4 to 7 nights
40 to 63 mls (km)
Southwest England
Moderate to Challenging
Mar to Oct
£555

Walking the UK’s Southernmost Edge – the South West Coast Path

  • Walking around Land's End and the Lizard
  • Exploring some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Europe
  • Discovering smugglers coves, tiny fishing harbours and Cornish seaside villages
  • Some of England's most popular local cuisine, including fresh seafood and the traditional Cornish pasty
  • Explore the iconic St. Ives and St. Michael’s Mount
  • Visit the Roseland Peninsula
Hollys Beach picture along the South West Coast Path

A Coastal Walk Through Nature

In spring and summer, the Cornwall Coast Path is decorated with plants not seen elsewhere in Britain. See Cornish history on the South West Coast Path from early Celtic periods to 19th century tin mining; up close, on foot and at your own pace with walking holidays in Cornwall.

From the cliffs, and where the walk stoops to meet the shore, the clear waters of the coast are known for harbouring a thriving sea-life population; shark, dolphin and orca sightings are all the more likely with walking holidays in Cornwall.

England is world renowned for its impressive gardens and some of the nations best are found in Cornwall, including the tropical gardens of Trelissick, Glendurgan as well as The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the renowned Eden Project.  Green fingered walkers may want to consider taking an extra day out to visit the gardens from the South West Coast walk.

Fishing Village of Coverack on South West Coast

The Cornish Climate for Walking

UK weather is notoriously changeable, Cornwall has long been a mainstay of finding the best of British weather with one of the most celebrated sections of the British coastline, a place which has secured its place as a World Heritage Site, as well as further renown as the dramatic setting of the Poldark TV series.

It is worth noting that because of its Mediterranean-like climate, accommodation on the Cornish coast path is very popular in high season. Early booking is highly recommended to secure the best accommodation.

Extended Walking Holidays in Cornwall

The Jurassic Coast is an extended section of a walker's journey around the coast of Cornwall. From Lyme Regis to Swanage/Langton Matravers, take in the stunning cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, a region renowned for its fossils and spectacular geological strata. View itineraries on our Jurassic Coast Walking Holidays here.


Call us today on 01291 689774 or use the enquiry form for more information and advice on Cornwall Walking Holidays. We will be delighted to help you plan and book the South West Coast Path Walking Holiday suited to your needs.

South West Coast Path walk map
Our South West Coast Path Walking Holidays chart a course around the peninsula

Path Walkthrough

The path can be challenging to navigate in certain sections - but if timed right with weather conditions - can certainly be a memorable and compelling journey despite the fluctuating levels of terrain. The path towards Pendeen has numerous ascents/descents, but with the path towards Land's End you have some of the best South West cliff scenery and easier walking, giving way to promenades towards Penzance.

The route shifts to narrow cliff paths as you enter Porthleven, past Lizard point, where the route then carves inland toward Porthallow. Check tide times before crossing Gillian Creek, or catch a ferry across Helford River. Two ferry journeys lead out of Falmouth (one if staying in St. Mawes), with fairly easy walking past Place. The path out of Mevagissey is more formidable, until the path turns inland to meet Charlestown, with more harsh terrain walking around Gribbin Point. From there the path is easily followed to Looe.

Our South West Coast Path Itineraries

  • St Ives to Penzance
    Distance: 40 miles (64km)
    SWCP1a
    6 Nights, 5 Days
    from £835 pp
    St Ives to Penzance
        6 nights, 5 days
    Ref: SWCP1a
    Moderate, Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic
    SWCP1b
    5 Nights, 4 Days
    from £695 pp
    St Ives to Penzance
        5 nights, 4 days
    Ref: SWCP1b
    Moderate, Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic
    SWCP1c
    4 Nights, 3 Days
    from £555 pp
    St Ives to Penzance
        4 nights, 3 days
    Ref: SWCP1c
    Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic

    Weekend supplements (Fri/Sat) apply to the following locations ~
    St Ives                                     ~ £20.00 pp (not applicable if rest day taken in St Ives)
    Penzance                                 ~ £20.00 pp (not applicable if rest day taken in Penzance

    Please note that it may be necessary to stay at some locations for 2 nights.  This is due to accommodations only accepting 2 night bookings at busy times or where there is no accommodation in remote areas. In such cases, if there are no suitable bus services the transfers between the path and your accommodation will be included in your holiday cost.

