Polperro harbour, Cornwall

South West Coast Path – Falmouth to Plymouth

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Overview

Route

What’s Included?

Itineraries & Prices

Accommodation

Travel Info

Additional Days

Overview

Walking Holidays

7 - 9 Nights

77 miles / 122.5 km

Prices from: £920 per person
Start: Falmouth, Cornwall
Finish: Plymouth, Devon
Availability: Any start date from March to October
Grading: Moderate to Challenging
Way-marked: Yes

South West Coast Path - Falmouth to Plymouth Highlights

Diverse walking

Experience the path as it follows the coast religiously, whether that’s leading you in and out of the stunning coves via rather knee-buckling descents, or delightfully traversing a promontory.

Unbeatable scenery

Journey through one of Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Historic harbours

Explore picturesque fishing villages and historic harbours such as Polperro and Mevagissey.

Cornish culinary delights

Indulge in Falmouth’s vibrant foodie scene and sample the delights of fresh Cornish seafood.

TV worthy towns

Walk through the historic Georgian harbour at Charlestown, featured in the popular period drama Poldark.

Fellow walkers

Experience the wonderful camaraderie of your fellow walkers, all with different motivations for being out on the path and stories behind their walk.

An Adventure along the Captivating Cornish Coast

This beautiful section on the southern edge of the South West Coast Path (SWCP) between Falmouth and Plymouth has a new delight at every turn. 77 miles of trail takes you on an ever-changing journey through some of Cornwall’s most loved spots.

The route begins in vibrant Falmouth, one of Cornwall’s hubs and home to art galleries and a wealth of excellent restaurants. The trail winds its way down through lovely fishing villages, where the original fishing industries remain and the pace of life is set by the sea.

Authors have long found inspiration in this idyllic part of Cornwall. The trail passes through sites associated with the renowned author Daphne Du Maurier, including the isolated and unique house on Chapel Point.

In Charlestown, the Georgian harbour may be a familiar sight from the BBC series Poldark, where the harbour poses as 18th-century Truro. Fantastically diverse walking follows, and in the final sections, the trail opens up to expansive views of the endpoint in Plymouth.

As this section of the trail includes challenging steep ascents and descents throughout, we would suggest that you consider walking shorter distances than normal. Additional rest days are recommended, as there is no shortage of wonderful destinations along the route where you could soak up all that the Cornish coast has to offer.

Please note that due to the busy nature of the South West Coast Path and 2-night minimum stays at most accommodations in the area, we may need to accommodate you for 2 nights in one location with return taxi transfers from the trail. The cost of these transfers would be included in your package.

South West Coast Path (Falmouth to Plymouth) Route Map

Recommended Itinerary

Our most popular itinerary is SWCP-F-P3 which covers the route in 8 days / 9 nights.

Travel to Falmouth for your first night’s accommodation

Arrive in Falmouth, the gateway to the beautiful Fal River known for its maritime heritage, and spend the evening at your first night’s accommodation.

Day 1: Falmouth to Portloe (14 miles / 22.5 km)

Your journey on the South West Coast Path begins today not with walking, but with two wonderful ferry journeys across the River Fal to reach the pretty town of St Mawes.

At St Mawes, your walk starts off with generally easy cliff-top walking, boasting wonderful views back towards St Mawes and Falmouth. Some steep ascents and descents lead you to your overnight stop in the charming village of Portloe.

Day 2: Portloe to Mevagissey (12 miles / 19.5 km)

This morning’s climb along dramatic cliff-tops offers the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs. You are sure to be rewarded with awe-inspiring views. On a clear day, you can see as far as Devon!

Before reaching Mevagissey, you will pass the small village of Gorran Haven, nestled on the coast. On your way. You will also walk past the stunning property of Chapel Point, which featured in Daphne Du Maurier’s novel ‘The House on the Strand’.

Day 3: Mevagissey to Charlestown (8 miles / 12 km)

From Mevagissey the trail hugs the coast, leaving the cliffs only to skirt around Sconhoe and Pentewan Beaches. Despite the short distance, this section has plenty of ascent and descent which makes for a challenging day. Ropehaven Cliffs Nature Reserve is a great place to spot nesting fulmars amongst the trees.

Your destination tonight in Charlestown is home to a lovely Georgian harbour, used in the filming of the period drama Poldark.

Day 4: Charlestown to Fowey (10 miles / 16 km)

Today’s walk offers some respite from the steep ascents and descents of the previous sections of the trail. A stunning horizon stretches ahead of you as you make your way past sandy coves and into the sheltered estuary of Fowey, where you can end your day with some bird watching.

