A varied circular route from St Ives harbour via Porthminster, Carbis Bay viewpoints and Porthmeor.
This four-mile walk begins at the harbour and follows the coast towards Porthminster before climbing above the railway. The route turns inland around the Belyars and returns through St Ives towards Porthmeor and the artists’ quarter. It combines sea views, town history and quieter lanes without committing to a long point-to-point walk.
Route directions
- Begin at St Ives harbour beside the lifeboat house and follow the path towards Porthminster Beach with the sea on your left.
- Pass Porthminster, climb the path, cross the railway at the designated crossing and emerge onto Hain Walk.
- Continue along Hain Walk past the historic Baulking House, once used to watch for pilchard shoals.
- After roughly half a mile, while descending towards Carbis Bay, take the right-hand fork uphill through the kissing gate.
- Continue to the main St Ives Road, turn right towards town for about 200 yards and reach The Cornish Arms.
- Cross carefully and take Higher Tregenna Road beside the pub, rather than the narrower Steeple Lane immediately to its left.
- Climb towards St Ives School with Knill’s Monument visible to the left, then continue through the gates and down the lane beside the golf course.
- At the T-junction turn right, then quickly left up Trenwith Lane towards the Belyars Bowling Green.
- Follow the winding country lane for around half a mile, pass the houses and continue past the veterinary surgery towards the main road.
- Use the pedestrian crossing, turn right downhill and then left following signs for Porthmeor Beach car parks and Tate St Ives.
- Follow the zig-zagging road down Porthmeor Hill, continue beside the beach and pass Tate St Ives.
- Follow the road away from the beach, turn left near the tea room and pass Porthmeor Studios and the School of Painting.
- Turn right into Norway Square and descend through the lanes to the harbour, completing the four-mile circular walk.
Highlights
- Starts and finishes at St Ives harbour
- Views towards Porthminster and Carbis Bay
- Passes Porthmeor and the artists’ quarter
Plan your visit
Allow time for steep streets and railway crossings, and use an up-to-date route map.
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 Circular Walk East from St Ives
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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