Highlights of Cornwall's South Coast
- The best of Cornwall’s south coast from Falmouth via the Lizard to Marazion.
- Traditional Cornish cream tea of scones, jam and clotted cream.
- Reaching the Lizard, the most southern point on UK’s mainland.
- Tropical and colourful gardens of Trelissick & Glendurgan.
- Explore iconic St Michael’s Mount, a pilgrimage site full of myths & legends.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Falmouth and overnightArrive in Falmouth, a bustling seaside town. Shops, cafes and restaurants line the streets and there are many local beaches near the town for a relaxing stroll.
The Lerryn offers stunning views of Falmouth Bay, beautiful beaches and a warm and friendly welcome. The breakfasts are home cooked from local fresh produce.
They can also cater for guests with special dietary requirements with prior notification.
Bar snacks are available. All rooms have a colour television, free Wi Fi, radio and drink making facilities.
The Greenbank Hotel in Falmouth is set in an enviable position, with its idyllic seafront location. It has one of the best panoramic waterfront views in England. Dating from 1640, the Greenbank is Falmouth’s oldest hotel and is a fascinating collection of beautifully restored buildings. The Harbourside Restaurant is elevated above the harbour and is the perfect setting to enjoy the delightful food and the Head Chef creates great seasonal menus described as Modern British. In the bar and terrace you can sit back in a soft chair and relax whilst overlooking the harbour.
Today takes advantage of the great ferry system in and around Falmouth. First board a ferry from Falmouth to the wonderful Trelissick Gardens, perched at the head of the Fal Estuary. After exploring here take another very short ferry ride to Philleigh on the St Mawes side of the Fal River and then walk down the Roseland Peninsula via the beautiful 13th century church of St Just in Roseland to St Mawes, from where you board a ferry for the short ride back to Falmouth.
The Lerryn offers stunning views of Falmouth Bay, beautiful beaches and a warm and friendly welcome. The breakfasts are home cooked from local fresh produce.
They can also cater for guests with special dietary requirements with prior notification.
Bar snacks are available. All rooms have a colour television, free Wi Fi, radio and drink making facilities.
The Greenbank Hotel in Falmouth is set in an enviable position, with its idyllic seafront location. It has one of the best panoramic waterfront views in England. Dating from 1640, the Greenbank is Falmouth’s oldest hotel and is a fascinating collection of beautifully restored buildings. The Harbourside Restaurant is elevated above the harbour and is the perfect setting to enjoy the delightful food and the Head Chef creates great seasonal menus described as Modern British. In the bar and terrace you can sit back in a soft chair and relax whilst overlooking the harbour.
A transfer of about 20 minutes, brings you to Trebah, worthy of exploration with its valleys of incredible gardens. Make your way down to the coast, where you will join the South West Coast Path. At Helford Passage board a ferry for the short ride to Helford and from here make your way inland eventually linking up again with the South West Coast Path, a few miles before arriving in Coverack.
The Paris Hotel is situated in the peaceful and charming fishing village of Coverack. It was built by the Redruth Brewery back in 1907 and was named after the liner SS PARIS which ran aground on the headland on Whit Monday 1899. The Paris Hotel offers the chance to come and relax and enjoy the wonderful sea views from the garden whilst sampling a drink from the bar, or food in the restaurant. All rooms are en-suite with a television and tea and coffee making facilities. Every room has superb views of the sea.
A great Cornish welcome awaits you at Fernleigh. It is a family run bed and breakfast situated in an elevated position overlooking the harbour and bay of Coverack. Enjoy sea views from the conservatory while enjoying a complimentary tea, coffee and homemade cake on your arrival. Most rooms have sea views, and are comfortably furnished with lovely Egyptian cotton bed linen and fluffy towels. All bathrooms and en-suites have complimentary toiletries. All rooms are comfortably furnished and all have TVs, radio alarm clocks, hair dryers and hospitality trays with various teas, coffees and hot chocolate, with homemade biscuits for you to enjoy.
The Bay Hotel is set in an unspoilt coastal location in the picturesque fishing village of Coverack. In an area of outstanding natural beauty, nearly every room has stunning, uninterrupted sea views across Coverack Bay. Guests are welcomed by the House family who have over thirty years of experience. Each of the en-suite bedrooms have been individually styled in mellow coastal tones, nearly all with uninterrupted, stunning, panoramic sea views. All have been designed with relaxation in mind and all have colour televisions, hospitality trays with tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryers.
