South West Coast Path: Penzance to Falmouth (7 Days & 6 Nights)
- Walking around the wild and rugged Lizard Peninsula.
- The stunning sight of St Michael's Mount.
- Sub-tropical conditions that produce rare wild flowers.
- Secret smuggler’s coves and hidden creeks.
- Picnic lunches on the golden sands of secluded coves.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Penzance and overnightThe walk starts in Penzance which is a bustling small town with many cafes, restaurants and an abundance of galleries selling local artwork.
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.
Leave bustling Penzance behind as you follow the path around Mounts Bay. Soon you come across the striking ‘St Michaels Mount’- a castle perched upon a small island linked to the mainland by a cobbled causeway. You can explore this delightful island by either walking over when the tide is out, or taking a boat when the tide is in.
An undulating path takes you up to some clifftops and then descends to the lovely beach at Praa Sands where you can pause to watch local surfers riding the waves. Continuing on the path then heads into the attractive fishing village of Porthlevan.
The Harbour Inn has 15 beautiful bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, wi-fi and televisions. Each room is equipped with a hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities. The cosy bar offers a seasonal menu made from local produce. Whether it’s one of the pub classics, the catch of the day or something simpler from the Salads and Ploughman’s section, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.
Perfectly positioned on the Harbour Head in the idyllic fishing port of Porthleven, Kota has quickly become one of the best-kept secrets in the South West. There is a lovely bar area where guests can enjoy fine wine, cocktails, cold beer or a warming digestif.
Situated in the centre of the historic fishing village of Porthleven on the south west coast of Cornwall is The Artist Loft is a self-contained bed and breakfast offering luxury en-suite accommodation. In an elevated position on the first floor at 10 Fore Street, just Artist steps from the picturesque harbour with its many cafe’s, restaurants, art galleries and shops.
Todays walk begins with a walk along a stretch of beach to the wonderful Loe Bar where Loe Pool sits (Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake).
Birdwatching is very common on the lake so if you wish take a stroll down and see what you can spot. The path continues along cliff edges and down to the fishing village of Mullion Cove. The next few miles to Lizard point can be challenging and boggy underfoot, but worth it as you pass some of the best coastal walking in South Cornwall.
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 Housel Bay Hotel & Restaurant on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, is the most Southerly Hotel in mainland Britain. It is widely known for its spectacular wraparound sea views and its colourful history.
The Lizard is sometimes referred to as “Cornwall’s Big Toe” dipping into the ocean. It's an impressive area where sub-tropical conditions allow rare species of plants to grow. The first few miles walk to Cadgwith Cove is a very popular section with its fantastic views back to the lighthouse.
Reach Kannack Sands which is a great area to dip your feet with rock pools where you can see sea cucumbers and starfish. Head up along the cliff top of Black Head Point and then take the path along to the little harbour village of Coverage.
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.
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.
Set off inland through Dean Quarry where the rock ‘Gabro’ is produced. Wonderful cliff top walking continues along the path with views across to the Manacles Reef. The reef lies very close to the shipping lanes from Falmouth, where many lives have been lost and ships wrecked.
Reach the former fishing villages of Porthoustock and Porthallow and follow the trail past Nare Point where views of Falmouth come into sight. You soon enter the picture postcard village of Helford.
Melanie and Geoffrey welcome you to Trevarn, situated on the scenic route to Falmouth, and almost opposite Carwinion Gardens. The guest house is in a quiet location, with wonderful views down to Mawnan Smith village and Maenporth, reaching towards the Roseland Peninsula and beyond to the Eden Project and Heligan Gardens. The B&B is 400yards from Mawnan Smith, where there are shops, post office, a pub and an Italian restaurant.