Before entering Fowey you may wish to take a small detour to visit St Catherine’s Castle, a small 16th-century artillery fort built by Henry VIII.

Day 5: Fowey to Polperro (7 miles / 11 km)

This is one of the most exceptional sections of the South West Coast Path, epitomising the combination of isolation and fantastic scenery that the trail is known for. You will begin your day with a short and relaxing ferry journey across the River Fowey.

Whilst the walking that follows is not easy, you will be rewarded for your efforts with truly magnificent views.

Day 6: Polperro to Looe (5 miles / 8 km)

A shorter and easier walking day makes this section of the trail popular with walkers and provides an opportunity to explore the lush woodland and rocky coves along the trail. Your destination of Looe has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times and remains a busy fishing port today.

Day 7: Looe to Portwrinkle (8 miles / 13 km)

The trail once again climbs up to the cliff-tops and traces their outline, providing fantastically diverse walking all the way down to the traditional fishing village of Portwrinkle.

Day 8: Portwrinkle to Plymouth (13 miles / 21 km)

Your final day on the South West Coast Path is a varied one, as you enjoy more stunning coastal walking, pass the ruins of a medieval chapel, and wander through secluded woodlands.

Your walk on the South West Coast Path will end with fantastic views of Plymouth Sound and a short ferry journey across the River Tamar, into your final overnight stop of Plymouth.

Onward travel

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the South West Coast Path.

What’s Included?

Your South West Coast Path walking holiday includes:

Carefully selected accommodation along the route and trail transfers when applicable
En-suite or private bathroom facilities whenever possible
Daily door-to-door baggage transfers
Comprehensive information pack, kit list, guidebook and map (one set per room)
Personalised itinerary with details of your accommodation, route and recommendations for lunch and dinner
Traditional English breakfast
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your walking holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Transport to and from the start and end of the walk
Lunches and evening meals

Itineraries & Prices

We offer 3 suggested itineraries for walking the South West Coast Path.

Our most popular itinerary is SWCP-F-P3 which covers the route in 8 days.

Tour code

Itinerary

Average miles

Difficulty

Price per person

SWCP-F-P1

6 Days / 7 Nights

13 miles per day

Challenging

From £920

Average miles : 13 miles per day

Tour code: SWCP-F-P1

Difficulty : Challenging

6 Days / 7 Nights (SWCP-F-P1)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Please note that because the South West Coast Path is often busy and most accommodations in the area require a minimum stay of two nights, we may arrange for you to stay in one location for two nights and provide return taxi transfers from the trail. The cost of these transfers will be included in your package.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Falmouth for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Falmouth to Portloe 14 miles / 22 km

Day 2 Portloe to Mevagissey 12 miles / 19.5 km

Day 3 Mevagissey to Par 11 miles / 17 km

Day 4 Par to Polperro 14 miles / 22 km

Day 5 Polperro to Portwrinkle 13 miles / 21 km

Day 6 Portwrinkle to Plymouth 13 miles / 21 km

Depart Onward travel from Plymouth

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £920 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

SWCP-F-P2

7 Days / 8 Nights

11 miles per day

Challenging

From £1065

Average miles : 11 miles per day

Tour code: SWCP-F-P2

Difficulty : Challenging

7 Days / 8 Nights (SWCP-F-P2)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Falmouth for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Falmouth to Portloe 14 miles / 22 km

Day 2 Portloe to Mevagissey 12 miles / 19.5 km

Day 3 Mevagissey to Charlestown 8 miles / 12 km

Day 4 Charlestown to Fowey 10 miles / 16 km

Day 5 Fowey to Looe 12 miles / 19 km

Day 6 Looe to Portwrinkle 8 miles / 13 km

Day 7 Portwrinkle to Plymouth 13 miles / 21 km

Depart Onward travel from Plymouth

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £1065 per person

Enquire Now

SWCP-F-P3

8 Days / 9 Nights

9.5 miles per day

Moderate

From £1170

Average miles : 9.5 miles per day

Tour code: SWCP-F-P3

Difficulty : Moderate

8 Days / 9 Nights (SWCP-F-P3)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Falmouth for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Falmouth to Portloe 14 miles / 22 km

Day 2 Portloe to Mevagissey 12 miles / 19.5 km

Day 3 Mevagissey to Charlestown 8 miles / 12 km

Day 4 Charlestown to Fowey 10 miles / 16 km

Day 5 Fowey to Polperro 7 miles / 11 km

Day 6 Polperro to Looe 5 miles / 8 km

Day 7 Looe to Portwrinkle 8 miles / 13 km

Day 8 Portwrinkle to Plymouth 13 miles / 21km

Depart Onward travel from Plymouth

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £1170 per person

Enquire Now

South West Coast Path Accommodation

All of the accommodation that we reserve for you has been personally selected by our expert team to ensure it meets our exacting standards. We regularly review our extensive database.

