South West Coast Path: St Ives to Penzance (8 Days & 7 Nights)
- 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.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in St IvesSt Ives is a bustling fishing village with a wonderful harbour, winding narrow streets, art galleries, and plenty of restaurants. Â

Cornerways was built in the 1830's and has been a Guest House for over 70 years. Only 50 yards from the harbour, beaches and restaurants, Daphne Du Maurier stayed here in the 1940's. The Tate Gallery, for which they provide complimentary tickets, and St Ives Art School are only 150 yards away. With a modern feel that echoes the artists’ quarter in which it sits, Cornerways’ rooms have been renovated and totally redecorated over the last 7 years and all have en-suites. All bedrooms have LCD TVs, DVD Players, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, fridges and complimentary Cornish bottled water. The 3' thick Cornish Granite walls and no passing traffic will ensure you a snug and quiet night’s sleep.

The Pedn Olva, with the sea only thirty feet below and flanked by golden sands, is founded on blue-black granite rocks on the southern shores of St. Ives Harbour and Bay. Each bedroom at the Pedn Olva has stunning views of St Ives and the Cornish coast – light, airy and contemporarily decorated – they have everything you need for a relaxing, memorable and comfortable stay. Whether you choose to dine in their restaurant or relax in the bar, you will be blown away by the unrivalled views of the sun kissed beach of Porthminster, and dramatic shores of the Cornish coastline to Godrevey Lighthouse.

In a breathtaking location the St Ives Harbour Hotel enjoys stunning views across the Porthminster Bay. Individually decorated in natural colours, the rooms at the St Ives Harbour Hotel each have a private bathroom and tea/coffee facilities. All rooms have a TV and radio, and many have wonderful balcony views of the sea. The Terrace Bar and Restaurant serves a seasonal à la carte menu, using fresh local produce. You can try the speciality Fruits de Mer dish, with shellfish caught just 15 minutes’ walk away. Cornish cream teas and real ales are served in the spacious lounge bar, or al fresco on the terrace. The St Ives Harbour Spa includes an indoor pool and hot tub, a sauna, crystal steam room, state-of-the-art fitness suite, and 4 treatment rooms. Slippers, robes and towels are provided, along with free herbal teas and water.
Enjoy a free day in beautiful St Ives, giving you plenty of time to explore before starting your walk.

Cornerways was built in the 1830's and has been a Guest House for over 70 years. Only 50 yards from the harbour, beaches and restaurants, Daphne Du Maurier stayed here in the 1940's. The Tate Gallery, for which they provide complimentary tickets, and St Ives Art School are only 150 yards away. With a modern feel that echoes the artists’ quarter in which it sits, Cornerways’ rooms have been renovated and totally redecorated over the last 7 years and all have en-suites. All bedrooms have LCD TVs, DVD Players, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, fridges and complimentary Cornish bottled water. The 3' thick Cornish Granite walls and no passing traffic will ensure you a snug and quiet night’s sleep.

The Pedn Olva, with the sea only thirty feet below and flanked by golden sands, is founded on blue-black granite rocks on the southern shores of St. Ives Harbour and Bay. Each bedroom at the Pedn Olva has stunning views of St Ives and the Cornish coast – light, airy and contemporarily decorated – they have everything you need for a relaxing, memorable and comfortable stay. Whether you choose to dine in their restaurant or relax in the bar, you will be blown away by the unrivalled views of the sun kissed beach of Porthminster, and dramatic shores of the Cornish coastline to Godrevey Lighthouse.

