Cadgwith and the serpentine route

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Walk directions

Leave the car park by the far end following the ‘Footpath to Village’ sign. Immediately after turn left along a grassy ride just below the car park, and follow this along to a stile. Bear right off the track to continue through a gate and then on into woodland. Turn right at a lane, and cross a stream, then on the corner, go up a track and continue along to the main road at Ruan Minor.

Go left and, just beyond the shop, turn left down a surfaced path. Rejoin the main road by a thatched cottage (there are toilets just before the road). Cross diagonally right, then go down a lane next to a school and pass the Church of St Ruan.

In 0.3 miles (500m), just past an old mill and a bridge, go right at a T-junction to reach the car park at Poltesco. Here you may drop into the National Trust’s free exhibition in a converted barn about the local area and the serpentine factory. From the far end of the car park go through a gate and follow a track. Go right at a junction. Look out for a bench covered in bas relief pilchards.

Go over a wooden bridge above the cove, then turn left at a T-junction and again turn left in 0.25 miles (400m) where the path branches. Go through a kissing gate and continue along the cliff-edge path (with care in places) to Cadgwith. At the road, turn left and pass through the commercial hub of the village.

Follow a narrow path next to a house called ‘Long Loft’. By a house gateway, go left up a surfaced path, signposted ‘Devil’s Frying Pan’. At an open area turn left, pass Townplace Cottage, cross a meadow and reach the Devil’s Frying Pan itself. Continue along the coast path for about 0.4 miles (0.6km).

At a junction, by a little stream and stile, follow a path inland and uphill to a T-junction with a rough track. Turn left and then, at a public lane, go left again and after 0.5 miles (800m) turn through a wooden field gate signed ‘St Grada’s Church’ and along a track to St Grade’s (or St Grada’s) church. Follow a short path along the outside of the church wall to reach a wooden stile.

Follow the left-hand field-edge behind the church to the left corner, then go over a stone stile. Go straight across the field and then cross a wooden stile onto a road. St Ruan’s Well is opposite diagonally left. Turn right for 200yds (183m), then branch off right between stone pillars to return to the car park.

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Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Very good, occasionally rocky in places; rocks may be slippery when wet

Landscape - Landlocked lanes and woodland tracks, coastal footpaths high above the sea

Dog friendliness - May be off lead on coastal paths, but keep under strict control on field paths

Parking - Cadgwith car park, about 350yds (320m) from Cadgwith (busy in summer)

Toilets en route - Ruan Minor and Cadgwith

About the walk

The rock of the Lizard Peninsula is fascinating by name and by nature. Its geological label, serpentinite, is a word that fails to slither quite so easily off the tongue as does its popular usage, ‘serpentine’. The name derives from the sinuous veins of green, red, yellow and white that wriggle...

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Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

Cornwall has just about everything – wild moorland landscapes, glorious river valley scenery, picturesque villages and miles of breathtaking coastline. Known for its popular surfing spots, the region provides ample opportunities for water sport enthusiasts, and for those who prefer to stay on land, visitor attractions like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan offer a lovely day out.