Helliz one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Helliz here.

Walked this enjoyable route in reverse (Lizard to Helston) on Wednesday 12th October. I had put off trying it because I enjoy the Coast Path so much, but it is a genuinely refreshing alternative, avoiding the steep descents and ascents of the various coves between Lizard and Helston. For most of the first half (in reverse) the sea is visible, so it still feels very much like a coastal walk.

Accessibility. As you can see from the photos, the path is mostly unpaved, very narrow in places, and there are plenty of stiles and gates. It's definitely not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. There are, however, large sections that are much more open, especially along Predannack Airfield. I got a bus from Helston to Lizard for £3, making it a really cheap day out.

Route. The route is generally easy to follow, but you will occasionally struggle to find signage (see photos). I was very glad to have downloaded the GPX. I was using the OutdoorActive app, which very helpfully alerted me whenever I strayed off route. I wonder whether the route setter knows the Helston area very well, because the route between Poldhu and Helston took me across a couple of fields where the footpath is virtually non-existent. It's hard to grumble too much because I saw two deer on one of the fields, which is the first time I've seen deer this close to Helston! I might suggest an alternative with a couple of tweaks nearer to Helston.

Facilities. There are good facilities at Lizard and Mullion, and the Café at Poldhu is open 364 days of the year. It was a very welcome place to stop and have coffee, more or less at the halfway point.

Excellent walk full of interesting variety. We walked from the Lizard after a good breakfast at the Regent Cafe. The route occasionally takes you on the South West Coast Path but mainly runs inland. Almost the whole length was on footpath but with occasional mainly safe minor road walking. It starts by crossing heathland and past the Predannack Airfield which is run by the Royal Navy and is a satellite airfield and relief landing ground for nearby RNAS Culdrose. Just after this we came across bulls on the path. We diverted towards the coast path and found more bulls but managed to pass them without incident.
There was a celtic cross in a field before crossing the Lizard National Nature Reserve. Lunch was in Mullion where there are pubs and the Milk Barn Cafe. The route then follows the South West Coast Path till Gunwalloe having past Poldu Cove and then the Gunwalloe Chuch on Church Cove where there is a National Trust Cafe.
The route goes past Chyvarloe and along the Carminowe Creek before heading towards the Helston Hospital and then in to the centre of Helston. There is a small section showing a footpath which doesn't exist but there is a close alternative.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.