Kynance Cove
The shallow bed of white sand surrounding the spit of land forming the beach results in brilliant turquoise water surrounding the islands. Consequently, Kynance Cove is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and attracts a quarter of a million visitors every year. The cove first became popular in the early Victorian era, with Queen Victoria and Alfred Tennyson being amongst the visitors.
The part of the beach with most of the caves and islands is only accessible for the lowest part of the tide so it's also really worth planning a visit around the tide times to get the most out of a visit.
The size of the beach at Kynance Cove varies between small and tiny with the tide and due to its popularity it can get very busy in holiday periods. It's therefore an ideal place to visit either out of school holidays or early in the morning in the summer before it gets busy.
Circular walks visiting Kynance Cove
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3.2 miles/5.1 km - Moderate
Lizard to Kynance Cove (shorter version)
Lizard to Kynance Cove (shorter version)
3.2 miles/5.1 km - Moderate
A circular walk from Lizard village to Kynance Cove with spectacular views, wildflowers including Cornwall's county flower and wildlife including the Cornish Chough.
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4.4 miles/7.1 km - Moderate
The Lizard and Kynance Cove
The Lizard and Kynance Cove
4.4 miles/7.1 km - Moderate
A circular walk along the Victorian Excursion route from Lizard village to the most southerly point and along the coast path to Kynance Cove with spectacular views, wildflowers, and wildlife including the Cornish Chough.
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5.1 miles/8.2 km - Moderate
Predannack to Kynance Cove
Predannack to Kynance Cove
5.1 miles/8.2 km - Moderate
A circular walk through the Lizard National Nature Reserve from Predannack to Kynance Cove along the rugged Serpentine cliffs where the "great silver ship" was wrecked in 1616 and more than 700 Spanish silver coins have so far been found.
Download the iWalk Cornwall app and use the QR scanner within the app to find out more about any of the walks above.
Since the modest-sized car park for Kynance Cove often entirely fills the peak season, the walks start from less-contested car parks. For the walk from the Lizard, the route starts from the large Lizard village car park and as an overflow, the Lizard Lighthouse car park can also be used, starting the circular walk from there instead. Predannack car park is small but not so heavily used as it's away from main roads.
The walk from Lizard Point crosses the top of the beach at Kynance Cove and therefore tide times are more important for this one than the other walk. There is an alternative route for high tide but as the route along the beach is nicer, it's worth timing this part for at least an hour below high tide.