South West Coast Path: St Ives to Mevagissey - 13 Days

Make your own way to St Ives. This beautiful cobble lane fishing village dates back to AD460, when the missionary St. Ia, daughter of an Irish chieftain, landed here and gave her name to the settlement. Protected from Atlantic storms, St Ives was once the most important fishing port in Cornwall, but like elsewhere on the surrounding coast, by the beginning of the 20th century, the fish stocks became depleted, and the fishing fleet largely disappeared. In 1811 Turner visited to paint the seascapes and by the late 1880s there were several painters in residence and the town became famous for its vibrant artists' colony. Today their work can be seen in the St Ives Tate Gallery, with its popular rooftop restaurant, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and the Bernard Leach Gallery. St Ives is a great place to spend extra nights - speak to a member of our team to book alongside your trip. Accommodation: There is a mixture of accommodation available, but our 1st choice is a 4* guesthouse set in the quieter part of St Ives.

Fuel up with a hearty English breakfast before setting out on one of the most dramatic stretches of the South West Coast Path. Though the distances are relatively short, the terrain is demanding, with steep ascents, descents, and some boggy patches—but the spectacular coastal views make every step worthwhile. Departing St Ives, the crowds thin and the scenery grows more dramatic. You'll pass St Nicholas’s Chapel, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, and an old lookout once used to spot pilchard shoals. The trail winds through a series of rugged headlands and dips before reaching River Cove, where seals can often be seen lounging on the rocks below. A final steep climb brings you inland toward the ancient village of Zennor, home to a charming church, a small museum of local life, and the atmospheric Tinner’s Arms pub. The area also has rich literary connections—D.H. Lawrence lived here briefly in 1916 while writing Women in Love. His stay stirred suspicion due to his German wife and pacifist views, and the couple were eventually expelled from the village on accusations of spying. Above Zennor, the moorland hides prehistoric standing stones and quoits, echoing the region’s deep history and mystery. Accommodation: Overnight at a local B&B or guesthouse.

Rejoining the South West Coast Path from Zennor, the trail continues through a wild and rugged landscape, weaving its way along granite cliffs and secluded coves towards Gurnard’s Head. This striking promontory, topped with the remnants of a prehistoric cliff fort, offers sweeping views across the Atlantic and a sense of the area's ancient history. Take care as you pass near disused tin mine shafts—reminders of Cornwall’s industrial heritage—while enjoying the raw beauty of the Penwith coastline. As you near Pendeen, the path passes Geevor Tin Mine, one of the best-preserved mining sites in Cornwall and now a fascinating museum (open March to October) offering underground tours and interactive exhibits. Just before the village, a short detour takes you to Pendeen Watch, where you can visit the lighthouse and take in panoramic sea views. This section of the walk is rich in history, wildlife, and geological interest, making it a highlight of any journey along the South West Coast Path. Accommodation: An inn in Pendeen Watch dating back to 1860.

The trail from Pendeen Watch begins gently, tracing the cliff tops through a landscape shaped by centuries of mining. You’ll pass the haunting ruins of old lead and tin mines, including the Levant Mine, the site of a tragic accident in 1919 that claimed 31 lives. Today, its restored beam engine can be visited during the summer months. Just ahead lies the iconic Crowns Mine at Botallack, clinging spectacularly to the rocks above the sea—a favourite filming location for the BBC’s Poldark. The path veers slightly inland near Cape Cornwall, a headland once believed to be the westernmost point of mainland England until it was officially ceded to Land’s End. Continuing along, pass Carn Gloose, where an intriguing walled pit may be the remnants of a Neolithic shrine. The trail brushes past the historic village of St Just, where open-air ‘miracle plays’ were once performed in the medieval amphitheatre, before skirting Whitesand Bay and arriving at the charming harbour of Sennen Cove—a popular spot for surfers and walkers alike. Accommodation: At a 17th century inn.

Start your day early to enable you to visit the sights of Land’s End, the most westerly point in England. Land’s End is a popular tourist destination with various attractions and it can be crowded at times. However, the spectacular seascapes make it worth the visit, with sweeping views out to the Scilly Isles and the Long Ships and Wolf Rock lighthouses. As you continue along the coast, the walking experience improves, leading you through the picturesque hamlets of Porthgwarra and St Levan. The trail brings you to the stunning Minack Theatre, an open-air venue perched dramatically on the cliffs, built by Rowena Cade. There follows a more challenging walk towards Penberth Cove and Porthguaron which are lovely places to pause. You will pass though Lamorna, with a famous once illegal old pub the ‘Lamorna Wink.’ The walk continues the walk around Penzer Point and views over Mounts Bay, and towards the island of St. Michael’s Mount. Next you will reach your destination of Mousehole (pronounced ’Mowzl’), a picture postcard village, with a history of pilchard fishing and now a small artists community. Accommodation: An inn by the harbour in the village.

The walk from Mousehole to Newlyn follows the road for much of the way, but you can take a more scenic inland route through the village of Paul, where you'll find a monument dedicated to Dolly Pentreath, who passed away in 1778 and is remembered as the last native Cornish speaker to speak no English. As you continue towards Newlyn and Penzance, you'll pass through built-up areas, as both towns are busy ports and popular tourist destinations. While Newlyn boasts a selection of charming galleries, many walkers opt to take a bus into Penzance, where you'll find a wealth of attractions. Penzance is home to a delightful mix of Georgian and Regency architecture, the striking Egyptian House, and cultural highlights such as the Maritime Museum and the National Lighthouse Museum. Accommodation: Our preferred option in Penzance is a welcoming, family-run guesthouse.

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. After Marazion, the path becomes more rugged as you leave the bay, passing cliffs with remnants of old tin mines. The route continues past secluded bays and inlets, once associated with smugglers, before reaching Porthleven. 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.

Today you walk to The Lizard peninsula via the stunningly beautiful white sands and turquoise waters of Kynance Cove and the pretty village of Mullion. The trail becomes more rugged as you head south. Look out to see 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. 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. 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.

Leaving Porthallow, the trail meanders over heath and grassland, passing through areas rich in history and natural beauty. The path continues through the picturesque village of Helford where a ferry crossing leads to Helford Passage, from there the route follows the Helford River, offering views of secluded beaches and wooded valleys before reaching the bustling town of Falmouth known for its maritime heritage. Along the way, explore Frenchman's Creek, a secluded tributary of the Helford River, made famous by Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name and there is great pub here for a lunch stop. Close to Falmouth, the trail also passes close to the impressive Trebah Gardens. 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 walk begins with the ferry ride from Falmouth to St. Mawes, a remote pleasant little yachting harbour at the end of the Roseland Peninsula, which boasts a clover leaf castle built by Henry VIII in 1542. En route pass by Caerhays Castle, designed by John Nash, and its beautiful gardens. Then through Veryan noted for its thatched round houses. You arrive at the understated beauty that is Portloe, a tiny sheltered harbour with old streets. Accommodation: The 5* Lugger Hotel is your accommodation tonight. It sits right on the waters 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 harbor, 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.