3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in hotels, inns and guesthouses
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days£1030GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: WMV

Mevagissey to Plymouth Trip highlights

  • Hike the stunning "Salt Path" coastline of beaches, coves and cliffs
  • Learn about the naval history of Plymouth, launch point for the "Mayflower"
  • Visit Fowey, home of Daphne du Maurier and setting for Rebecca
  • Take the ferry to Polruan and eat an ice-cream in Polperro
  • Wander the cobbled streets of colourful Cornish fishing villages
  • Look out for tall ships at the tiny port of Charlestown

Walk the final stage of the Cornwall Coast Path, part of the 630-mile (1,014 km) South West Coast Path, England’s longest National Trail. This route from Mevagissey to Plymouth offers a varied mix of dramatic cliff paths, fishing villages, and historic harbours. Begin in Mevagissey, once a pilchard fishing hub, and walk past the kaolin landscapes of St Austell Bay, the tall ships of Charlestown, and around Gribbin Head to reach Fowey—famous for its links to author Daphne du Maurier, whose novel Rebecca was inspired by the nearby Menabilly estate, the model for Manderley. After a short ferry crossing, the trail continues through pretty Polperro and Looe, over the high cliffs of Portwrinkle and Battern Cliffs (462 ft/141 m), around Rame Head, and across the Tamar Estuary by ferry from Chemyll into Plymouth. With optional stops to visit the Eden Project or the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and chances to extend your stay in scenic towns like Mevagissey, Charlestown and Fowey, this section is a rewarding finish to the Cornwall leg of the South West Coast Path. The South West Coast Path (SWCP) is England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail. It stretches for 630 miles (1,014 km), running from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset. You can choose from several sections from Minehead to Plymouth, covering the vast majority of the trail.

Countries:

England

Starting Point:

Mevagissey

Finishing Point:

Plymouth

Itinerary

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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. To reach Mevagissey by public transport from Plymouth, take the Great Western Railway train from Plymouth Station to St Austell Station and then local bus to Mevagissey. Accommodation: We use a number of accommodation providers in this busy village. All are well appointed and comfortable.

Meals:  Nil

Today’s walk is relatively short, giving you time to explore both Mevagissey’s working harbour and the historic port of Charlestown. The route includes a series of steep climbs and descents, beginning with Penare Point and continuing along dramatic cliff-top paths between Pentewan and Charlestown. Highlights include the Iron Age fort site at Black Head and views of the inland china clay works that once dominated St Austell’s economy. These white spoil heaps—nicknamed the “Cornish Alps”—are a visible reminder of the area’s industrial past. The trail passes Silvermine Point and the beaches at Porthpean and Duporth before reaching Charlestown. Built in the late 18th century by Charles Rashleigh, the village and its Grade II listed harbour have appeared in numerous period films. Tall ships are often moored in the dock. Accommodation: Our coastal inn lies in the centre of Charlestown. Each room has its own character, all are en-suite.

Meals:  B

Today’s walk starts along the sands of Carlyon Bay before detouring around a china clay works to reach the fishing port of Par. The route then follows an easy stretch of the National Cycle Network to Gribbin Head, marked by its iconic red-and-white daymark. This scenic coastal section features high cliffs, wooded coves, and headlands, with views that once inspired Daphne du Maurier—look out for the boathouse at Polridmouth where she lived. Before arriving in Fowey, you’ll pass the ruins of St Catherine’s Castle. Fowey is a historic estuary town, once frequented by pirates and now known for its birdlife and sailing scene. Accommodation: Our accommodation has been feeding & refreshing visitors for more than 400 years and is an old inn in this small town.

Meals:  B

The day begins with a scenic ferry crossing to Polruan. From here, the trail climbs steeply over rugged cliffs, dipping down into hidden rocky coves, providing a remote and dramatic atmosphere. This section, owned by the National Trust, is challenging but offers remarkable views. After Polperro, the terrain eases, and you’ll pass through the charming Talland Bay before continuing along the seawall into Looe. This picturesque village, nestled in a steep-sided valley, centres around a small harbour and the River Looe, which leads to a sandy beach. Accommodation: A hotel with panoramic views across Looe Bay.

