South West Coast Path: St Ives to Penzance - 8 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.

Today is a shorter walk, giving you time to visit Land’s End, the most westerly point of mainland 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. After exploring the theatre, take the steep steps down to the beautiful beach and the charming village of Porthcurno, home to a bay renowned for its breathtaking setting. Accommodation: An Edwardian cottage B&B close to the beach.

The path meanders along rugged cliffs, with an offshoot trail leading you to iconic Logan Rock, an 80-ton boulder owned by the National Trust. Until 1824, it could be rocked back and forth with ease, but when Lieutenant Goldsmith and 12 of his crew members used crowbars to lever it off, it sparked local outrage. The boulder had been a beloved tourist attraction, and the Admiralty demanded it be restored, a task that took 60 men, a complex system of pulleys, and a £130 bill, which was charged to the Lieutenant. While Logan Rock has been returned to its original position, it no longer rocks so easily. The path then leads to a more challenging section, passing through Penberth Cove and Porthguaron—perfect spots for a peaceful break. Continuing on, you’ll pass through Lamorna, once home to the infamous 'Lamorna Wink,' a pub that operated illegally in the past. The walk then takes you around Penzer Point, where you’ll be treated to stunning views over Mounts Bay and towards the majestic St. Michael’s Mount. Your day’s journey culminates in the charming village of Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzl"), a picturesque spot steeped in the history of pilchard fishing, and now a haven for artists and creatives. 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.

Depart Penzance after breakfast