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Visitors walking along the coastal path at Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
Visitors walking along the coastal path at Kynance Cove | © National Trust Images/John Millar
Cornwall

The Lizard coastal walk

This trail around the Lizard Peninsula, the most southerly tip of mainland Britain, takes in dramatic cliff scenery, rare wildflowers and an interesting coastal history.

Total steps: 9

Total steps: 9

Start point

Kynance Cove, grid ref: SW703125

Step 1

Set out from Kynance Cove, heading towards Lizard Point. Take the steps out of the cove at the east end of the beach.

View of Kynance Cove, Cornwall
View of Kynance Cove, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

Step 2

Walk up the hill from the beach and through the car park where you can rejoin the coast path.

Maritime heather (Erica vagans) in flower in August, and view of Kynance Cove, The Lizard, Cornwall
Maritime heather at Kynance Cove | © National Trust Images/Ross Hoddinott

Step 3

Follow the cliff path, passing above Pentreath beach. Continue along the coast path taking in some of the coastal views along the route.

Step 4

Look down towards the disused Victorian lifeboat station at Polpeor Cove.

A lifeboat station on green, rocky cliffs with slipway heading out into the sea
Old Lizard Lifeboat Station at Polpeor Cover, Lizard Point | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

Step 5

Continue on to Lizard Lighthouse, which is just round the headland from Lizard Point.

Step 6

Continue on to Lions Den, a 39ft (12m) hole in the cliff created when a cave collapsed one night in the mid-1800s.

Step 7

Follow the trail to Pen Olver. With its stunning views it's the perfect spot for a picnic.

Step 8

From Bass Point Old Signal Station, head left inland to Lizard village.

Step 9

Pass the village green taking a path back towards Kynance Cove.

End point

Kynance Cove, grid ref: SW703125

Trail map

A map of the Lizard coastal walk
A map of the Lizard coastal walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

Kynance Cove, The Lizard, Nr. Helston, Cornwall, TR12 7PJ

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