3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in hotels and guesthouses
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£980GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: WTR

Trip highlights

  • Walking Around the Lizard and Roseland Peninsula
  • Stunning Coastline of Beaches, Coves and Cliffs
  • Naval History and Castle at Falmouth
  • Picturesque Ports & Fishing Villages

This holiday includes a wonderful variety of coastal scenery ranging from sheltered tidal creeks to the wooded Fal estuary and the brooding cliffs of the Lizard, England's most southerly point. The whole area is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. Its mild climate permits even palm trees to flourish and Cornwall is the home of some of England’s finest gardens. Cornwall historically is the land of smugglers, shipwrecks and dark deeds in secret hidden coves, many of which you will pass through on your walk. It has literary associations with the poet John Betjeman, who was tongue-tied by the spectacular cliffs, Virginia Woolfe and of course, the novels of Daphne Du Maurier. The scenery is as spectacular and picturesque as the tiny fishing villages. There are superb beaches, marvelous bird watching and botanical spots, and sunsets that will stay in your memory long after you leave. There are those who have completed the whole five hundred miles of this wonderful long distance trail, who’s after dinner conversation touches on little else. Our moderate little week’s walk can have just as powerful side effects.

Countries:

England

Starting Point:

Marazion

Finishing Point:

Mevagissey

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to Penzance, located at 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 guesthouses/B&B accommodation in this busy town.

Meals:  Nil

This day takes you along the scenic coastline of Mount’s Bay, with St Michael’s Mount standing majestically in the sea, 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: Stay at the Harbour Inn by the quayside with old stone flags on the floor, oak beams and wood paneling in profusion. The bar retains the ambience of an old fisherman’s pub, and offers friendly service in traditional surroundings. If you are here on a Saturday there will often be entertainment as well

Meals:  B

Via the stunningly beautiful Kynance Cove and the pretty village of Mullion, which is at the heart of some of the finest walking. The sea at the Lizard has some interesting rock type’s country. The remote southernmost point of Britain will hopefully reward you with an unforgettable sunset, and will certainly offer fine views of the sea. Accommodation: The Caerthillian at The Lizard, set in its own grounds the hotel has views of the famous Lizard lighthouse. Most rooms are ensuite and are equipped with tea and coffee facilities, TV and hairdryers. All have magnificent sea views.

Meals:  B

Today pass Coverack, a fine example of a totally unspoilt traditional fishing village. 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. Accommodation: Gallentreath Guesthouse where your host will make you more than welcome.

Meals:  B

This is quite a long day, which could be shortened by taking a taxi to Gillan. From Gillan walk to Nare point and then across the Helford Passage You could have a lunch stop at the pub near the Frenchman’s Creek made famous by Daphne Du Maurier, before following part of the beautiful Helford River and the coastal path to the impressive Trebah Gardens. You then walk into Falmouth, the biggest town on our route. Accommodation: We use a number of guesthouse/B&B in this busy town.

Meals:  B

A lovely walk with fantastic scenery throughout the day. You start with a 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 Lugger Hotel a 17th century inn. It sits right on the water's edge in the centre of this delightful village.

Meals:  B

Walk from Portloe to Mevagissey via Portholland Cove and Dodman Point, quite a lot of ascent and descent on the last day, but great coastal views. Accommodation: We use a number of Guesthouses and B&B in this bustling village.

Meals:  B

Depart Mevagissey after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available
  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg.
  • Digital information pack including route notes & maps
  • Emergency hotline
  • GPS Files

  • Lunch, Dinner and drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • Excess luggage
  • Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

Accommodation

Hotels, guesthouses & country inns

The hotels described are our usual accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used. Rooms generally do not have baths, the main reason being that they take up a lot of space. Some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests, but in the main it is showers. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will endeavour to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there is limited accommodation in rural England. Also, although we aim to get you into accommodations with ensuite rooms, this is not always possible. At a couple of places on your tour you may be sharing bathrooms, particularly if you are in a single room.

Suitability

moderate

3

A Moderate grade walk with some long days. The coastal path is hilly and many climbs are made each day, returning again to sea level. Some trails are rough under foot. This is a coastal path, so some scrambling may be in place.

Departure dates

Daily from 01 Mar to 20 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
Please note that minor changes to your 2024 itinerary may apply.

Priceper person from

£980GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement 2025GBP£500
  • Solo Traveller Supplement 2025GBP£610
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all | Collapse all

Hopefully you will have time on your day of arrival, assuming you arrive by about midday

There are 3 ferries Helford, Falmouth - St. Mawes and the Place Ferry. All need to be paid for locally

Most the days are quite long, but if you have the time and energy you can visit the Trebah and Durgan gardens near Helford

There are some famous beaches on this walk and it would be a shame to miss out on swimming where you feel like it. Be aware of local conditions though such as tides, rocks etc, and any red flags.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

South West Coast Path