South West Coast Path: Padstow to Penzance - 13 Days

Best price guaranteed

No booking fees

E-ticket/Mobile-voucher

Carbon neutral

13 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

20 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Starts

Padstow, England

Ends

Penzance, England

Highlights

Walk from the Camel Estuary to the wild cliffs of Cornwall’s Atlantic coast

Discover Newquay’s surf culture and Iron Age history at Trevelgue Head

Explore tin mining heritage and wildlife at Hell’s Mouth and Godrevy Point

Enjoy golden beaches, sand dunes, and a vibrant arts scene in St Ives

Visit iconic landmarks: Land’s End, the Minack Theatre, St Michael’s Mount

Meander through timeless fishing villages like Mousehole & Perranporth

Itinerary

Follow the rugged Cornish Coastal Path from Padstow to Penzance in Cornwall. From Padstow to Penzance, this South West Coast Path adventure offers a rich blend of natural beauty and Cornish heritage in a 13-day itinerary. Follow the Camel Estuary and cliff-top paths past hidden coves and golden beaches to the surfing hub of Newquay. Explore ancient Iron Age forts at Trevelgue Head and spot remnants of Cornwall’s tin mining past near Perranporth and Portreath. Highlights include the dramatic cliffs at Hell’s Mouth, seal sightings near Godrevy Point, and a scenic walk through the Hayle dunes into charming St Ives. Beyond the cobbled streets and art galleries of St Ives, the trail continues past shipwreck sites like the Carracks, inland to Zennor, and along the rugged Penwith coastline. Visit iconic Land’s End, the cliffside Minack Theatre at Porthcurno, and the old smuggler’s pub , the “Lamorna Wink”. Pass through the picture-postcard fishing village of Mousehole (pronounced “Mowzl) and end your journey in the bustling coastal town of Penzance with sea views of striking St Michael’s Mount.

day 1 - Arrive Padstow

Make your way to Padstow. Padstow is a picturesque fishing port on the north coast of Cornwall, known for its charming harbour, sandy beaches, and vibrant food scene. Once a busy hub for the pilchard trade, today it draws visitors with its maritime heritage, narrow streets, and renowned seafood restaurants—most famously those of chef Rick Stein. The town is named after St. Petroc who came here circa A.D 500. The church of St Petroc is one of a group of three said to have been founded by the Saint. Accommodation: Two nights at a local inn in the village.

day 2 - Padstow to Porthcothan 21 km/13 miles - 5 to 6hrs

Leaving Padstow’s busy little tourist harbour, follow the shores of the picturesque Camel Estuary to Stepper Point, with views to Bodmin Moor inland and to the ‘Doom Bar’: an off shore sand bar which has wrecked hundreds of ships over the centuries, largely because the surrounding cliffs take the wind out of the boat’s sails as they try to enter the harbour. In fact it became so notorious that many vessels would risk being wrecked on the coast rather than negotiate the entrance to Padstow in poor weather. More coves pass by until you see the limestone and slate Porthmissen Bridge natural arch with colonies of Razorbills and Guillemots. From here continue on to Trevone Bay, a beautiful sandy beach, popular with surfers and onwards to Harlyn, another surfer’s paradise but once famed for fishing pilchards. The coastal path reaches Trevose Head where on clear days you can see both St.Ives and Newquay. There is a lighthouse, which maybe open in the afternoon. The path then turns south and crosses more sandy beaches around Constantine, passing Trethias Island nature reserve, threading its way through coves to descend to Porthcothan Bay. Taxi (included) return to Padstow.

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Porthcothan to Newquay 17.5 km/11 miles - 4 to 5hrs

Start your day with a short taxi ride (included) to Porthcothan to begin your hike. From the bay the path climbs up to Park Head, which provides wonderful views of Bedruthan Steps, a set of rock stacks that have been a popular tourist feature since the railway reached Newquay in 1875 bringing the first travellers to the area. Passing the village of Mawgan Porth the route follows the cliff top above Watergate Bay. Approaching Newquay, the path arrives at Trevelgue Head and the largest Iron Age fort remains in the county. Continuing over Barrowfields, with its three Bronze Age barrows, the path descends to Newquay. The town overlooks fine golden sands, which cushion the Atlantic rollers and make this Britain’s surfing capital. Before surfing fame, Newquay was another famous fishing port, seining out the millions of pilchards that arrived every July. It was also a silver and lead mining centre. Accommodation: ovenight in a local hotel with sea views.

