The Best Winter Walks Near Falmouth
We’d love to share some of our favourite Winter walks with you – perfect for those crisp mornings when the sun is shining and you pull on your boots to step out and take in the fresh air!
Especially when the wind is light and the sea is calm, we can get some simply stunning views here in Cornwall during the Winter. For the early birds who can be persuaded to leave their cosy beds and head out at dawn, there are often beautiful sunrises over the sea at this time of year too.
We know that different occasions call for different types of walk, depending on what else you’ve got planned for your day. Here are some suggestions to start you off…
A Walk That Won’t Be Too Muddy!
If you’re looking for time immersed in nature but would rather stay a little more smartly dressed, then Trebah Garden is a perfect place for a winter walk. The gardens are extensive and beautifully established, with plants and trees collected from all over the world. You can walk for an hour or so around the well-made paths (many of them paved, others gravel) which are also wide and suitable for prams and wheelchair users (although some are steep).
With the visitor centre, cafe and shop at the top of the valley, it is a stunning walk down to Trebah’s private beach – a gorgeous little cove which is sheltered from any wild winds and big swells because it’s on the Helford River rather than facing out to the open sea.
Trebah often has art exhibitions in their gallery space as well, so it’s a wonderful destination for an outing where you can be out in the fresh air but with the comforts of shelter and facilities close by. Trebah is dog-friendly but asks that you keep them on leads.
Rural Coast Path and Sandy Beaches
At the other end of the spectrum, there are many rustic walks nearby where you can head out on the coast path and quickly feel as though civilisation is miles away! If you park at Maenporth Beach and take the coast path West towards Rosemullion Head you are almost immediately on a more rural route with steep climbs, wooded cliffs, beaches to stumble across and wide open views across the sea. You’ll be mainly walking across field paths and unpaved trails with tree roots and puddles very possible in the Winter months! It’s a perfect place for letting dogs off the lead and embracing the elements.
Depending on how far you’d like to go, there are multiple loops around Rosemullion Head, or for an epic walk, keep going until you reach the Ferryboat Inn on the Helford River for a pint, a coffee, some hot chocolate, or perhaps lunch! (Just check ahead for their weekday opening times).
For those choosing a more leisurely walking distance with a cup of coffee in hand, the beach cafe at Maenporth is a lovely spot to collect a takeaway treat, or sit at their outdoor tables to enjoy the views. Maenporth has a free carpark from November-March, and the beach is dog friendly during this time too.
An Easy, Level Walk With Sea Views
If mobility is a consideration then a flat level walk on paved surfaces is highly recommended at Falmouth seafront. Much of Cornwall is very hilly, so a flat walk can often be very welcome, especially if you’ve had a busy few days exploring!
The carpark at Gyllyngvase Beach is free from November, and starting from there you can walk on a very gentle incline up to the ‘promenade’ wide pavement which runs to Castle Beach and up towards Pendennis Point. All along this route, there are clear open views across the stunning Falmouth Bay, and most of the route is lined with grasses and feature planting.
We also recommend taking a loop around the small but perfectly formed Queen Mary Gardens at Gyllyngvase, just opposite the carpark and beautifully maintained year-round.
Picturesque Woodland Walks
For a walk in the woods (often a good idea if the coast is feeling a little blustery on a windy day) the route at Trelissick National Trust is a beautiful one. Park in the large main carpark (free if you are a National Trust member) and from there you can follow signage for Roundwood Quay. There are several maps available on board at the site, but you can also read detailed instructions here.
The walk takes you through open parkland, past the river beach at the bottom of the valley, and along a long gravel path through quiet creekside woods. Behind Roundwood Quay itself is the site of an Iron Age fort, the only sign that this was once a busy and bustling destination for trade! Now a haven for wildlife, look out for birds in this peaceful spot.
Walks to See The Sunrise
On a bright winter’s morning, our South-East facing spots are perfect for watching the sun rise over the water, and few places are more spectacular than Pendennis Point. For a gentle mooch in the fresh air to take in the views, you can park for free at the point and explore the ‘Little Dennis’ castle and the small coves around the headland.
If you’re looking for a longer walk, there are several paths wrapping around the headland, including woodland trails and a circular footpath through the old moat of Pendennis Castle. Take in the views and soak up some history at the same time…
For a spot of breakfast after your sunrise walk, there are several wonderful brunch places in Falmouth, some of which are included in our guide here! We can also recommend Espressini, Dark Pony Coffee and Stones Bakery for sit-down breakfasts, or head to Dough & Dowr for a delicious takeaway bagel on Gyllyngvase Beach!
For any more recommendations or guidance for particular types of walk, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we pride ourselves on being a small family business with plenty of local knowledge and we are so happy to share this with our guests! Get in touch on 01326 375972 or email martin@creeksidecottages.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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