South West Coast Path - Penzance to Falmouth

Arrive in Penzance

Below you will find a detailed description based on our 5 day & 6 night itinerary. The walk starts in Penzance which is a bustling small town with many cafes, restaurants and an abundance of galleries selling local artwork.
It is a 5 hour direct train ride form London Paddington to Penzance, alternatively you can fly to Newquay which is 33 miles away.

Penzance to Porthleven - 13m (21km)

Starting in Penzance you very quickly leave the buzz behind as you follow the easy cycle path around Mounts Bay. Shortly, you come across the striking ‘St Michaels Mount’- a castle perched upon a small island linked to the mainland by a cobbled causeway. You can walk over when the tide is out or take the boat when the tide is in and explore the delightful island. The path then starts undulating up to some clifftops and then back down to the lovely beach at Praa Sands where you can watch local surfers riding the waves. Continuing onwards, the path leads to the first of many memorials for all the shipwrecked victims who were buried on the cliff tops. The path then heads down to the attractive fishing village of Porthlevan for your overnight stay.

Porthleven to Lizard - 13m (21km)

From Porthleven, todays walk starts off along a couple of miles of beach to the wonderful Loe Bar where Loe Pool sits (Cornwalls largest freshwater lake). It really is a wonderful sight walking along the shingle bank with water on both sides of the beach. Birdwatching is very common on the lake so if you have time take a stroll down and see what you can spot. The path continues along cliff edges and down to the fishing village of Mullion Cove which makes for a good rest stop. The next few miles to Lizard point can be challenging and boggy underfoot, but worth it as you pass some of the best coastal walking in South Cornwall.

Lizard to Coverack - 11m (18km)

The Lizard is sometimes referred to as Cornwalls Big Toe dipping into the ocean! Its an impressive area where sub-tropical conditions allow rare species of plants to grow. The first few miles walk to Cadwith Cove is a very popular section with its fantastic views back to the lighthouse. Serpentine rock is a feature of this area and can been seen along this section, but beware as it can be very slippy! Kannack Sands follows which is a great area to dip your feet, lots of rockpools with sea cucumbers and starfish. Heading up along the cliff top of Black Head Point follows and then an easy path along to the secretive little harbour village of Coverage.

Coverack to Helford - 13 m (21km)

A short inland diversion starts todays walk off through Dean Quarry where the rock ‘Gabro’ is produced. Wonderful cliff top walking continues along the path with views across to the Manacles reef. The reef lies very close to the shipping lanes from Falmouth, where many lives have been lost and ships wrecked. The former fishing villages of Porthoustock and Porthallow follow then onwards to Helford where the terrain becomes quite challenging. The path continues past Nare Point where views of Falmouth come into sight. You soon enter the picture postcard village of Helford.

Helford to Falmouth - 10 m (16km)

Today you need to cross the river at Helford Passage and the most convenient was to do this is by ferry. A time table is available in all the local shops, if there is nobody around it can operate on a request basis and you have to display a yellow disc at the slipway to alert the ferryman. Todays walk is a gentle one compared to the last few days, it starts by climbing a grassy bank which leads to Trebah beach and the views across the picturesque Helford River are a real highlight. There are some beautiful gardens at
Glendurgan with sub tropical plants so its worth a stop if you have time. The busy port of Falmouth soon comes into view for your final nights accommodation and the end of your walk.

Walking Direction

Our standard itinerary starts in Penzance and finishes in Falmouth, although we can reverse this on request.

Additional Nights

We strongly recommend adding extra nights in Penzance and Lizard. 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

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 Penzance

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

By Rail/Bus - Trains run direct from London Paddington to Penzance (5 hours).

By Car - Penzance is a 5 and a half hour drive from London, there is limited parking and the car parks can often be very busy in the summer months.

Getting from Falmouth

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

By Rail/Bus - You can reach London from Falmouth by train which takes 6 hours, this does involve a couple of changes.

By Car - There is parking in Falmouth but again it can be very busy.  If you need to return to Penzance from Falmouth you can do this by bus, it takes around 2hrs.  To plan your travel please visit the travelline website: www.traveline.info

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.