From the site, you can head straight down into town, enjoy a scenic walk up to Knill’s Monument for some of the best views in the area, or stroll towards Carbis Bay. From St Ives you can also join the famous South West Coast Path and take in some of the most stunning scenery along this spectacular stretch of coastline. It’s a lovely way to get a feel for the landscape, and with the route into St Ives all downhill, the walk there is a treat (you may be more grateful for our site bus or a taxi on the way back up!).
Direct route into St Ives (via pitches 50 & 51)
This is the quickest and most popular way into town. A short path leads you from the site, across a field, and down a high step onto Steeple Lane. From there, turn left and you’ll be in St Ives in around 30 minutes. Turn right instead and you can head up to Knill’s Monument or on towards Carbis Bay.
Alternative countryside route (via the bus stop kissing gate)
For a slightly longer stroll, head out through the kissing gate by the bus stop. This path takes you across three fields before joining Steeple Lane, where you can choose to go left for St Ives or right for Knill’s Monument and Carbis Bay.
Scenic route to Knill’s Monument & Carbis Bay
If you’re after views, follow Steeple Lane uphill to Knill’s Monument – especially magical at sunrise or sunset. From here you can carry on down to Carbis Bay for a coastal wander.
Please note: We don’t recommend walking along the main road from the site entrance – it’s a fast road with no pavement.
Accessibility: Both walking routes include stiles or steps, so they aren’t suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, bikes, or beach trolleys. If you do have any of these, please use the direct route between pitches 50 and 51 — this has stiles at either end, but avoids dragging things across the fields.
Weather: After rain, paths (particularly across the fields) can become muddy. Sturdy footwear is a good idea.
Once you leave the site: The short field path and stiles between Polmanter and Steeple Lane are on private farmland, so their condition is outside of our control.
Heading home: The walk into town is downhill, but the return is a bit of a climb. Many guests opt for the site bus or a taxi ride back.
Dogs: If your four-legged friend comes back a bit muddy or sandy from your walk, our on-site dog wash has warm water, shampoo, and a dryer to get them fresh again.
From St Ives you can join the world-famous South West Coast Path, and as a proud Way Maker supporter of the Path we love helping our guests discover it. You’ll even find Coast Path passports for sale in our shop, and Polmanter is an official stamping point too.
We’ve highlighted three favourite routes that begin right here at Polmanter and link onto the Coast Path:
Clodgy Point (4.1 miles) – a circular walk in and around St Ives with wonderful sea views.
Lelant (3.4 miles) – a gentler coastal walk with the option to catch the scenic train back.
Zennor (5.5 miles) – a more challenging hike, but rewarded with some of the most dramatic views in Cornwall