Walks around St Mawes

With its castle, the companion to the larger Pendennis Castle in Falmouth, beautifully preserved streets and houses, great cafes and galleries, St Mawes should be on your list of places to see whilst on holiday in nearby Falmouth. There are some great walks as well and we’ve outlined some of them below:

A Headland Stroll
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: allow 1 to 2hrs
Once you alight from the St Mawes ferry turn left and follow the sea front road that takes you past St Mawes Castle. The views are terrific, taking in the Carrick Roads and St Anthony lighthouse with Falmouth seen across the bay. Continue along the coastal path now for about one mile taking the right hand fork in the path when you get to it. This takes you inland and you’ll start climbing a hill before joining the A3078. Turning right, follow the road south for only 100 yards or so before picking up the footpath on the left hand side. The path doubles back at this point and can be followed for another 100 yards where there is a turning left off the main path which will take you down past Bosloggas to the Percuil River. When you arrive at the river the path turns south and follows the shores of the river all the way back to St Mawes.

St Just in Roseland Church walk
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: allow 1.5-2hrs
A lovely coastal stroll that will take you to St Just in Roseland church that Sir John Betjeman described as ‘the most beautiful on earth’. As with the walk above walk towards and then past St Mawes Castle but this time, when yu reach the fork in the path take the left hand option and continue along the path that hugs the shoreline until you reach St Just. The church is a real highlight, with its subtropical plants nestling alongside a centuries old graveyard at the head of the creek. Head back to St Mawes along the same path in time for a pub lunch!

Walk to Smuggler’s Cottage
Distance: 6 Miles
Time: allow 5 hrs
This walk takes in the lovely scenery along the River Fal where oysters are still fished using traditional sail and oar methods. Follow the directions as above to St Just in Roseland church. From the church, head north alongside St Just Creek before breaking away from the river and heading inland. The latter part of the walk is on the road so take care. Smugglers’ Cottage has a fascinating history dating back to the 15th century and occupies a marvellous spot on the Fal river.