Overview
The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath and National Trail and one of England’s national treasures. Stretching 1013km from Minehead in Somerset, the route curls around the entire peninsula of Devon and Cornwall and rounds the south-western tip of England at Land’s End and follows the southern shore through the dramatic scenery of Dorset. On this itinerary, you walk from on the Lizard Peninsula from Marazion to Mevagissey over eight days.
The Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall lies in the southernmost part of Britain and is an area of astounding beauty. From the start of the walk, you enjoy views of the well-known silhouette of St Michael’s Mount and go on to see marvellous wildflowers and birds, perhaps catching a glimpse of a Basking Shark off the coast, or eat delicious ice-cream at Coverack – not to mention endless views of romantic creeks and breathtaking cliffs and the busy port of Falmouth. A rewarding, moderately strenuous self-guided walking holiday.
- The Lizard – the most southerly tip of Britain
- Unspoilt countryside with abundant wildlife
- Staying in picturesque fishing villages dotted around the coast
- Secluded coves and golden sandy beaches
- Marvel at the famous St Michaels Mount
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Marazion
Make your own way to Marazion, the home of the iconic St Michael’s Mount. The town claims to be the oldest town in Britain and was called Ictis by the Romans which goes some way to indicate that the area was a trading post for tin in ancient times. The town has an active community of artists whose work you can see in many of the galleries.
- Accommodation: Various accommodations
Day 2: Marazion to Porthleven | 18km
Your first day takes you from Mounts Bay with St. Michael’s Mount sitting in the sea. This old abbey now a manor house has an ageless appeal and was traditionally linked to Mont St. Michel in Brittany. Round the corner from the Bay follow along some interesting sections of cliffs, with the remnants of tin mines. There are some beautiful bays and inlets associated with smuggling and then you will reach Porthleven, a pretty fishing and boating harbour that is closed by wooden baulks during storms. You
can enjoy fine seafood at the inn or venture along the quay to a famous seafood restaurant.
- Walking for the day: 18km
- Accommodation: Harbour Inn or similar
Day 3: Porthleven to The Lizard | 24km
Via the stunningly beautiful Kynance Cove and the pretty village of Mullion, which is at the heart of some of the finest walking. The remote southernmost point of Britain will hopefully reward you with an unforgettable sunset, and will certainly offer fine views of the sea.
- Walking for the day: 24km
- Accommodation: The Caerthillian or similar
Day 4: The Lizard to Porthallow | 25km
Today pass Coverack, a fine example of a totally unspoilt traditional fishing village. 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.
- Walking for the day: 25km
- Accommodation: Gallentreath Guesthouse or similar
Day 5: Porthallow to Falmouth | 26km
This is quite a long day, which could be shortened by taking a taxi to Gillan. From Gillan walk to Nare point and then across the Helford Passage You could have a lunch stop at the pub near the Frenchman’s Creek made famous by Daphne Du Maurier, before following part of the beautiful Helford River and the coastal path to the impressive Trebah Gardens. You then walk into Falmouth, the biggest town on our route.
- Walking for the day: 26km
- Accommodation: Chain Locker (Falmouth) or similar
Day 6: Falmouth to Portloe | 22km
A lovely walk with fantastic scenery throughout the day. You start with a 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 was noted for its thatched round houses. You arrive at the understated beauty that is Portloe, a tiny sheltered harbour with old streets.
- Walking for the day: 22km
- Accommodation: Various accommodations
Day 7: Portloe to Mevagissey | 19km
Walk from Portloe to Mevagissey via Portholland Cove and Dodman Point, quite a lot of ascent and descent on the last day, but great coastal views.
- Walking for the day:19km
- Accommodation: Honeycombe B&B or similar
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast or extra nights upon request.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodations include a mix of charming small hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses. They have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere, cuisine and/or unique services. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal or higher value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available on the route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. You can have dinner at the guesthouse you are staying at or at the village pubs and restaurants.
Difficulty and terrain
While not too demanding, the route follows the coast quite closely, and it includes plenty of elevation gains and losses and some steep sections (read more about difficulty grades). The route is well waymarked and easy to follow. A comprehensive guidebook and map are supplied. You can also call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from March until October. It is best enjoyed in the spring and autumn when there are fewer people on the trails; however, it is lovely during the summer months, too.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
Getting there
Up-to-date travel advice on the United Kingdom is available here (for Canadian citizens) and here (for US citizens).
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airports for this tour are Bristol (BRS), London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW) or Luton (LTN).
By train or bus
- You can get to Penzance (for Marazion) by train from London Paddington (and connecting places in between including Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol). Then it’s a short bus or taxi ride to Marazion.
- On return from Mevagissey, there is a bus or taxi to St Austell station for train to London and other major cities. Coach or taxi to Newquay Airport is also possible.
- Please check the Traveline website for timetables or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights in twin/double rooms with an en-suite or private bathroom (small hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses)
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel – up to 20kg per person
- Detailed journey documentation and practical information: personalised trip notes and maps (digital copy only)
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Extra nights along the trail are bookable upon request
Gallery
