For the Runners: Three Routes From Harbour View
There are many people who can’t resist slipping out and squeezing in a run when they’re on holiday. While they might leave at home the humdrum routines of work, household chores and other pedestrian commitments, the exercise schedule is not something that can be shirked quite so easily. So gym clothes and trainers find their place in the suitcase alongside floral shirts and flip flops. For these people, we not only applaud your tenacity but offer three local running routes that will get you building up a sweat on your holiday that isn’t caused by solely lying out in the sun!
Around Town
Distance: Under 5km
Terrain: Road, Path, Beach
About: A gentle run around town, great in the morning when most are still asleep. You’ll witness a peaceful side to St Ives as the sun creeps over the horizon. Bit of a hill getting up the Island.
Route: Turn right out of Harbour View House and down Skidden Hill. Head round the harbour to Smeaton’s Pier and cut a left to go past Bamaluz Beach, then across Porthgwidden Beach and up around the Island. You’ll then find yourself right next to Porthmeor Beach where you can either head down to the sand and run along the beach or slip down the back roads, past the many artists studios, before heading down the Digey and making your way back.
Carbis Bay & Back
Distance: 4-5km
Terrain: Road, Narrow Coastal Path, Track, Beach (optional)
About: Gets hilly, both up and down, Porthminster Beach and Carbis Bay look majestic in the morning with the rising sun.
Route: Start at Harbour View House and head left up the road towards Carbis Bay. When you get to the Carbis Bay area, take a left down Boskerris Road, a rather steep hill, which will bring you to Carbis Bay train station and the beach itself. Follow the road down and head along the path in front of the hotel, before crossing the footbridge that runs over the railway track. Head up the coastal path, with the sea visible through the trees on your right, and you’re on your way back to St Ives. Before long, you’ll arrive at Porthminster Beach. You can either run along the beach or stay on the path before heading back up to Harbour View House.
Lelant & Back
Distance: 9-10km
Terrain: Narrow Coastal Path, Road
About: A longer run, stunning views of Porth Kidney although it can be narrow (and bumpy) at times along the coastal path, which is a problem if busy.
Route: Start at Harbour View House and head down to Porthminster Beach where you join the coastal path towards Carbis Bay. Once at Carbis Bay keep following signs to the coastal path. Stay on the coastal path all the way until you get to the church in Lelant, which you’ll see for a while before reaching it.Turn right up Church Lane, past West Cornwall Golf Club, and join the road that leads back to Carbis Bay and St Ives. Follow this road, St Ives Road, and you’ll end up back at Harbour View House.
