South West Coast Path: St Ives to Penzance | Stage 4

Best suited to experienced hikers who enjoy a challenge and feel at home on steep coastal trails.

The trail hugs the coastline, with regular climbs and descents, some of them particularly steep, which shouldn’t be underestimated. These can be tough on the knees, so hiking poles are a great help. In places, the trail runs close to cliff edges, so it’s not suitable if you suffer from vertigo or a fear of heights. The terrain is rugged, with some rocky or boggy stretches. It’s a route that often catches hikers by surprise, especially in the wet and windy conditions that are common on the coast, so come prepared and give yourself plenty of time each day.

This route is graded moderate. Daily difficulty can vary within each tour, so some days may feel a little easier or tougher than the overall rating suggests.

Looking for something more relaxing?

• Highlights of Cornwall in Comfort (8 days): Easy to moderate. Not the full St Ives to Penzance route, but a relaxed trip taking in the best of the Cornish coast, from Land’s End to St Michael’s Mount, with stays in cozy harbor hotels and waterside inns.

You’ll stay in a mix of handpicked hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&Bs, each chosen for its warm welcome, traditional hospitality and hearty local food. During peak season, we may need to book an alternative to the accommodations listed in your itinerary, but it will always be of the same standard or better.

Yes, solo travellers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

Breakfast is included each morning, while lunch and dinner aren't included, so you're free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation may be able to provide a packed lunch on request, bookable and payable on arrival, and our app also points out recommended lunch spots along the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs and restaurants.

You can hike from St Ives to Penzance from April through early October, starting on any date that suits you. For the best of the coast, we recommend April through June, when the clifftops are bright with wildflowers, or September and early October, when the summer crowds have gone home. July and August bring long, warm days, but the beaches and harbor towns can get very busy.

We also offer this trip in the quieter shoulder months of March and mid- to late October. The villages are more peaceful and the trails less crowded, but be prepared for cooler temperatures, wind, rain and muddy trails.

During peak season and on weekends, some accommodations in St Ives and Penzance don’t accept one-night stays. Adding an extra night at the start or end of your trip usually solves this, and gives you more time to explore.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved to your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person.

It's vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.

The South West Coast Path is well waymarked and easy to follow, with the National Trail acorn symbol guiding you along the way.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you'd like more information on the route, we recommend:

• Guidebook: Cornwall Coast Path by Henry Stedman & Joel Newton, published by Trailblazer
• Map: South West Coast Path 2, published by Harvey (scale 1:40 000)

Getting to the start

The easiest way to reach St Ives is by train. Most trips follow two simple steps:

1. Get to St Erth. Direct trains run from London Paddington, taking about 5 hours.
2. Change for St Ives. From St Erth, the scenic St Ives Bay Line hugs the coast to St Ives in about 15 minutes.

Arriving by plane?

We recommend flying into London Heathrow, the main international airport. You can also catch a connecting flight to Cornwall Airport Newquay.

• London Heathrow (LHR): Take the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express to London Paddington, then follow the steps above.
• Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY): Catch a connecting flight from London, then take a taxi to St Ives.

Getting home from the end

Getting home from Penzance is easy. Direct trains run from Penzance to London Paddington, taking about 6 hours. Similarly, on the way home you may wish to take a flight from Cornwall Airport Newquay to one of the various London Airports.

Flying home?

• London Heathrow (LHR): Take the train to London Paddington, then the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express to the airport.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

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

No, there are no ferry crossings between St Ives and Penzance. The path follows the coast all the way, so you can simply walk from start to finish without needing to check ferry times.

No, this is tour is not suitable for anyone suffering from vertigo or fear of heights as there are sections where you are walking along steep-cliff side paths.

Macs Adventure Pocket Guide to St Ives

St Ives is a trendy harbor town, packed with art galleries, independent shops, sandy beaches and great places to eat. Before you start hiking, make the most of your time here with our handy pocket guide on the Macs Adventure App. It’s full of our favorite spots, so you can explore the winding streets and harbor like a local.

Add an extra night in Penzance to visit St Michael’s Mount

If you have time at the end of your hike, we recommend adding an extra night in Penzance. Just a short trip along the coast, St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island crowned by a medieval castle.

A few things to know before you go:

• Closed on Saturdays: The island is closed every Saturday, so plan your visit for another day.
• Getting there: At low tide, you can walk across the ancient causeway, while at high tide, a small boat takes you over.
• Book ahead: Tickets must be booked online in advance, and tide times vary daily, so check both before you go.

Are accommodation upgrades available?

Some accommodations along the trail offer room upgrades for an additional fee. For a little extra comfort throughout, we recommend our Highlights of Cornwall in Comfort trip, which takes in some of the best of this coastline, with stays in upgraded harbor hotels and waterside inns.