Cooler days and quiet trails make for enjoyable hikes and treks, and at the slower pace of being on foot it's easier to spot natures autumnal details that you might otherwise miss. With ancient woodlands turning a variety of vivid colours, dramatic cliff tops and secluded beaches you're spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a beautiful stomping ground around the Fal River.

It goes without saying that a good walk is a sure to bring on a big appetite, so choosing a great eatery to pass by along the way has got to be a top priority when it comes to route planning. With this in mind, we've hunted out the best Autumnal Walks in the area...

  South West Coast Path  Falmouth - St Mawes – Portscatho ( 6.2 miles / 6 hrs approx ) 

This world famous walk is enjoyed by thousands each year and follows a cliff top route steeped in scenery and wildlife. The coastline surrounding the Fal River area forms one of the most popular, beautiful and diverse sections of the South West Coast Path. 

Ferry details 

From Falmouth - Take the St Mawes Ferry and change for the Place Ferry once in St Mawes. Jump off the Place ferry at Place and join the South West Coast Path.

Refreshments

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picnicking on this walk, with a choice of 4 main beaches as well as many other spots along the way. Stock up on refreshments in St Mawes at Café Chandlers or St Mawes Bakery where you can grab a pasty, sandwiches or some deli goods.

TIP – refreshments are scarce on this side of the river until you reach Portscatho (4 miles on from the ferry landing).

Plan your walk... 

Trelissick Woodland Walks

The best of both worlds - this route provides excellent views of the river and takes you past many small creek inlets as well as through dense and rich forest. This walk is stunning and unique in each season – a great family choice.

South Route (1.5 miles/1-2 hrs approx.)

Starting at Trelissick car park, head South down the hill towards Channals Creek. Once at the beach here, turn left joining the path that runs around the top of the creek – the route is clearly signposted from here.

Upon reaching the road, turn left back up towards the car park.

North Route (2 miles/1-2 hrs approx.)

Starting at Trelissick car park, walk down the road down towards the King Harry Ferry. Instead of continuing all the way down to the ferry landing, turn left to join the National Trust path. Continue through the woods until you see the sign that leads you back up towards the gardens.

North & South (3.5 miles/2-3 hrs approx)

Combine these two walks, beginning by walking the South walk and connecting to the North walk path when arriving at King Harry Ferry.

Ferry details:

Starting from Falmouth – Take the Enterprise Boats service from the Prince of Wales pier to Trelissick.
Starting from Truro – Take the Enterprise Boats service to Trelissick.
Starting from The Roseland - Take the King Harry Ferry service to Trelissick.

Refreshments

Visit the cafe at National Trust Trelissick and grab a light lunch or cake.

Download the route map...

The Oyster Way St Mawes – St Just Church ( 6 miles / 5 hrs approx. )

Autumn is oyster dredging season, catch glimpses of the traditional Workng Boats in action. From St Mawes, head towards the castle and join the National Trust path. Continue for roughly 1.5 miles until you reach the church where you can explore the sub-tropical gardens that surround it. To return to St Mawes, we recommend that you return back along the coastpath rather than take the road route as the oncoming traffic can be frequent.

Ferry Details

From Falmouth – Take the St Mawes Ferry from Custom House Quay or Prince of Wales Pier.

From Truro – Take the 10:15 Enterprise Boats service to St Mawes OR use the King Harry Ferry service leaving from Feock to cross over to Philleigh – St Mawes is a 4.5 mile drive from the ferry landing.

Refreshments

Visit the cafe at National Trust Trelissick and grab a light lunch or cake.

Top Tip Pick up a Fal River Mussel Card Visitor and enjoy car-free, hop-on hop-off travel around the river.