Walk beside beach and dunes from Hayle towards the famous Godrevy Lighthouse, with sweeping views across St Ives Bay.
This magnificent eight-mile walk follows Hayle Beach, the towans and low cliffs towards Godrevy Point. Godrevy Lighthouse stands on its rocky island throughout much of the route and was made famous by Virginia Woolf’s novel To the Lighthouse. Seasonal cafés near Hayle and Godrevy provide convenient places to begin, finish or pause.
Route directions
- Begin near the Cove Café on Hayle Beach and head north with the sea on your left. The walk can initially follow either the beach or paths through the dunes.
- In the towans, follow the wooden posts marked with yellow coast-path arrows. Several well-used paths run closer to the shore and rejoin the official route.
- Pass Beachside Holiday Park, a second holiday park and the Shore Surf School on your right while continuing through the dunes.
- Where the beach begins to narrow, consider returning to the marked coast path. North of this point the sand can be completely covered around high tide and low cliffs make it harder to leave the beach.
- Follow the posts through the back of the dunes and continue along the top of the low cliffs until reaching Gwithian Towans car park.
- Cross the cliff-top car park as the route descends towards the next beach, backed by dunes, small ponds, shingle and pebbles.
- Continue along the upper part of the beach rather than following the inland road route shown on some older maps.
- At the stream near the northern end of the beach, turn right before the water and follow its bank to the footbridge. Cross, turn left and climb the track to the National Trust car park and café.
- Turn left through the car park and follow the quiet access road back towards the cliff top, with views across Godrevy Cove and St Ives Bay.
- Where the road bends right at the southern edge of the cove, continue straight ahead on the coast path around Godrevy Point.
- Finish with views of Godrevy Island and its lighthouse just offshore. Allow time to explore the headland and watch for seals and seabirds.
Highlights
- Panoramic views across St Ives Bay
- Godrevy Lighthouse and coastal wildlife
- Beach cafés near the route
Plan your visit
Check the tide before setting out and move to the official coast path where the beach narrows at high water.
Good to know
Prepare for the coast path
Distances alone do not show how demanding a coastal route can be. Allow for steep climbs, uneven surfaces and exposed weather. Take water, suitable footwear and layers, and check tides where the route uses beaches. Plan return transport before starting a point-to-point walk.
- Carry water and weatherproof layers
- Use an up-to-date route map
- Arrange return transport in advance
Make a day of it
Explore more around Hayle to Godrevy Walk
Pair this visit with another nearby beach, walk or attraction, then return to the comfort of your self-catering property in Hayle. The related guides below are a good place to continue planning.
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