Running in Hayle, a town seven miles northeast of Penzance at the mouth of the Hayle River, offers some real pleasures: some of the nicest beach running in Cornwall, and several km of trails along the river estuary.
Beach Run. Hayle Beach is one of the best beaches for running in Cornwall. Wide and sandy, with generally firm sand conditions. Run up to 3.5 miles northeast on the beach along St. Ives Bay, as far as the Godvrey National Trust trails. Views of the water and big sand dunes.
Tony Atkin / The Hayle Estuary / CC BY-SA 2.0
Hayle Estuary Trails. There’s 3-4 miles of trails around the Hayle River river/estuary. From Hayle train station, run on flat, wide paths along Carnsew Pool and Cooperhouse Pool.
Godrevy National Trust. At the far end of St. Ives Bay, there are some wonderful running options with something for all abilities. In addition to the beaches, there are trails along headlands, and over coastal grasslands and heathland. This site has information on the various trail options. For a great, and moderately challenging trail run, do the 5-mile Godrevy to Hell’s Mouth coastal walk.
Running in Hayle, a town seven miles northeast of Penzance at the mouth of the Hayle River, offers some real pleasures: some of the nicest beach running in Cornwall, and several km of trails along the river estuary.
Beach Run. Hayle Beach is one of the best beaches for running in Cornwall. Wide and sandy, with generally firm sand conditions. Run up to 3.5 miles northeast on the beach along St. Ives Bay, as far as the Godvrey National Trust trails. Views of the water and big sand dunes.
Tony Atkin / The Hayle Estuary / CC BY-SA 2.0
Hayle Estuary Trails. There’s 3-4 miles of trails around the Hayle River river/estuary. From Hayle train station, run on flat, wide paths along Carnsew Pool and Cooperhouse Pool.
Godrevy National Trust. At the far end of St. Ives Bay, there are some wonderful running options with something for all abilities. In addition to the beaches, there are trails along headlands, and over coastal grasslands and heathland. This site has information on the various trail options. For a great, and moderately challenging trail run, do the 5-mile Godrevy to Hell’s Mouth coastal walk.
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Essentials
Estuary: 3-4 miles (5-6 km) Beach: up to 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Generally flat!
For beach run: numerous access options/car parks; for estuary trails, good access near the train station
Numerous car parks and beach acccess area; Hayle is served by train
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.
Fantastic running options in the area of this north Cornwall town. Several easier paths out to gorgeous headlands, two long, runnable beaches, routes in National Trust properties, and trail running on sections of S W Coast Path.
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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Essentials
Estuary: 3-4 miles (5-6 km) Beach: up to 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Generally flat!
For beach run: numerous access options/car parks; for estuary trails, good access near the train station
Numerous car parks and beach acccess area; Hayle is served by train
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!