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 to Plymouth. This diverse coastline offers a mix of rocky headlands overlooking idyllic coastal villages, lively resorts with magnificent sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs that shape the landscape. 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 once used by 19th-century coastguards, who were on the lookout for smugglers. Popular highlights include Gurnard’s Head, Sennen Cove, St Michael’s Mount, the Minack Theatre, and the magnificent Lizard Point. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous historical sites, including tin-mine ruins, coastguard lookouts, lighthouses, ancient harbours, and age-old churches.

Boulder-strewn cliffs, smugglers’ coves, windswept headlands, and sweeping views all contribute to this dramatic landscape, while colourful wildflowers and a wealth of birdlife enhance the experience. Look out for fulmars, kittiwakes, shags, razorbills, and 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 as one combined challenge, you’re assured of a rich and rewarding experience, with plenty of time to soak in the beauty and history of this remarkable coastline.

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 trail.

We offer 3 holidays walking between St Ives and Plymouth on the South and West Cornwall section of the 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.