  • Penzance to Falmouth
    Distance: 60.6 miles (97.5km)
    SWCP2a
    7 Nights, 6 Days
    from £945 pp
    Penzance to Falmouth
        7 nights, 6 days
    Ref: SWCP2a
    Moderate,
    Grade: Classic
    SWCP2b
    6 Nights, 5 Days
    from £820 pp
    Penzance to Falmouth
        6 nights, 5 days
    Ref: SWCP2b
    Moderate, Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic

    Weekend supplements (Fri/Sat) apply to the following locations ~
    St Ives                                     ~ £20.00 pp (not applicable if rest day taken in St Ives)
    Penzance                                 ~ £20.00 pp (not applicable if rest day taken in Penzance

    Please note that it may be necessary to stay at some locations for 2 nights.  This is due to accommodations only accepting 2 night bookings at busy times or where there is no accommodation in remote areas. In such cases, if there are no suitable bus services the transfers between the path and your accommodation will be included in your holiday cost.

  • Falmouth to Portwinkle
    Distance: 63 miles (101km)
    SWCP3a
    7 Nights, 6 Days
    from £990 pp
    Falmouth to Portwinkle
        7 nights, 6 days
    Ref: SWCP3a
    Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic
    • Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
    • Breakfast
    • Luggage transfers
    • Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
    • Route planning
    • Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details

    You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.

    Our South West Coast Path holidays are available to walk March to October.

    The South West enjoys some of the best weather to reach the UK, owing to its status as one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. Expect mixed weather conditions typical of the UK, albeit much warmer, brighter days on average than the rest of the country.

    Long distance coach journeys to St. Ives are operated by National Express. There are regular train services from London Paddington with Newquay airport being a 50 minute drive approx. from St. Ives.

    Similarly, Falmouth and Penzance are both easily reached from Newquay Airport and westbound train services through Exeter. Looe can also be easily reached by train, there is also a bus service from Plymouth.

    Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.

