St Anthony Head loop

Parking is available at St Anthony Head, which serves as a convenient starting point for this loop. Be aware that spaces can fill up, especially during peak seasons.

The St Anthony Head loop is generally rated as moderate. While it offers a good workout, it's not ideal for absolute beginners due to its steep sections, steps, stiles, and naturally uneven surfaces. Good fitness is recommended.

The terrain is diverse and often uneven. You'll encounter a mix of natural coast paths, wooded trails, fields, and some paved sections, gravel, and asphalt. Expect naturally uneven ground, steep inclines, steps, and stiles. Parts of the path can be muddy, particularly after wet weather.

This route offers spectacular and varied scenery. You'll enjoy panoramic views across Falmouth Bay, the Helford estuary, and the Lizard peninsula. Key landmarks include the iconic St Anthony Head Lighthouse, remnants of a 19th-century gun battery, and old Observation Posts. The trail also passes by the historic Place House and St Anthony's Church, and offers views of golden sandy beaches like Towan Beach and secluded coves like Great and Little Molunan beaches.

Yes, the St Anthony Head loop is dog-friendly. However, please keep dogs under close control, especially around livestock, cliffs, and other trail users. Always clean up after your pet.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times due to milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Spring brings wildflowers, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summer can be pleasant but busier, and winter can be muddy and exposed to strong winds, though still runnable for those prepared.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Roseland Heritage Coast or to jog the St Anthony Head loop. However, parking at St Anthony Head may incur a fee, as it is often managed by the National Trust.

For a jogger with good fitness, the St Anthony Head loop typically takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views. The official komoot estimate for jogging is approximately 1 hour 7 minutes.

Keep an eye out for various wildlife. Peregrine falcons and kestrels are known to soar overhead, and you might spot seals in the waters below. The area is also rich in birdlife due to its coastal and wooded habitats.

Yes, a significant portion of this loop follows the South West Coast Path (specifically Section 30: Falmouth to Portloe), which makes up about 78% of the route. There are also sections that utilize an NT path.

While there aren't extensive facilities directly at the St Anthony Head trailhead, you can find cafes and other amenities in nearby villages on the Roseland Peninsula, such as St Mawes, which is a short drive away.

To make the most of the views and potentially avoid some of the steeper ascents early on, consider jogging the loop in a clockwise direction. This can offer a more gradual start and keep the panoramic coastal vistas in front of you for longer stretches.