Running at Land's End
Overview
Penzance to Land's End
Distance: 16.5 miles/ 27km
Start/Finish: Penzance Station TR18 2LT, Land's End
Terrain: Trail, road, coast path
Toughness: Challenging
Ascent: 791 metres
Navigation: Easy to moderate
Good for: Coast, history, culture
Route info
A tough but rewarding coastal run with plenty of scenery and history that can be run in sections or, for those up for a challenge, in its entirety. Steep steps and narrow paths make for exciting, technical running. Leave Penzance by the coast road to the west, through Newlyn and Mousehole, before following the SW Coast Path sign left out onto the rugged coast path. Continue along an undulating mixture of trail and granite steps to Lamorna. The secluded cove and café here, surrounded by bluebell woods in spring, provides a welcome spot for a rest. Climb steep steps to the cliff top, passing Treen’s white sandy beaches and the Minack Theatre. In the final miles, grasslands make for easier running as Land’s End beckons.
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
Watersports at Lands End
If you've never surfed before, then book a lesson at Sennen Cove - tuition, board and wetsuit hire are all available in the village. More experienced surfers will enjoy the big waves at Gwynver.
Climbing at Lands End
If you are looking to combine water sports with climbing then Coasteering is for you.
Walking and Rambling at Lands End
With footpaths heading in all directions from the hostel door, you'll soon enjoy cliff top views towards Land's End before crossing the sands of Sennen Cove, or passing Cape Cornwall and the dramatic
Land's End
The most south-westerly point in mainland Britain, with spectacular views, iconic signpost and a range of visitor attractions.
St Just-in-Penwith
This ancient Cornish mining town, Britain's most westerly town, has a wealth of artistic talent and Plain-an-Gwarry - an open air mediaeval theatre, situated near the WWII War Memorial. Nearby ther
Sennen Cove Surfing School
A long sweeping beach, ideal for surfing. The school has an excellent reputation offering lesson for all abilities. Visit the website
Geevor Mine and Levant Beam Engine
7.1 miles The largest mining museum in Britain with underground tours and “gold” panning. Levant Beam Engine is a short walk away. Visit the website
Cycling in Land's End
Nothing beats cycling down the old green lane to Nanjizal - one of the more secluded beaches in Cornwall.
Mên-an-Tol
This iconic and highly photogenic site is one of the best known megalithic structures in Britain. see the Historic Cornwall or the Wikipedia website
Climbing in Penzance
The area is famous for its granite routes, including Chair Ladder and Commando Ridge, but there are other options including the vertical wall at Gurnard's Head.
Porthcurno Telegraph Museum
The history of cable telecommunications, only a short walk from the Minack Theatre and beach at Porthcurno. The museum explains the dawn of wireless science in the former global hub of cable comm
Running in Penzance
Admittedly Cornwall is more famous for its leisurely pace of life and calorific cream teas than its enthusiasm for running!
Watersports in Penzance
Marazion and Gwithian have regular events for both Kite and Wind Surfing.
Walking and Rambling in Penzance
Penzance has the best transport links in West Cornwall, giving great flexibility in choosing your route.
Coasteering in Land's End
If you are looking to combine water sports with climbing then Coasteering is for you. Kernow Coasteering offer coasteering adventures on the rocky coastline close to YHA Land’s End.
Penlee House Gallery & Museum
The only Cornish gallery specialising in the Newlyn School artists, the museum also covers West Cornwall's social history. Visit the Gallery's website