South West Coast Path: 6-Day Challenging 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 Mawgan Porth

Distance 29km • Approximate Walking Time 7 - 10 hrs • Ascent (↑) 670m

A truly splendid walk, along relatively gentle coastal terrain and long sandy beaches make this section of the trail an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Keep an eye out for the Bronze Age ‘barrows’ (ancient burial sites), Bedruthan Steps and a large sinkhole close to Dinas Head.

DAY 3: Mawgan Porth to Perranporth

23/33km • 8 - 11 hrs • (↑) 910/960m

Quite a remote walk initially before you reach the more urban environs of Newquay - the surfing capital of the UK. After negotiating the River Gannel (keep an eye on tide times), the trail meanders along grassy clifftop paths, sand dunes and long sandy beaches - particularly Perran Beach just past the Penhale Army Training Area.

DAY 4: Perranporth to Hell’s Mouth

27km • 7 - 10 hrs • (↑) 860m

From Perranporth, you pass into an area with a rich mining history. After a few short, but rather steep, climbs out of Porthtowan (and Portreath) the trail continues at a more gentle gradient as far as the café at Hell’s Mouth Bay - just past Deadman’s Cove. The names may be quite morbid but the home baking in the café is to die for!

DAY 5: Hell’s Mouth to St Ives

21km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 340m

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. 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 6: Departure from St ives

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