Penwith Trail Guides
Why visit just one of Penwith's ancient sites, when you can follow a trail and visit several in one walk? Our trails have been designed to help you navigate and learn about our fascinating landscape and everything within.
These walks were originally devised by the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN).
Click on the links below to view the guides. They are listed in approximate order of difficulty.
Woon Gumpus and Chûn CastleThis is a circular route in the heart of the Penwith Moors, and the best route for visiting the ancient sites of Chûn Quoit and Chûn Castle, as well as providing additional links to Bosullow Trehyllys, Boswens Menhir, and Carn Kenidjack. Distance: 2.3 miles / 3.7km A few stiles, moorland paths, gentle hill climb.
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Mên-an-Tol CircularA walk that includes two of Penwith's most popular ancient sites: the Mên-an-Tol, and Lanyon Quoit, as well as the Nine Maidens Stone Circle, Ding Dong mine, the Bosiliack Entrance Grave and Bosiliack Settlement. A fascinating route to appreciate the many layers of history over the landscape. Distance: 3 miles / 4.8km A few stiles, moorland paths, gentle hill climb. |
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Mulfra and BodriftyA route passing by Mulfra Quoit & Barrows, Mulfra Vean Courtyard House Settlement, Lower and Higher Ninnes, then back out onto the moors via Bodrifty, following part of the Tinners' Way. Distance: 3 miles / 4.8km A few stiles, moorland paths, gentle-moderate hill climb. |
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Madron Chapel and Trengwainton CarnA walk encompassing a varied historic landscape from Churchtown, through ancient lanes and enclosed fields and onto the edge of rough ground, with great views out to Mount's Bay and the surrounding landscape. Distance: 3 miles / 4.8km A few stiles, moorland paths, gentle-moderate hill climb. |
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Morvah, Tregaminion and ChyprazeA short but exciting trail in the parish of Morvah, featuring folklore, hedged lanes, coastal habitats and views, prehistoric sties, and traditional farming within ancient field systems. Distance: 2 miles / 3.2km A few stiles, coast path, moderate hill climb. |
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Sancreed to Goldherring and Boscawen-ûnA longer but relatively level walk through prehistoric and medieval landscapes, with views of the southern areas of the peninsula, plenty of variety and a great range of features to explore along the way. Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.25km No significant hills but a great number of stiles.
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St Just to Tregeseal & Carn KenidjackThis is an “out and back” walk starting from the centre of St Just with a circular section around Truthwall and Carnyorth Commons, featuring a wealth of historic sites, particularly the Tregeseal Stone Circle, barrows and holed stones. Distance: 4 miles / 6.4km A few stiles, moorland paths, moderate hill climb. |
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Boscaswell to Pendeen WatchA relatively short but jam packed circular walk, taking in stunning views, ancient sites, post-industrial archaeology, a world class visitor attraction, and fascinating flora in different habitats. Maybe even a Grey Seal! Distance: 2.8 miles / 4.5km Coast path walking with some steeper sections. A few stiles on inland section. |
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Rosemergy and PorthmeorOne of the most spectacular stretches of the Penwith coastline. Habitats ranging from cliffs to a lush valley and working farmland. Featuring Bosigran Cliff Castle, Porthmeor Stamps, ancient field systems and the Bosigran Courtyard Houses. Distance: 2.8 miles / 4.5km Coast path with some steeper sections, numerous stiles on inland section. |
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Chapel Carn Brea, Bartinney and Caer BranA great walk taking in the three most south-westerly hills in Cornwall. Featuring Iron Age hill forts, Bronze Age cairns, a holy well, Courtyard House settlement, ancient field systems, moorland and improved grassland, tin streaming and china clay mining. Rich with history, habitat, and folklore. Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.25km Moderate hill climbs, a few stiles, moorland paths. |
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St Levan and TreenFeaturing a prehistoric cliff castle, an early medieval religious centre, medieval farmed landscape, global communications history, military remains, and modern tourism, all in the parish of St Levan. Distance: 3.75 miles / 6km Coast path with some steeper sections, numerous stiles on inland section. |
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Zennor, Sperris and TrendrineA walk from Zennor Village up the Foage Valley and onto the large hilltop plateau joining the hills of Zennor Carn, Sperris and Trendrine. Amazing views over the north coast and a rich tapestry of habitat and history. Distance: 4.2 miles / 6.8km Harder hill climbing, remote moorland paths, a few stiles. |
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Bosigran, Bosporthennis and Carn GalvaA walk far back into time, through some of Penwith's most ancient farmed landscapes and into the heart of the Penwith moors. The route passes by a host of features of interest, including: Bosigran, Mill Farm, Porthmeor Tin Stamps, Bosporthennis Fields, Settlement & Beehive Hut, Little Galva and Carn Galva. Distance: 4.3 miles / 6.9km Harder hill climbing, remote moorland paths and numerous stiles. |