The best walks and hikes around St. Austell

Yes, many trails in the area are great for walking with dogs.

Kings Wood is a popular choice, offering a tranquil, flat path alongside the St. Austell River. Another lovely spot is Menacuddle Well, a small, calm green space perfect for a short walk and a leg stretch.

The Clay Trails are an excellent option for families. These paths are generally wide and well-surfaced, winding through the unique landscape of the former china clay industry. A great destination to combine with a walk is the Wheal Martyn Clay Works, which has its own nature trails and is connected to the wider network.

A fantastic option is the walk through Kings Wood to the village of Pentewan. The trail itself is a beautiful, easy-going ramble along the river. Once you arrive in Pentewan, you'll find a pub and several cafes, making it a perfect reward before you loop back.

The area provides great access to the South West Coast Path. For a significant challenge with rewarding views, consider the View of Pentewan Sands – View of Pentewan Sands loop from St Austell. This difficult route covers dramatic cliff-top sections and offers fantastic sea vistas.

The Pentewan Valley Trail is ideal for a gentle walk. It follows the route of a former tramway along the St. Austell River on a flat, hard-surfaced path. It's a flexible and accessible trail that is rich in both wildlife and local history, suitable for all ages.

They offer very different experiences. The Clay Trails take you through a unique, post-industrial landscape of white pyramids and turquoise pools, offering a glimpse into Cornwall's mining heritage. The coastal paths, part of the South West Coast Path, provide classic seaside scenery with dramatic cliffs, sandy coves, and expansive views over the English Channel.

Yes, St. Austell's train station is a great starting point for several walks. You can easily access town paths and routes leading to the coast, such as those heading towards Charlestown or Porthpean Beach, directly from the town centre without needing a car.

The region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the unique blend of industrial heritage on the Clay Trails and the stunning natural beauty of the coastline. The variety of terrain, from woodland valleys to coastal cliffs, is a major highlight.

Definitely. For a walk through a designated World Heritage Site, explore the Luxulyan Valley, which is filled with the remains of the 19th-century mining industry, including the impressive Treffry Viaduct. For a more focused historical experience, the trails around Wheal Martyn Clay Works offer a deep dive into the region's china clay history.

Yes, you can. There is a dedicated walking and cycling trail that connects St. Austell with the Eden Project. For a longer day out, you could tackle The Eden Project & Wheal Martin Trail from St Austell, which links both of these major attractions.

For one of the best panoramic views on the south coast, head to Watch House at Dodman Point. The walk to get there is well worth the effort, rewarding you with a stunning outlook from the highest point along this stretch of coastline.

There are over 30 curated hiking routes to explore around St. Austell on komoot. These range from easy strolls through river valleys to challenging coastal treks, with the majority being easy or moderate in difficulty.