From Countryside to Coast – The Saints Trail Walk

If you’ve stayed with us at Callestock, you already know how peaceful our little corner of Cornwall is. But now, getting from our quiet little hamlet to the golden sands of Perranporth has become even more easy, thanks to the recently completed Saints Trail.

This off-road, multi-use path offers a safe, scenic, and largely level route all the way to the coast. Whether you’re a keen hiker, or a casual stroller, this is the perfect way to ditch the car and soak up the Cornish air.

The Route: What to Expect

The beauty of the Saints Trail is its simplicity. It follows a dedicated path that keeps you away from the main roads, winding through the lush, green valley that connects our rural interior to the coast.

• Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles (one way) from our cottages.
• Terrain: Smooth, well-surfaced paths—perfect for walking shoes.
• Scenery: Rolling farmland, quiet woodland stretches, and plenty of Cornish wildflowers.

The Journey

Your adventure begins right at our front door. Setting off from Callestock, you’ll first head along the quiet, winding country lanes that lead toward the village of Goonhavern. These lanes are a delight in themselves, flanked by traditional Cornish hedges and offering glimpses of the surrounding countryside.

Once you reach Goonhavern, you’ll be able to join the official Saints Trail. From here, you leave the roads behind and enter the dedicated off-road path. The first thing you’ll notice is the silence. Because the trail is tucked away from traffic, the only soundtrack to your walk is the local birdsong and the rustling of the valley trees.

As you descend through the valley, the landscape begins to change from deep countryside to the salt-tinged air of the coast. It’s a gentle downhill gradient most of the way toward the sea – which, of course, makes for a great workout on the way back!

Arriving in Perranporth

The trail leads you right into the heart of Perranporth. As you emerge from the valley, the view opens up to one of Cornwall’s most iconic sights: three miles of wide, sandy beach and the famous Watering Hole (the only pub actually on the beach in the UK).

After your walk, we highly recommend:

1. A Well-Earned Treat: Grab an ice cream or a pasty to enjoy while sitting on the sea wall.
2. A Dip in the Surf: Even if you just paddle, the water is incredibly refreshing.
3. The Coastal Path: If you still have energy, you can join the South West Coast Path for elevated views of the “Arch Rock.”
4. Refuel at Perran Mor: Before heading back to your cottage, why not stop by Perran Mor? Our friends run this lovely coffee shop right in the centre of Perranporth, and it’s the perfect spot for a coffee and a slice of cake to power your journey home.

Top Tips for Your Walk

• Footwear: While the trail is smooth, Perranporth beach is huge! Wear comfortable shoes that can handle both the path and the sand.
• The Return Trip: If you don’t feel like walking back up the valley after a long day at the beach, there are local buses and taxis that can whisk you back to Callestock in minutes.

Host’s Note: If you’re planning to head out, ask us for a map! We’d be happy to point you in the right direction to ensure you find the start of the trail in Goonhavern easily.

Ready to explore? The valley is waiting!