St Michael's Mount

South West Coast Path – Penzance to Falmouth

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Overview

Route

What's Included?

Itineraries & Prices

Accommodation

Travel Info

Additional Days

Overview

Walking Holidays

6 - 7 Nights

63.5 miles / 100.5 km

Prices from: £825 per person
Start: Penzance, Cornwall
Finish: Falmouth, Cornwall
Availability: Any start date from March to October
Grading: Moderate
Way-marked: Yes

South West Coast Path - Penzance to Falmouth Highlights

Beautiful coastline

Experience an incredibly varied stretch of coastline with stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and jewel-coloured waters.

St Michael’s Mount

Explore the medieval lanes and ancient castle on the captivating tidal island of St Michael’s Mount.

Mining country

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cornish Mining, a landscape littered with stunning rock formations and former tin mines.

Abundant nature

Walk through the magical Lizard National Nature Reserve and spot rare wildlife such as the iconic red-billed chough.

Fine food and drink

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

Seaside villages

Enjoy pretty villages such as the thatched cottages of Mawnan Smith and the picturesque harbour of Porthleven.

A Vastly Diverse Cornish Coastal Trail

The stunning section of the South West Coast Path between Penzance and Falmouth is one of great variety. Stretching past historic St Michael’s Mount and into the tranquil Lizard Peninsula, this section of the trail is fully deserving of its outstanding reputation.

This 63-mile walk will lead you past sweeping stretches of golden sands and through lush woodland beside the Helford River, with reminders of Cornwall’s fascinating mining history visible throughout. No two days are the same, and whilst the path almost always hugs the coast, this includes a remarkable contrast between dramatic cliff-top vistas and secluded hidden coves.

Villages along the way are still home to busy fishing fleets, which will appear from their sheltered spots amongst the cliffs. Enjoy the tranquillity and isolation of the Lizard Peninsula, the ecological vibrancy of the Fowey Estuary, and the creative spirit of bustling Falmouth.

This section of the South West Coast Path offers plenty of challenges, with steep ascent and descent throughout. We would recommend that you plan to walk shorter distances than you normally would do, to ensure you have ample time to soak up the rewards of the trail.

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 (Penzance to Falmouth) Route Map

Recommended Itinerary

Our most popular itinerary is SWCP-P-F2 which covers the route in 6 days / 7 nights.

Travel to Penzance for your first night’s accommodation

Arrive in Penzance, the bustling seaside hub of the Land’s End peninsula, where you will stay at your first night’s accommodation.

Day 1: Penzance to Praa Sands (9.5 miles / 15 km)

Begin your walk with stunning views of Mounts Bay and St Michael’s Mount beyond. You will then follow the cliff-top path and enjoy wonderful coastal views, before reaching the turquoise waters of Prussia Cove and your destination of Praa Sands. Transport back to Penzance for accommodation is provided at the end of the day.

Day 2: Praa Sands to Mullion (11.5 miles / 18.5 km)

From Praa Sands you will continue around the coast – enjoying the views as the trail traces the outline of the shore forged by the Cornish cliffs below.

Pass Giant’s Rock – a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its unusual composition, and explore the picturesque fishing village of Porthleven.

The stretch from Porthleven to Mullion is generally easy, making for a pleasant end to the day’s walking.

Day 3: Mullion to Lizard (7 miles / 10.5 km)

With a shorter walking day ahead you can afford to take your time to enjoy the stunning scenery you will pass. Scenic coves are dotted along the coastline, some of which you can access from the trail and which make for wonderful sheltered spots for a break or a picnic with a view.

Day 4: Lizard to Coverack (10.5 miles / 16.5 km)

Some challenging walking awaits today with numerous steep climbs and descents, but you will be rewarded with some of the most stunning scenery of the entire South West Coast Path.

A point of geographical extremes, the Lizard Peninsula is home to deserted turquoise coves and golden sands, jagged cliffs, and vibrant wildflowers, all of which you will pass today.

Day 5: Coverack to Mawnan Smith (15 miles / 24 km)

This section of the trail is just above sea level, making for a pleasant change of perspective from the previous cliff-top walking. It begins with a short inland section before once again joining the coastal route at Porthallow where you’ll find the South West Coast Path half-way marker, showing the 315-mile mid-way point between Minehead and South Haven Point. Gillian Creek is an oasis of shelter and lush greenery after the exposed isolation of the Lizard Peninsula.

At Helford, you will take the ferry (*) across the Helford River, before walking slightly inland to your overnight stop in the pretty village of Mawnan Smith.

* Please note that the ferry operates from April to October. Taxi transfers are included in your package outwith this period.

Day 6: Mawnan Smith to Falmouth (6.5 miles / 10 km)

The final day’s walk in this section is one of relatively easy hiking, as you cross fields and picturesque clifftop paths leading into Falmouth. At Pendennis Point enjoy the stunning views back along the coast towards Rosemullion Head.

