With the Lizard coastal walk, you’ll discover the wild coast of South Cornwall, the beautiful Kynance Cove and the unassuming Lizard Point, the southernmost point in Great Britain. Throughout the walk, you’ll enjoy splendid views of the stunning coves and rugged cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula. You may even spot the coastal wildlife, from seals to seabirds and even dolphins.
The walk along the Lizard Peninsula starts at Kynance Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall, and follows the South West coastal path to Lizard Point and Bass Point. The circular walk then takes you inland along lovely country paths to the town of Lizard and back to Kynance Cove. The Lizard peninsula walk is easy to follow, just keep an eye out for the National Trust signposts.
Location: Lizard Point, Cornwall
Walk difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 3 to 3 ½ hours
Distance: 7 miles (11.2 km)
From Kynance Cove to Lizard Point
The Lizard coastal walk starts from the National Trust car park at Kynance Cove. You can also start the walk in the town of Lizard which offers ample parking (free at the time of writing). Kynance Cove is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall. As you walk down the steep steps to the beach, you can only marvel at the pearly white sand, turquoise water, delightful rock formations, sharp cliffs and hidden caves. Kynance Cove is well known in Cornwall and usually quite busy.
Kynance CoveTop tip: To enjoy Kynance Cove to the fullest, explore the beautiful cove and hidden caves at low tide.
From Kynance Cove, the walk leads you along the South West coastal path. As you walk over the top of the heather-clad hills and dramatic cliffs, you can enjoy splendid views of the coast stretching for miles. In my opinion, the walk along the peninsula from Kynance Cove to Lizard Point is the best part of the walk. The coast is rugged, wild and beautiful, and packed with white sand beaches and stunning coves.
The South West Coastal pathThe Lizard peninsula walk then reaches Lizard Point, the southernmost tip in Great Britain. You can’t miss the famous point; it’s swarming with tourists and refreshing cafés. After the peaceful escape along the coastal path, Lizard Point seems overcrowded and full of noise.
From Lizard Point to Bass Point and Lizard town
From Lizard Point to Bass Point, the landscape changes. Gone are the white sand beaches. The cliffs are taller, the sea is wilder and the coast is even more dramatic. If you’re lucky, you can also catch a glimpse of the Cornish wildlife, from seals resting on the rocks to sea birds flying over the cliffs and dolphins swimming in the turquoise water.
From the South West coastal path, you can spot ships and boats crossing the English Channel. While walking towards Bass Point, you can’t miss Lloyd’s Signal Station, a white castle-like building. As its name indicates, the station once communicated with boats crossing the English Channel. At Bass Point, the Lizard coastal walk then leads you inland to the town of Lizard.
The rugged Cornish cliffsTop tip: From Bass Point, continue along the coastal path to Church Cove, a charming cove filled with quaint cottages. From there, rejoin the town of Lizard.
The walk to Lizard takes you along country lanes and rural roads. Lizard is an unassuming town. It is mainly a tourist hub with cafés and shops and is not worth a lengthy stopover. From Lizard, the walk takes you back to Kynance Cove along another quiet country lane surrounded by tall shrubs and green fields.
To view the walk itinerary, please visit nationaltrust.org.uk.
The Lizard coastal walk details
Location: Lizard Point, Cornwall
Walk difficulty: Intermediate
Time: Approximately 3 to 3 ½ hours with regular stops
Distance: 7 miles (11.2 km)
Ascent: Somewhat steep
Itinerary: The Lizard coastal walk
Trail condition: Very good
Accessibility: Not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or bikes.
Parking: Kynance Cove National Trust car park (TR12 7PJ)
Facilities: Toilets, shops and pubs in Kynance Cove, Lizard Point and Lizard
Note: Please be careful on the cliff tops.
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