A popular St Ives walking route has been named Cornwall's best train-accessible walk and ranked among the top-rated trails in the country, according to new research.
Outdoor clothing retailer Regatta analysed walking routes listed on Komoot that are within walking distance of a train station, identifying the highest-rated hikes across Britain that can be reached without a car.
To be included in the study, routes had to have an average rating of at least 4.5 stars and reviews from a minimum of ten hikers.
The research found Cornwall is home to a number of highly rated walks that can be easily accessed by train, allowing visitors and residents to explore some of the Duchy's most scenic coastal locations using public transport.
Topping Cornwall's rankings is the Porthmeor Beach – View over Porthmeor Beach loop from St Ives, which achieved a 4.7-star rating from 631 hikers. The 10.7km moderate route takes an average of four hours and 55 minutes to complete and also ranked 23rd nationally in Regatta's Britain-wide study.
Second place went to the St Ives Harbour – St Ives Harbour loop from Carbis Bay, which earned a 4.6-star rating from 464 hikers. The shorter 4.9km route takes around two hours and 13 minutes, offering walkers a relatively quick way to experience the Cornish coastline.
The South West Coast Path: St Ives to Lelant secured third place. The 7.14km route has attracted 402 hikers and holds a 4.7-star rating, with an estimated completion time of just over three hours.
Further down the coast, the Swanpool Beach – Maenporth Beach loop from Falmouth Town ranked fourth. The 10.4km moderate walk has a 4.6-star rating from 362 hikers and takes approximately four hours and 34 minutes.
Completing Cornwall's top five is the Gribbin Head and Saints Way Trail from Par, which boasts the highest rating among the Duchy's leading routes at 4.8 stars. The 11.1km walk takes around four hours and 51 minutes to complete and is the longest route within Cornwall's top five.
Other walks making Cornwall's top ten include routes around Carbis Bay, Newquay and Falmouth, with both easy and moderate options represented.
Among the highest-rated shorter walks are the Newquay Harbour – Fistral Beach loop from Newquay, and the Pendennis Castle and Headland – Colourful Victorian Houses loop from Falmouth Town, both of which hold 4.8-star ratings and can be completed in less than two hours.
Tom Blain, spokesperson for Regatta, said: "You don't always need a car to enjoy some of Britain's most beautiful walking routes, and Cornwall is a brilliant example of this.
"From the beaches of St Ives and Newquay to dramatic coastal paths and historic headlands, there are plenty of highly rated walks that can be reached by train."
"The fact that Cornwall's top route ranks 23rd nationally shows just how many brilliant walking opportunities there are for those looking to leave the car at home and explore the outdoors by public transport."
Cornwall's top 10 train-accessible walks
Porthmeor Beach – View over Porthmeor Beach loop from St Ives (4.7)
St Ives Harbour – St Ives Harbour loop from Carbis Bay (4.6)
South West Coast Path: St Ives to Lelant (4.7)
Swanpool Beach – Maenporth Beach loop from Falmouth Town (4.6)
Cornwall’s Train-Accessible Walks Rank Among Britain’s Best