South West Coast Path: Falmouth to Plymouth | Stage 6

Your first overnight will be in Falmouth where its worth arriving early to explore this bustling seaside town. Plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants line the streets and there are many local beaches near the town for a relaxing stroll.

Begin today today by taking 2 small passenger ferries, firstly across to St Mawes and then to Place where the walk starts its route to Portloe. Its worth having a look around St Mawes with its wonderful clover leaf design castle and built by Henry VIII. From Place you follow the trail around St Anthony's Peninsular passing the coastal church and prominent lighthouse. Sandy beaches and small valleys bring you round to Portscatho which is an ideal resting point and lunch spot.

From here the path follows low cliffs and quiet bays past Veryan Castle to Nare Head where you can see fantastic views across to Veryan Bay. Passing more coves the trail ends in the tiny harbour of Portloe fronted by jagged black rocks and an unspoilt harbour.

Ascent: +305m (+1000ft) / Descent: -299m (-980ft)

Starting in Portloe, the trail leads you through the secluded hamlets of West and East Portholland, each a quiet slice of coastal charm. A rewarding break awaits at Porthluney Beach, where golden sands and the chance to rest your legs make it an inviting spot. Nestled behind the bay is the impressive Caerhays Castle, well worth a visit, especially for its spectacular gardens that burst with color and character.

The path then ascends to Dodman Point, offering breathtaking views that stretch back towards the Lizard and forward across the rolling coastline. Next, you’ll reach Gorran Haven, a peaceful place to pause and soak in the atmosphere, before the route takes you to Mevagissey. This bustling fishing village is full of life, with its busy harbor, winding narrow streets, and delightful shops just waiting to be explored.

Ascent: +655m (+2150ft) / Descent: -700m (-2295ft)

Leaving the harbour head up to Penare Point passing many overgrown ruins and the small harbour at Pentewan, The village is worth a visit with a nice pub and café. Pass golden sands and head up past Gamas Point and uphill to the rugged Black

Head up to where the Iron Age Castle used to sit proudly on the cliff top. The path heads back down to the coastline and subsequently takes an inland turn towards St Austells bay. This section ends in Charlestown with its tall ships and very interesting visitors centre.

Ascent: +545m (+1790ft) / Descent: -535m (-1760ft)

From Charlestown the path heads round St Austell’s Bay and crosses the wide and spacious Par Sands before entering the wild and remote area at Gribbin Head. A fabulous viewpoint marked with a candy striped daymark tower which stands 84 feet above the cliffs.

The Daphne Du Maurier coastline follows where much of her novels were written and inspiration sought. At Polridmouth a hidden beach opens to reveal the boathouse where the author lived for many years. The path into Fowey passes many coves and St Catherine’s Castle perched on the cliffs. Wander through the remains before you finally reach the village of Fowey with its many bars and restaurants.

Ascent: +355m (+1165ft) / Descent: -375m (-1230ft)

Today you start off by catching a small passenger ferry across to Polruan. Its quite a steep start to the walk today heading up to the cliff tops but you will be rewarded with some fabulous views. The route today is very remote and wild with plenty of cliff top walking en route to Looe. Head down to the unspoilt beach of Lantic Bay with its turquoise sea.

Polperro is a great stop for a refreshment and thenceforth the walking becomes a little easier through the pretty village of Talland Bay.The final section to Looe is along the seawall with some fantastic views across to St Georges Island.

Ascent: +500m (+1640ft) / Descent: -500m (-1640ft)

The walk from Looe to Portwrinkle starts by passing the holiday parks at Millendreath and then the path climbs up to Bodigga Cliff. Some lovely woodland walking up on the cliffs follows until you head down to Seaton Beach where there is a lovely little beach café to take a well deserved rest.

Head through Downderry and if the tide is out you can walk along the beach. A zig- zagged path leads up to Batten Heights which is the highest point on the whole Cornwall coast at 461ft. The path continues around Whitesands Bay to finish the days walk in the pretty fishing village of Portwrinkle.

Ascent: +425m (+1395ft) / Descent: -405m (-1330ft)

This last day to Plymouth is a varied day of woodland, cliff top and beach walking. The path passes behind Tregantle Fort which was originally built to protect Plymouth from the sea and then heads along the top of Long Sands beach. The view point at Rame Head is a highlight where the views are wonderful.

From here head around and up to Cawsand and Kingsand Bay which are both great lunch stops. Woodland walking follows through Mount Edgecumbe County Park and then on to Cremyll where you take the ferry across to Plymouth. The last couple of miles of the walk follow the waterfront walkway to Plymouth Hoe where your accommodation is booked for your final night..

Why not try some freshly caught seafood in one of the waterfront restaurants on the Barbican, or relaxing in the sunshine with a picnic on the Hoe. It’s also possible to take a behind the scenes tour of Devonport Dockyard. Each area of Plymouth has something special and unique to explore.

Ascent: +290m (+950ft) / Descent: -325m (-1065ft)