Arrive and settle into this attractive harbourside village dating back in records to 1313. Mevagissey is derived from the names of two saints: St Meva and St Issey. Once the centre of Cornwall’s pilchard fishery, the harbour still boasts a few dozen small fishing boats. The town has a tradition of boat building dating back to 1745. Many of the old buildings, constructed of cob and slate, go back to a time when the large shoals of pilchards were the livelihood of the whole village. From the top of nearby Polkirt Hill there is a great view over the higgledy streets, the harbour and the yachting pool. Accommodation: We use a number of accommodation providers in this busy village. All are well appointed and comfortable.

Meals:  Nil

Your first day is a fairly short one, giving you more time to enjoy both the attractive harbour at Mevagissey and today’s famous, final destination. However it is a day of roller coaster climbs starting with a climb past Penare Point. The high cliffs, steps and rocky coves between Pentewan and Charlestown produce dramatic scenery. Walking past Gamas Head and the imposing Black Head, site of an Iron Age Fort, the inland china clay works around St Austell come in and out of view. The height of this industry was in the 19th century, but today the clay is still used in paper manufacture. The spoil hillocks have been called the ‘Cornish Alps.’ Passing Silvermine Point and then the sands of Porthpean and Duporth beach, you arrive in Charlestown, with its beautiful historic sheltered harbour and quay. It is a Conservation Area of special local importance. The village is not named after a monarch, but after Charles Rashleigh who constructed the harbour together with most of the village (1791-99). You can often find a tall ship in the dock and it's been the filming set for many period dramas. Accommodation: Our coastal Inn lies in the centre of Charlestown. Each room has its own character, all are en-suite.

Meals:  B

Ramble on passing the sands of Carylion Bay, before diverting around a china clay works to the fishing port of Par with its extensive beaches. You follow part of the UK's national cycle network and an easy section between Polkerris to the day-mark (a coastal pole which is a reference point for sailors) at Gribbin Head. Along the milieu of high cliffs, coves and headlands, there is an abundance of views. This is the coastline that inspired the famous writer Daphne Du Maurier; you will pass the boathouse at Polridmouth where she lived. Walk through the ruins of St. Catherine’s Castle, before you reach the picturesque village of Fowey with its beautiful harbour. This was once a haunt of pirates and is a beautiful estuary famed for its birdlife. Accommodation: Our accommodation has been feeding & refreshing visitors for more than 400 years. Rooms come with an en-suite or private bathroom and you can opt for a Full Cornish breakfast (among plenty of other choices).

Meals:  B

The day starts with the ferry crossing to Polruan. Much of the next stretch from Polruan to Polperro is owned by the National Trust. The South West Coast Path climbs and zig-zags over towering, rugged cliffs and dips down to small rocky coves, providing fantastic scenery with a remote feel to it, but it is strenuous walking. From Polperro, the walking becomes a little easier through the pretty village of Talland Bay before wandering into Looe along the seawall. The village centres around a small harbour and along the steep-sided valley of the River Looe, which flows to the sea beside a sandy beach. Accommodation: The Hannafore Point Hotel offers stunning panoramic views across Looe Bay. Should you wish to eat here, there is a wide variety of freshly-cooked local produce complemented by some interesting wines from the cellar. There is also an indoor heated swimming pool.

Meals:  B

After the holiday village of Millendreath there is quite a bit of road walking today and landslips may cause diversions back to the road. The trail passes through the villages of Seaton and Downderry then the path leads up to Battern Heights. In some places the South West Coast Path twists and climbs with spectacular views, especially on the approach to Battern Cliffs at 462 ft (141m). From here you enjoy some truly fantastic cliff walking then it's on to Seaton Beach. The path continues around Whitesands Bay to the fishing village of Portwrinkle. Look out for the 17th century walls of the pilchard cellars that have been incorporated into modern housing. Accommodation: Just to the east of Portwrinkle, stay in a charming 14th century hotel set in its own, peaceful grounds with beautiful views.

Meals:  B

A generally easy, but long day of cliffs, beaches and woodland, with a few short stiff climbs to keep you on your toes! The walk passes a military firing range at Tregantle Fort. Here you take the seaward permissive path along Long Sands Beach, or, if the red flags are flying, you will take the route that follows the B3247. The viewpoint at Rame Head is a highlight. As you set off for Penlee Point, the path becomes rather surprisingly wild. It changes once again as you take the easy trails through sheltered woodland to the twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. After following the sweep of Cawsand Bay, you reach the tamed landscape of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park with many interesting Grade II listed features and fantastic views of Plymouth Sound opening up ahead. At Cremyll you take the ferry across to Plymouth and enjoy the last hour walking along the waterfront. Perhaps find a seafood restaurant along Plymouth Hoe or near the Mayflower Steps Memorial to celebrate the end of your South West Coast Path walk. Accommodation: You will stay in one of several friendly places close to the end of the route. A mix of B&B's, guesthouses and Inns at this popular holiday location.

Meals:  B

Depart Plymouth for your onward journey.

Meals:  B