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Newquay to Perranporth 18.5 km/11.5 miles - 4 to 5hrs

Leaving the harbour, the path climbs up Towan Head past the whitewashed Huer's Hut, where lookouts would shout the arrival of the pilchard shoals to waiting fishermen, and then follow the cliffs around Pentire Point to take the ferry across the Gannel River. The path winds around headlands and coves to Kelsey Head, the site of an Iron Age promontory fort, and then descends to the village of Holywell, named after an ancient well and equally aged inn called ‘Treguth’. Following golden sands along Perran Beach, pass the tiny ruin of St Piran's Oratory, said to be oldest church in Cornwall (8th century) but reburied to protect it from erosion. Depending upon tide levels, you reach the village of Perranporth either by the beach or the cliff. Accommodation: Overnight in a local hotel within its own grounds overlooking Perranporth, minutes from the coastal footpaths.

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Perranporth to Portreath 20 km/12.5 miles - 5 to 6hrs

Today is more gentle as the coast path follows the cliffs around Cligga Head, past mineshafts, now home to horseshoe bats, and the remains of tin mines, with dramatic views of the mine buildings and chimneys dotting the landscape further on around St Agnes. Enroute you drop into Trevellas Porth and then Trevaunance Cove which has a waterside pub. It is then pleasant ascending to St Agnes Head past bird nesting cliffs, to the little village with the same name and terraces of miners' cottages including an interesting little museum in an old chapel. The path descends past the ruins of Wheal Coates Mine to the sandy inlet of Chapel Porth. Returning to the cliff tops, the path goes past the Wheal Charlotte Mine, drops down to the beach at Porthtowan and then follows the cliff top path to the harbour at Portreath, from where minerals were exported from the mines at Redruth. Accommodation: Overnight at a local bed & breakfast, 2 minutes walk from a sandy beach and situated on the coast path.

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Portreath to Hayle 20 km/12.5 miles - 5 to 6hrs

Leaving Portreath, there is a strenuous climb up Tregea Hill and 10 km/6 miles of National Trust land, continuing high above the sea along Carvannel and Reskajeage Downs. You then reach a rather sensational breach in the cliffs called Hell's Mouth. At Navax Point, you might be lucky enough to see grey seals. Walking on to Godrevy Point you will see the lighthouse perched on Godrevy Island, probably the inspiration for Virginia Wolf's ‘To the Lighthouse’. The lighthouse marks the landward end of a treacherous line of reefs, called The Stones, which have claimed many wrecks and many of their victims are buried in the churchyard at Gwithian, a sleepy thatched cottage village with an interesting old pub, The Pendarves Arms. The path then meanders through the Towans sand dunes to the busy port of Hayle. Accommodation: Overnight at a local hotel constructed in 1838. It is the oldest hotel in the town but all rooms are tastefully furnished and ensuite.

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Hayle to St Ives 9 km/5.5 miles - 2 to 3hrs

Today is a short day to enable you to discover beautiful St. Ives, with its museums and galleries. Skirting the Hayle Estuary, which is noted for its seabirds and waders, the path passes along the dunes above Porth Kidney and then passes beautiful Carbis Bay to reach the town. St Ives 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. However as early as 1811 Turner visited to paint the seascapes and by the late 1880s there were several artists installed and the town became famous for its vibrant artists' colony. This perhaps reached its heyday during the late 1940s and the 1950s. Today their work can be seen in the St Ives Tate Gallery, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and the Bernard Leach Gallery. Accommodation: There is a variety of accommodation in this busy town, and our 1st choice is a 4 * guesthouse set in the quieter part of St Ives.

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - St. Ives to Zennor 11 km /7 miles - 3 to 4hrs

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.

Meals:Breakfast

day 9 - Zennor to Pendeen Watch 11 km /7 miles - 3 to 4hrs

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.

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - Pendeen Watch to Sennen Cove 14.5 km /9 miles- 3 to 4hrs

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.

Meals:Breakfast

day 11 - Sennan Cove to Mousehole 21 km/13 miles - 5 to 6hrs

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.