    South West Coast Path Client Reviews

    4.7/5 based on 43 reviews
    Excellent in every way
    - October 2024
    Celtic Trails is better than any walking holiday provider I've used before, Penny was extremely helpful and friendly. The accommodations and baggage transfer are excellent. We met some of the nicest people from all over the world.
    - September 2024
    No problems, good accomodation, well organised
    - August 2024
    Celtic Trails make these complex trips easy. Very knowledgeable, flexible, reliable, and reachable when needed.
    - August 2024
    Celtic Trails are super on top of things, very accommodating and great communicators.
    - June 2024
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    - June 2024
    The walk increased our well-being/ health. A real sense of achievement. Thank you Celtic Trails!
    - June 2024
    A friendly company that do their upmost to make your holiday run smoothly
    - April 2024
    I really appreciated your help and adaptability in booking and arranging our holiday. We have recommended, Celtic Trails to our friends.
    - March 2024
    A good way to do a walk if you are too busy to organises all the details yourself.
    - September 2023
    Walking on the Coastal path provided a more intimate, slow way to connect with natural beauty of Cornwall. It made us appreciate the people we met, the food we ate and the accommodations we stayed in. We would recommend others consider a rest day to take in the beach or surroundings at Coverack. An excellent service from Celtic Trails.
    - June 2023
    I would recommend to friends that they book with Celtic Trails. They are better than other companies.
    - September 2022
    Everything to a very high standard; personable service; high quality and reliable.
    - June 2022
    All went without a hitch. Our third time with Celtic Trails and love that they are so reliable, organised, efficient, friendly and helpful. We love the freedom. The fact you can walk and everything else is taken care of. The cliffs and wildflowers at th
    - May 2022
    My experience with Celtic Trails was reliable, personal, excellent communication, accessible (even "out of hours". We had to delay our walking holiday during Covid, and further due to a partner's illness. Thank you for extending your goodwill during thi
    - May 2022
    Fabulous holiday. It was very easy to work with Celtic Trails - luggage and accommodations were all arranged plus we received meal suggestions. It was a wonderful, seamless experience.
    - May 2022
    It was a wonderful seamless experience.
    - May 2022
    I always recommend Celtic Trails - as ever, and excellent break. Everything went to plan - great accommodation, all arrangements worked perfectly. With Celtic Trails, everything is taken care of ... all you have to do is enjoy the walk. Hassle-free an
    - April 2022
    A hassle free holiday with wonderful walks. This holiday improved our well-being and health after the difficult past 18th months. Thank you for all your help in moving our booking from last years. We felt totally safe in all our accommodations.
    - September 2021
    Celtic Trails were friendly, well organised and go above and beyond. Particularly enjoyed Mullion and Lizard.
    - July 2021
    Celtic Trails were professional and comprehensive.
    - July 2021
    We have used Celtic Trails three times and each time their service has been very good. Accommodation is well chosen for our needs. Walking holidays are a great way to improve fitness and mental health. There is nothing better than being in a natural environment for well-being. This walk introduced to us a Cornwall we have never experienced - villages and coves we would never have discovered. We feel a great sense of achievement.
    - July 2021
    Good service. Always wanted to walk the Cornwall coast
    - July 2021
    The information and service was very much better than other companies. The scenery is spectacular, but the distances and terrain challenging.
    - June 2021
    Well organised. Good value. Stress free. A relaxing break from the stress of daily life. Enjoyed the solitude in ports. Stunning scenery.
    - June 2021
    Celtic Trails has been helpful in trying to help as far as they could in these difficult and unpredictable times. I've only ever walked with CT.
    - May 2021
    The scenery is magnificent, the hiking is challenging with its ups and downs, but very satisfying. People everywhere, including fellow hikers, were friendly and gracious.
    - July 2019
    Keep doing a good job, Celtic Trails. This holiday gave me a total disconnect from my daily life. The "light sport" nature of walking, plus the beauty of the coast, plus the authenticity of the villages all come together to create an extremely special experience. In addition, the time spend on the trail with loved ones strengthens the bonds.
    - June 2019
    Celtic Trails provided excellent, personalised service - everything was provided to a high standard. The scenery was amazing and the route planning was excellent, which made it challenging but achievable for us.
    - May 2019
    Excellent, personalised service, everything provided and to a high standard. Amazing scenery, excellent route planning, which made it challenging, but achievable or us. Lovely places to stay.
    - May 2019
    It was certainly the most demanding, physically, of the 5 Celtic Trails walks I have completed - even allowing for the years of ageing in-between! Celtic Trails provide well-researched routes and provide excellent responses to questions. We were blessed with excellent weather for the spectacular scenery.
    - May 2019
    Celtic Trails have never let us down. We most enjoyed the truly spectacular coastline, especially Weymouth to Lulworth.
    - May 2019
    Pleasant and relaxing time. Good options for trips. Very responsive and organised.
    - May 2019
    Pleasant and relaxing time; great to have the details of baggage transfer, B&B selection and booking handled. Proud to have completed the walk, which was challenging at times.
    - May 2019
    A well organised holiday with a useful information pack.
    - May 2019
    Celtic Trails are beyond compare.
    - September 2018
    All accommodations were very good.
    - July 2018
    We would definitely use you again. Really well organised, accommodation was superb! Bags were in our rooms each day.
    - June 2018
    We have walked with you four times before and you met our expectations again. There were issues with the trail, which is out of your control.
    - May 2018
    "Very very happy with all accommodations! Thank you for planning such an excellent trip!"
    - June 2017
    "Getting up in the morning and just being able to walk out the door to hike is a real pleasure."
    - September 2016
    "A fabulous holiday, every accommodation was of an exceptionally high standard in cleanliness, helpfulness and welcome. Glencree house in Penzance deserves special mention for the quality of breakfast. We were overwhelmed by such high standard and quality."
    - August 2016
    [we enjoyed] the scenery, the people we met and Margaret’s Rustic Tea Garden - the cream tea was memorable, as was Margaret herself.
    - September 2014
    Leave your own review of your South West Coast Path Walking Holiday with us - add review.