Walking Trails in Cornwall Beyond The Salt Path 

The Salt Path is hitting cinemas across the UK next week – along with a wave of walkers setting off along the South West Coast Path in the footsteps of Raynor and Moth.

We’re all for walking the story (check out our Salt Path locations guide), but here’s the thing: Cornwall’s soul-stirring scenery doesn’t begin and end on The Salt Path. And you don’t have to walk 635 miles with a tent on your back to feel the transformative power of this wild, rugged land. 

Cornwall is laced with walking routes – from pilgrimage paths and moorland tracks, to smugglers’ trails, clay country loops, and heritage-rich tramways. And right now, with fair weather and long days on your side, it’s the perfect time to lace up and find your own way.

Whether you’re chasing peace, purpose or just a killer view, here’s our pick of the best walking trails in Cornwall – beyond The Salt Path.

Change starts with one step. The path will do the rest.

Tamara Coast to Coast Way

Route: Plymouth to Morwenstow 
Length: 87 miles

Follow the River Tamar from saltwater to source. Cornwall’s newest long-distance trail winds from coast to coast from vibrant Plymouth to the edge of the Atlantic, cutting through rolling farmland, heather-strewn moorland and wooded valleys. Discover a side of Cornwall shaped by rivers and railways, encountering wildlife, tranquility and a rich mining heritage en route. 

Tackle it in a seven-day epic, or break it into day walks. 

Maps and info

Mineral Tramways Coast to Coast Trail

Route: Portreath to Devoran
Length: 11 miles

Walk Cornwall’s industrial backbone along this heritage-rich trail. Once a tramway linking tin and copper mines to the port of Devoran, the route is flanked by engine houses, moorland, heath, and wildflower-fringed tracks. Stop and refuel along the way at Saint Piran, and make enough time to pause waterside at Devoran’s Old Quay Inn.

Maps and info

The Saint’s Way

Route: Padstow to Fowey
Length: 27 miles

Cross Cornwall like the pilgrims once did. This inland trail links the north and south coasts via green lanes, rolling pastures, windswept hills and ancient churches. With Iron Age hillforts and sacred wells en route, it’s a soulful alternative to the coast path.

Split it over two or three days or sample a shorter section.

Maps and info

Copper Trail

Route: Circular from Minions
Length: 60 miles

Circle the granite heights of Bodmin Moor. This moorland circuit explores one of Cornwall’s wildest corners, skimming rugged tors, windswept pastures and prehistoric sites. You’ll encounter standing stones, mining remains and views that stretch for miles.

Walk it in stages, or dip into shorter loops around moorland villages.

Maps and info

Land’s End Trail

Route: Land’s End to Liskeard (part of a longer trail to Avebury)
Length: 80 miles (Cornish section)

Strike inland from Cornwall’s westernmost point. This under-the-radar route links moors, valleys and villages, threading through ancient sites, quiet lanes and lost landscapes. It’s the coast path’s peaceful cousin, with fewer crowds and more soul.

Plan a long-distance hike or use it to connect remote heritage sites.

Maps and info

The Smugglers’ Way

Route: Boscastle to Looe
Length: 36 miles

Traverse Cornwall from wild cliffs to hidden coves. This challenging trail crosses the spine of Bodmin Moor before dipping through wooded valleys, river crossings and hamlets steeped in smuggling legend. It’s a rugged, adventurous alternative to the coast path.

Walk it in 3-4 days, or cherry-pick dramatic moor-to-sea sections.

Maps and info

The Camel Trail

Route: Padstow to Wenfordbridge
Length: 18 miles

Amble along an old railway line from estuary to moor. Hug the tidal Camel Estuary from Padstow to Wadebridge, then follow rivers and woods to Bodmin and beyond. It’s smooth, traffic-free and family-friendly throughout.

Ideal for all abilities – stroll from Wadebridge to Padstow for fish and chips, or take on the whole trail.

Maps and info

Cornish Celtic Way

Route: St Germans to St Michael’s Mount
Length: 125 miles

Journey across Cornwall’s sacred landscape. This faith-inspired route links churches, holy wells and ancient crosses through farmland, villages and coast path stretches. Expect quiet contemplation alongside spectacular scenery.

Follow the full pilgrim route or dip into waymarked stages.

Maps and info

Tinners Way

Route: St Ives to Cape Cornwall
Length: 18 miles

Step onto a section of The Salt Path as you trace the granite heart of West Penwith. This ancient path follows the route of tin miners and traders across windswept moorland, past standing stones, ruined engine houses and some of Cornwall’s rawest coast.

Walk it in a day or tackle part of it on a 5-mile loop from Zennor.

Maps and info

Pentewan Valley Trail

Route: St Austell to Pentewan
Length: 3.4 miles

Stroll from town to beach on a leafy rail trail. This short, easy-access walk winds through the woods along the old Pentewan railway line to a sandy beach – ideal for dogs, kids and a seaside reward.

Perfect for a half-day leg-stretch.

Maps and info

St Michael’s Way

Route: Lelant to Marazion
Length: 12.5 miles

Tread a European pilgrim path in a day. This coast-to-coast trail links the north coast dunes of Lelant to the shores of Mount’s Bay, along a route once used by pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Expect sea views, rolling fields  and a finale beside the sea.

Combine with a visit to St Michael’s Mount.

Maps and info

Follow Your Path and Feel the Change

Whether you crave coastal cliffs, ancient moorlands, hidden coves or quiet villages, Cornwall’s network of walking routes invites you to move, breathe, and connect with this wild, soulful landscape.

No heavy pack or months off needed — just sturdy boots, a sense of adventure, and the willingness to follow your own path.

So lace up, and step out this summer.