Within just a few miles of the Budock Vean there is a wonderful wealth of walking opportunities for you to enjoy.

In recent years the benefits of walking on both our physical and mental health have become better understood and recognised, and in addition to that, getting out and about in the countryside is a great way to escape the crowds, discover new places, stunning scenery and unexpected heritage at your own pace.

There are more than two thousand miles of public footpaths in Cornwall, as well as 330 miles of coastal path so, whether you are seeking a challenging seaside stank (that’s Cornish colloquialism for a tough or quick walk) or a gentle woodland wander the choices can really seem endless. But a little local knowledge can go a long way, so with a little help from our friends at iWalk Cornwall, here is our pick of some of the best self-guided walks in easy reach of Budock Vean . . .

Rosemullion Head Circular Walk

Distance: 5.8 miles
Easy – moderate
Dog-friendly

This circular walk starts at the ever popular Maenporth beach and then follows the coast to the entrance to the Helford River. It is a peaceful, undulating route that traces the edge of Rosemullion Head, a stunning promontory jutting out into the bay offering expansive views. The headland still bears the marks of an Iron Age cliff castle and two Bronze Age barrows and is also the place where Morgawr, the Cornish sea monster was spotted in the 1970s, so cameras at the ready!

The path also overlooks colourful marine gardens, large areas of seaweed and kelp, before dropping down to secluded beaches such as Porth Saxon and Grebe, both safe for swimming. The route then climbs away from the coast to Durgan, where there is the opportunity to visit the National Trust gardens of Glendurgan with its ancient laurel maze and array of tropical plants. The return trip back to Maenporth takes you across the fields via the small village of Mawnan Smith where the thatch Red Lion pub has been offering refreshment to travellers since 1500.

For more information or to download this guided walk visit – iWalk Cornwall – Rosemullion Head

Helford Passage Circular Walk

Distance: 6.3 miles
Moderate

This walk loops around the grounds of Budock Vean and takes you to some of the more hidden pathways, the lanes less travelled. Through the mediaeval farmstead of Bosveal to the oldie-worldie creek-side hamlet of Durgan the route then passes the gate into Glendurgan gardens before once more following the Helford River to Helford Passage. Passage, and the Ferry Boat Inn, is an amazing spot to take a breather, soak up the atmosphere and watch the passenger ferry coming and going as it has done for around 1000 years.

At The Bar, the path turns inland and passing the entrance to Trebah Garden, another opportunity to marvel at the unusual plants that will grow in the amazing microclimate of this region. You will then cross the top of Porth Navas creek where oysters are still fished just as they were in Victorian times, while the remainder of the walk weaves its way on footpaths across daffodil fields, through woods and on quiet lanes.

For more information or to download this guided walk visit – iWalk Cornwall Helford Passage

Discover Frenchman’s Creek Circular Walk

Distance: 3.8 miles
Moderate

Beginning in the village of Helford, which can be reached year round (weather permitting) by the small passenger ferry across the river, as well as by road, this is a walk bursting with history and interest. Helford village itself was once notorious for smuggling and piracy but today is a picture perfect place to explore. After passing through the village the route follows the valley from Penarvon to a tiny chapel before descending to Frenchman’s Creek, a peaceful finger of water made famous by Daphne du Maurier.

The novelist spent a night anchored in Frenchmen’s Creek on her yacht in 1932 and it was this experience that inspired her to write her swashbuckling book about pirates, called Frenchman’s Creek, which has been drawing people here ever since.

The path follows the length of the beautiful creek through ancient woodlands, best to try and time it with the water in, and on to Withan Quay on the other side before reaching Kestle Barton. Kestle Barton is an ancient farmstead that has been converted into an art gallery and event space. Surrounded by wildflower meadows there is always something to enjoy in this unusual but elegant hidden gallery, plus it makes the perfect spot for a picnic! Then the final stretch takes you back to Helford along the valley through Under Wood.

