Wild Swimming - Number 7 In Cornwall

A Stunning Coastal Walk Around the Lizard Peninsula

Posted on 01/06/202526/12/2025 by Nick at Number 7

Looking for a coastal adventure with breathtaking views, hidden coves, and a sprinkling of Cornish charm? This circular walk around the Lizard Peninsula is a real gem. You can make it any length you need, from 4 to 15km. It’s easily shortened to suit all walking styles — whether you’re out for a short stroll or a full-day adventure.

We did it as a family and loved that we were never more than 20 minutes from the car — or an ice cream stop! It’s a brilliant route for all ages, with plenty of places to pause and take in the scenery.

Approximately 9 miles from Number 7, this is one of our favourite walks- stunning in the sunshine and with the prospect to be totally wild in cooler months.

🚗 Where to Park

We parked in the centre of Lizard Village, on the Green. Not only is it a convenient starting point, but it’s right across the road from a fantastic ice cream shop. Ideal motivation for the walk ahead (or a well-earned treat at the end!). 🍦

⛪ Down to Church Cove

From the Green, follow the signs down a peaceful country lane towards Church Cove. This hidden gem is postcard-pretty, with a quaint little slipway, colourful boats, and beautifully clear water shimmering in shades of blue and green. It’s an idyllic and peaceful start to the route. From Church Cove, turn right and ascend the cliff on the South West Coastal Path – the dramatic cliff top route gives both the lungs and your senses a workout!

🚤 The Lifeboat Station

Just along from Church Cove is the impressive Lizard Lifeboat Station, tucked into a dramatic cove. It’s well worth a visit — not just for its jaw-dropping setting, but for the stories of courage and community behind it. There’s a small viewing platform and sometimes volunteers on hand to share fascinating tales of local rescues. A shady, serene stop… until the steps back up to the coast path give your legs a proper wake-up call!

🌊 Along the Cliffs: Bass Point to Housel Bay

Rejoining the South West Coast Path, the walk continues around Bass Point and Pen Olver, offering sweeping views across the Atlantic. Expect wildflowers, wind-whipped headlands, and dramatic cliffs — pure Cornish magic.

Next stop is Housel Bay, a serene and often overlooked beach at the bottom of a deep valley. If you catch it at low tide, you’ll be rewarded with golden sand and inviting turquoise water. To reach the beach, turn left at the bottom of the valley and head down the steps.

📍 Lizard Point – The Southernmost Tip of Britain

Continue along the coast, passing the Lizard Lighthouse, and you’ll soon arrive at Lizard Point — the southernmost point of mainland Britain. It’s a breathtaking spot with rugged cliffs, soaring seabirds, and uninterrupted sea views. We made the most of the café here, enjoying milkshakes and chips with a view. Bliss.

🏖️ Pentreath Beach & Kynance Cove

About an hour further along the path, you’ll come to Pentreath Beach — wild, remote, and achingly beautiful. At the moment, the main steps down are inaccessible, so the only access is a steep scramble down loose rock. Worth the effort if you’re confident on your feet, but definitely one to approach with care.

A short walk on brings you to the showstopper: Kynance Cove. This is Cornwall’s Insta-famous darling — and for good reason. Its white sand, dramatic rock stacks, and impossibly clear water make it one of the most photographed spots in the UK. Expect crowds in summer, but the views are spectacular all year round (our recommendation is to enjoy Kynance at its best out of season and as the tide is heading to its lowest point). Be sure to head up to the viewpoint above the cove for that classic photo angle.

🥾 Back to Lizard Village

From the Kynance Cove car park, follow the lane inland. After about 500m, at the first sharp bend, take the footpath ahead across the fields. After a gentle 15-minute walk, you’ll arrive back in Lizard Village, perfectly placed for that second ice cream (you’ve earned it!).

If you’re looking to shorten the route, there are several well-marked paths from the coast back into the village at various points, making it easy to tailor the walk to your needs.

🌼 Final Thoughts

This Lizard Peninsula route is one of Cornwall’s finest — a walk that offers big views, quiet coves, wildlife encounters, and a touch of local history. Whether you’re in it for the scenery, the exercise, or the ice cream, this trail is packed with highlights and perfect for families, nature lovers, and day-trippers alike.

