Follow the coast towards Zennor before looping inland, with an optional extension around the Island.
Starting near Porthmeor, this shorter circular walk follows the coast path past Clodgy Point before turning inland at Hellesveor Cliffs. Lanes lead back towards St Ives, where walkers can extend the route around the Island and Porthgwidden. It provides a manageable taste of the wilder coast west of town while returning to the same starting point.
Route directions
- Start at Porthmeor Beach car park and join the coast path past the bowling green, initially keeping the sea on your right.
- Pass through the kissing gate at Clodgy Point and continue beyond Man’s Head, following the yellow waymarks uphill beside the stone wall.
- Remain on the upper official coast path and ignore the lower paths nearer the cliffs.
- After approximately one mile, reach Hor Point and Hellesveor Cliffs, identified by a National Trust sign.
- Turn left up the track away from the sea. After about 300 yards, cross the stile marked by a black-and-white post and follow the path back towards St Ives.
- The path becomes Burthallan Lane. Continue past the Garrack Hotel to the junction with Alexandra Road.
- Turn left and follow the road as it zig-zags down Porthmeor Hill to the beach car park, completing the main three-mile circuit.
- For the optional one-mile Island extension, continue past Tate St Ives and follow the road away from the beach towards Porthmeor Studios and the School of Painting.
- Near Fish Pye Pottery, turn left into Porthmeor Road, follow the bend and take the vehicular access towards the beach.
- Before reaching the sand, climb the path onto the Island and circle it with St Nicholas Chapel on your right and the sea on your left.
- Pass the National Coastwatch lookout and take the left-hand path down the steps towards Porthgwidden Beach.
- Follow the walkway past the beach huts and café, climb the steps around the car park and follow the decorative lamp posts towards St Ives Museum.
- From the museum, briefly turn left before taking the second right into Back Road East and follow it back to Porthmeor car park.
Highlights
- Clodgy Point and Atlantic views
- Optional circuit around the Island
- Convenient circular route from Porthmeor
Plan your visit
The coast is exposed even on a short walk; check conditions and keep to marked paths.
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 West 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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