3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 12 nights in guesthouses and inns
Meals
  • 12 Breakfasts

13 Days£1600GBP

Overview

Trip Code: WTS

St Ives to Mevagissey Trip highlights


  • Hike Cornwall’s wild granite cliffs at Land’s End and The Lizard
  • Explore artistic St Ives and the cobbled lanes of Mevagissey
  • Visit Geevor Tin Mine and the remote harbour of Mousehole
  • Spot grey seals near The Carracks and cross scenic river estuaries by ferry
  • Discover coastal landmarks Kynance Cove and St Michael’s Mount
  • Trace the Southern Cornwall section of “The Salt Path”

Explore one of the most diverse and rewarding sections of the South West Coast Path on this 13-day walking holiday from St Ives to Mevagissey. This self-guided route takes you through some of Cornwall’s most striking coastal features—steep granite cliffs at Land’s End, the sculpted rock formations at Kynance Cove, and the quiet beaches near Mullion and Marazion. Starting in St Ives, with its cobbled streets and thriving arts scene, the path leads through historical sites such as old tin mines near Zennor and Botallack, and fishing harbours including Mousehole, Portloe, and Mevagissey. Along the way, you will pass natural landmarks like The Carracks—home to Atlantic grey seals—and navigate scenic estuaries on ferries across the Helford and Fal rivers. The trail also offers views of St Michael’s Mount, visits to coastal villages like Sennen Cove and St Mawes, and insight into Cornwall’s smuggling and maritime history as you arrive in Falmouth. This stretch of the South West Coast Path offers varied terrain, cultural interest, and a well-paced itinerary ideal for walkers of moderate ability looking to explore more of authentic Cornwall on foot over a 2 week trip.

Countries:

England

Starting Point:

St Ives

Finishing Point:

Mevagissey


Make your own way to St Ives. This beautiful cobble lane fishing village dates back to AD460, when the missionary St. Ia, daughter of an Irish chieftain, landed here and gave her name to the settlement. Protected from Atlantic storms, St Ives was once the most important fishing port in Cornwall, but like elsewhere on the surrounding coast, by the beginning of the 20th century, the fish stocks became depleted, and the fishing fleet largely disappeared. In 1811 Turner visited to paint the seascapes and by the late 1880s there were several painters in residence and the town became famous for its vibrant artists' colony. Today their work can be seen in the St Ives Tate Gallery, with its popular rooftop restaurant, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and the Bernard Leach Gallery. St Ives is a great place to spend extra nights - speak to a member of our team to book alongside your trip. Accommodation: There is a mixture of accommodation available, but our 1st choice is a 4* guesthouse set in the quieter part of St Ives.

Meals:  Nil

Fuel up with a hearty English breakfast before setting out on one of the most dramatic stretches of the South West Coast Path. Though the distances are relatively short, the terrain is demanding, with steep ascents, descents, and some boggy patches—but the spectacular coastal views make every step worthwhile. Departing St Ives, the crowds thin and the scenery grows more dramatic. You'll pass St Nicholas’s Chapel, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, and an old lookout once used to spot pilchard shoals. The trail winds through a series of rugged headlands and dips before reaching River Cove, where seals can often be seen lounging on the rocks below. A final steep climb brings you inland toward the ancient village of Zennor, home to a charming church, a small museum of local life, and the atmospheric Tinner’s Arms pub. The area also has rich literary connections—D.H. Lawrence lived here briefly in 1916 while writing Women in Love. His stay stirred suspicion due to his German wife and pacifist views, and the couple were eventually expelled from the village on accusations of spying. Above Zennor, the moorland hides prehistoric standing stones and quoits, echoing the region’s deep history and mystery. Accommodation: Overnight at a local B&B or guesthouse.

Meals:  B

Rejoining the South West Coast Path from Zennor, the trail continues through a wild and rugged landscape, weaving its way along granite cliffs and secluded coves towards Gurnard’s Head. This striking promontory, topped with the remnants of a prehistoric cliff fort, offers sweeping views across the Atlantic and a sense of the area's ancient history. Take care as you pass near disused tin mine shafts—reminders of Cornwall’s industrial heritage—while enjoying the raw beauty of the Penwith coastline. As you near Pendeen, the path passes Geevor Tin Mine, one of the best-preserved mining sites in Cornwall and now a fascinating museum (open March to October) offering underground tours and interactive exhibits. Just before the village, a short detour takes you to Pendeen Watch, where you can visit the lighthouse and take in panoramic sea views. This section of the walk is rich in history, wildlife, and geological interest, making it a highlight of any journey along the South West Coast Path. Accommodation: An inn in Pendeen Watch dating back to 1860.

