Walk 2392 - printer friendly version

The Lizard Circular Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.9 miles / 9.6 km

Ascent - 900 feet / 273 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SW689132
Lat 49.9741220 + Long -5.2244415
Postcode TR12 7PJ (approx. location only)

Excellent circular walk from Kynance Cove visiting The Lizard which is the most southerly point of mainland Britain. The route includes all the highlights of the Lizard Peninsula including the coastguards' lookout on Bass Point, the former Lloyds Signal Station (NT), Marconi's bungalow, the lighthouse and some of the finest coastal walking in Cornwall.

The walk starts from the National Trust car park at Kynance Cove (grid ref. SW689132). After parking return to the entrance by the toilets and turn left, pass the metal barrier, and continue along a track. And after 200 metres turn right onto a clear path across the moor. This path soon joins the road used to access the car park. Bear left and where the road bends sharp left, continue ahead between rocks places across the path. After 400 metres you reach a junction by a small stream (grid ref. SW698129). Continue ahead and continue to reach a road in the village of Lizard.

Bear left and follow the road into the main square. Follow the road past the toilets on your right to a junction. Go straight across with an area of grass on your immediate left to reach the main road to the Lizard. Go straight across (signed Church Cove). Continue along Beacon Terrace for 400 metres and fork right to Church Cove. Follow the lane for a further 250 metres to where it bends left. Continue ahead onto a track with adjacent footpath sign. Continue along Green Lane which descends towards the coast soon joining the South West Coast Path which joins by a gate on the left (grid ref. SW715121).

Walk ahead and with the sea on your left continue along the clear coast path. You soon reach Bass Point with Coast Watch Station, and the Lloyds Signal Station. A short distance ahead is the Lizard Wireless Station on your left. Continue along the coast path into Housel Bay with the hotel up on your right. After passing the Lion's Den on your left the next objective the Lizard Lighthouse is on your right, with Lizard Point just ahead. Continue through the car park to the old Lifeboat Station before retracing your steps up the road to reach the coast path on your left signed to Kynance Cove.

From here you have four kilometres of coastal walking back to Kynance Cove. As with many coastal walks do expect plenty of 'ups' and 'downs' as you make progress along the cliffs. The path is never in doubt, and you can relax and enjoy the walk. Nearing Kynance Cove a path forks right up to the car park. However, it is recommended that you stay on the coast path to enjoy the glorious view across the cove. If time permits, I suggest continuing along the coast path at least as far as the café before making your way back to the car park.

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