Cornish Walks: Penrose to Loe Bar
A personal favourite of mine for a crisp, autumnal afternoon. Penrose to Loe Bar is a bit of an all-rounder when it comes to Cornish walks. During this six mile ramble, you’ll tick off luscious countryside, rolling fields, wonderful woodland, green gyms, a freshwater lake and arguably Cornwall’s most dangerous beach.
Don’t let that scare you off though. As long as you stay out of the water and watch the tide, you can safely enjoy the spectacular scenery that awaits you at the end of this walk in Helston.
Walk details
- Time - 60-90 mins (each way)
- Distance - approx. 3 miles (each way)
- Location - south west coast, Helston
- Highlights - sweeping countryside | green gyms | freshwater lake | ocean views
Source: Google Maps
Starting point and parking
I always start this walk from Helston Boating Lake. There is a really big car park called ‘Fair Car Park’ that is completely free (TR13 8SG).
I believe there is another National Trust car park option, but this is a lot smaller, and if you’re not a member you’ll have to pay. To be honest, you can’t go wrong with free parking with ample spaces, right?!
National Trust Penrose Estate
Once you’ve parked at the boating lake, head left towards the National Trust Penrose entrance, a two minute walk up the road. A wooded walkway will lead you towards the grand country estate. The perfect terrain for walking, running or cycling, there has always been a good mix of families with buggies, young children on scooters and bikes, dog walkers and more experienced cyclists every time I’ve visited.
The views are already insanely gorgeous and varied, from old oak and holly trees to swampy waters and dancing reeds that whistle in the breeze. You’ll be meandering alongside part of the Loe Pool (more on that later) which leads you to the sweeping parkland, home to Penrose House.
The Stables Cafe
As you stroll along the path, you can either head straight on past Penrose House to explore more of the stretching parkland, or you can take a left down a paved pathway that leads you to The Stables Cafe.
With plenty of outdoor seating and verdant landscapes to soak in, this makes the perfect pitstop for tea and cake (often my favourite part of a Cornish walk).
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is just an old building converted into a little cafe. However, you can actually rent out this eighteenth century stable block, which has a fully renovated three-bedroom apartment behind the brick walls and inviting bunting.
If you’re just after a coffee or a snack, it is worth knowing that the cafe opens seasonally, from Easter through to the end of October. Throughout winter The Stables Cafe is closed except for weekends.
Woods, wildlife and the green gyms
I always think of the Penrose to Loe Bar walk as a three-parter. Part one being the green grassy parkland and estate, part two the woodland section, and part three ending at the beach.
The woodland section has so much to see, and if you aren’t looking closely, you could miss the hidden rope swings, green gyms, lakeside spots or wild animals.
I recall there being a tyre swing here when my parents took me on this walk as a child, but I have yet to rediscover this old haunt.
For the most part, the path is pretty clear and well maintained (bar a few acorns and fallen leaves in the autumn). There was one section that was a tad muddy, but overall it’s pretty good for cyclists and joggers as well as walkers.
The green gyms are fab if you’re trying to keep little ones entertained, from the wooden seesaw to stepping stumps and pull-up bar. You get a walk and a workout this way!
Animal lovers may also want to pay close attention to the wildlife. Otters, bats, owls and deer have all been reportedly spotted around the Penrose Estate and woodland areas.
Loe Bar and Cornwall’s largest lake
If you’re thinking your legs are getting a little tired from wandering through the woodland, the view at Loe Bar will compensate for sure! I honestly don’t think there is anywhere quite like this beach in Cornwall.
Catch your breath as you take in the awesome views of the half a mile of shingled sand that separates the Atlantic ocean from Loe Pool – Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake. If you’d visited this destination before the 13th century, you’d have come to the mouth of the River Cober, but now Loe Bar Beach cuts off the stream, acting as a barrier from lake to sea.
However, be warned. This coastal bar is as dangerous as it is mesmerising, and going into the water is an ABSOLUTE no go! A treacherously steep bank, powerful tides, brutal waves and desolate location earns the beach its negative rep.
Rumour has it that Loe Bar is the very setting where King Arthur met his dramatic demise, and it has also been connected to historical shipwrecks.
From this point, you can have a *careful* stroll on the beach before heading back, or if you’re feeling adventurous, continue the walk to Porthleven or Gunwalloe.
Additional information
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Dog friendly? - yes, dogs would absolutely love this walk. Just ensure they stay out of the water at Loe Bar.
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Child friendly? - I'd say this walk is definitely child friendly. We saw lots of families with young children enjoying this walk, and plenty of children on bikes too.
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