Lelant is a great place to stay if you’re looking to be within easy reach of St Ives. Having booked my Cornwall trip a little close to the line, there wasn’t a huge amount of accommodation left. I did, however, discover a gem in nearby Lelant so chose to stay there. It’s the perfect hub for getting to nearby Carbis Bay and St Ives along Porthkidney Beach. Here’s my walk from Lelant to St Ives, and all the beautiful views along the way.
Lelant, Cornwall
I’d heard of and been through Lelant on previous visits to Cornwall, but didn’t know it in detail. It’s a beautiful little village on the west of the Hayle River, lying between Hayle and St Ives. It has pretty views across the river towards Hayle and the Hayle Estuary. Lelant also happens to be the gateway to gorgeous Porthkidney Beach. Back in medieval history, Lelant was once a significant port with quays. Nowadays, there are just a few boats on the muddy estuary that are called mackerel boats.
I found an apartment in Lelant towards the sea, and it was lovely. A modern annexe, there were fresh flowers and cookies left for us, and our host was so helpful and friendly. Having left our new furry friend from the evening before to it, we headed out to take the beautiful walk from Lelant to St Ives for some lunch.
Lelant to St Ives
The walk from the apartment to the beach is super pleasant, past friendly locals walking their dogs and adorable St Uny’s church. We reached the Hayle estuary, which is beautiful with an expansive sandy beach. On the one side, there’s an Atlantic side, and the other a strip of sandy coves.
Although many keen hikers take the thirteen mile St Michael’s Way from Lelant to St Michael’s Mount in Mount’s Bay, we weren’t quite so keen. Instead, we’d do the portion to St Ives.
Lelant is one of the tiny request stops on the beautiful St Ives Bay line. It’s one of my favourite train journeys in the world, thanks to the railway line going right along the sea. You can even get cream teas from the old Lelant station house.
Past glossy Porthkidney Beach and after scrambling across rocks, we reached a turning point. Just on the other side, you’ll find Carbis Bay, one of my favourite beaches in the world.
We followed the railway around from Carbis Bay to St Ives along the footpath. There are plenty of gorgeous views en route, and amazing properties to look at along the way.
St Ives, Cornwall
We reached St Ives after almost an hour of walking. We walked past the gorgeous beaches and down cobbled streets lined with holiday cottages. Trying to reach the highest point of St Ives, we climbed up to the mount near St Nicholas Chapel.
Standing at the top of the Island, St Nicholas Chapel is surrounded on three sides by the sea. It’s thought that it could date back to 1434. The views are simply stunning no matter where you look.
My favourite view is out across Porthmeor Beach. Rated as having excellent water quality by the Marine Conservation Society, it’s one of Britain’s best beaches. Just beyond the Tate St Ives, Porthmeor is a sandy beach that’s perfect for both surfers and swimmers. It’s one of just seven beaches in Cornwall with the prestigious Blue Flag Award, thanks to its water quality.
We walked to the other side, soaking in the gorgeous beach and watching surf lessons take place. The sun beamed down, illuminating the blue waters and green grass of the scenery.
With a bit of an appetite, we headed back into nearby St Ives’ centre. We found a teashop, where the Canadian had to have his first ever cream tea. We plumped for two scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and I showed him how to eat them the Cornwall way.
A tasty end to a lovely morning.
If you’re looking for a lovely walk in Cornwall, I highly recommend taking the hike from Lelant to St Ives. Where are your favourite seaside walks?
