Cornwall

Lansallos coastal and woodland walk

This trail offers the chance to explore a stretch of coastline with secluded coves and beaches. Heading slightly inland the soft, rolling hills separate the coast from farmland and the sunken lane at Lansallos Cove. Visitors can discover the smugglers' track that conjures up images of smugglers and wreckers hauling carts laden with contraband.

Safety notice

Beware of incoming tides and dangerous currents if on the beach. Cliffs are dangerous and children should be supervised.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 9

Start point

Lansallos car park, grid ref: SX173517

Step 1

Leave the car park and turn left down the hill. Pass the church and follow the road round to the left, continuing for 0.5 miles (0.75km).

Step 2

Go through the wooden gate on the right marked 'To the coast path (East Coombe)'. After a short flight of steps, the path bears left until you reach the stream. Turn right and follow the streamside path downhill.

Step 3

The path joins the coast path at the bottom of the valley. You can take a short 0.5 miles (0.75km) detour turning left, over the wooden bridge, to the small white daymark, now replaced by a modern buoy marking the submerged Udder Rock.

Step 4

Return from the daymark and walk along the coast path marked Polruan.

Step 5

Continue along the coast path for 0.75 miles (1.2km).

Step 6

Follow the sign marked Polruan to reach Lansallos Cove.

Step 7

From Lansallos Cove, take the path up the valley (West Coombe) and through a gate at the top. Cross the bridge and at the T-junction go left for 0.75 miles (1.2km) on the woodland walk (go to Step 8). Alternatively, go right for the gentle sunken lane for 0.75 miles (1.2km) avoiding tall stiles up to Lansallos village (go to Step 9).

Step 8

Woodland walk: Follow the path through the woods and up the hill. At the T-junction turn right. Follow the path around the fields and over three distinctive Cornish stiles to the church.

Step 9

At the church in Lansallos village, head up the hill towards the car park.

Lansallos Church

Dedicated to St Ildierna, Lansallos Church dates back mainly to the 14th and 15th centuries. The parish boundary stone cross can be seen in the graveyard. It has come under attack over the years. During the 19th century, drunken villagers were reputed to have broken a medieval bell and in 2005 the church interior was badly damaged by an arson attack, which the community is currently working hard to restore. You can now camp overlooking the church.

End point

Lansallos car park, grid ref: SX173517

Trail map

A stretch of coast between Looe and Polperro, showing Looe Island in the distance

Trail

Hendersick and Talland Bay Loop

This circular walking trail takes you along the South West Coast Path, with views over Looe Island and the South East Cornwall coast.

Trail

Polruan to Polperro rollercoaster walk

A strenuous walk high above turquoise seas and white sandy beaches, and through prime fishing and smuggling territory.

Views of Sharrow Beach in Whitsand Bay, Cornwall

Trail

Whitsand Bay circular walk

Explore the coastline around Whitsand Bay on this circular walk between Tregantle Fort and Crafthole, full of wildlife, military history and smuggling stories.

Lansallos, Looe, Cornwall, PL13 2PX

01726870146

southeastcornwall@nationaltrust.org.uk

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website

A hiker wearing an insulated jacket and a backpack watches the sunset over snowy mountain peaks

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Close up of a walker's boots with a group of walkers in the background as they climb up Pen yr Ole Wen, Carneddau and Glyderau, Gwynedd, Wales

Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner

Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon

Article

Staying safe at National Trust places

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.

Article

Follow the Countryside Code

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

A person standing in the sea at Lansallos, Cornwall

Activity

Outdoor activities at Lansallos

Whether you’re spending the day at Lansallos or sticking around for the week, there are plenty of ways to fill your time along this dramatic stretch of Cornish coast.