Outdoor Activities in Cornwall

Cornwall’s geography does most of the work. About 300 miles of South West Coast Path, Bodmin Moor, and a network of disused railway lines converted to traffic-free paths give the county an outdoor offer that runs well beyond beach and surf.

The Camel Trail is the most used. The old railway line from Padstow to Bodmin and on to Wenford Bridge runs 18 miles through the Camel Valley, entirely traffic-free. Bike hire is available at both ends, and the section between Padstow and Wadebridge follows the estuary closely enough that you can watch the tide. It handles all fitness levels.

Adrenalin Quarry near Liskeard uses a flooded slate quarry as the backdrop for zip wires, an aquapark, a giant swing, and axe throwing. It operates at a different register from the walking trails - faster, louder, and built around quarry cliffs of about 50 metres. The aquapark runs seasonally, so check before you go.

Sky Diving at Perranporth offers tandem jumps from 10,000 feet over the north Cornish coast, with roughly 5,000 feet of freefall. The drop zone sits above Perranporth Beach, which means the approach and the landing are both worth the price of the jump.

Wavehunters at Watergate Bay provides surfing and watersports instruction from one of Cornwall’s most consistent surf beaches. The bay is two miles long with open Atlantic exposure and works for beginners because the waves break predictably.

Looe Island Nature Reserve is a different kind of outdoor activity - the Cornwall Wildlife Trust manages the island as a marine conservation area, and seasonal boat trips from Looe give access to the walking trails, seal colonies, and seabird nesting sites that are otherwise inaccessible.

Lakeside Cycles at Helston offers bike hire with traffic-free routes out to Loe Bar and Porthleven - a short, flat option well suited to families.