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What better way enjoy the outdoors, than a scenic walk with your dog at your side and the temptation of a cosy pub as the reward at the end. Walking in Cornwall is truly a wonderful experience, with spectacular cliffs top views, soaring seabirds over sparking seas, heather filled moorland and quaint fishing coves just waiting to be explored.
This is our pick of favourite walks to pubs near Porthleven:
Mullion Cove is beautiful in all seasons. The turquoise sea in the summer and the wild waves in the autumn and winter months make a spectacular backdrop.
From Mullion’s historic harbour walk the cliff tops west towards Poldhu Cove, which is around an hour. Poldhu Beach Café is open all year around making it a perfect stop for refreshments. Continue on the coast path and near Gunwalloe you will find Halzephron Inn. A dog friendly pub with the most incredible views from the benches in the front. In the colder season there is a welcoming fire for warming up.
Alternatively, take a circular walk from Halzephron Inn on the road towards Gunwalloe and return on the cliff path taking in the spectacular views towards Porthleven.
Praa Sands is a mile long stretch of golden sand that is dog friendly from October to April and a popular spot for dog walking. The beach can get busy in the summer and is a great place to surf and swim all year round. Park near The Welloe and walk the beach towards, Hendra at the far end. When you have finished exploring the rock pools, head back to The Welloe to enjoy lunch on the terrace. Open all year round and serving pub style meals it is the perfect place to sit and watch the waves.
With the coat path heading out east and west from Porthleven, there are many walks to choose from. Our favourite is the walk around Loe Pool. Head west out of Porthleven, towards the Lizard Peninsula. On the cliff path and take a left when you get to Loe Pool, walking through the woodland towards Helston through the Penrose National Trust Estate. The path changes direction just before you reach Loe Bar to take you left and back towards Porthleven. There are plenty of other routes so take a look at the National Trust map here: Penrose National Trust walks
Back in Porthleven there are a few options for a lovely pub lunch! The Atlantic Inn overlooks Porthleven with incredible views towards Mounts Bay. There is no better place to be on a warm summers day watching the sunset. The Harbour Inn, on the harbour, has plenty of space inside and out, offering locally sourced dishes for all tastes. On the opposite side of the harbour, overlooking the pier and clock tower is the The Ship Inn. This 17th century inn is full of character and serves simple fare with fabulous drinks and a wonderful view. In the summer enjoy a pint on the harbourside and in the winter you are welcomed with large open fire.
Starting at the Helford Village car par this wonderful circular walk takes you through the creekside Helford Village, past the tiny chapel of St Frances at Pengwedhen and views over Frenchman’s Creek which was the inspiration for Daphne Du Maruier’s romantic novel with the same name. iwalk Cornwall offers the perfect map for £2.99 which will give you a full directions and points of interest, or you can follow your nose through the Penarvon towards Frenchman’s creek, to Withan Quay, Kestle Barton and back to the Shipwrights Arms in the Helford Village.
Shipwrights Arms sits prettily on the edge of the Helford, in the Helford Village. With views up the Helford River and menu to suit everyone, this local pub is a must even if its just for a drink after your walk.
It is well worth the 40 minute drive to Gurnard’s Head to experience this spectacular part of the coastline. The winding roads of West Penwith are a spectacle in itself and will give you the feeling of being miles from anywhere! Park at The Gurnard’s Head Pub car park and take the road next to the pub down to the coast path. This leads out to Gurnard’s Head with dramatic views over the ocean and some of the highest cliffs in Cornwall. As well as the scenery, the wildlife in this area is bountiful!
The Gurnard’s Head pub is a former coaching inn dating back to the 1800s. The seasonal menu focuses on flavour with local and sustainably sourced produce. So much so that you can find a list of suppliers on their website. This Be sure to make a booking at the pub before you arrive as it can get busy at times.
