5 Best Circular Pub Walks in Cornwall: Coastal Hikes & Historic Inns

There is something about a Cornish coastal path that demands a celebratory pint at the finish line. Over decades of exploring these cliffs for the Western Morning News and Western Daily Press, I’ve found that the best days out are almost always 'circular'—getting you back to the car without a logistics headache—and invariably involve some kind of watering hole, in my case preferably an historic inn. In this collection, I’ve rounded up five of my favourite loops that capture the spirit of Cornwall, from the sheltered creeks of the Helford to the rugged mysticism of West Penwith.

Best Circular Pub Walks in Cornwall

1. The Classic Fowey & Hall Walk Loop

Distance: 4 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Terrain: Woodland paths, creek shores & two ferry crossings

The Pub: The Lugger Inn (Polruan) or The King of Prussia (Fowey)

A contender for the absolute best short walk in the West Country. This legendary four-mile circuit includes two scenic ferry rides across the estuary, deep ancient woodlands, sweeping views down Pont Pill, and a dramatic glimpse of Lantic Bay.

• The Route: From Fowey town across to Bodinnick on the ferry, along the historic Hall Walk track above Pont Pill, down into Polruan, and back across the harbour to Fowey.

• The Pub: Enjoy a well-earned pint at The Lugger Inn right on the quay at Polruan before catching the ferry home.

2. The Mawnan Smith & Helford Peninsula

Distance: 4.5 Miles | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Terrain: Sheltered coastal path, subtropical gardens & wooded coves

The Pub: The Red Lion (Mawnan Smith) or The Ferry Boat Inn (Helford Passage)

This "lasso-shaped" loop explores the tranquil, almost Mediterranean coastline where the Helford River meets Falmouth Bay. It passes the historic WWII embarkation point at Polgwidden Cove and skirts the edges of Glendurgan and Trebah gardens.

• The Route: Starting at Mawnan Church, rounding the headland at Rosemullion Head, following the creek edge, and looping inland via quiet lanes.

• The Pub: Stop for a waterside drink at The Ferry Boat Inn or head up the hill for a proper pub meal at The Red Lion in Mawnan Smith.

• The Route: Starting at Mawnan Church, rounding Rosemullion Head, and skirting the edge of Glendurgan Gardens.

• The Pub: A well-earned roast at The Red Lion in Mawnan Smith or a waterside drink at the Ferry Boat Inn.

• Read the full guide

3. The Flushing & Mylor Creek Circuit

Distance: 4 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | Terrain: Flat estuary paths, tidal creeks & historic boatyards

The Pub: The Royal Standard (Flushing) or The Pandora Inn (Restronguet)

A wonderful "watery" walk offering panoramic views across Falmouth Docks and the Carrick Roads without the heavy climbing of the open outer coast path.

• The Route: Sets off from the historic 18th-century packet-ship village of Flushing, rounding Trefusis Point to Mylor Marina, before returning over the gently rolling fields.

• The Pub: Settle in at The Royal Standard in Flushing, or extend your stroll up the creek to the famous 13th-century Pandora Inn with its floating drinking pontoon.

4. Lamorna Cove & The Merry Maidens

Distance: 5 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous | Terrain: Granite cliff paths, ancient trackways & granite moorland

The Pub: The Lamorna Wink or The Logan Rock Inn (Treen)

Step into the "Deep West" of Penwith. This walk blends the romantic, boulder-strewn coastline of Lamorna Cove—famous for its early 20th-century impressionist artists' colony—with the eerie, mystical atmosphere of the 4,000-year-old Merry Maidens stone circle inland.

• The Route: Clamber out of Lamorna Cove onto Rosemodress Cliffs, before turning inland across ancient granite field boundaries to the stone circle, returning via the wooded valley.

• The Pub: Steep yourself in local lore at The Lamorna Wink (named after a wink given to smugglers) or take a short detour to The Logan Rock Inn at Treen.

5. The Lansallos "Secret" Coastal Loop

Distance: 3.5 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Terrain: Ancient packhorse trails, hidden coves & open farmland

The Pub: The Blue Peter Inn (Polperro)

If you want to escape the summer crowds of nearby Polperro, this hidden gem offers what the National Trust calls "one of the most beautiful approaches to the coast in Cornwall."

• The Route: From Lansallos church down a sunken medieval packhorse trail to the secluded beach at Lansallos Cove, east along the cliffs to East Coombe, and back across field paths.

• The Pub: Lansallos village is delightfully unspoilt and pub-free, making it the perfect precursor to a scenic 10-minute drive into Polperro for a pint at the waterside Blue Peter Inn.

• Read the full guide

Why These Walks?

Each of these routes has been hand-selected because they offer the "Holy Trinity" of Cornish hiking: a circular route, coastal views, and a historic pub nearby. Whether you are looking for the rugged cliffs of the north or the wooded creeks of the south, these 5 walks represent the very best of Martin Hesp’s "Hikometer" ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cornish Pub Walks