Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
888-351-5706
Flag

Activities

Locations

Selected Trips

    | The Cornish Coast

    Self Guided Walking

    South West Coast Path Penzance to Falmouth


    Deposit From: £251
    Region: Cornwall
    Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      From:  £975.00 Book Now

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Jane Gillies


      Spectacular cliffs, turquoise inlets, sandy beaches and vast skies are just some of what you’ll experience on this seven day self guided walking adventure from Penzance to the maritime hub of Falmouth.

      This particularly varied and beautiful section of the South West Coast Path rises over wild, grassy headlands, skims above sweeping crescents of golden sand, and threads through woodlands, fields and old fishing villages. With the freedom to hike at your own pace, pause to explore sheltered coves, crumbling ruins and Britain’s southernmost spot, Lizard Point. To the soundtrack of seabirds, discover a landscape shaped by tin mining, smuggling and shipwrecks on a trail renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. With your accommodation booked, bags transferred, and detailed maps and route notes provided, all that’s left to do is set out and enjoy the path ahead.

      To extend the adventure, you may like to begin with the previous section of the South West Coast Path on our St Ives to Penzance trip.

      Marker Icon

      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Arrive in Penzance Read Less

      Day 1

      Arrive in Penzance

      Arrive in the coastal town of Penzance today. Known for its creative spirit and distinctive charm, the town offers a variety of independent bookshops, galleries and a fantastic mix of architecture. After settling into your accommodation, explore at your own pace—perhaps take a stroll along the harbourfront or dip into the shops tucked away on Chapel Street. If you fancy a relaxing start, head to the elegant 1930s Jubilee Pool, where a geothermally heated section offers warm saltwater bathing with sea views. This evening, enjoy dinner in one of Penzance’s excellent restaurants and unwind ahead of tomorrow’s adventure.

      Day 2 – Penzance to Porthleven Read Less

      Day 2

      Penzance to Porthleven

      Begin your walk along the South West Coast Path with sweeping views across the tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, home to an ancient castle, chapel and local community. The trail leads through a patchwork of small fields bordered by ancient Cornish hedges, some built with boulders gathered from the beaches below. Continue past the rocky headland of Cudden Point and later, around Praa Sands, a broad stretch of white sand popular with surfers. Ascend onto wilder clifftops, passing former tin mine engine houses perched dramatically above the frothing sea below. Arrive in the fishing village of Porthleven, where a cluster of harbourside pubs and cafés offer a warm welcome.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 23 km / 14 miles | 630 m / 2,067 ft | Approx: 8.5 hrs

      Day 3 – Porthleven to Lizard Point Read Less

      Day 3

      Porthleven to Lizard Point

      Set out from Porthleven along one of the most scenic stretches of the South West Coast Path. The route begins relatively flat but later rises and falls as it winds southward through more rugged terrain. Just beyond Porthleven, cross Loe Bar Beach, half a mile of sand and shingle that separates The Loe, Cornwall’s largest natural freshwater lake, from the sea. As you approach the Lizard National Nature Reserve (one of the UK’s top sites for rare plants), look out for two types of clover under your feet and fringed rupturewort growing on the rocks. Enjoy the satisfaction of reaching Lizard Point, the southernmost tip of mainland Britain, before walking a short way into the village of Lizard to your cosy accommodation.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 23 km / 14 miles | 670 m / 2,198 ft | Approx: 8.5 hrs

      Day 4 – Lizard to Coverack Read Less

      Day 4

      Lizard to Coverack

      After breakfast, head back to the South West Coast Path and continue your hike along the coast. From Lizard Point, ribbon your way north, passing above the turquoise-blue water at Housel Bay Beach, keeping an eye out for seals. Stop by the Lizard Wireless Station and learn more about the ground-breaking wireless experiments that happened here. Further on, pass through the picturesque fishing village of Cadgwith before continuing to the broad beach of Kennack Sands. Arrive in the quiet coastal village of Coverack, once a hub for smuggling, and now a peaceful spot with a working harbour and lovely views.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 17 km / 11 miles | 630 m / 2,067 ft | Approx: 7.5 hrs

      Day 5 – Coverack to Helford Read Less

      Day 5

      Coverack to Helford

      Lace up your boots and set out to walk the most varied section of the route so far. Pass by little fishing villages, through quiet woodlands and across open heath. With more inland walking today than earlier in the week, enjoy the contrast of denser, lush vegetation compared with the exposed coastal cliffs. If you can, time your arrival at Gillan Creek at low tide, so you can cross the creek directly, instead of detouring further inland. Look for a sign which will direct you in one of two ways, depending on the tide. After crossing, the route offers fine views extending to the lighthouse at St. Anthony Head. Finish today’s adventure in Helford, a beautiful estuary on the west side of Falmouth Bay.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 20 km / 12 miles | 630 m / 2,067 ft | Approx: 8.5 hrs

