Coastal footpath reopened after 70 years

A remarkable public footpath has been reopened for the first time in over 70 years, thanks to a strong collaborative effort led by Cormac on behalf of Cornwall Council.

The project brought together a wide range of partners, including the Ramblers, the Open Spaces Society, local landowners and the West Cornwall Footpath Preservation Society. Each played a vital role in restoring the route, combining national expertise, local knowledge and practical delivery on the ground.

Cormac led the design and execution of the works that took place on the St Buryan, Lamorna & Paul footpath 35, which is located between Mousehole and Lamorna, working closely with partners to ensure the path could be safely reopened while preserving its historic character and sensitive coastal setting, and taking care to minimise disturbance to local wildlife. 

This included tackling complex challenges such as repairs to the clapper bridge and addressing long-standing structural issues along the route. Crucially, this work was supported by specialist sub-contractor Naturally Green, who carried out the clapper bridge reinstatement.

The West Cornwall Footpath Preservation Society’s historical insight, dating back to their involvement in surveying the route in 1956 was invaluable, while the Ramblers and Open Spaces Society were key in championing its restoration. Local landowners also played an important role in enabling access and supporting delivery.

This was far more than a clearance project, by working together and sharing expertise, the team ensured that improvements were both durable and sympathetic to the landscape.

The result is a safe, accessible and well-engineered route that not only restores a historic path but also offers stunning coastal views and provides a considerably easier alternative to a challenging section of the South West Coast Path, particularly benefiting less-able users.

This project is a great example of partnership in action, demonstrating what can be achieved when organisations, communities and contractors work together with a shared goal.

We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with partners and communities to protect and enhance Cornwall’s network of public rights of way for future generations.