Meals:Breakfast

day 12 - Mousehole to Penzance 6.5 km/4 miles - 1.5 to 2hrs

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.

Meals:Breakfast

day 13 - Arrangements end after breakfast

Depart Penzance after breakfast.

Meals:Breakfast

South West Coast Path: Padstow to Penzance - 13 Days

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

12 nights accommodation in guesthouses and inns on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where availableReturn taxi from Porthcothan Bay to Padstow if accommodation not available in Porthcothan Bay

Meals

12 breakfasts

Others

One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg.Digital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notesEmergency hotline

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.8 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 729 reviews for other tours with an average 4.8rating.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Valentine'sSuper Sales

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 98+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 818 customer reviews from

Yusufu

Its good well organised

3 days ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to South West Coast Path: Padstow to Penzance - 13 Days that you might like.

South West Coast Path: Padstow to Penzance - 13 Days

5.0(2 reviews)

13 days

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

4.7(3 reviews)

Walk on the Cornwall Coast Path West from St Ives to Mevagissey. Explore one of the most diverse and rewarding sections of the South West Coast Path on this 13-day walking holiday from St Ives to Mevagissey. This self-guided route takes you through some of Cornwall’s most striking coastal features—steep granite cliffs at Land’s End, the sculpted rock formations at Kynance Cove, and the quiet beaches near Mullion and Marazion. Starting in St Ives, with its cobbled streets and thriving arts scene, the path leads through historical sites such as old tin mines near Zennor and Botallack, and fishing harbours including Mousehole, Portloe, and Mevagissey. Along the way, you will pass natural landmarks like The Carracks—home to Atlantic grey seals—and navigate scenic estuaries on ferries across the Helford and Fal rivers. The trail also offers views of St Michael’s Mount, visits to coastal villages like Sennen Cove and St Mawes, and insight into Cornwall’s smuggling and maritime history as you arrive in Falmouth. This stretch of the South West Coast Path offers varied terrain, cultural interest, and a well-paced itinerary ideal for walkers of moderate ability looking to explore more of authentic Cornwall on foot over a 2 week trip.

13 days

The Cleveland Way

5.0(1 review)

The Cleveland Way walking trip is a 12-day journey through the varied landscapes of northern England, tailored for experienced and senior walkers seeking moderate adventure. Starting in Helmsley and ending in Filey, the trail combines rolling moorlands with the dramatic Yorkshire Heritage Coast. Explore historic sites like Rievaulx Abbey, the Captain Cook Monument, and Whitby Bay, famous for its fish and chips. The route, established as a National Trail in 1969, features a mix of tranquil farmland, forested patches, and charming fishing villages. The tour’s standout aspect is its seamless blend of coastal and moorland walking, offering both scenic beauty and a taste of local history.

12 days

Coast to Coast: Walk Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hood's Bay - 11 Days

5.0(2 reviews)

Embark on the second section of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast with this 11-day walking tour from Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hood’s Bay—ideal for experienced travelers and seniors looking for moderate activity. This thoughtfully paced itinerary breaks up tougher sections, granting you extra time to savor the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, and charming market towns like Richmond. Traverse river valleys, climb the mystical Nine Standards Rigg, and make your celebratory entrance into Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea. The tour features cozy accommodations and highlights the diversity of England’s countryside and hospitality. The unique aspect is its relaxed pacing, allowing for deeper exploration and greater enjoyment of each destination.

11 days

European Discovery

4.8(42 reviews)

Ready for the beginning of your sweet love affair with Europe? This European Discovery tour uncovers Europe’s finest in 12 days, complete with Bavarian beer & a visit to a French perfumery. We'll discover Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Munich, Venice & Florence, flirting with many more destinations along the way, from a traditional German beer hall to lunch at a local Italian farm (on us). You’ll get a taste for all the best bits of the continent and travel through 6 countries in one trip. By the time you get back to London you'll be completely smitten.