Pendennis Castle dominates the Point, and from here there’s a final stretch of coastal walking into the attractive port town of Falmouth.

Onward travel

After breakfast, you will depart Falmouth and 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
Ferry crossings
Lunches and evening meals

Itineraries & Prices

We offer 2 suggested itineraries for walking the South West Coast Path between Penzance and Falmouth.

Our most popular itinerary is SWCP-P-F2 which covers the route in 6 days.

Please note that due to the busy nature of the South West Coast Path and 2-night minimum stays at most accommodation 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.

Tour code

Itinerary

Average miles

Difficulty

Price per person

SWCP-P-F1

5 Days / 6 Nights

12.5 miles per day

Moderate

From £825

Average miles : 12.5 miles per day

Tour code: SWCP-P-F1

Difficulty : Moderate

5 Days / 6 Nights (SWCP-P-F1)

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 Penzance for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Penzance to Porthleven 14 miles / 22 km

Day 2 Porthleven to Lizard 14 miles / 22 km

Day 3 Lizard to Coverack 10.5 miles / 16.5 km

Day 4 Coverack to Mawnan Smith 15 miles / 24 km

Day 5 Mawnan Smith to Falmouth 6.5 miles / 10 km

Depart Onward travel from Falmouth

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £825 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-P-F2

6 Days / 7 Nights

10.5 miles per day

Moderate

From £935

Average miles : 10.5 miles per day

Tour code: SWCP-P-F2

Difficulty : Moderate

6 Days / 7 Nights (SWCP-P-F2)

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 Penzance for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Penzance to Praa Sands (overnight Penzance) 9.5 miles / 15 km

Day 2 Praa Sands to Mullion 11.5 miles / 18.5 km

Day 3 Mullion to Lizard 7 miles / 10.5 km

Day 4 Lizard to Coverack 10.5 miles / 16.5 km

Day 5 Coverack to Mawnan Smith 15 miles / 24 km

Day 6 Mawnan Smith to Falmouth 6.5 miles / 10 km

Depart Onward travel from Falmouth

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £935 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 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 Penzance

By Air

Nearest major airports: London Heathrow and London Gatwick

The Heathrow Express operates regular train services to London Paddington. The Gatwick Express offers services to Victoria Station, from which you can connect to London Paddington via the London Underground.

From Paddington Station, you can then connect with a direct train to Penzance.

By Public Transport

Penzance Train Station is well served by direct rail routes from many parts of the UK. It is the terminus of the InterCity line from London and the North.

Journey time is approximately five hours from London Paddington. There are direct train services from The Midlands, the North West and North East of England, as well as from Scotland.

National Express coaches also serve Penzance.

By Car

Penzance is a 5 hour 20 min drive from London. There is limited long-term parking in Penzance and, in peak season, it is very busy. We always recommend public transport.

Departing from Falmouth

By Air

Nearest major airports: London Heathrow and London Gatwick

You can catch a train from Falmouth to London Paddington, and from here the Heathrow Express operates regular train services to the Airport. For Gatwick, take the London Underground from London Paddington to Victoria Station, and from here the Gatwick Express offers services to the Airport.

By Public Transport

There are regular train services from Falmouth to London Paddington via Truro (journey time 5 hours 55 min). There are also train services to The Midlands, the North West and North East of England, as well as to Scotland.

National Express coaches also depart from Falmouth.

By Car

London is a 5 hour 30 min drive from Falmouth. There is limited parking in Falmouth so we always recommend public transport.

If you need to return to Penzance from Falmouth to collect your car take the from Falmouth to Penzance with one stop at Truro (journey time 1 hour 30 min).

Additional Days

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

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.

Penzance

Take a trip across to St Michael’s Mount – a spectacular tidal island steeped in history. Discover the medieval church and castle, and enjoy sweeping views across the tidal causeway of Penzance and Marazion
Enjoy the attractive little harbour, with a wealth of independent galleries and shops

Mullion

Relax in Mullion and Polurrian Coves
Take a boat trip from the pretty harbour and try a spot of fishing or bird watching at Mullion Island

Coverack

Enjoy watersports in Coverack Bay or relax on the beautiful beach
Visit the small church of St Peter, built in 1885 and with a serpentine pulpit donated by the serpentine factory at Poltesco

Mawnan Smith

Visit Glendurgan Garden, with an abundance of fine trees and exotic plants, along with the laurel Heade Maze
Explore the 26-acre Trebah Garden, rated amongst the finest sub-tropical gardens in the world and sometimes referred to as the ‘Garden of Dreams.’

Falmouth

Immerse yourself in Cornwall’s maritime history at the National Maritime Museum
Visit fascinating Pendennis Castle – one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal fortresses and an important British defence during WWI
Explore a wealth of restaurants and gastropubs – a real foodie’s delight
Book a diving trip and explore Cornwall’s hidden treasures

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