Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
Close
888-351-5706
Flag

Activities

Selected Trips

    Locations

    Selected Trips

      Themed Travel

      FAQs

      Self Guided Walking

      South West Coast Path St Ives to Penzance

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

      Accommodation: Classic

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 46kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

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

      icon-download Download Itinerary

        From:  £975.00 Book Now

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Anna Brownlow

        Discover the beauty of Cornwall’s coastline on this seven day self guided walking trip along the South West Coast Path, from the artistic charm of St Ives to the historic harbour town of Penzance.

        Designed to be enjoyed at your own pace, this adventure follows a spectacular part of England’s longest National Trail as it rises and falls above crescents of white sand, glittering turquoise bays and sweeping, craggy cliffs. A landscape that has long inspired artists, writers and, most recently, the bestselling memoir The Salt Path, this stretch of Cornwall’s coast offers a powerful sense of place. Pause to explore ancient mining sites, iconic landmarks such as Land’s End and the Minack Theatre, and to paddle in the waves. With your accommodation, baggage transfers and detailed route notes and maps already taken care of, all that’s left to do is lace up your boots and enjoy the journey.

        To extend the adventure, combine this self guided walk with the next stage of the South West Coast Path on our Penzance to Falmouth trip.

        Collapse All
        Marker Icon

        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – Arrive in St Ives Read Less

        Day 1

        Arrive in St Ives

        Arrive in the picturesque town of St Ives today. Popular with artists, this bustling seaside village is full of cobbled streets, historic buildings and independent shops. After settling into your accommodation, take some time to explore, perhaps strolling along the harbourfront or visiting one of the town’s galleries. Breathe in the salty air and soak up the views across the golden beaches and turquoise sea. This evening, enjoy dinner in one of the town’s excellent local restaurants before relaxing ahead of your adventure tomorrow.

        Meals Included: Breakfast

        Day 2 – Along the Coast to Zennor Read Less

        Day 2

        Along the Coast to Zennor

        Lace up your boots and set out this morning along one of the most scenic stretches of the South West Coast Path. Leaving from St Ives’ Porthmeor Beach, follow a 10 km/6 mile route west towards the hamlet of Zennor. Though relatively short in distance, this section of the path is full of character, with a few steep climbs, rocky descents and undulating terrain that make for an engaging walk. The effort is well worth it, with dramatic sea views, rugged granite cliffs and the chance of spotting seals in many of the hidden coves. On arrival in Zennor, enjoy a rest or a drink before catching a taxi back to your accommodation in St Ives.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | 450 m / 1,476 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

        Day 3 – Zennor to Pendeen Read Less

        Day 3

        Zennor to Pendeen

        After breakfast, take a short transfer from St Ives back to Zennor to rejoin the trail. Today’s walk threads along the clifftops, offering a strong sense of Cornwall’s wilder character. Early in the route, the dramatic outline of Gurnard’s Head comes into view, a wind-whipped headland home to the remains of an Iron Age promontory fort. Later, small coves appear like treasure below, and the sea froths white against the rocky shoreline. The trail can be narrow and uneven underfoot, but the scenery remains captivating, with sweeping sea views and a powerful sense of history. This afternoon, arrive in the quiet village of Pendeen and relax.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles | 570 m / 1,870 ft | Approx: 7 hrs

        Day 4 – Pendeen to Sennen Cove Read Less

        Day 4

        Pendeen to Sennen Cove

        Today, the route winds through part of Cornwall’s oldest mining district to the stunning sweep of golden sand at Sennen Cove. Along the way, pass old engine houses and Cape Cornwall, a distinctive headland where the Atlantic currents divide. There are many pretty spots for a picnic with spectacular views, especially as you approach Whitesand Bay. You may spot seals, as well as a variety of seabirds (such as peregrine falcons, shags, herring gulls and rock pipits) as you walk beside the banks of seasonal pink thrift and low-growing purple heather. The day ends at Sennen Cove, where a wide arc of golden sand curves around to meet the charming village.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Walk Details: 15 km / 9 miles | 430 m / 1,411 ft | Approx: 8 hrs

        Day 5 – Sennen Cove to Porthcurno Read Less

        Day 5

        Sennen Cove to Porthcurno

        Set off from Sennen Cove and around to Land’s End, mainland Britain’s most westerly point. From here, the route follows a dramatic stretch of coastline, weaving past granite headlands and deep zawns — steep, narrow inlets often filled with churning white water. Look out for seabirds riding the updrafts and wildflowers clinging to the cliffs. Pause at the tiny cove of Porthgwarra, a sheltered spot perfect for a short rest or a swim. Continue past the cliffside Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheatre with sweeping sea views, before turning inland just before the golden sands of Porthcurno Beach. Take a short taxi transfer from Porthcurno to Penzance and your welcoming accommodation.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles | 440 m / 1,444 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

        Day 6 – Porthcurno to Penzance Read Less

        Day 6

        Porthcurno to Penzance

        Transfer back to Porthcurno this morning to hike your final section of the South West Coast Path. The route follows 18 km/11 miles of gentler coastal terrain compared to earlier days, but still offers striking seascapes and a scattering of historic landmarks. Pass the working harbour at Lamorna Cove, the sort of spot that wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of Poldark, something not lost on the producers of the original 1970s TV series, who did indeed film here. The landscape softens as the path approaches Mousehole (pronounced mowzel), a fishing village with narrow streets and stone cottages. From here, the trail rounds Mount’s Bay, offering views across to St Michael’s Mount, before finishing in the town of Penzance — a fitting end to your Cornish coastal journey.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Walk Details: 18 km / 11 miles | 600 m / 1,969 ft | Approx: 9 hrs

        Day 7 – Depart Penzance Read Less

        Day 7

        Depart Penzance

        After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and prepare for your onward travel. Whether heading home or beginning the next stage of your adventure, leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after a week surrounded by the sight, sound and smell of the sea.

        Meals Included: Breakfast

        Download Itinerary

        X
        Self Guided – South West Coast Path – St Ives to Penzance

        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

        Expand All
        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 & during your trip.
        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 St Ives and your first accommodation. There is a railway station in St Ives which has connections to London and other major UK cities.

        Departure Info
        The trip ends in Penzance, which has a railway station on the Cornish Main Line.

        Speak to an Expert

        Bridget Brown

        Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Britain & Ireland. 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 Bridget 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 2,403 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