The restaurant is praised for its varied menus, care given to special dietary requirements.
From Coverack you will mostly be following the trails of the South West Coast Path further down the rugged Lizard peninsula and you will pass through places with quirky names such as the Devil’s Frying Pan, the Oxen, and the Balk! This area has a rare geology that creates a haven for exceptional plants and flowers. Head inland to the village of Lizard where you will spend the next 2 nights.
Penmenner is an attractive period house with 4 en-suite guest rooms and outstanding sea views, a sunny breakfast room, an elegant drawing room, a beautiful garden. Rooms are freshly decorated and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.
Roy & Jayne offer you a warm welcome to their home. Chyheira is a 100 year old Edwardian house which proudly stands on the corner of a quiet road. Whilst being fully modernized much of the original character has been maintained.
Chyheira is set in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty and special scientific interest. Being just 10 minutes walk down a quiet lane to the South West Coastal Path.
The Caerthillian Bed and Breakfast is a large, early Victorian town house situated in the heart of the picturesque village of The Lizard. The rooms have digital televisions, free wifi and generous complimentary refreshments. Special dietary requirements are gladly catered for with prior arrangement and packed lunches are available upon request. Dog friendly establishment which also offers a laundry service, kit and boot drying facilities.
After breakfast take a loop walk from Lizard first to the most southern point on the UK’s mainland. Then head north and through the National Trust beach of Kynance Cove. If the sun is shining you can also relish the turquoise colour of the sea.
Penmenner is an attractive period house with 4 en-suite guest rooms and outstanding sea views, a sunny breakfast room, an elegant drawing room, a beautiful garden. Rooms are freshly decorated and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.
Roy & Jayne offer you a warm welcome to their home. Chyheira is a 100 year old Edwardian house which proudly stands on the corner of a quiet road. Whilst being fully modernized much of the original character has been maintained.
Chyheira is set in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty and special scientific interest. Being just 10 minutes walk down a quiet lane to the South West Coastal Path.
The Caerthillian Bed and Breakfast is a large, early Victorian town house situated in the heart of the picturesque village of The Lizard. The rooms have digital televisions, free wifi and generous complimentary refreshments. Special dietary requirements are gladly catered for with prior arrangement and packed lunches are available upon request. Dog friendly establishment which also offers a laundry service, kit and boot drying facilities.
Today after breakfast a short transfer will bring you to the lovely little town of Marazion, home to iconic St Michael’s Mount. Today is free to explore this castle and island. Follow the footsteps of pilgrims and walk across the causeway or take a ferry boat where you can discover this castle full of myths and legends.
Enjoy this relaxing hotel located in the heart of the beautiful town of Marazion. The rooms have views over St Michael's Mount and we are only one hundred yards from one of the safest and most fabulous Cornish beaches. The "Cutty Sark" is the fully licensed public bar serving local beers and wines. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner specialising in local produce. The "Coffee Lounge" overlooking the town square is somewhere to relax, watch the world go by and perhaps enjoy the freshly prepared coffee and homemade cakes.
The Upper Deck comprises the entire top floor of Britannia House, with lovely views of the sea over Mounts Bay. Spacious room with two arm chairs, TV/DVD tea and coffee making facilities & fridge. Full Cornish Breakfast served in your room between 0830 and 0930. En-suite bathroom with shower over bath.
The Godolphin Arms offers ten en suite bedrooms which are light, airy and generously proportioned with spacious en suite bathrooms. The majority of rooms have fantastic sea views and some have balconies facing the idyllic St Michael's Mount. Eating at The Godolphin Arms is a relaxed, friendly experience. With spectacular views from the first floor dining area and a stunning beachside terrace, you have a choice of eating areas with the same menu offered throughout.
Your walk today begins from Marazion and takes you through the Parish of Perranuthnoe, a small and ancient village. The trail follows footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes in the surrounding countryside and from where you can also see coastal views.
Enjoy this relaxing hotel located in the heart of the beautiful town of Marazion. The rooms have views over St Michael's Mount and we are only one hundred yards from one of the safest and most fabulous Cornish beaches. The "Cutty Sark" is the fully licensed public bar serving local beers and wines. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner specialising in local produce. The "Coffee Lounge" overlooking the town square is somewhere to relax, watch the world go by and perhaps enjoy the freshly prepared coffee and homemade cakes.
