Cornish Escapes Guided Walks with the Cornwall Geologist
If you really want to get to know a place, start from the ground up. Cornish geologist Dr Sam Hughes shares his passion for Cornwall’s geology on his fascinating guided walks – which make the perfect day out with a difference.
Sam, known as the “Cornwall Geologist”, launched his programme of guided walks in 2024, leading groups on tours of the Cornish coast and countryside. Along the way, the walkers learn about the geological history of Cornwall’s landscape and how this has shaped the country’s heritage, while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Whether you would like to know more about rare rock formations or the story of the Tin Coast, and whether you are already interested in the subject or completely new to it, a “geowalk” with the Cornwall Geologist will make you see Cornwall in a fresh and different light.
Here’s a closer look at a unique day out in Cornwall.
Exploring Geology in Cornwall
As you will notice from the buildings, Cornwall is granite country, with a solid backbone running from Dartmoor all the way to Scilly that creates our dramatic landscape. The Lizard peninsula was an ancient ocean floor, now famous for its unusual Serpentine rock (named after its snake-like texture and sadly nothing to do with lizards).
Cornwall’s geology shaped our culture as well as our landscape. Cracks appeared in the hard granite, allowing molten rock to seep in and eventually harden into seams. Rich in minerals, the land here has been mined for centuries. The remains of the old tin and copper works, hewn from the local granite, remind us how the Cornish economy grew beneath the earth.
There are clues about our geological history everywhere you look – provided you know where to look and what to look for! This is where Sam comes in, with his programme of guided geowalks in Cornwall.
“If you would like to know more about the landscape around you, here is your chance! A guided walk with me is your opportunity to learn about Cornwall’s incredible geological story, while getting out and exploring this beautiful part of the world.”
Dr Sam Hughes, the Cornish Geologist
About Sam, the Cornish Geologist
Growing up by the beaches and cliffs of St Ives, Sam’s love for the landscape started young. He discovered geology as a subject while at sixth form college, and went on to study it at degree level at the renowned Camborne School of Mines.
He has been a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter as well as a programme director for geology undergraduates. His PhD explored the tectonomagmatic evolution of Land’s End granite (a subject he translates easily into laypersons’ terms during his tours).
The idea for Sam’s guided walks was sparked by friends and family wanting to know more. “So many people have said they would love for me to come on a walk with them to explain about the landscape all around”, Sam says.
What started out as sharing interests with his friends evolved into the Cornish Geologist, offering a range of expert geological services from consultancy work to these fabulous guided tours. His expertise and clear enthusiasm make him an engaging guide, and it’s impossible not to be captivated by his passion for his subject and our county.
Choosing the Right Geowalk for You
The upcoming guided walks are listed on the Cornish Geologist website, ordered by date and showing their location and duration (you can choose from full-day and half-day walks).
Sam is keen to make sure that everyone can enjoy exploring Cornwall’s geology. All the walks are graded by length, terrain and elevation as well as accessibility, making it easy to choose the right type of walk for you. The website goes into very helpful detail about each walk, from directions to the meeting place to the availability of public loos!
The guided walks can be adapted to suit different accessibility needs and fitness levels, and some are better suited to children and/or dogs than others. If you would like a bespoke walk that is perfect for your party or family, simply drop Sam a line and he can start planning your own private geowalk. If you are travelling solo, simply book onto one of the regular tours, which typically range from four to twelve fellow walkers.
Reserving your place on a guided walk is easy – simply book online using the form. Email or message via the Cornwall Geologist website if you have any specific queries or would like to chat about adaptations and bespoke options.
Book your Walking Holiday in Cornwall
Many of Sam’s guided walks take place among the wild moors and granite cliffs of the west. We have a wide selection of luxury holiday properties in West Cornwall, from seaview apartments in St Ives to quaint old cottages in rural settings. All make wonderfully comfortable and convenient bases for exploring the Cornish landscape.