The Loe Loop

This 10.4 km anticlockwise loop from Helston circles The Loe, Cornwall's largest natural freshwater lake. Before you set off, be aware that Loe Bar, the shingle bank separating the lake from the sea, can be impassable during high tides or after heavy rain, so check conditions first. The run starts from town on a paved path that leads you into the wooded grounds of the Penrose Estate.

After the initial tarmac, the route opens up and follows a firm path along the western edge of the water. You’ll stay beside the Loe for a few kilometres before the path delivers you onto Loe Bar itself. This section is a broad shingle and sand bank, so the footing becomes much softer and more demanding for a short stretch. The return leg takes you back along the eastern side of The Loe on a mix of compact earth trails and softer woodland paths.

With only 81 m of total ascent, the course is largely flat. You’ll notice a few short inclines on the return path through the woods, but nothing sustained or steep. It's a good route for a steady, continuous effort. Given the 75% unpaved surface including sand and trail, road shoes will struggle. A pair of trail shoes is the best option here, especially in damp weather when the woodland sections can get slippery. The loop finishes back in Helston.