Step Into Autumn: Walking Adventures
As autumn arrives in South West Cornwall, the landscape transforms into something truly magical. The summer crowds drift away, the sea air is sharper and fresher, and there is the opportunity to slow down a little and notice the change in the season.
Coastal drama on the South West Coast Path
From Porthleven, the South West Coast Path unfolds in both directions, offering routes as gentle or as challenging as you like. Head west towards Rinsey and Praa Sands for rugged cliffs, historic engine houses, and sweeping views across Mount’s Bay. To the east lies Loe Bar and the tranquil waters of Loe Pool — Cornwall’s largest natural lake. The shingle bank here is dramatic in autumn, with crashing waves on one side and calm stillness on the other. Please don’t let your dogs (or yourself) in the water due to unpredictable currents in the sea.
Dog tip: Loe Bar is a favourite with dog walkers. Follow the circular route around the pool through Penrose Estate’s woodlands — the crunchy leaves underfoot and glimpses of migrating birds make it a seasonal delight.
1. Hidden Gem: The Penrose Estate
Porthleven to Loe Bar & Penrose Estate
- Distance: 4 miles return (extendable around Loe Pool)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate – flat paths and woodland trails
- Highlights: Shingle bar with sea on one side, lake on the other; autumn woodland colours; migratory birds
- Dog-friendly: Yes, very popular with dog walkers. Shingle can be tough on paws, but woodland trails are perfect.
Just a short walk from Porthleven, the National Trust’s Penrose Estate is a haven of woodland and parkland trails. In autumn, the trees blaze with colour, and the paths are quiet and peaceful. Families, couples, and dog walkers alike will find plenty of space to roam here. A favourite route is from Porthleven to Helston along the lakeside path — gentle, flat, and rich in wildlife.
From here you can walk all the way to Helston. You will arrive at the ‘boating lake’. A tranquil spot with beautiful autumn colour. Stop at the Lakeside Café for a bit to eat before heading back.
2. Dramatic clifftop scenery at Rinsey
Rinsey Cliffs & Wheal Prosper
- Distance: 6 miles circular
- Difficulty: Moderate – some steep paths and uneven terrain
- Highlights: Historic engine house, sweeping sea views, spectacular autumn sunsets
- Dog-friendly: Yes, but keep dogs close to cliff edges.
Rinsey is often overlooked by visitors rushing to more famous spots, but those who discover it are rewarded with one of Cornwall’s most atmospheric walks. The old Wheal Prosper engine house stands sentinel over the cliffs, while the view westwards captures the full sweep of Mount’s Bay. Autumn evenings here are unforgettable. Make your way down to the beach at low tide which is sheltered and surrounded by cliffs.
Dog tip: Rinsey is dog-friendly year-round, and the cliff-top paths make for exhilarating walks with spectacular views.
3. The Lizard’s wild beauty
Kynance Cove to Lizard Point –
- Distance: 5 miles circular
- Difficulty: Moderate – undulating coast path
- Highlights: World-famous turquoise waters at Kynance, Britain’s most southerly point, dramatic autumn seas
- Dog-friendly: Yes, restrictions lift in autumn so dogs are free to enjoy the beach.
A little further afield, the Lizard Peninsula is a walker’s paradise in autumn. The coast here feels raw and untamed, with wildflowers lingering into October and the sea turning a deep, dramatic blue. Kynance Cove is world-famous, but explore beyond to places like Mullion Cove or Cadgwith for quieter trails.
Dog tip: Many of the Lizard’s coves and beaches are dog-friendly in autumn once the summer restrictions lift, giving your pup plenty of space to play.
4. Rugged and remote coastline
Mousehole to Lamorna Cove
- Distance: 5 miles return
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging – narrow, rocky paths with climbs
- Highlights: Quaint harbour at Mousehole, wild coastal scenery, Lamorna Cove café for a warming treat
- Dog-friendly: Yes, adventurous dogs will love it, but the path is rugged so not suitable for all.
One of the most enchanting stretches of the South West Coast Path lies further west, between the picture-perfect harbour village of Mousehole and the secluded beauty of Lamorna Cove. The trail is a tapestry of rugged granite cliffs, narrow paths through heather and gorse, and sudden glimpses of turquoise sea.
Arriving at Lamorna feels like stepping into a hidden valley. The little cove is framed by dramatic cliffs, and there’s a welcoming Lamorna Café where walkers can warm up with a coffee and cake — perfect after a blustery autumn trek.
Dog tip: The trail is steep and uneven in places but a wonderful adventure for sure-footed dogs. They’ll love exploring the woodland sections and splashing in the shallows at Lamorna.
5. Ancient Footsteps: Lanyon Quoit & Men-an-Tol
Lanyon Quoit & Men-an-Tol (Ancient Cornwall Walk)
- Distance: 2–3 miles depending on route
- Difficulty: Easy – open moorland walking
- Highlights: Bronze Age monuments, mystical atmosphere, panoramic countryside views
- Dog-friendly: Yes, but keep on leads around livestock.
Walking in Cornwall isn’t just about the coast — the inland moors hold some of the most atmospheric sites in the county. A short drive from Porthleven takes you towards Morvah and Madron, where Bronze Age monuments stand amid windswept heathland.
- Lanyon Quoit: A striking dolmen, like a giant stone table, silhouetted against the sky.
- Men-an-Tol: Famous for its circular holed stone, said to have healing and protective powers in Cornish folklore.
In autumn, with golden grasses, misty mornings, and far-reaching views, these sites feel especially mystical. Walking between them is like stepping back thousands of years into Cornwall’s ancient story.
Dog tip: The moorland paths are wide and open — ideal for energetic dogs. Just keep them close if livestock are grazing nearby.
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