Godrevy to Hell's Mouth coastal walk — Cornwall

Hiking trails & Routes

Godrevy to Hell's Mouth coastal walk — Cornwall

Moderate

4.8

(66)

562

hikers

Godrevy to Hell's Mouth coastal walk — Cornwall

02:26

9.09km

100m

Hiking

Embark on the Godrevy to Hell's Mouth coastal walk, a moderate 5.6-mile (9.1 km) hike that typically takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete, with an elevation gain of 326 feet (99 metres). You will experience dramatic ocean views across St Ives Bay, with the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse standing proudly on its reef. The route features varied terrain, from boardwalks through the sandy Towans to grassy clifftops and the heathland of the Knavocks, leading you to the spectacular cliffs of Hell's Mouth.

As you plan your visit, be aware that the path includes narrow sections, rocky underfoot areas, and steep climbs. Proper walking shoes are highly recommended for stability on uneven ground, and some parts can be muddy, especially in the Knavocks. Exercise caution near unfenced cliff edges and steep drop-offs, particularly if you are hiking with children or dogs, as crumbling cliffs may have led to rerouted paths.

This trail is a notable section of the South West Coast Path, offering consistent opportunities to spot marine wildlife. Keep an eye out for grey seals basking on the shore or swimming in the sea, and you might even glimpse dolphins or basking sharks in the waters below. The Knavocks heathland is a globally significant habitat, where rare plants thrive and wild ponies graze, adding to the unique natural appeal of this Cornish coastal adventure.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Cornwall AONB

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449 m

Godrevy Lighthouse

Highlight • Monument

Godrevy Lighthouse is perched on Godrevy Island. Its light has been warning seafarers of Stone Reef which reaches across St Ives Bay since 1859.

Such is the power of the sea that builders were left stuck on the island during its construction. Before the 1930s when the light became automatic, the lighthouse keepers lived in the cottages on the island. You can now also see the solar panels that power the light.

Godrevy Lighthouse was the inspiration for Virginia Woolf's novel, 'To the Lighthouse'. Although the book was set in the Isle of Skye, Woolf spent her childhood summers in St Ives at Talland House, right across the Bay from Godrevy.

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1.52 km

View of Godrevy Lighthouse

Highlight • Natural Monument

This is a lovely place to sit during a walk along the coast path. It is a headland with sea on both sides of you and the little island with the beautiful lighthouse out in front. When the sun is shining it is hard to beat this lovely spot

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2.79 km

View of Godrevy Lighthouse and Heritage Coast

Highlight • Natural Monument

Godrevy Heritage Coast stretches from Portreath in the east, to Godrevy. 14 miles of marvellous glorious hiking territory with a stunning coastline of cliffs and coves.

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4.59 km

Hell's Mouth Cliffs

Highlight • Natural Monument

From the cliffs above Hell’s Mouth, you get a spectacular view out to sea. The dark cove, situated underneath a sheer rock face, has been the subject of much tragedy and legend over the years. Don't step too close to the edge of these ominous cliffs to get a better view as there have been many landslides, including a time when 110,000 tons of earth and rock collapsed into the sea — and was caught on camera.

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