Lying on the south coast opposite the giant landscape of St Michael’s Mount, Marazion enjoys an enviable spot in the heart of Mount’s Bay, just up the road from the bustling town of Penzance. Whether you’re staying in Marazion or spending the day there, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see in and around the area, most notably the iconic St Michael’s Mount, which lies offshore from the huge swathe of sandy beach.

But there’s more to see than the mount; Marazion is also home to an RSPB reserve and it’s the end (or the beginning) of the famous St Michael’s Way trail, which runs across the land to the north coast. Its great location means Marazion is the perfect spot for walks, whether that’s along the South West Coast Path that runs right through or inland where sprawling countryside awaits. And the best thing? Once you’ve finished, there’s a smorgasbord of places to rest weary feet and fill hungry tums.

St Michael’s Way

Best for: Cross country views

Difficulty: Moderate/strenuous
Distance: 12.5 miles (or however long you want it to be)
Type: Linear

This fantastic path runs from Lelant near St Ives on the north coast across the countryside to St Michael’s Mount on the south, passing through Marazion. Covering 12.5 miles, the route dates back to prehistoric times and is originally thought to have been a route for pilgrims and missionaries from Ireland and Wales who chose to walk across land rather than navigate the perilous waters around Land’s End. Part of a network of routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, it’s now a designated European Cultural Route.

Setting out from Marazion, you could do the whole walk and get the bus or train back to Penzance from Lelant (changing at St Erth), or just walk as much of it as you like. A nice round trip is to walk to Trencom Hill, an Iron Age fort, which is a 12-mile back-and-forth walk returning to Marazion. However far you choose to walk, follow the trail marked by signs with a stylistic scallop shell.

Marazion to Mousehole

Best for: Easy access and flat paths

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6.4 miles
Type: Linear

A fantastic stretch of the South West Coast Path, it’s relatively unusual for this part of Cornwall in that it passes through the town of Penzance and nearby Newlyn rather than the usual wilder sections, so you get to see the more urban side to Cornwall. Following alongside the railway into Penzance, you pass the harbour, majestic Jubilee Pool and walk along the promenade before passing Newlyn Harbour and on towards beautiful Mousehole, with Mount’s Bay as your view all the way. From here, you can either retrace your steps (making it a 12.8 mile round walk), or catch the bus back into Penzance and then on to Marazion. Relatively flat and mainly along tarmacked paths, this is an excellent choice for wheelchair users and families with buggies.

Marazion to Perranuthnoe

Best for: A Sunday stroll followed by a Sunday lunch

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4..4 miles (there and back again)
Type: Linear

This lovely amble follows the edge of Mount’s Bay out of Marazion towards the village of Perranuthnoe, walking through dunes and along footpaths, pavements and down country lanes. Passing fields and hedgerows along the way, it’s particularly lovely in spring when yellow daffodils bob against the backdrop of the sea. You’ll also spot the old mine at Trenow on this walk, which was once visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This is a great walk with a mid-way stop at the Victoria Inn, one of Cornwall’s oldest on record dating back to the 12th century (their Sunday lunches are legendary). After a rest, simply retrace your steps back to Marazion.

Marazion to St Michael’s Mount

Best for: A one-of-a-kind experience and fantastic views

Difficulty: Easy (just watch out for the tide)
Distance: 0.5 miles
Type: Linear

Okay, this isn’t really a walk as such, more of a magnificent amble across a unique causeway that’s slowly revealed by the receding waters. At high tide, the Mount is only accessible by boat, but as the tide turns, a cobbled path appears from beneath the waves that can be walked across to the island. It’s a great way to arrive - just make sure you have your timings right if you prefer walking over paddling!

Penzance to Marazion Marsh

Best for: Bird spotting and gorgeous countryside

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.8 miles
Type: Circular

A fantastic walk that takes in both the South West Coast Path and St Michael’s Way, you’ll start in Penzance and head along the coast towards Marazion. This stretch of coast gained exposure when it was used during the filming of ‘The Shell Seekers’, a dramatisation of the book by Lelant-born Rosamunde Pilcher. From here the route joins the St Michael’s Way path that winds its way across Marazion Marsh. Bird lovers will love this RSPB spot, which is famous for its over-wintering birds and is a great place for catching a glimpse of early-arriving swifts and swallows. After the marsh you’ll pass through woodland, onward past the village of Ludgvan, then back towards Penzance passing the impressive heliport on your way.

Marazion to Porthleven

Best for: Stunning coastline and bay views

Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous
Distance: 10.8 miles
Type: Linear

Best pop your walking boots on for this tougher walk, which takes on the ups and downs of cliffside walking. Following the coastal path, you’ll pass through beautiful spots such as Perranuthnoe, the National Trust-owned Cudden Point, Prussia Cove, the huge sandy beach at Praa Sands and spectacular Rinsey Head with its sheltered beach (only accessible at low tide). Finally you’ll pass the impressive Wheal Prosper and Wheal Trewavas engine houses before descending into the pretty harbour village of Porthleven. Have a well-earned drink and rest weary feet at the Ship Inn before taking your pick of the fantastic eateries that line the harbour. Afterwards, peek into the galleries and shops before catching the bus back to Marazion.

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

Best for: Art lovers and gardeners

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: As long as you want it
Type: Circular

Set above Marazion near Gulval with spectacular views over St Michael’s Mount and Mount’s Bay, this sub-tropical garden with a host of fascinating sculptures is a must-visit. To make it more of a walk, you can head to the gardens from Marazion along St Michael’s Way. Once inside, you’ll discover a beautifully landscaped space full of exotic and half-hardy plants with sculptural forms, textures and colours that complement the artwork that dot the landscape. There’s a great kitchen restaurant for a bite to eat, an art gallery and two shops – one selling artwork, the other succulents – that are well worth exploring before heading back. Please note that due to the layout of the garden it isn’t suitable for pushchairs or wheelchair users.

The hills of Godolphin and Tregonning

Best for: Panoramic hilltop views and historic sites

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.8 miles
Type: Circular

This is a lovely, ramble with impressive panoramic views, stretching from St Ives Bay to St Michael’s Mount. Take yourself to Godolphin House, a stunning National Trust-owned property, and park up. From here it’s a steady walk past barns and through fields, then up an ancient ‘slip’ or lane planted with 17th century sycamores. After this you’ll start climbing up, passing old mine shafts and Bronze Age settlements before ascending the summit of Godolphin Hill. Catch your breath and take in the view, which on a clear day will take in both the north and south coasts, then continue on, passing the engine houses of the Great Work Mine before arriving at Tregonning Hill. Here you’ll discover the Iron Age remains of a hillfort, before descending past the remains of the Tregonning China Clay works. Retrace your steps back to Godolphin House where you can enjoy a cream tea in the Piggery tea room before taking a stroll around the Grade II* listed medieval gardens and the house.

We’ve a fantastic selection of cottages in Cornwall, from chic waterfront apartments to cosy cottages deep in the countryside. If you’ve been inspired to try one of these fabulous walks, book yourself a cottage in Marazion and start planning your getaway today.

Tags: Dogs | Marazion | St Michael's Mount | Walking |