You might also enjoy some of our other blog posts/ideas for activities:

Magical Gillan Cove

Magical Gillan Cove

Porthcurno to Land’s End Walkhttps://number7incornwall.com/porthcurno-to-lands-end-adventure/

Porthcurno to Land’s End Adventure

5 Top Swim Spots in the Helford

5 Top Swim Spots in the Helford

Magical Gillan Cove

Posted on 08/03/202515/03/2025 by Nick at Number 7

Gillan Cove and its beautiful neighbour, Flushing Cove, are two of our favourite little secret gems. An absolute haven for anyone who enjoys swim-walking, wild swimming, SUPping, walking, or just getting away from it all. Sit down and listen to the birds in the trees above with the gentle lap of the water below. Nestled off the beaten track, with no parking /tourist facilities, these secluded spots tend to be quiet throughout the year. You have to put effort into reaching them, but when you do, oh my, that effort is rewarded!

Fully dog friendly throughout the year, tucked away at the entrance to the Helford Estuary, we wholeheartedly recommend you check these out.

Below are a few photos/video clips to show why we love these magical coves quite so much.

With no easily accessible parking, you can walk to Gillan Cove down the footpath from the nearby lane. There are a few passing spaces on the closest lane, which are big enough to accommodate a car and still allow passing. Alternatively, this footpath is approximately a 2-mile walk from Number 7.

The walk down to Gillan Creek..

It is an enchantingly beautiful spot – so peaceful…. just listen to that birdsong… (This was taken at low tide in March)

“The Hera” at the entrance of Gillan Cove

At Gillan, there is an unusual small prominentary. This area, known as “The Hera” provides protection to the cove. This creates a gentle area to swim or paddleboard in, particularly at high tide.

To the South of the The Hera, there are more exposed coves, where you can feel the full force of the open water at the entrance of the Helford. This video clip is taken walking up the grassy bank of The Hera.

Standing on the top of “The Hera” at the entrace of Gillan Creek and looking out to sea and towards the entrance of The Helford. Listen to the difference in the wind at this point, when compared to the clip taken in the sheltered part of the Cove (they were taken on the same day).

Walking Round to Flushing Cove

From Gillan Cove, you can either walk South on the coastal path to head to the more exposed Nare Point, passing an absolute multitude of hidden coves along the way… or head North for the very short stroll around to Flushing Cove. Flushing is another similar tiny cove, perfect for spending a relaxed day enjoying the water and walks at a totally different pace.

Walking down into Flushing Cove along the coastal path. (Video taken at low tide in March.)

From Flushing Cove you can either continue on around the coastal path, up around Gillan Creek, or stroll up the little lane, back towards Number 7 (or your car).

We hope you enjoy exploring this area as much as we do.

You might also be interested in our other post about 5 top swim spots in the Helford or our page with a map on it.

Look out for our next post… heading up around Gillan Creek to St Anthony-in-Meneage…

5 Top Swim Spots in the Helford

Posted on 24/01/202514/07/2025 by Nick at Number 7

Wild swimming in the Helford Estuary unveils the enchanting beauty of Cornwall’s aquatic wonders. With secluded beaches, hidden coves, and picturesque villages lining its shores, the estuary offers a unique and serene escape for wild swimmers, blending crystal-clear waters with the timeless charm of Cornwall’s southwest coast. In this blog post, we’ll dive into 5 Top Swim Spots in and around the stunning Helford.

(If you’d like more info about some of the other beaches and coves nearby in the Lizard Peninsula / Helford Estuary area, please do have a little look at our other page: The Beaches. )

1) Gillan / Flushing Cove – Secluded serenity

Number 1 in our “5 Top Swim Spots” has got to be Gillan and Flushing Coves. These hidden gems are tucked away from the madding crowds. They are off the beaten track for many (approx 2 miles from Number 7). The coves are a short walk or swim from each other (conditions allowing). They lie at the entrance to Gillan Creek, a small inlet at the start of the Helford Estuary.

Keen swimmers might like to explore up the Gillan Creek, but be careful both of the tide (always swim on an incoming tide here), and also of the boats in the creek. Further up the creek St Anthony in Meneage also offers a slipway and launch facilities for SUPs, Dinghy’s etc.