For more information or to download this guided walk visit – iWalk Cornwall – Frenchman’s Creek

Constantine to Scott’s Quay Circular Walk

Distance: 4.2 miles
Easy

This walk takes in one of the most beautiful stretches of woodland in this area, Bosahen Woods. Beyond the ruined buildings, the remains of an old mill, these woods are a riot of colour in the spring when bluebells carpet the ground. The path takes you through the peaceful village of Constantine with its cosy pub and impressive church. And for those staying with us, inside the church you can see a number of memorials to the Pender family who owned Budock Vean when it was a private manor house, including a brass plaque in the floor that marks the family vault and a striking stained glass window.

From the churchyard a dead-end road leads to an old track, constructed to export granite from the Helford creeks and import fertiliser for local farms. This track then forms an easy downhill route to Scott’s Wood. Winding along the wooded banks of the creek you emerge at the grand old, granite quay constructed in the early 1800s by local landowner, Charles Scott. It is a place that feels a million miles from anywhere and where often the only sound is the cries of waders on the water’s edge. The walk then returns via Polwheveral beside a fast flowing stream back to the edge of the Bosahen Woods again.

For more information or to download this guided walk visit – iWalk Cornwall – Constantine to Scott’s Quay

Helford village to Dennis Head Circular Walk

Distance: 4.6 miles
Easy – moderate

This is another walk on the Lizard side of the Helford River that can be reached either via the ferry from Passage or by driving around. Starting from Helford Village where the whitewashed cottages huddle around the creek’s edge the walk follows the river valley to Manaccan. Manaccan is another picture postcard village with lovely village pub, called The New Inn, even though it is at least 500 years old! There is also a truly ancient church, which boasts a fig tree growing out of its wall reputed to be more than 200 years old.

From here the route follows peaceful footpaths to reach Gillan Creek. This secluded waterway is much less well known than those on the Helford and has a set of stepping stones that can be crossed at low tide. Walking along the edge of the creek you will reach the hamlet of St Anthony in Meneage, an out of the way place bursting with history and folklore, where another ancient church huddles in the lee of the headland.

Climbing towards Dennis Head the views across Falmouth Bay are breath-taking. This headland was once an Iron Age fort and then later a Royalist stronghold during the Civil War. The route then turns back to the main Helford River and follows alongside the tidal estuary, passing several small coves, such as Bosahan Cove where it is possible to swim, before emerging back at Helford village.

For more information or to download this guided walk visit – iWalk Cornwall Helford to Dennis Head

Stithians to Kennall Vale Circular Walk

Distance: 6 miles
Easy- Moderate

A little further afield but well worth seeking out is this wonderful walk in the heart of the Cornish countryside. The route crosses fields from the village of Stithians to follow the Kennall valley downriver. After a relaxed descent you will eventually reach the entrance to a nature reserve cared for by Cornwall Wildlife Trust where you can find information boards about the history of the site and the nature around you.

The walk then follows the circuitous route through the reserve which is deeply wooded and divided by the fast flowing Kennall River. It may be hard to imagine now but during the 18th and 19th centuries this whole area was a hive of industrial activity and this idyllic valley was actually home to a gunpowder works for nearly 100 years. The ruined remains of the gunpowder mills have become part of the beauty and mystic of this place, you can spot the old waterwheels, a deep water-filled quarry and the water management systems that have all been reclaimed by nature. Once you have filled your camera with photos the walk then continues to Ponsanooth and returns to Stithians along small lanes to Stithian’s church.

For more information or to download this guided walk visit – iWalk Cornwall Stithian to Kennall vale

Hopefully these walks have inspired you to get out exploring the area around Budock Vean and further afield! The iWalk Cornwall app covers the whole of Cornwall so the opportunities are endless.

Top Tips for Walking in Cornwall

• Always dress for the weather (including the weather you weren’t expecting!) – good footwear, waterproofs, sunscreen and a hat are essentials
• Make sure you have plenty of water
• Check the tide times
• Keep dogs on leads – there can be livestock grazing in fields and along coastal paths as well as dangerous cliff edges
• Plan your route, carry a map
• Don’t forget your picnic, or plan a pub pit-stop along the way!