In a breathtaking location the St Ives Harbour Hotel enjoys stunning views across the Porthminster Bay. Individually decorated in natural colours, the rooms at the St Ives Harbour Hotel each have a private bathroom and tea/coffee facilities. All rooms have a TV and radio, and many have wonderful balcony views of the sea. The Terrace Bar and Restaurant serves a seasonal à la carte menu, using fresh local produce. You can try the speciality Fruits de Mer dish, with shellfish caught just 15 minutes’ walk away. Cornish cream teas and real ales are served in the spacious lounge bar, or al fresco on the terrace. The St Ives Harbour Spa includes an indoor pool and hot tub, a sauna, crystal steam room, state-of-the-art fitness suite, and 4 treatment rooms. Slippers, robes and towels are provided, along with free herbal teas and water.
Head out of St Ives and follow the wild and rugged coastline south. Undulating paths on rough and demanding terrain make todays walk a strenuous one, but all worthwhile for the stunning views across the sea. Zennor is a small village which is a 10-15 minute walk inland from the coast, the local pub will be a welcoming sight after the walk today. The local museum is worth a visit which is dedicated to Cornish life from Prehistoric times.
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Situated next to the Tinners is the White House, a Grade II listed building. Built in 1838, the White House was extensively restored and modernised by the present owners in 2005. All guest rooms are situated on the first floor. All the luxuriously furnished bedrooms are light and airy with tea and coffee making facilities.
The bathrooms are equipped with powerful showers, and a selection of soft white towels and toiletries.

Tregeraint House is a traditional Cornish cottage which has been turned into a comfortable B&B whilst retaining its character and charm. Rooms are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a relaxing overnight stay.
The stretch to Pendeen Watch passes some beautiful little coves to Gunnard’s Head which is a great stop for a picnic. The cliffs of Bosigran can be seen and once you reach Pendeen Watch, visit the lighthouse in the afternoon before you head inland to Pendeen for your overnight.
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The North Inn is a traditional ivy-clad Cornish village pub with purpose-built guest accommodation to the rear, with fully tiled bathrooms, television, tea and coffee facilities and balconies on the seaward side. A wide menu is available with prices set to reflect that this is a pub serving food and not a restaurant selling liquor. They are well known for their range of authentic Indian curries and their homemade pies and other dishes and the emphasis is on simplicity and the use of local produce when available.

Martin and Annie will provide the warmest of welcomes at the Tremorran B&B. A warm, light and spacious home, the Tremorran has all that one requires for a most restful stay. All rooms, which are named after the local mines, have a seating area, hanging space, drawers, TV, bottled water, coffee and tea-making facilities and biscuits. Only a few minutes walk from the Coast Path and the stunning cliff edged ‘Crown Mines’ you are in the perfect location to immerse yourself in this fascinating historic region. Guests are invited to sit and enjoy rural views from the Conservatory that also faces the well-established west lawns and garden. In the distance the ruins of mine buildings can be seen with the backdrop of the sea a short walk away.
There is a lot to see on this section of the walk to Sennen Cove, with astounding views out to sea. Soon after leaving Pendeen you reach the remains of old tin and lead mines and then the Iron Age Kenidjack Castle—a wonderful place to take a break and look at the views towards Cape Cornwall. St Just is the next place on the map and is worth a detour if you are not stopping here, it is a thriving village with artists and is the most westerly town in the UK!Â
From Cape Cornwall to Sennen Cove is a wonderful walk passing the sand dunes to Whitesands Bay. Honey coloured cliffs prevail and keep your eyes peeled as dolphins are a common sight. The route follows the dunes but alternatively you can walk on the beach until you reach the little village of Sennen Cove.
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The Old Success Inn is a delightful 17th century Fisherman's Inn. Over the years, The Old Success has been sympathetically modernised to improve its accommodation, restaurant and other facilities. It currently has a bar (it is one of west Cornwall's most popular pubs), a restaurant and a residents' lounge. However, The Old Success retains its character and charm. Dinner is available in the bar or in the restaurant each evening. When the weather is kind, meals, with waiter service, are available outside. There is occasional live music entertainment in the bar.

