There’s fantastic running in Newquay, a town on the north coast of Cornwall, known for its beaches, surfing, and gorgeous headlands. The must-do run is the route above Newquay Bay out to Towan & Pentire headlands. Also in the area are great beaches for running and more extensive options in several National Trust properties and sections of S W Coast Path.
Perranporth Beach. Max Pixel
Newquay to Pentire Headland. A fantastic and fairly easy run with several elements. Start next to the Newquay Train Station and and run west along the paved S W Coast path above Newquay Bay. Cut through Killacourt Park to the marina, and take Headland Rd. to the flat, easy path that leads out to TowanHeadland. Retrace your steps, and continue west along the S W Coast Path to Fistal Beach. Here, you can run for ~0.5 miles along the beach (good beach for running!), or above it on the S W Coast Path. At the western end, join the waterfont Esplanade Rd., enjoying great water views for 0.7 miles, and then the flat, easy path for 0.5 miles out to Pentire Headland.
Beach Running. Perranporth Beach, located 9 miles south of Newquay is one of the best beaches for running in Cornwall. This wide, flat, golden sand beach features firm sand for running at nearly all times. There are scenic dunes as you run along this nearly 2-mile long beach. Whipsiderry Beach, just north of Newquay is also great for running. ~2 miles.
Towan Head. CC: Nilfanion
Headlands. There are several headlands on the North Coast that are great for running. In addition to being sections of S W Coast Path (varying levels of difficulty), there are National Trust properties that feature ‘walks’ that are great for running.
Towan Headland & Pentire Headland. See the above Newquay Run. Additional sections of S W Coast Path.
Porthcolan Beach to Park Head. Easier section of S W Coast Path. 1.3 miles one-way, with spectacular views. Porthcolan Beach is 8 miles north of Newquay.
Trevose Head. Located 14 miles north of Newquay and one of the most prominent headlands on the north coast. National Trust information on headland & walks.
St. Agnes Head. Located 13 miles south of Newquay. Some easier National Trust walks that are good for running, featuring coastline, headland, & interior heathland. Walk Information. Also sections of S W Coast Path. The walk 3.6 mile walk from Perranporth to St Agnes is generally flat, with one steep climb.
Additional S W Coast Path Options. See this link for extensive trail running options on the S W Coast path, both north and south of Newquay. Ranges from easy to challenging. Excellent information, maps, and directions.
There’s fantastic running in Newquay, a town on the north coast of Cornwall, known for its beaches, surfing, and gorgeous headlands. The must-do run is the route above Newquay Bay out to Towan & Pentire headlands. Also in the area are great beaches for running and more extensive options in several National Trust properties and sections of S W Coast Path.
Perranporth Beach. Max Pixel
Newquay to Pentire Headland. A fantastic and fairly easy run with several elements. Start next to the Newquay Train Station and and run west along the paved S W Coast path above Newquay Bay. Cut through Killacourt Park to the marina, and take Headland Rd. to the flat, easy path that leads out to TowanHeadland. Retrace your steps, and continue west along the S W Coast Path to Fistal Beach. Here, you can run for ~0.5 miles along the beach (good beach for running!), or above it on the S W Coast Path. At the western end, join the waterfont Esplanade Rd., enjoying great water views for 0.7 miles, and then the flat, easy path for 0.5 miles out to Pentire Headland.
Beach Running. Perranporth Beach, located 9 miles south of Newquay is one of the best beaches for running in Cornwall. This wide, flat, golden sand beach features firm sand for running at nearly all times. There are scenic dunes as you run along this nearly 2-mile long beach. Whipsiderry Beach, just north of Newquay is also great for running. ~2 miles.
Towan Head. CC: Nilfanion
Headlands. There are several headlands on the North Coast that are great for running. In addition to being sections of S W Coast Path (varying levels of difficulty), there are National Trust properties that feature ‘walks’ that are great for running.
Towan Headland & Pentire Headland. See the above Newquay Run. Additional sections of S W Coast Path.
Porthcolan Beach to Park Head. Easier section of S W Coast Path. 1.3 miles one-way, with spectacular views. Porthcolan Beach is 8 miles north of Newquay.
Trevose Head. Located 14 miles north of Newquay and one of the most prominent headlands on the north coast. National Trust information on headland & walks.
St. Agnes Head. Located 13 miles south of Newquay. Some easier National Trust walks that are good for running, featuring coastline, headland, & interior heathland. Walk Information. Also sections of S W Coast Path. The walk 3.6 mile walk from Perranporth to St Agnes is generally flat, with one steep climb.
Additional S W Coast Path Options. See this link for extensive trail running options on the S W Coast path, both north and south of Newquay. Ranges from easy to challenging. Excellent information, maps, and directions.
A true destination run and one of the most scenic in Cornwall. Landscaped gardens, open parkland woodland paths, gorgeous sections of S W Coast Path in this 865-acre historic coast park only a 7-minute ferry from Plymouth. Something for all!
A pleasant run in this port town at the mouth of the River Fowey is along the water to St Catherine's Castle, and then the paved wooded path inland for another 1 mile. More rugged options continuing on the S W Coast Path.
Truro is Cornwall's only city, known for its spectacular cathedral. The best place to run is along the Truro River to Malpas. In the center, see some of the sites while running up to Victoria Gardens. A run combining both these options is 5.8 miles.
A lovely run in the port town of Falmouth, including a nice section along the harbour, and a loop around Pendennis Head, including the landmark hilltop Pendennis Castle.
In Porthleven, there's a nice run along the harbour and waterfront, including an easier section of S W Coast Path. At the east end, it connects to the Penrose National Trust, which has wonderful trails combining woodland tracks, coastline and open parkland.
There's several miles of continuous, scenic waterfront running in Penzance. Head east for 3.5 miles to St. Michael's Mount, a medieval castle reached via a dramatic causeway. Or, run west for 4 miles along the water to Newlyn and Mousehole.
We've put together an easier 4-mile loop in Land's End -- the most westerly point of mainland England and the most visited outdoor spot in Cornwall. Smooth, gravelly paths with huge cliff and seascape views. Options for longer & challenge.
The best run in this coastal town known for its beaches and art scene is on waterfront paths to Carbis Bay. Includes The Island, Wharf Promenade, and path above the rail line with great views of St. Ives Bay. Beaches in are short but great for running.
Some great running options in the Hayle area: 3-4 miles of trails around the Hayle River estuary; fabulous beach running; and Godrevy National Trust trails, which include headland, heathland, and grassland.
One of the best options in north Cornwall for a long, easy, off-road run. The multi-use trail runs along a former rail line for ~17 miles from Padstow to Wenford Bridge. The first 6 miles from Padstow to Wadebridge, along the Camel Estuary, are especially scenic.
Combine an easy section of S W Coast Path north to Northcott Mouth Beach and south on a cycle path along the Bude Cana for a 10k run! Nice mix of terrain and scenery in Bude, a seaside town in the northeast corner of Cornwall.
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