Cornwall

Lizard Point walk: the most southerly place in Britain

Sea view of Lizard Point and the lighthouse in the distance — The lighthouse at Lizard Point, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/David Sellman

Take in dramatic views of the Atlantic, visit the lighthouse and look out for local wildlife on this enjoyable walk around the most southerly point in Britain.

Near to

Lizard Point

Start point

Lizard Point National Trust car park, grid ref SW703116

Trail information

View route

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Duration 30 mins to 40 mins

Dog friendly***

*Terrain is a mix of tarmac, natural coastal paths and fields. For further details, see the Terrain section.
**There is an accessible route to Lizard Point. The main route includes steps, stiles, uneven ground and steep sections. For further details, see Access section.
***Keep dogs under close control, especially near livestock and wildlife. For further details, see Facilities section.

Address
Lizard Point National Trust car park, The Lizard, near Helston, Cornwall TR12 7NT
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Take the Redruth train to Helston, where you can get a Western Greyhound 537 bus to Lizard. From there, it's a 15 minute walk to the start of the trail.
By bus
The Western Greyhound 534 goes from Redruth to Helston, where you can change for the 537 to Lizard. From there, it's a 15 minute walk to the start of the trail.
By road
Take the A3083 Helston to Lizard. Drive through Lizard village and follow signs to the lighthouse then the car park.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at Lizard Point, but where livestock graze please keep your distance, keep your dog on a short lead or at your side, and if livestock approach let your dog off the lead. Lizard Point is an important site for wildlife, including lizards and ground-nesting birds, so please always keep dogs under close control and do not let them chase wildlife.
Car park
The route starts at the Lizard Point National Trust car park.
Toilet
There are toilets in the National Trust Lizard Point car park. These are the only toilets on this circular route.
There is a separate route to Lizard Point suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. The main route includes some steep steps and some stiles. To avoid the stiles, stop at step 6 and retrace your route back to the start. Between steps 1 and 3, the route is on well-maintained gravel and tarmac footpaths but it follows a natural coastal path after that, which goes close to the cliff edge in some places. The route includes some steep climbs and descents and some potentially muddy parts.
Designated parking
There are designated accessible parking bays in the National Trust Lizard Point car park.
Accessible toilet
There are accessible toilets in the National Trust Lizard Point car park.
Steps/uneven terrain
Accessible route and/or map
There is a sloping gravel and tarmac route leading from the car park to Lizard Point, which is accessible by mobility vehicles, wheelchairs and buggies. The route is signposted as you leave the car park and forks to the left avoiding steps. It takes between 5 and 10 minutes along a stretch of coast path.
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Lizard Point National Trust car park, grid ref SW703116
Stage 1
Starting at the National Trust car park next to the Lizard Lighthouse, follow the path down towards Lizard Point.
Stage 2
Follow the signs to the most southerly point.
Stage 3
Bear right and join the South West Coast Path in front of the Wave Crest Café.
There's a chance to spot seals down in Polpeor Cove | © National Trust Images/Nick Upton
Stage 4
Continue along the coast path.
Stage 5
Take the steps down to Pistol Meadow, the burial site of over 200 people who died when the Royal Anne troop ship went down on the off-lying reefs in 1720. Climb out of the valley on the coast path and up the slope towards Old Lizard Head.
Stage 6
Looking west from the top of Old Lizard Head, you can see out towards Kynance Cove and beyond. Take the footpath inland over the stile built into the dry-stone wall.
Cattle grazing on the Cornwall coast | © National Trust Images/Michael Hirst
Stage 7
Walk across the field and follow the path when it turns back towards Pistol Meadow.
Stage 8
Cross another stile into Pistol Meadow field and rejoin the coast path to return to Lizard Point.
End point
Lizard Point National Trust car park, grid ref SW703116
Trail map
Lizard Point, Cornwall, most southerly walking route | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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The Lizard, near Helston, Cornwall, TR12 7NT

01326222170

lizard@nationaltrust.org.uk

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