South West Coast Path Penzance to Falmouth

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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