Meals:  B

The trail from Pendeen Watch begins gently, tracing the cliff tops through a landscape shaped by centuries of mining. You’ll pass the haunting ruins of old lead and tin mines, including the Levant Mine, the site of a tragic accident in 1919 that claimed 31 lives. Today, its restored beam engine can be visited during the summer months. Just ahead lies the iconic Crowns Mine at Botallack, clinging spectacularly to the rocks above the sea—a favourite filming location for the BBC’s Poldark. The path veers slightly inland near Cape Cornwall, a headland once believed to be the westernmost point of mainland England until it was officially ceded to Land’s End. Continuing along, pass Carn Gloose, where an intriguing walled pit may be the remnants of a Neolithic shrine. The trail brushes past the historic village of St Just, where open-air ‘miracle plays’ were once performed in the medieval amphitheatre, before skirting Whitesand Bay and arriving at the charming harbour of Sennen Cove—a popular spot for surfers and walkers alike. Accommodation: At a 17th century inn.

Meals:  B

Start your day early to enable you to visit the sights of Land’s End, the most westerly point in England. Land’s End is a popular tourist destination with various attractions and it can be crowded at times. However, the spectacular seascapes make it worth the visit, with sweeping views out to the Scilly Isles and the Long Ships and Wolf Rock lighthouses. As you continue along the coast, the walking experience improves, leading you through the picturesque hamlets of Porthgwarra and St Levan. The trail brings you to the stunning Minack Theatre, an open-air venue perched dramatically on the cliffs, built by Rowena Cade. There follows a more challenging walk towards Penberth Cove and Porthguaron which are lovely places to pause. You will pass though Lamorna, with a famous once illegal old pub the ‘Lamorna Wink.’ The walk continues the walk around Penzer Point and views over Mounts Bay, and towards the island of St. Michael’s Mount. Next you will reach your destination of Mousehole (pronounced ’Mowzl’), a picture postcard village, with a history of pilchard fishing and now a small artists community. Accommodation: An inn by the harbour in the village.

Meals:  B

The walk from Mousehole to Newlyn follows the road for much of the way, but you can take a more scenic inland route through the village of Paul, where you'll find a monument dedicated to Dolly Pentreath, who passed away in 1778 and is remembered as the last native Cornish speaker to speak no English. As you continue towards Newlyn and Penzance, you'll pass through built-up areas, as both towns are busy ports and popular tourist destinations. While Newlyn boasts a selection of charming galleries, many walkers opt to take a bus into Penzance, where you'll find a wealth of attractions. Penzance is home to a delightful mix of Georgian and Regency architecture, the striking Egyptian House, and cultural highlights such as the Maritime Museum and the National Lighthouse Museum. Accommodation: Our preferred option in Penzance is a welcoming, family-run guesthouse.

Meals:  B

Today you hike along the scenic coastline of Mount’s Bay, with St Michael’s Mount standing majestically in the sea as a backdrop, 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: A quayside inn with old stone flags on the floor, oak beams and wood paneling. The bar retains the ambience of an old fisherman’s pub, and offers friendly service in traditional surroundings.

Meals:  B

Today you walk to The Lizard peninsula via the stunningly beautiful white sands and turquoise waters of Kynance Cove and the pretty village of Mullion. The trail becomes more rugged as you head south. Look out to see as you pass by Hazelphron Cliff, this area is steeped in shipwreck history. You will also pass by Poldhu Point, site of Marconi's pioneering transatlantic wireless transmission in 1901. This section of the trail includes some of the finest walking on the the entire South West Coast Path as you wind your way south to Lizard Point. The Lizard is remote and the southernmost point of Britain, with a historic lighthouse and expansive sea views. Accommodation: A small hotel at The Lizard, set in its own grounds with views of the famous Lizard lighthouse.

Meals:  B

Beginning at The Lizard, the southernmost point of mainland Britain, the trail meanders past dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and the fishing villages of Cadgwith and Coverack. 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. Notable landmarks along the route include the historic lifeboat station at Kilcobben Cove and the serene beaches of Kennack Sands. The journey culminates in Porthallow, a charming village known for its whitewashed cottages and shingle beach, marking the halfway point of the entire South West Coast Path. Accommodation: A local guesthouse where your host will make you more than welcome.

