Morwenstow Circular Walk

While the Morwenstow Circular Walk is a fairly easy-going adventure, the route does feature some rugged terrain, as well as steep drop offs along the coast. Be sure to wear proper walking footwear and keep an eye on children and dogs along the cliffs. Additionally, parking at the trailhead is limited, so try to arrive early to secure a parking space and enjoy some solitude along the trail.

Even though it is a relatively short route, the Morwenstow Circular Walk is a beautifully scenic adventure that shouldn’t be missed. Stunning coastal scenery and historic buildings await on this exceptional adventure in Cornwall that is suitable for the entire family.

Setting out from the car park, make your way through the trees to the north in order to pick up the footpath, keeping straight along it for 0.1mi to pass by the church of St Morwenna and St John the Baptist. Following the path downhill, you will enter back into the tree cover and quickly arrive at a junction in the trail. Take the trail on the left to continue walking through the forest along a small stream that will lead you west towards the coast.

Once again you will exit the cover of the trees and arrive at a junction along the coast, at which point you will turn left and traverse a series of stairs. Keep right along the coastal path for the next 0.5mi, as you enjoy the stunning views looking out onto the deep blue expanse of the Cornish Sea and the secluded coves below the cliffs. After passing by Hawker’s Hut and heading further downhill, you will arrive at a junction with a trail branching off to the east.

Turn left here and follow the trail as it climbs uphill through the Tidna Valley over the next 0.7mi, passing through a stretch of woodland terrain before breaking off to the north across an open field. Here, you will make your way around the left side of The Bush Inn to meet up with the road, following it to the left in order to make your way back to the car park where you began your adventure along the Morwenstow Circular Walk.

Trail Highlights

Hawker’s Hut

Located along the Cornish COast near Morwenstow, Hawker’s Hut is a wooden seaside structure that was constructed by Robert Stephen Hawker (1803-1875), who was a clergyman and poet. Partially built into the surrounding hillside, the hut was used by Hawker to write poetry and smoke opium.