Are you looking for an amazing walk in Cornwall? This spectacular route takes you from Mousehole to Lamorna Cove and offers stunning views throughout.
We’ve just enjoyed an incredible sunshine-filled week in Cornwall. It was our first time staying around St Ives. This gorgeously vibrant town is filled with art galleries, pretty cottages and boutiques. With warm weather and blue skies on our side, we couldn’t believe how tropical it looked.
As always, we were keen to get the blood pumping with an energetic coastal walk. Rather than stay around St Ives, we drove 20 minutes to the south, and parked in Mousehole. From here we followed the South West Coast Path across to Lamorna Cove.
The 8.5km circular route is one of the prettiest walks in Cornwall, so we couldn’t wait to share it with you. It’s got an option of a café stop in the middle, plus plenty of food and drink options at the start and finish. What more could you want from a walk?
Also along for the ride was our 2-year-old toddler in a hiking backpack! He enjoyed the views too, jabbering away about all the things he could see along the route.
In the warmer months you’ll appreciate the turquoise waters and pretty coves. It may be more challenging in wet or blustery weather, but it’ll give you a thrill as you see the jutting rocks and choppy waves!
For an alternative option, you could start in Lamorna Cove (there’s a car park in the harbour) and walk to Mousehole and back. This is a great idea if you want to plan a big lunch halfway, as there are a lot more food options in Mousehole.
If you’re planning a holiday to Cornwall, definitely add this picturesque walk to your itinerary.
Contents:
Mousehole to Lamorna Cove circular walk
Section 1: Leaving Mousehole
This walk begins at the Rock Pool Café in Mousehole. This is an ideal spot for a coffee or snack before or after the walk.
There are several parking options close by, including a large car park behind the café and street parking just beyond. Mousehole is It’s wonderfully photogenic, so take a moment to admire the views before you set off in search of the South West Coast Path.
Facing the sea, turn to the right and follow the path into the centre of the pretty fishing village.
Leave the harbour with the sea to your left. Follow up the road and you’ll see a sign to the South West Coast Path. It’s not 100% clear from the main sign, but thankfully there was this helpful explanation below!
Keep to the right of building yard and follow up the steep hill. You’ll have pretty cottages on your right and the sea on your left. Eventually this turns into an uneven rocky path then a tree-covered path with hedges to the side.
You’ll be heading up towards the cliffs, so keep your pace slow. It can get tiring!
Section 2: Following the South West Coast Path from Mousehole to Kemyel Crease
From here on, you’re simply following the South West Coast Path from Mousehole towards Lamorna Cove. It’s really beautiful and goes through several types of terrains.
Towards the start you’ll find lots of steps down, some large. I don’t have height on my side, so I found some of these challenging. There was a point where a stream crossed the rocky path, followed by more large rocks to climb over, both up and down.
This is one of the more challenging sections of the walk, but we coped just fine. I imagine in wet weather, the rocks will be slippery and make some of this section more difficult. I’d suggest proper walking boots for a day like that.
If you’re visiting in summer and finding the heat intense, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a lovely forest-covered picnic spot on this section. You’ll see a sign when you reach it, saying Kemyel Crease.
Section 3: Kemyel Crease to Lamorna Cove
There are a few lovely wooded areas along this section of the coast path, some with a stream trickling through. Eventually it opens out again to offer more stunning coast views. I loved seeing the jutting rocks by the ocean. The shapes are almost geometric. What amazing work the ocean has done to create this!
We spotted a yellow arrow pointing up the hill, and followed upwards. This gradient is steep has both a path and steps. The steps are definitely the safer, less slippery option!
From the top you’ll see the tiny village of Lamorna Cove coming into view. The coast path snakes around further, with some large rocks to traverse around. Eventually, it flattens out and you’ll join the road into the cove.
In front of you will be the Lamorna Cove Café – the perfect pitstop halfway through the walking route. We enjoyed Cornish ice creams overlooking the harbour, but the cafe also sells soft drinks, coffees, brunch dishes, sandwiches and more. Please note, the cafe is open in peak season, so check it’ll be open before your walk! I’d always suggest packing some supplies, just in case!
Section 4: Lamorna Cove to Mousehole
After a rest at the café, it’s time to retrace your steps a short distance until you see a footpath sign. Take the turning to the left up the hill, and you’ll soon be on a tree-covered path.
This section goes up hill for a while. Turn right when you reach a sign saying Keymel House 1/2 mile, and follow past the buildings onto an unpaved road.
Shortly after, you’ll cross over a rocky stile into a field, which had cows grazing when we visited.
