12-Day / 11-Night Moderate

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Padstow.

After wandering through the delightful narrow streets of Padstow in the morning, you soon find yourself overlooking the spectacular sandy beaches that populate the mouth of the River Camel. Indeed, turning a corner to discover another of these hidden strands is a fabulous way to start your walking holiday. From Porthcothan, a short transfer brings you to your accommodation in Padstow.

After a short transfer to Porthcothan Bay, there are wonderful coves and golden beaches around every corner as you head further south along the Cornish coastline. Pop in for lunch at one of the many lovely restaurants in Watergate before you continue into the more urban environs of Newquay – the bustling surfing capital of the UK and the perfect place to enjoy some nightlife including many vibrant pubs, bars, restaurants and shops.

After negotiating the River Gannel (keep an eye on tide times), the trail subsequently follows grassy clifftop paths before later leading you through sand dunes (good for those calf muscles!) and along long sandy beaches – particularly Perran Beach just past the Penhale Army Training Area. From Perranporth, a short transfer brings you to your accommodation.

From Perranporth, you pass into an area with a rich mining history as evidenced by the old chimneys that dot the landscape. Wild gorse and heather scrub replace farm holdings as you make your way around St Agnes Head and onwards to Porthtowan and Portreath.

After a few short, but rather steep, climbs out of Portreath the trail settles down and continues at a more gentle gradient. A beautiful walk around Godrevy Head is followed by a challenging section along the dunes or, tides permitting, a stretch of wonderful sandy beach as far as Hayle. Transfer from Hayle and overnight in St Ives.

A short (and optional) walk gives you ample opportunity to explore the beautiful seaside town of St Ives with its many art galleries and quirky little shops. A prolonged section of road-walking from Hayle takes you inland around the Hayle River Estuary. From Lelant, a stunning coastal path leads you all the way into St Ives.

The trail becomes more rugged south of St Ives but rewards with a beautiful wildness and spectacular scenery. While this hike may seem quite short at first glance, there are numerous climbs in and out of coves that require good stamina. Stock up on provisions before you leave as there are no shops or cafes en route. From Gurnard’s Head, a transfer brings you to your accommodation.

After a transfer back to Gurnard’s Head, the wealth of mining ruins that dot the Cornish landscape is testament to the rich heritage of mining in this area. After passing Cape Cornwall, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the English Channel, you leave the trail and make your way into the bustling town of St Just.

Your day starts with a lovely walk around Whitesand Bay and onwards into Sennen Cove. From here, it’s not long until you reach Land’s End – the UK’s most south-westerly point. After passing this busy area, the trail becomes more remote again. Perfect for exploring the many cliffs dotted with arches and holes until you reach Porthcurno with its famous open-air Minack Theatre.

Initially, the trail is quite remote with picturesque little coves and tiny settlements from Porthcurno to the wonderfully named village of Mousehole – a good place to stop for refreshments. From Mousehole, the trail mainly follows asphalt roads/paths through the fishing port of Hamlyn and onwards into Penzance.

There are regular bus & train services from Penzance to London and other destinations in the UK.