On 10/02/26, the weather was perfect for a circuit of the town, cold, crisp, and bright. This walk begins at Barnoon car park, which sits just above the town and offers a clear view across Porthmeor Beach and beyond.
Walk at a glance
- Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles (circular)
- Terrain: Paved paths, some steep inclines, and sandy beaches (optional).
- Start/Finish: Barnoon Car Park.
- Website: St Ives Town Council
- Google Maps: Barnoon Car Park St Ives
Watch the walk
Porthmeor and the Tate St Ives
The walk begins with the relatively steep descent from Barnoon toward Porthmeor Beach. This viewpoint offers one of the best perspectives of the rugged northern coastline.
At the bottom of the walkway, the route turns right toward the Tate St Ives. Opened in 1993 and significantly extended in 2017, the gallery is built on the site of a former gasworks and stands as a landmark of modern architecture.
The Island and St Nicholas Chapel
Steps located just past the café lead down onto the sands of Porthmeor. Walking toward the eastern end of the beach, a ramp and stone steps lead upward onto “The Island”, which is actually a prominent grassy peninsula. The path ascends toward St Nicholas Chapel, a small stone building that has stood on this peak since at least the 15th century. It was once used as a lookout for smugglers and even as a store for government salt.
Top Tip: The benches surrounding the chapel are excellent for marine observation; this headland is a renowned hotspot for spotting dolphins passing through the bay.
The Coastguard Lookout and Porthgwidden
Continuing around the headland path, the route reaches the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) lookout. This hut is manned by volunteers who keep a visual watch over the coastal waters. Next to the lookout is a small cabin containing a second-hand bookshop; proceeds from these sales directly fund the local coastguard service.
This specific vantage point is arguably the premier spot in St Ives for wildlife enthusiasts. In addition to regular seal sightings, whales and dolphins are frequently seen from this cliff edge.
From here, the path descends toward Porthgwidden Beach, known for its sheltered position and rows of multicoloured beach huts. The Porthgwidden Beach Café offers a convenient stop for refreshments before continuing the circuit.
Porthgwidden Beach is a great place to snorkel in the summer.
Head down the steps and walk across the beach or….
You can walk around the back of the beach through the Island car park.
Looking down towards Porthgwidden Beach.
Bamaluz and the St Ives Museum
Continue on the path towards Bamaluz Beach. This quiet, often overlooked cove sits just below the St Ives Museum. The museum is a former pilchard curing cellar and contains an extensive collection detailing the town’s history in fishing, mining, and traditional Cornish life.
St Ives undergoes a lot of maintenance during the winter months.
The Harbour and Wharf Road
The path leads onto the main harbour wall. A walk to the end of the pier provides a view of the Smeaton’s Pier lighthouse, which was built in 1831. The walk then follows Quay Street and Wharf Road, passing the various independent shops and the historic Sloop Inn pub that line the harbour front. At the far end of the wharf stands the St Ives Lifeboat Station, which has played a central role in the town’s maritime safety since 1839.
Beware of the seagulls!!: If eating outdoors along the harbour, remain vigilant. The local seagulls are highly opportunistic and known for “dive-bombing” to steal food directly from hands. Their beaks and claws can cause minor injury, so it is advised to shield food at all times.
Pedn Olva and The Digey
The walk continues toward Pedn Olva. The name is Cornish for “Lookout Head,” and the area is a favoured spot for observing storms in the winter. From here, the route turns back into the town via Fore Street, the primary shopping thoroughfare.
You can follow this path all the way to Carbis Bay if you wish, it’s a bit of a walk but a nice one to do on a sunny day.
You can treat yourself to a lovely Moomaid Ice cream on a nice sunny day.
The lovely St Ia’s church. There’s a nice little cafe in the grounds of the church during the summer months.
To return to Barnoon car park, the most scenic route is through The Digey. This narrow, cobbled lane is one of the most photographed streets in Cornwall, once heart of the fishing quarter and now home to several traditional cottages and art studios. The Digey leads back toward Porthmeor, where the path climbs back up to the starting point.
Savour the fresh sea air before heading back to your car.
Accessibility
Read our guide to accessibility in St Ives.
Access Cornwall is a fantastic local resource that provides detailed accessibility information. We recommend checking their listings for venues that offer “Visual Stories” (guides with photos of what to expect before you arrive). Visit Access Cornwall
St Ives Guides
- A winter walk around St Ives
- Winter in St Ives
- Autumn in St Ives
- Summer in St Ives
- Spring in St Ives
- The best accessible places in St Ives
- The best places to park in St Ives
- The best things to do in St Ives
- The best places to stay in St Ives
- The best places to eat in St Ives
- 10 fascinating facts about St Ives
- Where can you see Whales & Dolphins in Cornwall?
- Dolphin watching in St Ives