Trelawne has been owned and managed by the Gibbons family for over 40 years. The Trelawne is situated in a designated “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” between the Fal and Helford rivers. The 3 star AA hotel, has spacious bedrooms which are all en-suite with flat screen freeview tv, radio, hair dryer and beverage making facilities. Rooms have either stunning sea views or attractive views of the hotel grounds and surrounding countryside. All include crisp, white cotton linen and en suite bathrooms and their recently re-furbished restaurant also enjoys magnificent sea views over Falmouth Bay
This family run hotel has an eye on the future and provides you spacious refurbished rooms with an air of contemporary design, taking inspiration from coast and garden. A warm welcome home feel, is further enhanced by a friendly team.
From the point of Port Saxon, you will soon pass Rosemullion head, followed by a handleful of coves to Maenporth. From here the path starts to become more populated as you near Falmouth circle around Pendennis Point and toward the docks and town centre to end your last walk.
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.
Membly Hall Hotel is a family run hotel situated in one of the most picturesque regions of Cornwall. They offer a friendly welcome on arrival. It includes a bar, restaurant, sauna and fitness centre. The accommodation also provides free parking and wi-fi. In each room, you'll find an en-suite, with some offering a sea view.
After breakfast your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.
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?This section of the South West Coast Path is graded moderate and will suit experienced walkers with good physical fitness. The trail takes you through remote and rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs, past an ancient island monastery and dips down into secret coves. If you are a nature lover there are also plenty of wildflowers and wildlife to spot.
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!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
This holiday is graded from moderate to strenuous depending on the itinerary you choose. Although you follow the coast quite closely it includes plenty of up and down and some steep sections.
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. We specifically choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you, subject to availability. There is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Walkers
Solo walkers are welcome, but there is a solo walker supplement to cover the additional cost of luggage transfer.
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.
- Overnights in B&B's, small hotels and guest houses
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
- A detailed information pack, guidebook and map
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Transport should you need to skip a stage
- Travel to Penzance
- Travel from Falmouth
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk
Great months to travel are in April, May and June when the spring flowers are out and September and October when the summer holiday makers have gone home.
By Air - Newquay Airport is the closest airport and is served by Flybe from UK Airports. The closest international airports are Bristol and any of the London Airports.
By Rail/Bus - Trains run direct from London Paddington to Penzance (5 hours).
By Car - Penzance is a 5 and a half-hour 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.
By Rail/Bus - You can reach London from Falmouth by train which takes 6 hours, this does involve a couple of changes.
By Car - There is parking in Falmouth but again it can be very busy. If you need to return to Penzance from Falmouth you can do this by bus, it takes around 2hrs.
If you need more information regarding trains and bus schedules please visit the Traveline or Trainline 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 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.
-
South West Coast Path, Adventure Your Way
Join us on a walk from St Ives to Penzance on the South West Coast Path. This remote and exhilarating walk along the clifftops visits the bustling towns, golden sands and secluded coves of Cornwall.
-
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.
-
HikingWhat Should I Pack for the South West Coast Path?Read More3 Min Read29 September 2020
-
HikingEating and Drinking on the South West Coast PathRead More5 Min Read29 September 2020
-
Hiking10 Most Frequently Asked Questions on the South West Coast Path.Read More3 Min Read29 September 2020
-
HikingTraining Tips for the South West Coast Path - How Fit Should I Be?Read More4 Min Read29 September 2020
-
South West Coastal Path Walks - Which section is for me?Read More4 Min Read29 September 2020
-
HikingWhere does the South West Coast Path Start and Finish? - And how do I get there?Read More3 Min Read01 February 2019
-
A guide to exploring Poldark’s CornwallRead More2 Min Read08 November 2020
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights
Cornwall In Style
See the best of Cornwall's Coast In Style and dine at the Rick Stein iconic seafood restaurants.Highlights- Colourful Cornish fishing villages
- Stand at the tip of dramatic Trevose Head
- Follow St Michael's Way, an ancient pilgrim route
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights
South West Coast Path: St Ives to Penzance (8 Days & 7 Nights)
Walk a rugged and remote section of the South West Coast Path via Lands End at a relaxed pace.Highlights- Walk from St Ives to Penzance at a relaxed pace.
- The seaside towns of St Ives and Penzance.
- Visit Lands End, the most westerly tip of Britain