The Route
Sennen Cove
The West coast of Cornwall
The Pirate route is a mix of tarmac, gravel, shale, mud and boulders.
We start at Lands End on tarmac, but this is brief. You are soon on the dirt and stone paths around the Land's End area. You are on this until you turn right, downhill into Sennen Cove and back onto the tarmac. Through the cove on roads and pavements and up out of the car park onto some sand for a while.
At the end of the bay you are back onto soil before descending a stony bit onto Gwynver Beach. Across the beach (no steps) and back onto the dirt trails with a few boulders scattered in your way. Careful of the boulders and rocks, you have these for the next mile or so.
The trail continues to be dirt and grass until you reach the zigzag, just before Cot Valley. The descent is rock and shale, again, take care. Not long and then you are back onto a dirt path to the valley floor.
For a short while, Cot Valley is tarmac, then you turn left up and out of the valley. This is a lose stony ascent of Carn Gloose. The top of the carn is soil with the tiniest amount of tarmac by the trig pillar.
You then descend towards Cape Cornwall on a horrible, knobbly, stony path before reaching the bottom. Turn left then right up the stone staircase.. At the top, turn left towards the Cape. This is a mix of soil and stones.
​
You have reached Pirate Keith, so all you have to do is, run back!
The Corsair route is quite simply the most beautiful trail route in Cornwall.
It's runnable in places and you have to clamber in other bits
From the stunning Portcurno to the breath-taking Lamorna. You will see it all, twice!
​
Starting at Lands End, you head south past the hotel and onto the coast path proper.
Down and around the farm before heading across coastal moorland to the coastguard lookout station. Head down the hill in to Porthgwarra then back up again to make your way to the Minack.
Run through the car park and down the endless steps to Porthcurno beach. Here is your first aid station.
Grab some water, Pepsi and food before climbing the hill to Treen. Don't miss that right turn that takes you down to the telegraph monument and the amazing view of Pedn Vounder beach.
You have a few ups and downs with Penberth and Porthguarnon, before you reach St Loy. Watch your feet here as you cross the big round stones on the beach.
Up and up, off the beach and along the path to Tata Du lighthouse. Take a picture and continue along the coast path to Lamorna. The going becomes tougher here, with boulders in the path. Don't rush and enjoy the views.
Lamorna has your second aid station. Make sure you have enough fluids, off you go, round the cove and onto the coast path. This short section is the most challenging with one tiny runnable bit. After countless ups, downs and climbing, you will reach the road down into Mousehole. Your third aid station will be here, in the layby.
This is not your turnaround point. You need to head down Raginnis Hill into the town then around onto the harbour where you will collect your items from Royalty
And yes, you guessed it. Turn around and head all the way back
