Three of the best hostel-to-hostel walks in Cornwall

YHA Tintagel to YHA Bocastle

Not too challenging and not overly lengthy, this route from magical Tintagel to historic Boscastle allows for plenty of stops along the way. An optional detour takes you to the moss covered St. Nectan’s Glen with its captivating waterfall and hermitage, source of the legend of Saint Nectan. The hostels at either end of your walk are dog friendly when exclusively hired so why not consider gathering a group of pup owners to join you on this trip?

The route

Walking distance: 7.5 miles (get directions)

Beginning at YHA Tintagel, just a short walk from Tintagel Castle, you’ll immediately join the well-signposted South West Coast Path, passing Glebe Cliff before exiting the town. Here the path passes the rocky headland of Barras Nose, the North Tintagel Boulders and The Sisters, two imposing rocks looming just off the coast. Here sandy, sheltered Bossiney and Benoath Coves are a great place to stop for a paddle.

It’s here you can choose to leave the coastal path and head towards the village of Bossiney, following the B road out to the St. Nectan’s car park where the path to the waterfalls is easy to find. Take your time exploring the shaded woodland before returning to the coast back the way you came.

On return to the South West path, you’ll follow the rugged Trethevy Cliffs, eventually reaching Ladies Window, an Instagrammable gap in the rocks overlooking the sea. Pass Grower Rock just beyond here and you’ll catch a first glimpse of the outskirts of Boscastle. To explore the town, follow the Forrabury Stitches. Otherwise continue along the coast path, taking a left to the Boscastle Coastwatch Station for glorious views of – on a good day – almost tropical seas. It’s then on to Boscastle Harbour where you’ll find YHA Boscastle, your home for the night.

The hostels

YHA Tintagel: offered for YHA Exclusive Hire only, this spacious hostel sleeps 22 people and is an affordable choice for groups. With clean, modern bathrooms, self-catering facilities, Wi-Fi and parking on-site, everyone can enjoy a comfortable break in an unbeatable location, right on the dramatic Cornwall cliffs.

YHA Boscastle: a quaint stone-built building right on Boscastle’s beautiful harbour, this hostel is ideally located for exploring the local area, including the unmissable Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, just next door. Self-catering only, this hostel is situated next to the Harbour Light café and is within easy reach of all of the town’s pubs, restaurants and tea rooms.

YHA Coverack to YHA Lizard Point

The unforgettable stretch of Cornwall between Coverack and Lizard is dotted with sandy beaches and lined with green pastures. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), geologists will enjoy spotting the glossy green serpentine rock found along the way (it has even been used for some slightly treacherous-when-wet stiles). Although this walk can be completed in a little over four hours, allow time to spot basking sharks and red-beaked Cornish choughs, explore the rock pools of Kennack Sands and take in the Iron Age cliff castles of Lankidden and Chynalls Point.

The route

Walking distance: 10.7 miles (get directions)

Leaving Coverack you’ll pass by Chynall’s Point and the dramatic Portbeer Cove, a great spot for a photo looking back towards town. You’ll then follow the South West Coast Path along dramatic cliffs and crashing seas, finding Downas Cove and Lankidden Cove along the way before stopping at the popular family beaches of Kennack Sands, a lovely place for a picnic and a paddle, though it gets very busy in the height of summer.

Outside the hamlet of Poltesco you might choose to spend some time at the Old Serpentine Works, now a National Trust property. A wander past the village of Cadgwith, with its picturesque harbour and tin tabernacle follows, then it’s on to the Devil’s Frying Pan a 100M deep drop from cliff to sea and a dramatic sight on choppier days.

From here you’ll take on some short but challenging ups and downs as you approach the Lizard Peninsula. However, the effort is well worth it, with breathtaking views of the cliffs, the sea and Lizard Lighthouse as well as an opportunity to clamber down to the beautiful Housel Bay. After checking this out, take a moment to explore the most southerly point in the UK before a short walk back towards YHA Lizard Point.

The hostels

YHA Coverack: worth booking in simply for the panoramic sea views, this comfortable hostel provides plenty of options for your stay, including private ensuite rooms, bell tent camping and private hire. Close to local attractions, including the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, and beautiful beaches, this property offers breakfasts and packed lunches for hungry day trippers.

YHA Lizard Point: offered for YHA Exclusive Hire only, this hostel allows guests to enjoy privacy and comfort at an affordable price. With spectacular views out to sea, this hostel is one of our most special locations, giving human and canine visitors alike excellent access to long walks and stunning beaches.