Meals:  B

Leaving Porthallow, the trail meanders over heath and grassland, passing through areas rich in history and natural beauty. The path continues through the picturesque village of Helford where a ferry crossing leads to Helford Passage, from there the route follows the Helford River, offering views of secluded beaches and wooded valleys before reaching the bustling town of Falmouth known for its maritime heritage. Along the way, explore Frenchman's Creek, a secluded tributary of the Helford River, made famous by Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name and there is great pub here for a lunch stop. Close to Falmouth, the trail also passes close to the impressive Trebah Gardens. This is a long day, which can be shortened by taking a taxi to Gillan. Accommodation: Overnight at a guesthouse/B&B in Falmouth.

Meals:  B

Today's walk begins with the 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: Overnight at a local inn on the water's edge in the centre of the village.

Meals:  B

The trail begins with a rugged ascent from Portloe, leading to softer pastures near Caerhays Castle and Porthluney Cove. As you progress, the path becomes more demanding, especially around Hemmick Beach and Dodman Point, offering panoramic views of the coastline. The route then descends into Gorran Haven, a fishing village, before continuing past Chapel Point and Portmellon. The final stretch into Mevagissey, a bustling fishing port with a double-walled harbor, provides a satisfying end to this scenic coastal journey. Accommodation: A guesthouses or B&B in the 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

  • 12 breakfasts
  • 12 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 Navigational App, maps and route notes
  • Emergency hotline

  • 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
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Accommodation


Trail Surface


Suitability

moderate

3

This trip is graded Moderate. Days range from 6.5 to 26km/4 to 16 miles. The coastal path is hilly as it descends to beaches and low-lying coastal areas and then ascends to clifftops and headlands with many ascents and descents each day. There will be some walking on sandy beaches. The underfoot conditions can be rugged and rough underfoot, and there can some short sections of very easy scrambling. The route is generally well waymarked. After rain, the trails can become muddy and slippery so care should be taken. Good boots with ankle support are essential, trekking poles are strongly recommended and you should have a good level of fitness and be accustomed to walking on hilly trails for consecutive days.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 14 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High Season is from 1 May - 30 Sep. A supplement applies for high season departures.

Priceper person from

£1600GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£770
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£820
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

This trip covers the South West Coast Path along the Penwith Peninsula (south of St Ives) along the south Cornwall coast to Mevagissey. It includes St Ives, Mousehole, Land's End, The Lizard, Falmouth, and Mevagissey. Shorter one week itineraries are only able to cover this journey in parts. If you would like to complete more than just 8 days hiking on the Cornish coast, then this is the trip for you. If you are dedicated to walking the whole South West Coast Path (as Raynor Winn did in her book, The Salt Path) then this trip is a great option as it allows you to cover a large central section of the route around Land's End, The Lizard and the south Cornwall coast just less than 2 weeks! If you are worried about hiking every day, talk to our team about adding a rest day. This is easily accommodated if you are happy to make your trip 14 days.

Since the release of the book by Raynor Winn's titled "The Salt Path", many have come to know the South West Coast Path as “The Salt Path,” although the official name remains as the South West Coast Path. Raynor Winn's book is a 2018 memoir that chronicles the transformative journey she and her husband, Moth, undertook along the 630-mile South West Coast Path in England. After losing their home and livelihood due to a failed investment and legal complications, and facing Moth's diagnosis with a terminal illness, the couple embarks on this challenging trek with minimal resources. Their journey becomes one of resilience and healing, as they confront the physical demands of the trail and the emotional toll of their circumstances. The memoir has been praised for its honest portrayal of adversity and the restorative power of nature, earning accolades such as the RSL Christopher Bland Prize and inspiring a film adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs released in 2025.

Yes in general that is true. The two days of path from St. Ives are quite tough and rocky with many ascents and descents throughout the day. Many people find these days take longer than the guide books claim. You also have a short day from Mousehole to Penzance and Penzance to Marazion. In this case it is not because of the trail difficulties, but so you can enjoy the resorts and perhaps visit St. Michael's Mount.

Yes, you can visit the tin mine at Geevor https://geevor.com/

There are some famous beaches on this walk and it would be a shame to miss out on swimming where you feel like it , but be aware of local conditions, tides, rocks etc, any red flags and leaving possessions un guarded on the beach

It is certainly tiring with some long sections and long gradients. Between St. Ives and Mousehole you have steep rocky and stepped sections of path, with lots of ascents and descents

On days 11 and 12 there are three ferries, Helford River, Falmouth and Place Ferries. All should 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.


St Ives to Mevagissey Trip reviews


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St Ives to Mevagissey Videos

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