Top 20 Hikes and Walks around Falmouth

Walking down by the river

The Fal dominates this area and has so many tributaries it’s hard to see which branch the true Fal actually comes from. Every section of the river here has numerous trails along its shores, all the way up to Truro. Some of the best hiking trails around Falmouth can be found alongside the water. 

St Mawes is a pretty village across the river mouth reachable by ferry from Falmouth harbour. Just a short hop across the water opens a whole new area of trails. From here, you can explore up the Percuil River and down to the Roseland Heritage Coast. This part of Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has rocky shores, pale sand beaches and excellent views. 

You can head south for more river walks in the Falmouth area, exploring the Helford River. Here you’ll walk amongst beautiful woodlands, see old stone cottages and watch little yachts idle along the water. It’s a true idyll. 

A whirlwind wildlife tour

With an unusually mild climate, plenty of secret river spots and well-preserved woodlands, it’s no wonder there’s a good deal of wildlife to spot on your hikes around Falmouth. As a sheltered bay on the very edge of the English Channel, Falmouth draws its fair share of sea-going creatures. Seals, dolphins and even basking sharks are frequently spotted in the surrounding waters. Pendennis Point and St Anthony Head at the entrance to the Fal are both particularly good places to scour the water for signs of these wonderful creatures. 

The Fal Estuary area has several nature reserves too, abundant in small animals, birds and molluscs. Fal-Ruan, Devichoys Wood and Swanvale are just a few of the region’s preserved sites. 

Falmouth’s maritime history

If you’re keen on maritime history, Falmouth will be your new favourite place. This beautiful Cornish town is one of the most important ports in British sailing history. As the most westerly major harbour, many a famous captain has gone to sea from this port. 

Packet Ships from the 1600s onwards set sail from here for the British Empire’s most distant shores. Pilot boats also operated out of the harbour, delivering pilots to incoming ships to help them navigate in. Yacht and dinghy racing also have a firm place in Falmouth’s history thanks to its size, variation and sheltered waters. When you stroll along the harbour today, you’ll see hundreds of boats moored off the town.