We will always prioritise accommodation as close to the walking trail as possible. Occasionally, your accommodation may be located a short distance from the trail, or you may need to spend more than one night in the same place, in which case we will provide return transfers.

If you’d like to upgrade from Standard to Premium accommodation, please let us know when you enquire. Due to the limited availability of Premium accommodation on this trail, this is not currently listed as a selectable option on our website. However, upon request, we can upgrade you to the best available guest houses, inns, and hotels in each location. Keep in mind that upgrading to Premium options in certain locations could avoid off-trail transfers.

Travel Information

As an environmentally conscious tour operator, we actively encourage the use of public transport by providing clients with a detailed breakdown of travel options in their information packs. The following information may help with your pre-trip planning.

Getting to Falmouth

By Air

Nearest International Airports: London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

The Heathrow Express operates regular train services to London Paddington.

From Gatwick, you can take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station and then connect to London Paddington via the London Underground.

From Paddington Station you can then connect with a train to Falmouth Docks station via Truro (journey time 5 hours 50 min).

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Falmouth.

There are train services to Falmouth from The Midlands, the North West and North East of England, as well as from Scotland.

From London Paddington Station you can take a train to Falmouth Docks station via Truro (journey time 5 hours 50 min).

National Express coaches also serve Falmouth.

As the bus and train services can be very busy, we recommend booking in advance.

By Car

Falmouth is a 5 hour 30 min drive from London. There is limited long-term parking in Falmouth so we recommend using public transport wherever possible.

Departing Plymouth

By Air

Nearest major International Airports: London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports are the closest major international airports to Plymouth. There are direct trains to London Paddington Station from Plymouth (journey time 3 hours 20 min).

From London Paddington, the Heathrow Express operates a regular service to the Airport. For Gatwick, take the London Underground from London Paddington to Victoria Station. From here, the Gatwick Express offers services to the Airport.

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Plymouth

Direct train services operate from Plymouth to London Paddington (journey time 3 hours 20 min). There are also direct train services to The Midlands, the North West and North East of England, as well as to Scotland.

From Plymouth, there are regular National Express Coaches to many parts of the UK.

As the bus and train services can be very busy, we recommend booking in advance.

By Car

London is a 4 hour 30 min drive from Plymouth. There is limited parking in Plymouth so we always recommend public transport.

Additional Days

We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation for you along the South West Coast Path – Falmouth to Plymouth.

You may wish to plan a rest day or have an additional night at any of the locations along the route which offer activities or sightseeing opportunities – we’ve made some suggestions below. Please request this when you make an enquiry.

Falmouth

Discover Cornwall’s maritime history at the National Maritime Museum
Immerse yourself in Falmouth’s arts scene with art galleries and venues displaying the local talent
Explore a wealth of restaurants and gastropubs – a real foodie’s delight
Book a diving trip and explore Cornwall’s hidden treasures

Mevagissey

Immerse yourself in the history of this coastal village at the Mevagissey Museum
Enjoy some of the freshest Cornish seafood in one of the many restaurants hidden in a maze of quaint streets
Visit the Mevagissey Aquarium and learn about the marine life in the surrounding area

Charlestown

Visit the Eden Project – the largest indoor rainforest in the world
Relax by the beautiful Georgian harbour, used in the filming of the period drama Poldark

Fowey

Wander the Esplanade and explore the Medieval and Georgian buildings
Hire a canoe, or take a boat trip along the river for fantastic views of the town
Discover the rich history of this harbour town at the Fowey Museum

Polperro

Join the locals and enjoy a relaxing swim in the tidal bathing pool
Try your hand at fly fishing on a boat trip from the picturesque harbour
Relax on the beach or explore the nearby caves, said to have been used by smugglers

Plymouth

Explore the cobbled streets of Plymouth’s famous Barbican Waterfront
Visit the Plymouth Gin Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries in England
Set sail with Plymouth Boat Trips to explore the incredible coastal line and learn about the history and heritage of the area
Visit the Mayflower Museum and follow the voyage of the Pilgrims to the New World
Wander through the many charming galleries and shops in the city

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