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Cornwall’s coastline — cliffs, ocean and a charming way of life

Landlinien

Cornwall’s coastline — cliffs, ocean and a charming way of life

Hiking Collection by komoot

9

days

2-6 h

/ day

103 mi

8,200 ft

8,225 ft

Steep cliffs, lonely beaches, lush green paths, romantic villages by the sea; that’s Cornwall’s rough Atlantic coast. And running along this beautiful riviera, you’ll find the South West Coast Path: one of Great Britain's most breathtaking long-distance hiking trails. Extending more than 600 miles (965 kilometers), it winds its way through four counties, with a particularly beautiful and diverse part of the trail being the coastal hike between the art mecca of the Southwest, St. Ives and Falmouth.

The turquoise-blue sea and the little villages you'll encounter along the way are the perfect snapshots of the cozy Cornish life. The hospitality you'll encounter here in the Southwest is renowned all across the country, and the food, the art and the fresh sea breeze you'll be able to enjoy wherever you go is of a kind found nowhere else in the UK. What's more, the Cornish weather is famously better than anything you'll find further north in Britain, with May being comparatively warm to more Mediterranean destinations in the south of Europe.

Just remember: Cornwall is best enjoyed when you take your time. So, do just that, sink into a slower pace of life and absorb the beauty of Cornwall with every step.

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Cornwall’s coastline

100.0 mi

8,000 ft

8,025 ft

Last updated: November 30, 2021

Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.

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Tours & Highlights

  • Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

    SWCP Stage 1: the artists' village of St. Ives to Zennor

    02:52
    6.45 mi
    2.2 mph
    725 ft
    425 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Your multi-day hike on the South West Coast Path (herein out referred to as the SWCP) gets off to a perfect start in the colorful village of St. Ives. Arriving here from London is fairly easy, with bus and train connections bringing you across for an affordable fee. Just bear in mind it can take almost

    by komoot

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  • 05:51
    13.1 mi
    2.2 mph
    1,250 ft
    1,300 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Stage 2 takes you from Zennor to St. Just. This walk, depending on when you go, can have a real mythical air around it, especially when low-hanging fog (which is common in these parts) lays like a blanket over the landscape.

    

    As you go, you’ll be walking consistently uphill and back down again. Therefore

    by komoot

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  • 04:37
    10.4 mi
    2.3 mph
    875 ft
    975 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    On this stage, you’ll continue hiking along the coast. Early on your way, you’ll reach the beautiful village of Sennen Cove — just in time for a break. While you’re here, try and grab something quick to eat to recapture your energy before you head on to Land’s End.

    

    When you arrive at Land’s End, you

    by komoot

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  • 05:31
    12.4 mi
    2.2 mph
    1,125 ft
    1,150 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    As you hike from Porthcurno to Penzance, you’ll really be able to recharge your batteries. With a little luck, you will spot some fisherman returning to the harbor after getting their catch of the day. Cafes in Lamorna or the picturesque village of Mousehole offer you the perfect respite from the trail

    by komoot

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  • 06:20
    14.8 mi
    2.3 mph
    775 ft
    875 ft
    Ferry
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.

    The Cornish coastline is truly magical and incomparably beautiful. No matter where you hike on the SWCP, you'll hike from one breathtaking sight to the next

    

    On this stage, you’ll encounter what is quite possibly the Highlight of all Highlights in Cornwall: St. Michael's Mount. Depending on the water level

    by komoot

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  • 06:09
    14.0 mi
    2.3 mph
    1,150 ft
    1,125 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    While you’re in Porthleven, take a moment to watch the hustle and bustle. If the waves are good, you’ll even be able to spot a couple of surfers out in the water.

    

    As you begin your hike, the start is a gentle one towards Mullion Cove. From here, you can hike right around Lizard, or you can take the bus

    by komoot

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  • 04:35
    10.3 mi
    2.2 mph
    975 ft
    975 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    On this stage, the landscape continues to be fantastically beautiful. The view back towards Lizard is a true gift, something to enjoy before you arrive at the fishing village of Cadwight.

    

    Here, in Cadwight, time seems to stand still. Enjoy your time here as you’ll quickly be moving on to Coverack.

    

    Once

    by komoot

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  • 04:32
    10.4 mi
    2.3 mph
    750 ft
    750 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This penultimate stage is an absolute highlight, especially when the weather is playing ball. The water along the coast is a stunning shade of turquoise, and once you reach Porthcallow, you’ve officially made it to the halfway point of the SCWP.

    

    Here, in Porthcallow, you can stop for a tea and a walk

    by komoot

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  • 04:49
    11.2 mi
    2.3 mph
    600 ft
    700 ft
    Ferry
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.

    Granted, the stage from Helford to Falmouth is a bit sobering after the previous 8 through rolling countryside and alongside a stunning coast. On stage 9 — your last hike — you’ll be walking along asphalt and will be in relatively built-up areas much of the way. Nevertheless, Falmouth serves as a great

    by komoot

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Collection Stats

  • Tours
    9
  • Distance
    103 mi
  • Duration
    45:16 h
  • Elevation
    8,200 ft8,225 ft

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