Three Walks Around St Ives that Finish with a Roast
A bracing walk followed by a hearty roast dinner: it is what wintry Sundays were made for. We have selected three of our favourite walks around St Ives, which should help you work up an appetite before you tuck into delicious Cornish food and drink.
A Central St Ives Walk
We will start with a very local walk, the St Ives town trail. This 1.9-mile circular route begins and ends at St Ives railway station, so if you are staying in Carbis Bay or Lelant you can easily catch the regular branch line train to the start.
The walk takes you along the seafront before going back to the station through the old cobbled streets. You can choose to complete the loop then double back into town from the station or pause the walk part-way for your roast.
You’ll begin by walking the length of Porthminster Beach then watching out for waves on Lambeth Walk. Stroll along the harbour then take a detour to walk down Smeaton’s Pier. Keep heading west to Porthgwidden Beach then walk around the headland called The Island before making your way towards the town centre. You can find out more about the St Ives Town Trail route on the South West Coast Path website.
Finishing at…
For an excellent roast, try Ardor on Fore Street (we recommend booking ahead as their Sunday lunches are increasingly popular). Cintra and Porthminster Kitchen are two other fabulous spots for your St Ives Sunday roast.
West of Zennor
There is nothing like sea air and exercise to stimulate your appetite and this 4.2-mile walk around Gurnard’s Head and Zennor is certainly invigorating. Like the St Ives town trail, this is a circular route that follows the coast then loops back inland. You can start either at Zennor or at the Gurnard’s Head – both places have pubs!
This walk can be strenuous in parts, and you will need to wear proper walking boots for the scrambly and muddy sections. But the views… Well, the wild coastal scenery here is among Cornwall’s best.
Take a look at the Gurnard’s Head walk on the iWalk Cornwall app. All-weather clothes needed!
Finishing at…
The Gurnard’s Head is a landmark dining pub that is known for its fabulous food and service. Again, book ahead for your Sunday roast as it is a popular place. Alternatively, start and end your walk in the village of Zennor, where the medieval Tinners Arms also serves a Sunday lunch menu.
Image credit: Paul Massey
Across the bay in Hayle
Drive east through Hayle towards Gwithian, famous for its sand dunes, seals and Godrevy lighthouse. It is a beautifully wild landscape, home to rare plants and seabirds, and with stunning views back across the bay to St Ives.
The South West Coast Path website recommends a neat two-mile walk around Gwithian that takes you through the windswept “towans” (dunes) as well as the pretty little village. As you walk along the coast, keep your eyes peeled for remains of the old National Explosives Company workshops, where dynamite was manufactured for the local mines and quarries.
If you fancy an extra pit stop, try the appealing little Jam Pot Cafe en route. This former coastguard lookout has wonderful sea views and is a good spot to watch the hardy local ponies. You are also welcome to attend a church service before your Sunday lunch: there are five churches in the Godrevy Ministry, including the medieval parish church in Gwithian, St Gothians.
Finishing at…
The welcoming Red River Inn in Gwithian serves Sunday lunch in the autumn and winter. Look out for specials such as pheasant and venison.
Book your Winter Holiday Cottage in St Ives
After your walk and Sunday roast, relax in your luxury holiday cottage with the papers and a cup of Yallah coffee (or perhaps a sneaky Sunday tipple). Pick a cottage with a wood burner for extra cosiness or watch the waves in comfort in one of our sea view properties.
The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant
Mermaid Seafood Restaurant, Fish Street, Saint Ives, UK