We all know that getting ready for your next beach break can be intense, with months of prep, staying active and eating well it’s a shame when you finally get on holiday and within a few days your hard work is all gone! To stop all the hard work going to waste, we’ve put together our top running spots in Cornwall so you can stay beach ready during and after your holiday too!
1. The Camel Trail (5 miles) – If you have a willing volunteer to pick you up at Wadebridge, this is a stunning run along the South West Coast Path. About 5 miles, or 10 if you run there and back again, the route runs along the coast from Padstow to Wadebridge. The route is almost completely flat so it is great to run as a beginner, plus you can admire the views while you run.
2. Perranporth Beach (3 miles) – Running in Cornwall would only be complete with a route along the beach, with this one you can spend the whole time on the beach. Just be wary of tide times to make sure you don’t get stranded! Run from one end right up to Penhale and you can always turn back again if you want to double your miles!
3. Falmouth Circular (4 miles) – You can start anywhere along this route and shorten or lengthen it as needed. Run along the beautiful Gyllyngvase beach and up along the South West Coast Path towards Swanpool. Back to the main road behind Swanpool beach turn right and head back towards Falmouth. At the crossroads turn left and then right onto Melvill Road.
A little way down take a left and run through Fox Gardens (Falmouth University) and down through the campus. Head out through the woods and past the Falmouth Town railway. Back onto the main road; run along the coastline, taking in the naval port along the way. Head back up the hill towards Pendennis Castle and along the coast path. When you reach the castle, you know the rest will be down hill – head back along the cliff and back to Gyllyngvase beach!
4. Helston to Porthleven (5 miles) – This route can be a tricky one with a few minor hills mixed in the route; it will keep your heart pumping! Start out by Coronation Park Boating Lake at the bottom of Helston; you can park opposite the lake in the Penrose Amenity car park. The path to follow heads into the woods, next to the car park, and onwards past traditional buildings and National Trust land.
Eventually you will come out above Loe Bar and see the stunning views out across Porthleven beach. Our advice for getting back to Helston after your run is to jump on the bus (unless you fancy another 5 miles back!) If you’re feeling inspired to take a trip Cornwall you can find more useful tips and things to do in our Guide to your Cornwall holiday here.
What’s your favourite route? Find out what everyone else thinks!
Check out the other Cornish Bloggers’ posts below:
Holly @ Full of Beans & Sausages: ‘My Top 5 Beaches in Cornwall‘
Anna @ The Cornish Life: ‘5 Best Beaches in Cornwall‘
Jess @ Jessica Cece: ‘Life’s a Beach‘
Alice @ Wooden Windowsills: ‘5 Cornish Beaches You Should Visit This Summer‘
Liv @ Maiden in Cornwall: ‘My 5 Favourite Cornish Beaches‘
Abel @ Brainfood: ‘Top 10 Beaches for Summer 2015′
Chloe @ Life Unexpected: ‘Top 5 Family Friendly Beaches in Cornwall’