Meals:  B

The day begins with a stretch through the holiday village of Millendreath, followed by some road walking, especially if landslips cause diversions. The trail then takes you through the villages of Seaton and Downderry, before ascending to Battern Heights. The path twists and climbs, offering fantastic cliffside views, particularly near Battern Cliffs, which rise to 462 ft (141m). Continue along the coastline, passing Seaton Beach and Whitesands Bay, before reaching the charming fishing village of Portwrinkle. Keep an eye out for the 17th-century pilchard cellar walls now integrated into modern homes. 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

Today's walk is long but generally easy, featuring cliffs, beaches, and woodland, with a few steep climbs. The route passes Tregantle Fort, where you may need to detour along the B3247 if the military firing range is in use. If clear, enjoy the seaward permissive path along Long Sands Beach. A highlight of the day is the viewpoint at Rame Head. From there, the path leads to wild, rugged terrain before transitioning to sheltered woodland as you approach the twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. Following Cawsand Bay, the route takes you through Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, known for its Grade II listed features and panoramic views over Plymouth Sound. The final leg includes a ferry crossing to Plymouth and a scenic waterfront walk. Celebrate the end of your journey with a meal at one of Plymouth's seafood restaurants, perhaps near the Mayflower Steps Memorial. Accommodation options near the route include B&Bs, guesthouses, and inns. Accommodation: You will stay in one of a mix of B&B's, guesthouses and inns at this popular holiday location.

Meals:  B

Depart Plymouth for your onward journey. Plymouth offers several convenient transport options for onward travel. By train, Plymouth Railway Station connects to major cities like London (about 3 hours 10 minutes), Bristol, Birmingham, and Manchester via Great Western Railway and Cross Country services.

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

  • 6 breakfasts
  • 6 nights accommodation in hotels/guesthouses/inns 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

Hotels, guesthouses & country inns

You will stay in a range of hotels, B&Bs, inns and guesthouses, all chosen for their local character, proximity to the walking route and comfort. Rooms will usually have private bathrooms, TVs, and tea and coffee making facilities. An English breakfast will usually be served. 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 are limited options in parts of rural Cornwall. Although we aim to get ensuite rooms, this is not always possible in some of the smaller and more traditional B&Bs where despite limited facilities, the welcome remains warm!

Trail Surface

Clifftop paths, sandy beaches, rugged trails

Between Mevagissey abd Plymouth, the South West Coast Path offers a varied mix of trail surfaces that reflect the changing coastal landscape. Walkers will encounter grassy cliff-top paths, sandy stretches near beaches, and narrow, rugged trails hugging the coastline. There are also sections with stone or compacted earth tracks, especially near villages and popular viewpoints. After rain, some parts—particularly around headlands and valleys—can become muddy or slippery, so sturdy boots that are well worn-in with good grip are essential. While the route is well-marked, the undulating terrain and uneven surfaces require a reasonable level of fitness and attention underfoot.

Suitability

moderate

3

This trip is grated Moderate. Days range from 11 to 21km/7 to 13 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 21 Oct

Notes

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

Priceper person from

£1030GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£530
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£560
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Mevagissey to Plymouth section of the South West Coast Path offers a rich combination of coastal walking and cultural interest that sets it apart from other parts of the trail. The route features a manageable mix of cliff paths and sheltered coves, with regular access to historic towns and working fishing villages like Fowey, Polperro, and Looe. Unlike more isolated stretches of the path, this section allows for frequent stops, ferry crossings, and opportunities to explore Cornwall’s maritime and literary history—such as Charlestown’s tall ships or Fowey’s links to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. The trail also passes close to major visitor sites like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, making it ideal for walkers who want to balance a challenging hike with local exploration and accessible transport connections.

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.

Megavissey, Charlestown, Plymouth and Fowey are all great places to add extra nights and spend a rest day. You can add extra time to visit the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan or spend more in these interesting, historic towns and harbours.

There are 2 ferries; Looe - Polruan and Cremyll - Plymouth. Both need to be paid for locally.

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.

Mevagissey to Plymouth 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.

Mevagissey to Plymouth Videos

South West Coast Path