. For timetable info zoom in on the interactive map and click on the train station and bus stops symbols, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Parking

Millpool Car Park (Postcode for Sat Navs: PL13 2AF) and Talland Bay (Postcode for Sat Navs: PL13 2JB).

Local maps and publications

A-Z 1:25,000 map book: South Cornwall

Nearby Walks

Easy walks (2 walks)
- Hannafore Point
  - 2.7 miles (4.4 km)
- Struddicks
  - 2.7 miles (4.4 km)
Moderate walks (5 walks)
Challenging walks (2 walks)
- Talland Bay & the Giant's Hedge from Looe Station
  - 7.3 miles (11.8 km)
- Polperro and East Coombe
  - 5.3 miles (8.5 km)