South West Coast Path: South and West Cornwall

The South and West Cornwall coastline is the longest section of the South West Coast Path, stretching 175 miles from St Ives round to Plymouth. This is a contrasting coastline serving up a mix of rocky headlands overlooking idyllic coastal villages as well as lively resorts with their magnificent sandy beaches. In addition to being bookended by the popular towns of St Ives and Plymouth, overnight stays include Penzance and Falmouth.

Much of the trail follows the footpaths used by coastguards and officers back in the 19th century who would have been on the lookout for smugglers. Popular highlights include Gurnard’s Head, Sennen Cove and the Minack Theatre as well as St Michael’s Mount and the magnificent Lizard Point. There are numerous historical sites along this stretch of coast including scattered tin-mine ruins, old coastguard lookouts and lighthouses, ancient harbours and age old churches.

Boulder-strewn cliffs, smugglers coves, windswept headlands and stunning expansive views all contribute to this dramatic landscape. As do the colourful wildflowers and wealth of birdlife. Look out for fulmars, kittiwakes, shags, razorbills and even the Cornish chough, once extinct in the county but now making a welcome return.

Whether you choose to complete this stretch of the South West Coast Path in a series of short breaks or in one combined challenge, you are assured of a rich and rewarding experience.

Our Holidays

The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath and National Trail. We have a range of walking holidays along the entire length of the South West Coast Path. All routes are well worth undertaking in their own right and you can take on each section separately until you’ve completed the whole path.

We offer 3 holidays walking between St Ives and Plymouth on the South and West Cornwall section of the South West Coast Path. Firstly we have the 39 miles from St Ives to Penzance. This is followed by the 60 miles from Penzance to Falmouth. Finally we have the 79 miles from Falmouth to Plymouth.

Please bear in mind that the distances each day are trail distances only. They do not take into account walking to your accommodation. On some days the accommodation might be on or close to the trail but on other days you may need to walk one or two miles to get to your overnight stop.

Note on transfers: Many of the accommodations on the Cornwall coast operate a two night minimum policy, therefore when booking, please be prepared to be transferred to and from your accommodation on several nights of your holiday.

Our colleague Mark has walked from St Ives to Lizard on the South West Coast Path. Read Mark’s blog Notes from the Cornwall Coast