      Day 6 – Helford to Falmouth Read Less

      Day 6

      Helford to Falmouth

      Catch the river boat across the estuary this morning for the last leg of your hike. Reported to be the oldest ferry crossing in Britain, chug across the water looking out for ducks and waders. Once ashore, settle into fairly easy walking through lovely winding wooded creeks and onwards past two amazing gardens, both of which are open to the public. Later this afternoon, Maenporth Beach, once a natural harbour, provides the perfect, sheltered spot for a snack, paddle or swim. Arrive in Falmouth via Gyllyngvase Beach and continue around the seafront to Pendennis Point, crowned by Pendennis Castle. Finish your walk at the harbour, the perfect place for a celebratory drink to mark the end of your walk.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 16 km / 10 miles | 470 m / 1,542 ft | Approx: 7 hrs

      Day 7 – Depart Falmouth Read Less

      Day 7

      Depart Falmouth

      Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning, and depending on your onward travel plans, take some time to explore Falmouth. With a rich maritime history and vibrant art scene, there is plenty to see and do here. You can visit the National Maritime Museum or pop into various galleries and independent shops. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, Falmouth is also renowned as a sailing town, hosting several regattas and festivals throughout the year. You may simply wish to sit back and enjoy a long, leisurely lunch in the sunshine, well deserved after a week surrounded by big skies, beautiful seas and stunning scenery.

      Meals Included: Breakfast

      X
      South West Coast Path

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

      Fields marked with * are mandatory

      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

      Book Now

      Price from: £975

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      At every stage of your trek, we’ll organise comfortable accommodation for you. You’ll stay in a mix of cosy guesthouses, charming inns, small hotels and welcoming B&Bs – all 3 or 4 star standard and full of the warmth, comfort and rustic character that define Cornwall. We handpick our accommodation partners based on their scenic locations close to the trail, high-quality facilities and strong reputation for friendly hospitality.

      Wherever available, we will reserve en suite rooms for you. Please note, however, that this is not always possible due to the limited accommodation options. On rare occasions, a room with private facilities will be booked instead.

      Accommodation will be reserved on a bed and breakfast basis; lunches and evening meals are not included.

      Single Rooms
      Single occupancy rooms are available for a small supplement. Please get in touch with the team to book.

      Meals Read More

      Breakfast is included each day.

      Lunches and evening meals are not included. Local shops sell sandwiches and snacks for the day ahead. Many guesthouses can also provide a packed lunch for you if you ask them the night before. In the evenings, meals can be taken in local restaurants, hotels or bars.

      Inclusions Read More
      • Six nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in guest houses, B&Bs, small hotels and inns along the route.
      • Luggage transfer for one bag per person for the duration of the trip, meaning you will only have to carry a day rucksack while you hike.
      • A comprehensive information pack containing your maps, route notes, amenities dossier and helpful information for your hike.
      • The services of the Wilderness England Team prior to and during your trip.

      Please note that the Helford ferry fare is not included. Tickets can be purchased directly on the ferry using cash or a card. The cost is approximately £7.

      Grading Read More

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Self-guided Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. Walking at a good pace you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will be following a trail but should understand how to follow a hiking map with at least basic navigation skills. Daily distances will vary – typically up to 20 km/12.5 miles but may be longer occasionally, or often on the more challenging trips in the grade. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Trail conditions will vary from well laid and maintained sections of gravel track to rough and rocky sections, including muddy and wet areas. Short sections may be on tarmac.

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      Arrival Info

      Make your own way to Penzance and your first accommodation. There is a railway station in Penzance which is on the Cornish Main Line and has links from London and other major UK cities.

      Departure Info

      The trip ends in Falmouth, which is served by three stations on the Maritime Line. This line connects with Truro, located on the Cornish Main Line.

      Speak to an Expert

      Lydia Richards

      Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of England. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

      Ask Lydia a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Self-guided Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. Walking at a good pace you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will be following a trail but should understand how to follow a hiking map with at least basic navigation skills. Daily distances will vary – typically up to 20 km/12.5 miles but may be longer occasionally, or often on the more challenging trips in the grade. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Trail conditions will vary from well laid and maintained sections of gravel track to rough and rocky sections, including muddy and wet areas. Short sections may be on tarmac.

      Find Out More

      Our holidays reviewed
      in your own words

      Excellent trip that took us to the best national parks of Scotland and England with fantastic scenery and places to stay and eat.

      Carine Romaska
      Wilderness Walking - National Parks of the UK
      Reviewed on 12/07/2019

      Rated 4.93 out of 5 based on 2,458 reviews

      Read More Reviews
      mail

      Want more Wilderness in your life?

      Be the first to hear about new trips, locations and activities with our monthly newsletter

      We’re Not Online Just Now

      Our team based in Northern England is here to help—schedule a call at a time that suits you.

      Book a Call