12 days

England, Scotland and Ireland

4.4(28 reviews)

Travelers seeking the quintessential British Isles experience will find the "England, Scotland and Ireland" tour package an inviting gateway to culture, history, and natural beauty. Spanning 14 days and crafted for seniors, this easygoing sightseeing tour begins and ends in London, weaving through Dublin, Liverpool, and six other captivating destinations across England, Scotland, and Ireland. Relax as you’re guided from one landmark to the next—think iconic castles, charming villages, and lively cities—while comfortable hotel stays, meal arrangements, and all transportation are expertly managed. This trip is tailored for those who appreciate a gentle pace and the camaraderie of a group, making it accessible and enjoyable for mature travelers. A unique aspect of this tour is its comprehensive scope: you’ll experience the vibrant diversity of three countries in one seamless journey, all with the reassurance of expert guidance and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re revisiting favorite places or discovering new wonders for the first time, this tour provides an enriching, worry-free way to explore the British Isles.

15 days

WWI and WWII Battlefields

4.7(53 reviews)

Step into history on the WWI and WWII Battlefields tour, an 11-day pilgrimage from London to Paris via Normandy and Amsterdam. Designed for experienced travelers seeking depth and reflection, this guided city sightseeing trip brings Europe’s most poignant battle sites to life. Walk the front lines where soldiers once fought for freedom, and explore the powerful stories behind two World Wars in the heart of Britain, Belgium, and France. With comfortable accommodations, seamless transport, meals, and expert guidance included, this easy-paced tour ensures a meaningful and accessible experience. The USP? An expertly woven narrative that offers both historical insight and emotional resonance, making it much more than a standard sightseeing trip.

11 days

Keep Exploring England

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Arrive Padstow

day 2 - Padstow to Porthcothan 21 km/13 miles - 5 to 6hrs

day 3 - Porthcothan to Newquay 17.5 km/11 miles - 4 to 5hrs

day 4 - Newquay to Perranporth 18.5 km/11.5 miles - 4 to 5hrs

day 5 - Perranporth to Portreath 20 km/12.5 miles - 5 to 6hrs

day 6 - Portreath to Hayle 20 km/12.5 miles - 5 to 6hrs

day 7 - Hayle to St Ives 9 km/5.5 miles - 2 to 3hrs

day 8 - St. Ives to Zennor 11 km /7 miles - 3 to 4hrs

day 9 - Zennor to Pendeen Watch 11 km /7 miles - 3 to 4hrs

day 10 - Pendeen Watch to Sennen Cove 14.5 km /9 miles- 3 to 4hrs

day 11 - Sennan Cove to Mousehole 21 km/13 miles - 5 to 6hrs

day 12 - Mousehole to Penzance 6.5 km/4 miles - 1.5 to 2hrs

day 13 - Arrangements end after breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

What's Included

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Tour Availability

Monthly Price Comparison

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

Why Book with Bookmundi

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

Yusufu

Similar Tours You Might Like

South West Coast Path: Padstow to Penzance - 13 Days

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

The Cleveland Way

Coast to Coast: Walk Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hood's Bay - 11 Days

European Discovery

England, Scotland and Ireland

WWI and WWII Battlefields

Keep Exploring England

Traveler Types

Tour Types

Top activities in England

Other England Recommendations

England tour packages departing in

What's Included

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Itinerary

day 1 - Arrive Padstow

day 2 - Padstow to Porthcothan 21 km/13 miles - 5 to 6hrs

day 3 - Porthcothan to Newquay 17.5 km/11 miles - 4 to 5hrs

day 4 - Newquay to Perranporth 18.5 km/11.5 miles - 4 to 5hrs

day 5 - Perranporth to Portreath 20 km/12.5 miles - 5 to 6hrs

day 6 - Portreath to Hayle 20 km/12.5 miles - 5 to 6hrs

day 7 - Hayle to St Ives 9 km/5.5 miles - 2 to 3hrs

day 8 - St. Ives to Zennor 11 km /7 miles - 3 to 4hrs

day 9 - Zennor to Pendeen Watch 11 km /7 miles - 3 to 4hrs

day 10 - Pendeen Watch to Sennen Cove 14.5 km /9 miles- 3 to 4hrs

day 11 - Sennan Cove to Mousehole 21 km/13 miles - 5 to 6hrs

day 12 - Mousehole to Penzance 6.5 km/4 miles - 1.5 to 2hrs

day 13 - Arrangements end after breakfast

Keep Exploring England

Traveler Types

Tour Types

Top activities in England

Other England Recommendations

England tour packages departing in