The Esplanade Hotel Blog

May is National Walking Month and at The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic walks in some of Cornwall’s most beautiful places.

Whether you’re heading out for a romantic stroll, chasing sea air and a little headspace, or turning a family walk into a holiday adventure, find your favourite part of the coast path.

Step outside the hotel and you’re immediately on the South West Coast Path, which also forms part of the newly inaugurated King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIII ECP).

Newquay sits on the South West Atlantic Coast section of the KCIII ECP, which is complete and fully open, with works continuing on other sections around the country. Once completed, the KCIII ECP will be around 2,700 miles, going all the way round England.

For easy navigation, look out for the acorn waymarkers used along the South West Coast Path. These apply to the KCIII ECP as well, and you may also see signs saying “now part of the King Charles III England Coast Path”.

The Gannel and Crantock

From The Esplanade Hotel, walks of every kind begin right outside. Head left out of the hotel and you can follow the coast towards Pentire Headland, the Gannel and Crantock, where the scenery becomes quieter and more spacious, with estuary views, sandy paths and some of the most beautiful clifftop outlooks in the area. Continue beyond Crantock and the path leads on towards Porth Joke (look out for the seals) and Holywell Bay, where you’ll wind through giant sand dunes before carrying on towards the wide beach of Perranporth.

If you are planning a route around the Gannel estuary, it is worth checking tide conditions before setting out, as some crossings are tide dependent and may not always be available. Trenance Bridge may be inaccessible at high tides and Penpol boardwalk is only passable 3–4 hours either side of the tide. The optional route inland via Trevemper Bridge is available at all times.

As with any coastal walk, temporary diversions can occasionally be in place, so checking the latest South West Coast Path route change information before heading off is always a good idea.

Fistral Beach and Newquay town

Head over the road from The Esplanade and pick up the coast path behind Fistral Beach towards Newquay. There’s plenty to see and do along the way. Try a bit of rockpooling on Fistral Beach, head into our vibrant town and discover local attractions, and do some seaside exploring along the many beaches throughout Newquay and beyond.

Days out, evenings in

National Walking Month is a wonderful reminder that some of the best days out begin with simply stepping outside. That could mean an easy family walk followed by time to unwind in our in-house leisure facilities, a solo coastal ramble with nothing on the agenda but the next viewpoint, or a scenic outing for two before dinner back at The Esplanade in Cove Restaurant with a sea-view sunset. However you like to explore, our location above Fistral Beach makes it easy to enjoy the Cornish coast on foot.

Ready to explore? Check out our two-night Walking Break, including dining to keep you fuelled for your walks, or check out our coastal accommodation – the perfect place to rest after days on the trails.

For more information and walking route maps, visit:

King Charles III England Coast Path website

South West Coast Path website

The Esplanade is proud to be a South West Coast Path Mile Maker. Find out what it means to be a Mile Maker in our blog here.

Explore all breaks and offers at The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall