iWalkCornwall Launches New Mystery Walk in Penzance and Coastal Walk at Porthallow

IWalkCornwall has launched two new experiences for walkers this week – a puzzle-filled mystery walk through Penzance and a challenging figure-of-eight coastal walk at Porthallow and Porthoustock.

Fearsome Zillah’s Treasure in Penzance

Explore Penzance as a self-guided outdoor escape room with the new mystery walk, Fearsome Zillah’s Treasure.

Described as a “swashbuckling adventure to find a legendary pirate’s treasure in the historic town of Penzance”, the walk combines puzzles with a guided route.

The story sets you alongside Captain Blackthorn in a quest to uncover the fate of Fearsome Zillah, a pirate who vanished without a trace. By solving 69 puzzles, walkers can unlock directions to continue the route and, ultimately, discover the treasure.

Vital statistics:

• Distance: 3.3 miles / 5.3 km

• Duration: 3–4 hours

• Steepness grade: Easy

• Dogs: considerations

• Access for wheels: no

Considerations:

• In stormy conditions, waves may lash the sea wall and piers. A backup photo for each clue is available if the route becomes unsafe.

• Most of the route is flat, though there are steps leading into a churchyard.

A Strenuous Coastal Walk at Porthallow and Porthoustock

The second addition is a figure-of-eight walk at Porthallow, Porthkerris and Porthoustock, showcasing both scenic views and historic sites.

Highlights include:

• Views along the coast on either side of Porthallow

• Industrial heritage of the Victorian-era coastal quarries

• Pebble beaches at Porthallow, Porthkerris Cove and Porthoustock

• A sandy beach at Porthallow at low tide

• Porthallow scarecrow festival in August

Vital statistics:

• OS Explorer: 103

• Distance: 5.7 miles / 9.1 km

• Steepness grade: Strenuous

• Recommended footwear: Waterproof walking boots (the route crosses a shallow ford)

• Café: ✓

Considerations:

• On rare occasions, high spring tides may block access from Porthkerris Beach to the coast path.

• As with many coastal routes, parts of the path run close to unfenced cliffs.

Dogs:

• Dogs are welcome all year round on Porthkerris Cove, Porthoustock and Porthallow beaches.

• Some stiles may require assistance for less agile dogs, including wooden, stone and cattle-grid-type stiles.