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South West Coast Path: St Ives to Penzance (7 Days & 6 Nights)

7 Days & 6 Nights 4.5 Read 68 reviews
  • Walk from St Ives to Penzance on the South West Coast Path.
  • Remote and exhilarating walking along the clifftops.
  • Tasty, local seafood in the bustling towns of St Ives and Penzance.
  • Visit Lands End—the most westerly tip of Britain.
  • Picnic lunches on the golden sands of the many secluded coves.
Walk this rugged and remote section of the South West Coast Path in Cornwall from St Ives to Penzance, via Land’s End. Be prepared for some exhilarating walking and follow the trail that hugs the coastline on its way down to Lands End which is the most westerly tip of the UK. Wild flowers on the cliff tops and turquoise seas with golden beaches dominate with fantastic views, plenty of birdlife and delicious seafood all to be found on this 40 mile stretch of coast path. The bustling fishing village of St Ives is your start point, and you will also encounter small fishing communities, such as Sennen Cove, Mousehole and Porthcurno with its spectacular open air theatre situated right beside the sea.
Bustling fishing villages, exhilarating and at times demanding walking, delicious sea food and fantastic views. You can walk this trail over the course of 5, 6 or 7 days. At a fast pace, or taking your time. If this description ticks all your boxes, then this section of the South West Coast Path in Cornwall is for you.

Tour Type:

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, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

  • Long-Distance Trails
  • Coastal Walking

Activity Level & Terrain

This holiday is graded from easy to moderate to moderate to strenuous depending on the itinerary you choose. Although you follow the coast quite closely it includes plenty of elevation gains and losses and some steep sections. This 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.

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.

Accommodations

One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. You will stay in carefully selected B&B’s, guesthouses, country pubs and small hotels. A delicious breakfast is always included.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability. A single supplement is payable. This walking tour is available to solo walkers but as we incur additional baggage transfer costs, there is a solo walker supplement payable.

Additional Nights

We strongly recommend adding extra nights in St Ives and Penzance. 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.

Included
  • Overnights in B&B’s, small hotels and guesthouses
  • Breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers
  • Detailed Information Pack, guidebook and map
  • 24/7 telephone support from our UK office
Excluded
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Travel to St Ives
  • Travel from Penzance
  • Lunches & Dinners
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Personal equipment
Extras
  • Additional nights before, during or after the walk

When To Go

You can start your trip on any day between March and October subject to availability. This section of the South West Coast Path is very popular so it is best to book as far in advance as you are able to.

Time of Year

This section of the South West Coast Path is probably best enjoyed in the Spring and Autumn when there are fewer people on the trails, however it is lovely during the summer months also. You can start on any date that suits your travel plans.

Getting to the Start

By Rail/Bus - Trains run from London to St Erth (5H), where you need to change trains to St Ives (15mins)

By Car - St Ives is a 5H30 drive from London, there is limited parking and the car parks can often be very busy in the summer months.

Getting from the End

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 any of the London Airports.

By Rail/Bus  - There is a direct train from Penzance back to London Paddington (6hrs)

By Car - There is parking in Penzance but again it can be very busy. If you need to return to St Ives from Penzance you can do this by bus, it is only 8 miles and takes around 45 mins.

Luggage 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.

General Information

The distances and ascent/ descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Equipment

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.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in St Ives Day 2 Free Day in St Ives Day 3 St Ives to Zennor 6 miles / 10 km Day 4 Zennor to St Just 12 miles / 19 km Day 5 St. Just to Porthcurno/Transfer to St Just 11 miles / 18 km Day 6 Transfer to Porthcurno/Walk to Penzance 11 miles / 18 km Day 7 Onward travel

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