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
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.
Cycling in Land's End
Nothing beats cycling down the old green lane to Nanjizal - one of the more secluded beaches in Cornwall.
St Michael's Mount
From monks to a Cornish giant, the history and mythology that layer up on this rocky tidal island near Penzance is richly diverse.
Walking and Rambling in Penzance
Penzance has the best transport links in West Cornwall, giving great flexibility in choosing your route.
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
Watersports in Penzance
Marazion and Gwithian have regular events for both Kite and Wind Surfing.
Land's End
The most south-westerly point in mainland Britain, with spectacular views, iconic signpost and a range of visitor attractions.
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
Climbing at Lands End
If you are looking to combine water sports with climbing then Coasteering is for you.
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.
Leach Pottery
The most famous and certainly the most influential studio pottery in the world!
Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach
Made famous in the BBC series Poldark, this beautiful sandy beach has a little church at one end, jutting out of the cliffs.
St Ives
Home of the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, this wonderful seaside town has great views and sandy beaches.
Cycling in Penzance
Explore the quieter back roads of Penwith, with their wealth of ancient sites and superb views or take an easy ride along Cycle Route 3 to St Michael's Mount.
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.
Running in Penzance
Admittedly Cornwall is more famous for its leisurely pace of life and calorific cream teas than its enthusiasm for running!