2) Bosahan Cove – Another hidden gem

Tucked away from the beaten path, Bosahan Cove welcomes dippers to its hidden shores. Only accessed by foot or water, this is a true secret gem. With clear turquoise waters framed by lush greenery, this secluded spot offers a peaceful retreat. There is a beautiful walk through Bosahan estate – perfect for those who like a walk and swim. The absence of crowds makes this a gem for those seeking tranquillity.

3) Frenchman’s Creek – Timeless Beauty

Made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel, Frenchman’s Creek is a timeless beauty on the Helford Estuary. The creek’s calm waters and lush surroundings create an idyllic setting for a refreshing swim. Frenchman’s Creek is characterised by prehistoric woodland dipping its branches down to the water’s edge. The Creek can be accessed via a brief walk from Helford village. On the way, you’ll pass through another lovely spot – Penarvon Cove. It’s best to swim on an incoming tide / high water as the creek dries out completely at low tide. Care needs to be taken as this is a very remote spot with trees/vegetation in and around the water.

Pictures courtesy of two wonderful local activity providers: www.korukayaking.co.uk and www.supinabag.co.uk

4) Helford Village – Unspoilt beauty

Swimming from Helford Village offers a delightful blend of coastal charm and tranquil waters. Nestled along the Helford Estuary, the village provides access to a refreshing dip. The idyllic setting, framed by picturesque scenery, creates a serene ambience for swimmers seeking both relaxation and natural beauty. Helford Village itself is home to the lovely Shipwright’s Inn. This is a great waterside traditional pub where you can enjoy a post-dip cup of hot chocolate. This is one of our favourite locations in our 5 Top Swim Spots.

More adventurous and confident swimmers might enjoy exploring along the estuary, or potentially even across the estuary to Helford Passage and the range of beaches along the other side (or take the Helford River Ferry one way or another). Care obviously needs to be taken with the tidal currents of the estuary, and also with marine traffic, particularly during the warmer months.

As Helford Village itself is traffic-free, there is a lovely car park at the top of the village, complete with a dog-friendly cafe and stunning views:

Pictures courtesy of www.shipwrights-helford.co.uk

5) Grebe Beach, Durgan and Trebah Gardens Beach

Finally in our 5 Top Swim Spots, across the opposite side of the Helford River are a number of other magical coves. Between April and October, you can catch the Helford River Ferry over – a lovely short trip we would wholeheartedly recommend (to use this option, park in Helford Village car park and stroll through the village, past the pub and onto the ferry landing point). This area is also superb for swim-walks.

Grebe Beach is a stunning and secluded cove cocooned between towering cliffs.

Accessing the beach involves either arriving by water or traversing a narrow path through the surrounding woods, enhancing the feeling of seclusion and privacy. Abundant in wildlife, the area may reward visitors with sightings of dolphins, seals, and various seabirds.

A short stroll from Grebe Beach leads to Durgan Hamlet, a charming village offering a glimpse into Cornwall’s rich history and culture. Nestled along the Helford River amidst lush greenery and beautiful gardens, Durgan Hamlet is a tranquil retreat.

The National Trust’s Glendurgan Garden, a 15-minute walk uphill, has loos in the car park. It’s worth visiting to explore the exotic plantings of its three valleys or tackle the puzzle of the cherry-laurel maze, planted in 1833. It also has a tea shop with a range of refreshments.

Similarly, sub-tropical Trebah Garden is just a 20-minute walk away, with wholesome, nutritious food served at Trebah Kitchen. Trebah has a private beach, Polgwidden Cove, with a boathouse beach café.

Further information about these locations and other great nearby spots can also be found on our pages: The Beaches Near Number 7 and Explore, Swim, SUP, Walk Bodyboard.

Cautionary note: Please take care to ensure you swim within your capabilities, whilst being mindful of the local conditions, tides and weather. Always take appropriate precautions such as checking tides, weather, local knowledge and swimming with a buddy. Please also bear in mind that mobile signal in many of these areas can be intermittent at best. Consider hiring a local swim guide or swimming with local swim groups. The information contained in this “5 Top Swim Spots” is purely intended as a prompt for ideas and is not intended as a detailed swim guide.