A beautiful day on the Lizard Peninsula
Eleven miles of turquoise water, dramatic cliffs and one surprisingly overgrown coast path.
I set off from Kynance Cove at 10:15am on a beautifully warm and sunny morning, beginning a circular walk around one of Cornwall’s most spectacular stretches of coastline.
From Kynance, I followed the coast towards Lizard Point, passing the famous lighthouse before continuing beyond Britain’s most southerly point. With blue skies overhead and the sea sparkling below, Cornwall was certainly showing off—and quite rightly too.
The route continued past Church Cove and the lifeboat station before heading towards Cadgwith. This section of the South West Coast Path was often very narrow and heavily overgrown. At times it felt less like coastal walking and more like an audition for a jungle expedition, only with better sea views.
The thick vegetation made the going slower and considerably warmer, but it did nothing to spoil the scenery. Around every bend there seemed to be another rocky cove, dramatic headland or sweep of bright blue water.
Cadgwith provided another beautiful stop on the route, with its sheltered harbour, fishing boats and traditional cottages tucked into the valley. From there, I left the coast and followed the inland route back towards Kynance Cove.
After returning to Kynance, I took some time to walk around and enjoy this remarkable place properly. The white sand, clear water and sculpted rocks make it easy to understand why it is considered one of Cornwall’s finest coastal locations.
I arrived back at the car at 3:45pm after just over 11 miles. It was an amazing hike through a beautiful part of the world—a reminder of how fortunate I am to have Cornwall practically on the doorstep.
Cornwall really is an extraordinary county. Even when the footpath tries to swallow you whole, the views make every scratch and sweaty step worthwhile.
