The best walks and hikes around Carlyon

Yes, there are several great circular walks available. These routes allow you to explore the coastline and nearby historic sites without retracing your steps. For a moderate loop that takes in a famous landmark, consider the Charlestown Harbour – Charlestown Harbour loop from Carlyon Bay, which is about 5.7 miles (9.1 km).

Carlyon Bay offers some excellent options for family outings. For a very short and manageable walk, the Hiking loop from Carlyon Bay is just under 3 km and is rated as easy, making it ideal for little legs. Another great choice is the easy Polridmouth Beach – Spit Point loop, which offers coastal scenery on a trail of about 3.6 miles (5.7 km).

Many of the coastal and inland paths around Carlyon Bay are suitable for walking with dogs. However, be aware of seasonal restrictions on some beaches, especially during the summer months. Always keep your dog under control, particularly near cliff edges and livestock. The walk towards Charlestown and along the South West Coast Path are popular choices for dog walkers.

The difficulty varies. There are 6 easy and 4 moderate trails, with no routes rated as difficult. You can find short, relatively flat walks along the beach as well as more challenging sections of the South West Coast Path with some ascents and descents. The terrain is generally manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

There are several car parks in and around Carlyon Bay, Charlestown, and Par that serve as convenient starting points for hikes. Carlyon Bay itself has parking close to the beach. For walks starting in Charlestown, there is a large car park near the harbour. It's advisable to arrive early during peak season as spaces can fill up quickly.

The scenery is a classic Cornish mix of stunning coastline and lush countryside. Expect walks along sandy beaches, paths atop low cliffs with expansive sea views, and trails through sheltered woodlands. The area is also known for the historic Georgian harbour at Charlestown, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which features on several routes.

Yes, you can hike to the Eden Project. The Eden Project loop from Trethurgy is a short, 3-km walk that takes you around the perimeter of this world-famous attraction, offering a unique perspective of its iconic biomes from the surrounding trails.

The hiking routes around Carlyon are highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 1,000 ratings averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning sea views along the South West Coast Path and the charming, historic atmosphere of villages like Charlestown.

Yes, several routes pass through towns and villages with pubs and cafes. Charlestown, in particular, is a popular stop and has a great selection of places to eat and drink right by its historic harbour. The village of Polkerris, featured on the Par Sands Beach – Polkerris Beach loop, also has a well-regarded pub on the beach.

Yes, the area is accessible by public transport. St Austell is the nearest major town with a train station and serves as a hub for local bus services. Buses run from St Austell to nearby locations including Carlyon Bay and Charlestown, providing good access to the trailheads for the coastal path.

The walk between Carlyon Bay and Charlestown is a popular, relatively short coastal route of about two miles. It follows the South West Coast Path, offering beautiful views over St Austell Bay. The path leads you directly into the historic 18th-century harbour, which is famous for its resident tall ships and traditional charm.