The Land’s End Bed & Breakfast is a delight! Enjoy a comfortable super king-sized or twin-bedded room with en suite bathroom. Stable doors lead to your own private alcove where you may choose to enjoy a glass of wine at a bistro table while watching the sunset. The room comes with wall mounted televisions, complimentary WiFi, and a bespoke breakfast dresser with everything that you require to enjoy breakfast with a continental flavour.

The Fortress-like granite walled farmhouse has seen quite a number of changes in use over the past 160 years, from a working farmohouse to a meadery, later a restaurant and now a luxury guest house! The farmhouse has been upgraded with modern facilities and high-end finishes for your enjoyment.
This day includes wonderful cliff top walking and reaching Land’s End is a real high point on the South West Coast Path. Here views across to all of the amazing rock formations - The Armed Knight, The Irish lady and Dr Syntax head to name a few can be seen from here. Heading onwards follow the path past many coves and cliffs to the spectacularly located Minack Theatre at Porthcurno Bay. It is perched on top of the cliffs overlooking the bay and from here the steps lead down to the beach and the village.Â
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Elmsdale is a Victorian town house in a terrace of fine town houses leading off Penzance sea front. Elmsdale is within the Penzance conservation area and close to Penlee Park. The Town centre is approximately 600 metres away through the park or via leafy paved pedestrian paths that criss-cross the Town. Guest accommodation is located on the first and second floors and comprises 4 double bedrooms (all en-suite).

This beautiful Victorian house is three stories high and is situated in a large tree lined avenue just off from the seafront. Torwood House run by the same proprietor for over 20 years endeavours to provide you with a warm welcome and will do their utmost to make your stay a pleasurable one. Dating back to the late 1800's Torwood was built as a large family house. All original doors and features where possible have been retained and it has been restored with care to provide all rooms with en suite facilities and modern day comforts!

The Queens Hotel is the gateway to West Cornwall offering comfort and style, as well as great service and food. Located in picturesque Penzance, Cornwall, it boasts a restaurant with views across Mount's Bay, free parking and an on-site hair and beauty salon. Each room at the Queens Hotel features an en suite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities.
From Porthcurno you will quickly reach Logan Rock which is a 70 tonne boulder that used to be rocked by pushing it! You pass many coves until you reach Lamorna which is one of the few wooded coves on the path.Â
The next section of the walk passes through a pine forest and then heads inland to Mousehole. From here to Penzance the walk follows a track mainly on tarmac. Soon you will be amongst the buzz of Penzance with its galleries and cafés lining the streets

Elmsdale is a Victorian town house in a terrace of fine town houses leading off Penzance sea front. Elmsdale is within the Penzance conservation area and close to Penlee Park. The Town centre is approximately 600 metres away through the park or via leafy paved pedestrian paths that criss-cross the Town. Guest accommodation is located on the first and second floors and comprises 4 double bedrooms (all en-suite).

This beautiful Victorian house is three stories high and is situated in a large tree lined avenue just off from the seafront. Torwood House run by the same proprietor for over 20 years endeavours to provide you with a warm welcome and will do their utmost to make your stay a pleasurable one. Dating back to the late 1800's Torwood was built as a large family house. All original doors and features where possible have been retained and it has been restored with care to provide all rooms with en suite facilities and modern day comforts!

The Queens Hotel is the gateway to West Cornwall offering comfort and style, as well as great service and food. Located in picturesque Penzance, Cornwall, it boasts a restaurant with views across Mount's Bay, free parking and an on-site hair and beauty salon. Each room at the Queens Hotel features an en suite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities.
After breakfast your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.
Other Information
Is it for me?Bustling fishing villages, exhilarating and at times demanding walking, delicious sea food and fantastic views. Walk this rugged and remote section of the South West Coast Path at a relaxed pace with plenty of time to see the sights.
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!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
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.
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.
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.
- 6 Nights 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
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to St Ives
- Travel from Penzance
- Lunches & Dinners
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk
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.
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.
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.
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.
The distances and ascent/ descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
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 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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South West Coast Path, Adventure Your Way
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