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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Depart Mevagissey after breakfast.