South West Coast Path - Padstow to St Ives

Arrive Padstow

Synonymous with TV chef Rick Stein Padstow is a delightful mix of piers, inns, restaurants and craft shops huddled around a small harbour.

Padstow is a 270 mile (5 hour) drive from London. It is also accessible by train and bus from London in 5 hours.

Padstow to Porthcothan

Distance: 13m (20.8km) Ascent/Decent: 770m

A lovely start to your walk along low cliff tops, with tempting beaches below. The prominent Trevose head offers wonderful views of the beaches ahead and Constantine Bay is a great spot for a relaxed picnic.

Porthcothan to Newquay

Distance: 10m (16km) Ascent/Descent: 535m

This rugged coast of little coves and jagged headlands has been the graveyard of many ships. Local legends, expansive views and the three miles of sand at Watergate Bay are real highlights.

Newquay to Perranporth

Distance: 10m (16km) Ascent/Decent: 482m

Leaving the busy holiday town of Newquay behind you immediately find yourself on the famous Fistral Beach. Look out for the prolific wildflowers on West Pentire Headland and the colonies of kittiwakes and waders.

Perranporth to Portreath

Distance: 11m (17.6km) Ascent/Decent: 748m

A day of steep climbs and descents through an area of ancient mines, many of which are now home to bats. The area around St Agnes Head is a favourite for birders.

Portreath to Hayle

Distance: 12m (19.2km) Ascent/Decent: 418m

Smugglers coves, with colourful names such as Ralph’s Cupboard pepper the coast. Cliffs, dunes and estuaries all contribute to a wonderful day of walking.

Hayle to St Ives

Distance: 5m (8km) Ascent/Decent: 202m

Your walk begins at the Hayle Swing Bridge, the oldest in Britain and ends at the delightful town of St Ives, where you could easily spend a few days exploring the galleries, craft shops and excellent cafes.

Walking Direction

Our standard itinerary starts in Padstow and finishes in St Ives, although we can reverse this on request.

Additional Nights

We strongly recommend adding extra nights in Padstow and St Ives. In high season or weekends some accommodation will not accept one night stays in these locations.
Additional nights can be added at any point on the walk.

Fewer Nights

If you wish to reduce the number of nights we can tailor your trip to suit.

Tailor Made Holidays

We are always more than happy to tailor our standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what you would like and we will be happy to arrange it for you.

Grade

This holiday is graded from moderate to strenuous depending on the itinerary you choose. Although you follow the coast quite closely it includes plenty of up and down and some steep sections.

Navigation

The route is well way marked and easy to follow. We supply detailed maps and guidebooks so you shouldn’t have any problem finding your way.

Accommodation

Hand picked accommodation of character is a hallmark of our holidays and the Cornwall Coast Path is no different.You will stay in hand picked B&B’s, guesthouses and small hotels, normally either 3 or 4 star.

We always book rooms with ensuite bathrooms, unless nothing else is available, in which case we will let you know in advance.
We always try and book your accommodation as close as possible to the line of the trail.

Occasionally a short transfer may be required and this is always included in the price of your holiday.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you, subject to availability. There is a single room supplement payable.

Solo Walkers

Solo walkers are welcome, but there is a solo walker supplement to cover the additional cost of luggage transfer.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Most of your accommodations will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs or restaurants.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Dogs

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.

Getting to Padstow

By Air— Newquay Airport is served by Flybe and Air Southwest from UK Airports. The closest international airports are Bristol and London.

By Rail/Bus—Trains run from London to Bodmin Parkway (3h40) and connect with buses to Padstow. Use Travelineto plan your journey.

By Car—Padstow is a five hour drive from London and long stay parking is available for £2 per day.

Getting from St Ives

By Bus/Train - Bus to St Erth (15min) and train to London (5h). Returning to Padstow to collect your car is possible by train and bus but will involve a couple of changes.

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more advice from our clients and team.

How fit do I need to be?

Although you are following the coast the ascents and descents are often steep and you will need strong knees and a good level of hill fitness. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness, regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 3 months prior to your walk is recommended. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.

Do I need to be able to Navigate?

Yes, but it's really easy. The path is well waymarked throughout and we supply a detailed map and guidebook so you shouldn't have any problem following the trail. 

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as Cornwall is extremely popular over the summer months. Even if you are booking last minute we will always try and accommodate your plans, so please do give us a shout.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from our website downloads page and we will send you a list as part of your info pack.

When is the best time of year?

My favourites are April, May and June when the spring flowers are out and September and October when the summer holiday makers have gone home.

Am I able to take my dog?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

You can use public transport, local taxis or our baggage van may be able to move you to the next overnight stop. Full details are included in your info pack.

This holiday is available March to October.  You can start your holiday on any date in the season. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.

Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every walking holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.