South West Coast Path - Penzance to Falmouth Map and Itinerary

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.

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