Just like Ross these walks mean business. They’re supped up, challenging and 100% rewarding. They take breathtaking views to the max and get to the heart of Poldark’s Cornwall. When a leisurely stroll just won’t cut it, go extreme…
Holywell Bay to Perranporth walk
Taking in not one but two Poldark locations this walk starts out in Holywell Bay, home to the iconic Gull Rock which can be seen shimmying in the background of many onscreen scenes. It follows the South West Coast Path in spectacular style as it hugs the north Cornish coast and takes in an array of cliff top mine workings. From Penhale Point follow the path to St Piran’s Oratory and see the remains of the sand engulfed church. You’ll eventually circle back to Holywell Bay to cover 8.1 miles in full. Alternatively, stay on the coast path and head onwards to Perranporth taking a moment to rest on the bench which marks the spot where Winston Graham once had a writing chalet.
Botallack to Higher Bal walk
On this 3 hour walk you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the film set as it takes in the remains of two of Cornwall’s ‘champion mines’, Levant and Botallack. Stars of the hit series, Owles and Crowns near Botallack plays Wheal Leisure while Levant has the role of Tressiders Rolling Mill. As you walk along the coast path with the ocean stretching out before you, you’ll get a sense of how thriving this area once was and won’t have to try hard to imagine Ross rolling up his sleeves and submerging to the dark and treacherous conditions underground. At Levant pause to remember the 31 miners who lost their lives in the 1919 man-engine tragedy.
Constantine Bay to Mawgan Porth
This long and challenging walk has lots of ups and downs as it travels high above north Cornwall’s ragged rocky coastline where turquoise water washes onto golden sand. At about one third into the seven-mile walk is Porthcothan which stars as Nampara alongside a number of other locations. The dramatic cliff tops may also be familiar with some of the scenes on horseback filmed here. An area rich in smuggling history, there are lots of inlets and coves where locals once supplemented their fishing income with a spot of Free Trade and made the most of the secluded and sandy caves to hide their contraband.
Rough Tor and Brown Willy
Head to Bodmin Moor to experience another location used for horse-riding scenes and take on this strenuous 5.2 mile circular walk to Rough Tor and Brown Willy, Cornwall’s two highest peaks. You’ll pass prehistoric remains and will be in striking distance of the cottage used for the exterior shots of Ross Poldark’s cottage. There are also far reaching 360-degree views that stretch as far as both the north and south coasts.
Kynance Cove and Lizard Point
Over seven miles this walk takes in the stunning Kynance Cove with its pure white sand, turquoise waters and serpentine rock-towers, as well as the most south-westerly point of the British mainland. Walkers will recognise Kynance Cove as Poldark’s beloved Nampara and will be mesmerised by the dramatic cliff scenery which makes the challenging terrain more than worth it. Stop to discover Lizard Lighthouse and take in the views over the secluded and remote Pentreath beach and Polpeor Cove.
