Kynance Cove Coastal Walk
Cornwall
Kynance Cove is one of the best loved beaches in Cornwall, a turquoise bay framed by serpentine stacks at the very tip of the Lizard Peninsula. The walk follows the South West Coast Path between Kynance and Lizard Point, weaving across heathland, granite cliffs and tucked-away coves, and it is a dog friendly route on the cliffs all year, with the beach itself open to dogs from September through to June.
From 1 July to 31 August dogs are not allowed on Kynance beach itself, but the clifftop paths, heath and surrounding coves stay open year round. Expect to share the cliff tops with traditional grazing breeds of pony, sheep and cattle that the National Trust uses to manage the heath, so leads are essential when you spot them and where the path runs close to unfenced cliff edges. The route involves around 220 metres of climbing over steps and stony paths, and the NT car park has toilets, a seasonal cafe at the cove and a payment booth.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.5 km (4.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Seasonal beach cafe and toilets at Kynance, plus the Polpeor Cafe at Lizard Point.
- Parking
- National Trust car park at Kynance Cove, free for NT members, busy and limited in peak summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kynance Cove Coastal Walk dog friendly?
Yes, Kynance Cove Coastal Walk is dog friendly and earns a solid 7 out of 10 on our rating. The clifftop paths, heathland and surrounding coves are open to dogs year round, and the beach itself welcomes dogs from September through to June. During July and August, dogs aren't permitted on the beach, but there's still plenty of beautiful walking to be had on the cliffs above.
Can dogs be off lead at Kynance Cove Coastal Walk?
There are stretches where dogs can enjoy a good roam, but leads are essential in certain spots. The National Trust manages the heath using grazing ponies, sheep and cattle, so you'll need to keep your dog on a lead whenever livestock are nearby. Leads are also strongly advised where the path runs close to unfenced cliff edges, given the 220 metres of ascent and descent across steps and stony terrain.
What should I know before visiting Kynance Cove Coastal Walk with my dog?
The big seasonal rule to note is that dogs are not allowed on Kynance beach itself between 1 July and 31 August, though the clifftop paths remain open throughout the year. The route involves some genuine climbing over steps and stony paths, so it's worth making sure your dog is comfortable on uneven ground. Parking is at the National Trust car park at Kynance Cove, which can get very busy in peak summer, and there are toilets and a seasonal cafe at the cove as well as the Polpeor Cafe down at Lizard Point.
What’s Nearby?
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