THE LIZARD, CORNWALL / CIRCULAR COASTAL WALK
Kynance Cove and Lizard Point Coastal Walk
Walk from the serpentine coves of Kynance to Lizard Point, the most southerly point of mainland Britain, then loop back past Housel Bay, Bass Point and Church Cove. It is a 6.9-mile clifftop circuit with big sea views, so plan the tide and the weather first.
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At a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing
This Kynance Cove and Lizard Point coastal walk starts at the National Trust car park above Kynance Cove, famous for its serpentine rock stacks and its sand that reaches Asparagus Island at low tide. From there the route follows the clifftop to Lizard Point, the most southerly point of mainland Britain.
The circuit then turns east to Housel Bay, Bass Point and Church Cove, before returning to Kynance. Our mapped route is 6.9 miles (11 km). The National Trust describes its own Kynance loop as challenging, with stony clifftop paths, slopes and steps, so allow plenty of time.
Check the tide before you go, and take food and water: there are cafes at Kynance Cove and Lizard Point but none between them.
- Kynance Cove: serpentine rock stacks, caves and a wide sandy beach at low tide.
- Lizard Point: the most southerly point of mainland Britain, with toilets, a cafe and the old lifeboat station at Polpeor Cove.
- Housel Bay: a steep descent, a footbridge and steps.
- Bass Point: the Lloyd’s Signal Station and the Lizard Wireless Station, where Marconi experimented.
- Church Cove: the church of St Wynwallow and a small hamlet, where the route joins the South West Coast Path down Green Lane.
Mapped and ready
See the real route before you set off
Open the interactive map before setting off and save an offline map for the walk.
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Step-by-step directions
Follow the route
Start above Kynance Cove
Start at the National Trust car park above Kynance Cove (TR12 7PJ). Toilets are here, and the path down to the cove takes about 10 minutes. The cove has serpentine rock stacks and caves, and the sand reaches Asparagus Island at low tide.
Route advice: Check the tide before you go down to the beach.
Follow the coast to Lizard Point
Follow the clifftop path south to Lizard Point, the most southerly point of mainland Britain. There is a car park with toilets, the Polpeor Cafe and the old lifeboat station at Polpeor Cove, and the lighthouse is close by.
Route advice: The cafe and lighthouse are seasonal, so check opening times.
Cross Housel Bay
Beyond the point the path drops steeply into Housel Bay, crosses a footbridge and climbs steps on the far side. Housel Bay Hotel welcomes non-residents for refreshments.
Route advice: Take care on the steep steps and unfenced cliff edges.
Walk on to Bass Point
Bass Point has the old Lloyd’s Signal Station and the Lizard Wireless Station, where Marconi experimented in 1900. The Wireless Station is open from 1 April to 30 September.
Turn inland at Church Cove
Church Cove is a small hamlet with the church of St Wynwallow. The route joins the South West Coast Path here down Green Lane (grid reference SW715121).
Return to Kynance
Follow the mapped route line back to the car park at Kynance Cove. If you have time and the tide allows, finish with a walk down to the beach and a drink at the cafe.
Route advice: Use the GPX file on your phone to keep to the route.
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Before you go
Practical information
Parking: Kynance Cove car park is £2 for 1 hour, £5 for 4 hours and £10 for over 4 hours for non-members, paid by coins or the JustPark app (as listed by the National Trust, checked 1 November 2026). Members park free at Kynance and Lizard Point but must scan their card at the machine each time. Lizard Point car park is cheaper for a long day, so you can start there instead.
Tides: Kynance is a tidal beach and the incoming tide can cut off parts of the sand and the route to Asparagus Island. Check tide times, and do not swim at low tide.
Dogs: allowed on the footpaths all year. A council ban applies on Kynance beach from 1 July to 31 August, 10am to 6pm. Keep dogs on a lead near livestock.
Bring: food, water, waterproofs and boots. The route is exposed, and the cafes are seasonal.
The route line on our map is approximate and based on a mapped line. Follow signs on the day and use a proper walking map.
Parking
Kynance Cove National Trust pay-and-display car park. Non-members pay by coins only or the JustPark app; members park free but must scan their card each time. It can fill in July to September.
Tickets and booking
No tickets needed for the walk. The Wireless Station at Bass Point is open 1 April to 30 September (National Trust).
Seasonal considerations
April to September is best, when the cafes and the Wireless Station are open. Kynance parking is very busy in July to September, so arrive early.
Toilets and refreshments
Kynance Cove Cafe on the beach and Polpeor Cafe at Lizard Point, both seasonal. Housel Bay Hotel is open to non-residents. Check opening times before relying on them.
Terrain
Stony clifftop paths, steps, some steep slopes and gravel sections
Accessibility
The path down to Kynance beach is a steep gravel slope with steps, so it is not wheelchair accessible.
Facilities
Toilets at Kynance Cove car park and cove (accessible toilet in the car park), and at Lizard Point car park
Dogs
Not yet verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Public transport
First Bus route 34 runs from Helston to Lizard village, about 2 miles from Kynance. Kynance Cove is not directly served, so check times on Traveline.
Safety
Check tide times before you go. Keep well back from unfenced cliff edges, and stay on the paths to protect the rare heathland and wildflowers.
Important cautions
Incoming tides can cut off parts of Kynance beach. Cliff edges are unfenced, especially around Housel Bay, and the headland is exposed to sudden weather changes.
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Useful answers
Kynance Cove and Lizard Point Coastal Walk FAQs
How long is the Kynance Cove and Lizard Point walk?
Our mapped route is about 11 km (6.9 miles). Allow roughly 4 to 5 hours with stops. The National Trust’s own Kynance loop is about 7 miles.
Can you get to Kynance Cove by bus?
Not directly. First Bus route 34 runs from Helston to Lizard village, about 2 miles from the cove. Check times on Traveline.
Is parking free for National Trust members?
Yes, at both Kynance Cove and Lizard Point, but you must scan your membership card at the machine each time.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed on the paths all year. A council ban applies on Kynance beach from 1 July to 31 August, 10am to 6pm. Keep dogs on a lead near livestock.
Can I get cut off by the tide at Kynance?
Yes. The incoming tide can cut off parts of the beach. Check tide times before you go and keep an eye on the water.
Are there toilets and cafes on the route?
There are toilets at Kynance car park, the cove and Lizard Point car park. Cafes are at Kynance Cove and Polpeor at Lizard Point, both with seasonal hours.
When is the Wireless Station at Bass Point open?
From 1 April to 30 September, according to the National Trust.
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