South West Coast Path: Penzance to Mevagissey - 8 Days

4.6Based on

Carbon neutral

8 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

20 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Marazion, England

Ends

Mevagissey, England

Highlights

Walk the stunning Cornish coastline from Penzance to Mevagissey

Explore The Lizard, the southernmost point of mainland Britain

Discover the hidden coves & tidal creek of the Roseland Peninsula

Gaze out to St Michael’s Mount as you walk along “The Salt Path”

Discover Cornwall’s colourful gardens thriving in the mild climate

Follow in the footsteps of Daphne du Maurier and Virginia Woolf

Itinerary

Walk along the southern section of the Cornwall Coastal Path. Discover one of the most scenic stretches of the South West Coast Path as you walk from Penzance to Mevagissey, a route rich in natural beauty, cultural history, and coastal charm. This journey takes you through dramatic cliffs at The Lizard—Britain’s southernmost point—along wooded estuaries, sheltered tidal creeks, and the tranquil Fal River. The region is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known for its lush gardens, palm-lined paths, and unique microclimate. Along the way, you’ll encounter tiny fishing villages, secret smugglers’ coves, and stories of shipwrecks that inspired authors like Daphne du Maurier and Virginia Woolf, and latterly Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path. Whether you're admiring the birdlife, exploring subtropical gardens, or simply taking in a spectacular Cornish sunset, this moderate week-long walk offers a deeply memorable experience for both nature lovers and literary enthusiasts alike.

day 1 - Arrive Penzance

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.

day 2 - Penzance to Porthleven 21 km/13 miles - 5.5 to 6.5hrs

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.

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Porthleven to The Lizard 24.15 km/15 miles - 6 to 7hrs

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.

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - The Lizard to Porthallow 25.75 km/16 miles - 6 to 7hrs

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.

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Porthallow to Falmouth 26.5 km/16.5 miles - 6 to 8hrs

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.

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Falmouth to Portloe 21.75 km/13.5 mile - 6 to 7hrs

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.

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Walk to Mevagissey 19.35 km/12 miles - 6 to 7hrs

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.

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Arrangements end after breakfast

Depart Mevagissey after breakfast.

Meals:Breakfast

South West Coast Path: Penzance to Mevagissey - 8 Days

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What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available

Meals

7 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

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