From here, you simply pass along the edge of the field, then the road, passing farm buildings and houses. Keep your eyes peeled for a right turn to a public footpath. Here you’ll go over a stile and continue through the trees for a bit. There are also some giant stepping stones in this section.
Eventually you’ll reach a road with more farm buildings. Here, turn left then almost immediately right over a stile. It’s quite concealed so make sure you’re looking out for it.
You’ll pass through the farm here, going through three sets of farm gates into a wheat field, with a big drum to the left. Eventually you’ll cross over a wooden stile.
After this, you’ll be traversing several fields, many with rocky stiles connecting them. The sea will be on your right. After a while, you’ll cross a muddy field towards more farm buildings, and see the start of Mousehole again.
Back to Mousehole
We exited the field and followed a wooden sign saying 1/2 mile Mousehole. Head to the left, heading into a forested section, with a stream running to your left. You’ll be able to hear a waterfall too.
This section has a series of steps and is really pretty! It was nice being under the shady tree canopy after so long out in the warm sun.
After a while, take the left-hand fork into Mousehole. You can then decide whether to stop at a pub or café, or walk back to The Rock Pool Café where the walk began.
When we finished the walk, our watch said we’d walked 9.1km. It took us approximately three hours with a stop for ice cream in Lamorna Cove. You might find it takes longer in wet or blustery conditions, or you might be quicker if you’re not lugging a toddler around or stopping for endless photos as we did!
Where to stay for the Mousehole to Lamorna Cove circular walk
We stayed at The Lookout in Hawkes Point, close to Carbis Bay. This timber-clad holiday home (available via Aspects Holidays) has three double bedrooms and offers breathtaking views of the coast. It has an upside-down layout, with the bedrooms downstairs and the kitchen and lounge framing the amazing views upstairs. We loved sitting out on the huge balcony, watching the tides change and enjoying the sunshine.
It’s just a twenty-minute drive from Mousehole, so it’s an easy location for the start of this walk. It’s also very close to St Ives, where you can enjoy the art scene, restaurants and harbour.
For more info on visiting this region, read about the top things to do in St Ives.
Walking packing list
Usually when we go out on these walks, we’re spending all day out and about in the countryside. Because of that, there are some things that we always bring with us and recommend to others. Hopefully one or two of these items can help make your walk that little bit more enjoyable!
- Walking shoes – The no.1 item we always recommend is a good pair of walking shoes! They can really make or break your walk. Here are the ones we currently have – Mens | Womens
- Walking socks – It’s important to have a comfy pair of socks too otherwise your feet can blister – Mens | Womens
- Plasters – And if your feet do get blisters, then make sure you bring along some platers just in case (and hope you don’t need them).
- Rain jacket – The reality of walking in Great Britain means walking in all weathers, so it’s always a good idea having a quality rain jacket with a hood just in case the weather turns bad – Mens | Womens
- Sun cream – On the opposite end of the scale, it’s always a good idea to have sun cream on you too for when the sun comes out, especially in summer.
- Water bottle – I am a water bottle convert and I barely leave the house without one now. This is a great water bottle with a built-in straw – it’s surprisingly handy when walking!
- Energy bars – No matter whether I’m hiking or trail running, I always have a couple of energy bars in my bag to stave off the hanger. These are some of the best I’ve found.
- Portable power bank – Just incase you’re out hiking for a long time and your battery dies, it’s always a good idea to have a power bank as a backup. This one is my favourite – just make sure you charge it before you go walking!
- Quick dry towel – With the rise of wild swimming (or cooling off under a waterfall in the Lake District), then having a quick dry towel in your bag is a must.
Final tips for the Mousehole to Lamorna Cove circular walk
If this is your first time walking this route, here are a few tips…
- Pack water and bring a few snacks for the route. The only places to buy things are Mousehole and the Lamorna Cove Café (which is only open seasonally).
- If you’re planning to visit Lamorna Cove Café, double check it’s open that day. It’s usually open from 10am in peak season, but this can vary.
- This route will be more challenging in wet weather. Wear sturdy walking boots and take care, particularly on slippery rocks. You’ll also find the fields will be muddy.
- The circular walk isn’t ideal for small children due to the steep hills and occasional large rocks.
- Keep children and dogs close by at all times. There are some big drops along the cliffs.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this guide to the Mousehole to Lamorna Cove walk. It’s definitely one of our favourite walks in Cornwall.
If you’re looking for tips on what else to do during your trip, don’t miss this guide to the best things to do in St Ives.
Plus, don’t miss the other walks we’ve covered on this site, including the Newquay to Crantock walk, Chorleywood circular walk, the Porlock Weir walk, the Beachy Head lighthouse walk and the Ivinghoe Beacon walk.