The Upper Deck comprises the entire top floor of Britannia House, with lovely views of the sea over Mounts Bay. Spacious room with two arm chairs, TV/DVD tea and coffee making facilities & fridge. Full Cornish Breakfast served in your room between 0830 and 0930. En-suite bathroom with shower over bath.
The Godolphin Arms offers ten en suite bedrooms which are light, airy and generously proportioned with spacious en suite bathrooms. The majority of rooms have fantastic sea views and some have balconies facing the idyllic St Michael's Mount. Eating at The Godolphin Arms is a relaxed, friendly experience. With spectacular views from the first floor dining area and a stunning beachside terrace, you have a choice of eating areas with the same menu offered throughout.
Make your way to Penzance, which has direct trains to London.
This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?Walking in South Cornwall will sooth your senses. Trails take you along pristine and stunningly beautiful coastlines, past little fishing harbours and through colourful gardens. If this sounds good to you and your dream of a perfect holiday involves relaxing in pubs for lunch or in tea shops for cream teas en route and staying overnight in adorable B&B’s or guesthouses then this highlights tour is definitely for you.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This tour is graded as moderate. Most of the walks are along coastlines and so do include elevations and losses as you walk up and down to the cliffs from the beaches. Walking inland at times will be more rolling and not as challenging.
You will stay in a mixture of carefully chosen B&Bs, small hotels and guest houses.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
We welcome solo walkers on this trip although you should of course take extra care in the outdoors when walking solo.
When walking on the South West Coast Path the route is well way marked and easy to follow. The paths are clearly marked and navigation is straightforward with the Macs Adventure App which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple.
Recommended Reading
If you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:
- Map: Ordnance Survey OS102. Land's End. Penzance & St Ives. 1:25 000
- Map: Ordnance Survey OS103. Lizard. Falmouth & Helston. 1:25 000
- Map: Ordnance Survey OS105. Falmouth & Mevagissey, Truro & St Mawes 1:25 000
- 7 Nights in B&B’s, small hotels and guesthouses
- 7 Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
- Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure navigation app
- All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs ‘My Account’
- 24/7 telephone support
- Travel to Falmouth
- Travel from Marazion
- Local ferries
- Dinners & lunches
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance
- Additional nights before or after the holiday
This tour can be enjoyed from April to October and you can start on any date that suits your travel plans. Spring and Autumn/Fall are great because it is quieter on the paths.
You can reach Falmouth from London by train which takes about 5 hours and involves one change in Truro. For more information on train times and schedules please visit the Traveline website.
It's also possible to fly into the small Newquay Airport. However, it is quite time-consuming and you will need to take a bus/train combination to get to Falmouth (an approx 2H45 journey). Again please see the Traveline website for details.
The best way to travel from Marazion is to take a taxi (about £10-15 and takes 5 minutes) or a local bus (about £2 and takes 10 minutes) to Penzance Train Station. There are trains to London from here which take between 5 and 6 hours, depending on whether they are direct or not. It is possible to fly out of Newquay Airport. The journey takes 3 hours on a combination of train/bus.
Information on trains and buses may be found on the Traveline or National Rail websites.
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 / 44lbs per person.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
Online Documents
At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.
On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
It is strongly recommended that you secure adequate travel insurance.
This tour is graded as moderate. Most of the walks are along coastlines and so do include elevations and losses as you walk up and down to the cliffs from the beaches. Walking inland at times will be more rolling and not as challenging.
As far in advance as possible! We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as Cornwall is extremely popular, especially during the summer months. If booking at short notice we will always try and accommodate your plans.
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.
This Cornwall itinerary is very enjoyable at any time between April and October , although it is particularly lovely in late spring and early Autumn.
All baggage transfers are included. We request that you have only one piece of luggage per person and it should weigh only 20kg.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
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South West Coast Path, Adventure Your Way
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Walking the South West Coast Path
The South West Path stretches around the south-west peninsula of England, exposing dramatic coastal scenery as the walk unfolds. The route is split into several delightful sections as walking the entire route at once would be rather time-consuming. This video gives you an overview of the route and how best to tackle it.
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