South West Coast Path: 11-Day Moderate Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Padstow

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Padstow.

DAY 2: Padstow to Porthcothan Bay

Distance 22km • Approximate Walking Time 5 - 8 hrs • Ascent (↑) 500m

After wandering through the delightful narrow streets of Padstow in the morning, you soon find yourself overlooking the spectacular sandy beaches that populate the mouth of the River Camel. Indeed, turning a corner to discover another of these hidden strands is a fabulous way to start your walking holiday.

DAY 3: Porthcothan Bay to Newquay

17km • 4 - 6 hrs • (↑) 450m

There are wonderful coves and golden beaches around every corner as you head further south along the Cornish coastline. Pop in for lunch at Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fifteen’ restaurant in Watergate before you continue into the more urban environs of Newquay - the surfing capital of the UK and the perfect spot to get into the Atlantic waves.

DAY 4: Newquay to Perranporth

17/27km • 5 - 8 hrs • (↑) 550-600m

After negotiating the River Gannel (keep an eye on tide times), the trail subsequently follows grassy clifftop paths before later leading you through sand dunes (good for those calf muscles!) and along long sandy beaches - particularly Perran Beach just past the Penhale Army Training Area.

DAY 5: Perranport to Portreath

20km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 680m

From Perranporth, you pass into an area with a rich mining history as evidenced by the old chimneys that dot the landscape. Wild gorse and heather scrub replace farm holdings as you make your way around St Agnes Head and onwards to Porthtowan and Portreath.

DAY 6: Portreath to Hayle

19km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 410m

After a few short, but rather steep, climbs out of Portreath the trail settles down and continues at a more gentle gradient. A beautiful walk around Godrevy Head is followed by a challenging section along the dunes or, tides permitting, a stretch of wonderful sandy beach as far as Hayle. Overnight in St Ives.

DAY 7: Hayle to St Ives

10km • 2 - 3 hours • (↑) 190m

A short (and optional) walk gives you ample opportunity to explore the beautiful seaside town of St Ives with its many art gallerys and quirky little shops. A prolonged section of road-walking from Hayle takes you inland around the Hayle River Estuary. From Lelant, a stunning coastal path leads you all the way into St Ives.

DAY 8: St Ives to Pendeen Village

25km • 7 - 10 hours • (↑) 1160m

The walking trail becomes more rugged south of St Ives but rewards with a beautiful wildness and spectacular scenery. With numerous climbs in and out of coves and inlets, the hike will require good stamina and an early start. Stock up on provisions before you leave as there are no shops or cafes en route.

Note: Although this walking tour as a whole is classed as 'Moderate', this particular hike is 'Challenging'. The directions provided include options to shorten your hike.

DAY 9: Pendeen Village to Porthcurno

26km • 7 - 10 hours • (↑) 960m

The wealth of mining ruins that dot the Cornish landscape is testament to the rich heritage of mining in the area. After passing Cape Cornwall (where the Atlantic Ocean meets the English Channel), there’s a lovely walk around Whitesand Bay into Sennen Cove. From here, it’s a short walk to Land’s End - the UK’s most south-westerly point.

DAY 10: Porthcurno to Penzance

18km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 520m

Initially, the trail is quite remote with picturesque little coves and tiny settlements from Porthcurno to the wonderfully named village of Mousehole - a good place to stop for refreshments. From Mousehole, the trail mainly follows asphalt roads/paths through the fishing port of Hamlyn and onwards into Penzance.

DAY 11: Departure from Penzance

There are regular bus & train services from Penzance to London and other destinations in the UK.