South West Coast Path: 8-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 gallery’s 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: Departure from St Ives

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