South West Coast Path: Penzance to Mevagissey - 8 Days

Make your way to Penzance, located the far west of Cornwall. Penzance, whose name means "holy headland" in Cornish, has long been a vital port and trading hub, with a history dating back to the medieval period. In more recent times, the town has become a popular holiday destination, known for its subtropical gardens, mild climate and rich maritime heritage. The imporessive Georgian and Regency architecture, combined with cultural attrractions such as the Egyptian House, the Maritime Mueseum and the National Lighthouse Museum, make Penzance a delightful place to explore. The town also offers plenty of options for dining, including seafood restaurants that celebrate the local seafaring history. Accommodation: Overnight in guesthouse/B&B accommodation in this busy town.

Today you hike along the scenic coastline of Mount’s Bay, with St Michael’s Mount standing majestically in the sea as a backdrop, to the charming harbour town of Porthleven. From Penzance, the walk to Marazion is flat and pleasant, following the broad beach of Mount’s Bay. If the tide is out, you might even enjoy walking barefoot along the sand all the way to Marazion. ThisVillage claims to be the oldest settlement in Britain, although this is hard to verify, and was called Ictis by the Romans - which goes someway to indicate that the area was a trading post for tin in ancient times. After Marazion, the path becomes more rugged as you leave the bay, passing cliffs with remnants of old tin mines. The path follows beaches and market gardens around Basore and Maen de Points, through the holiday beach of Perran Sands and then up over cliff side paths through a series of enclosed path ways bypassing Cudden Point, before reaching the iconic smuggling area of ‘Prussia Cove’ also known as ‘Bessys Cove’. At Praa Sands you can either follow the beach for a mile, or stick to the grass of the backing cliffs. There then follows attractive cliff top walking all the way to the harbour of Porthleven - whose clock tower appears in many a Cornish sea storm photo. This picturesque fishing harbour, protected by wooden baulks during storms, is a perfect spot to enjoy fresh seafood at a local inn or at one of the restaurants along the quay. You can make this day shorter by taking the bus (own expense) from Penzance through to Marazion and starting your walk from there. This would reduce your walk down by 17.75km/11 miles. Accommodation: A quayside inn with old stone flags on the floor, oak beams and wood paneling. The bar retains the ambience of an old fisherman’s pub, and offers friendly service in traditional surroundings.

From Porthleven, head out on the trail across the Loe Bar Beach and then up over grassy cliffs, passing Gunwalloe Cove. After Dollar Cove, a visit can be made to the 14th century (in parts) St. Winwaloe Church - picturesquely nestled in the dunes and Marram grass. Undulating cliff tops then bring you to Mullion Cove - a private beach, but a very picturesque site. Bypassing the pretty village of Mullion, the trail becomes more rugged as you head south. Look out to sea as you pass by Hazelphron Cliff, this area is steeped in shipwreck history. You will also pass by Poldhu Point, site of Marconi's pioneering transatlantic wireless transmission in 1901. The grassy cliffs then give colourful walking with a sharp descent and ascent of the Gew–Graze Gorge. Next along the path is the green serpentine beauty of the rocks, cliffs and islands around Kynance Cove, with white sands and turquoise waters, before passing round Lizard Point - the most southerly point of the UK - and into the village there. This section of the trail includes some of the finest walking on the the entire South West Coast Path as you wind your way south to Lizard Point. The Lizard is remote and the southernmost point of Britain, with a historic lighthouse and expansive sea views. Accommodation: A small hotel at The Lizard, set in its own grounds with views of the famous Lizard lighthouse.

Beginning at The Lizard, the southernmost point of mainland Britain, the trail meanders past dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and the fishing villages of Cadgwith and Coverack. As an interim from the cliff paths , you visit the beaches of Kennack Sands - with a possible café stop - and then cliff walking to the village of Coverack. After this, the route loses some of its appeal as it passes round some quarrying areas, and even heads in land to the village of Porthallow - with its ‘Five Pilchards Inn’. You may wish to make a detour from the coast to visit St Keverne to view its pleasant village square and remarkable churchyard where over 400 shipwreck victims of the nearby Manacle Reef are buried. Notable landmarks along the route include the historic lifeboat station at Kilcobben Cove and the serene beaches of Kennack Sands. The journey culminates in Porthallow, a charming village known for its whitewashed cottages and shingle beach, marking the halfway point of the entire South West Coast Path. Accommodation: A local guesthouse where your host will make you more than welcome.

Today's journey is long and can be tiring, but it takes you through some of the most beautiful sections of the coast, including the picturesque Helford Estuary. You will begin in Porthallow and head around Nare Point, entering Gillan Harbour. At low tide, the creek here can be crossed on foot, but this is only possible within an hour either side of low tide. Alternatively, there is an unreliable ferry service, or you can take a 45-minute walk around the creek. Note that the total distance of today includes that walk. As you continue, you will reach the charming village of Helford. If the tide is still low, consider stopping for a drink at the Shipwright’s Arms before taking the ferry across Helford Passage to the north shore, where you will find The Ferry Boat Inn. Frenchman's Creek, a secluded tributary of the Helford River, made famous by Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name is close by. If time allows, you might want to visit the beautiful Trebah Gardens nearby. The route then follows the coast along the cliffs, past Penance Point, and into the seafaring town of Falmouth. Here, you will find a variety of shops, museums, and other attractions. Most accommodations are easily accessible on foot, avoiding the need to walk around Pendennis Head. Although the castle site at Pendennis Head is worth visiting, it may not be feasible if you're short on time. Purists, however, might wish to complete the full route. Falmouth is known for its maritime heritage. This is a long day, which can be shortened by taking a taxi to Gillan. Accommodation: We use numerous accommodation tonight in this busy town.

Today’s journey is a walk around part of what is known as the Roseland Peninsular. It begins with a scenic ferry ride from Falmouth to St. Mawes, departing from either Prince of Wales Pier or Custom House Quay. Upon arriving in the picturesque village of St. Mawes, take some time to explore its charming streets and coastal views. From St. Mawes, you will take another ferry across the harbour to Place. Alternative options are a variant walk to Porthscatho via beautiful St. Just in Roseland or a bus, which will save a couple of hours of walking. Be prepared for a fairly long day that becomes more strenuous after Portscatho, as you make your way to the quiet and picturesque village of Portloe, a tiny sheltered harbour with old streets. Accommodation: The Lugger Hotel is your accommodation tonight. It sits right on the water's edge.

The trail begins with a rugged ascent from Portloe, leading to softer pastures near Caerhays Castle and Porthluney Cove. As you progress, the path becomes more demanding, especially around Hemmick Beach and Dodman Point, offering panoramic views of the coastline. The route then descends into Gorran Haven, a fishing village, before continuing past Chapel Point and Portmellon. The final stretch into Mevagissey, a bustling fishing port with a double-walled harbour, provides a satisfying end to this scenic coastal journey. Accommodation: Options in Mevagissey are limited for a 1-night stay and we use a simple, cosy B&B near the harbour. If you wish to upgrade, please contact our team to discuss alternative options.

Depart Mevagissey after breakfast.