Zennor Head to Gurnard's Head Coastal Walk
Cornwall
The Penwith coast between Zennor and Gurnard's Head is some of the rawest scenery on the South West Coast Path, all granite headlands, Iron Age forts and pounding Atlantic. This loop tackles the cliffs out to Gurnard's Head and returns inland along the ancient Churchway track, and it is a dog friendly walk for surefooted dogs comfortable with rocky ground and exposed edges.
The coast path here is strewn with small to medium boulders that can be slippery when damp, and there are unfenced mineshafts in the bracken around Carnelloe Cliff, so leads are essential along the Atlantic side. Stiles on the route have all been reported as dog-passable, and Treen Cove offers a year round dog friendly beach detour partway round. Park in the village pay and display at Zennor, where the Tinners Arms and the Gurnard's Head pub at the far end both welcome dogs for a meal or pint.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 3 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Tinners Arms pub at Zennor and the Gurnard's Head pub on the route, both dog welcoming.
- Parking
- Pay and display car park in Zennor village beside the church.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zennor Head to Gurnard's Head Coastal Walk dog friendly?
The walk is dog friendly, though it earns a moderate 5/10 rating rather than a full score — it's a technically demanding route best suited to surefooted dogs comfortable with rocky terrain and exposed cliff edges. That said, the stiles on the route have all been reported as dog-passable, there's a year-round dog-friendly beach detour at Treen Cove, and both the Tinners Arms in Zennor and the Gurnard's Head pub welcome dogs for food and drinks.
Can dogs be off lead at Zennor Head to Gurnard's Head Coastal Walk?
Leads are essential along the Atlantic coast section of this walk. The path runs close to unfenced cliff edges, the boulder-strewn ground can be slippery when damp, and there are unfenced mineshafts hidden in the bracken around Carnelloe Cliff that pose a real risk to dogs roaming freely.
What should I know before visiting Zennor Head to Gurnard's Head Coastal Walk with my dog?
This is a wild, rugged stretch of the South West Coast Path and not one for nervous or less agile dogs — the rocky ground, exposed headlands and Atlantic weather make it a proper adventure rather than a gentle stroll. Come prepared with your dog on a lead for the coastal sections, and you can park at the pay and display car park in Zennor village beside the church. On the plus side, Treen Cove offers a lovely dog-friendly beach detour along the way, and you're well placed for a well-earned stop at either end.
What’s Nearby?
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