Penzance Walks - Near and Around
This Cornish fishing port has some lovely coastal trails, countryside paths, a local reservoir, nearby parks and two scenic gardens to visit. It's also the place where you can catch the boat over to the Isles of Scilly where you can try the splendid St Mary's Coast Path.
This circular walk from the town takes you along the coast before visiting some of the inland local highlights at Drift Reservoir, Trewidden Gardens, Trengwainton Gardens and the neighbouring village of Newlyn.
The walk starts next to the Albert Pier where you can pick up the South West Coast Path and follow the waymarked footpath along the harbour and the docks towards Chimney Rocks. You continue south west to the promenade at Wherrytown, passing the coastal Bolitho Gardens before coming to Newlyn. The pretty village includes another nice harbour, a noteworthy art gallery and the Newlyn Coombe River.
The route then heads inland to visit Drift reservoir where there's some lovely views across the water to the surrounding Cornish countryside. On the eastern side of the water there's the scenic Trewidden Gardens where there's some lovely trees, flowers and ponds to see.
After exploring the gardens you head north towards Tremethick Cross and Boswednen where you can visit the Trengwainton Gardens. Here you'll find woodland trails, walled gardens, tranquil ponds and excellent views over the area from the elevated position of the site.
From the gardens you head past the Boscathnoe Reservoir before descending back into the town.
To continue your walking from the town pick up the St Michaels Way and head east to visit St Michael's Mount.
Penzance Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Penzance Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Penzance OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Penzance Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Penzance
- Drift Reservoir - This reservoir near Penzance and Newlyn has a nice footpath to follow along the western side of the water
- Penzance to Mousehole - This walk follows a section of the South West Coast Path from Penzance to Mousehole via Newlyn.
- Penzance to St Ives - This popular walk takes you between two major towns on the beautiful Cornish coast.
- Trengwainton Gardens - Enjoy a peaceful stroll around these delightful National Trust owned gardens near Penzance. Well laid out footpaths take you to a series of beautiful walled gardens, tranquil ponds and lawns. Other features include a wonderful collection of magnolias and rhododendrons, woodland trails, pretty streams and a kitchen garden. There are also splendid views of the surrounding farmland and towards the coast with Mount's Bay and The Lizard visible on a clear day.
- St Michaels Way - This fabulous walk runs from Lelant on the north coast of Cornwall to Marazion and the iconic St Michael's mount on the south coast
- St Mary's Coast Path - Isles of Scilly - Follow the beautiful coast path around St Mary's - the largest of the Isles of Scilly
- Mousehole to Lamorna Walk - This walk takes you along a section of the South West Coast Path from the village of Mousehole to the picturesque Lamorna Cove
- Porthcurno to Lands End - Follow the South West Coast Path from the village of Porthcurno to Land's End, the most westerly point of England
- Godolphin Estate - Enjoy a short walk around the estate surrounding this Grade 1 listed Tudor/Stuart mansion near Helston in Cornwall
- Penzance to Marazion Coastal Path Walk - This walk takes you along the coast path from Penzance to Marazion
- Helston - This attractive Cornish town is close to the coast and a wonderful National Trust Estate with a large lake
- Loe Bar - This circular walk explores the beautiful Loe Bar and Loe Pool, near Helston, in Cornwall
- Cape Cornwall - This stunning coastal walk visits the beautiful Cape Cornwall and the Botallack Mines near St Just
- Botallack Mine - This circular walk visits the historic Botallack Mine from the west Cornish village of Botallack.
- Kenidjack Valley - This walk explores the steep sided Kenidjack Valley, near St Just in west Cornwall.
- St Just - St Just in Penwith is notable as the most westerly town in mainland Britain
- Levant Mine - This walk visits the Levant Mine and the Geevor Mine in Pendeen, Cornwall.
- Penwith Moors and Men-An-Tol - This walk explores a fascinating area of the Penwith Moors SSSI in Cornwall.
Pubs/Cafes
Head to the ancient Turks Head for some post walk refreshment. You can step back in time as you enjoy a drink in the place which Pirates and Smugglers once frequented some 750 years ago. It's the oldest pub in the town and includes an interior with real fires, wooden pews and a smugglers' tunnel. There's also a nice outdoor area for warmer days. You can find them at 49 Chapel St with a postcode of TR18 4AF for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The coastal, country and woodland trails make for a fine dog walk. At Trengwainton please note dogs must be kept on leads and are not allowed in the tea room (outside in the garden is fine though). The Turks Head mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head to nearby Helston and you could enjoy a walk around the lovely Loe Bar.
Head a few miles north west and there's the lovely headland of Cape Cornwall where you can visit the historic Botallack Mine, explore the Kenidjack Valley, look out for seals at the secluded Cot Valley and visit England's most westerly town at St Just.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Cornwall Walks page.
Photos
North Pier, Penzance. Built to enclose a large area of calm harbour water. The northern end of the harbour has been converted into a large, popular car park.
Penzance Harbour. A view looking east to the harbour entrance as the motor cruiser 'Jo-Jo' waits for the tide before entering. The South Pier is at right and St. Michaels Mount can be seen in the distance at centre.
Bowling Green, Wherry Town
Fishermen memorial, Newlyn. A nearby plaque reads: "This Memorial To Fishermen Lost At Sea Was Unveiled By HRH The Princess Royal 11 October 2007". With a footnote: "Their names are recorded at the Mission, Newlyn". The town and harbour of Penzance can be seen in the distance.
St Peter's Church, Newlyn. In the cramped confines of Newlyn's narrow streets it is tricky getting a view of the whole church. This shot shows the southern aspect of the eastern half of the church. The parish of Newlyn was formed in 1848 as a response to the growth of this fishing village, the church however was not built for some years and was opened in 1866.
Drift Reservoir
View from the terrace of Trengwainton Garden. St Michael's Mount can be seen in the distance over the pine trees.
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The Turks Head Pub, Penzance. This is in Chapel Street, and is the oldest public house in Penzance. It was also the first pub in England to be named the Turks Head. As with other taverns in Penzance, there is a smuggler's tunnel leading directly from the harbour.