9 Days & 8 Nights

4.6

South West Coast Path: Padstow to St Ives | Stage 3 | 9 Days

Walk the Padstow to St Ives section of the South West Coast Path.
Freshly caught fish and chips at Rick Stein’s in Padstow.
Walking for miles along white and pristine sandy beaches.
The wild Atlantic surf crashing into the cliffs below you.
Vast selection of local Cornish galleries and traditional culinary delights.

Walk along Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast from the charming seaside town of Padstow to bustling St Ives on the South West Coast Path. Golden beaches, picturesque fishing villages, wild seas crashing and secluded coves are all features of this wonderful week of walking. As you head south you will discover estuaries full of fauna and flora, some of the UK’s best beaches and relish each overnight stop, all of which are highlights. By the time you arrive in St Ives, the most famous of Cornwall’s holiday towns, all you will want to do is turn around and do it all over again.

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Padstow and overnight

Synonymous with TV chef Rick Stein, Padstow is a delightful mix of piers, inns, restaurants and craft shops huddled around a small harbour.

Padstow is a 270 mile (5 hour) drive from London. It is also accessible by train and bus from London in 5 hours.

Overnight Padstow

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Old Custom House | Inn

Standing on the quayside, the Old Custom House is still one of the finest buildings in the town. Today it is famous for its fine food, award-winning ales, elegant, accommodation and for its Beauty Studio. The Old Custom House hotel has 24 bedrooms, as it is an old building, each room has a unique view and dimensions. It has long been a pub, providing a focal point for Padstow fishermen, local people and visitors to enjoy a drink and a bar meal. They serve stylish pub grub, washed down with award winning St Austell Brewery ales and a choice of good wines throughout the year.

London Inn | Hotel

The London Inn opened in 1803 which original housed three fisherman’s cottages and taking its name from an old Local Sloop. The owners will welcome you to their family run pub, full of charm, atmosphere and character. All rooms offer tea and coffee making facilities, TV and hairdryers. All their rooms are situated above the sometimes-busy bar. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the pub. Their classic pub menu is sourced locally using local ingredients whenever possible and comprises of local fish and meat dishes, which can be eaten in the main bar or in the lounge bar area.

Old Ship Hotel | Hotel

The Old Ship Hotel is an historic Grade II listed building in the heart of Padstow and each one of the spacious bedrooms has its own unique character. All have ensuite bathrooms, hot drinks facilities, Freeview and secure safes. You are assured a very warm welcome at the Old Ship Hotel, the perfect place to relax after your days adventure!

Day 2 Walk Padstow to Porthcothan and transfer to Newquay 13 miles / 21 km

The walk begins with a charming stretch along low cliff tops, where golden beaches beckon below. Trevose Head stands proudly, offering sweeping views of the coastline ahead. When you reach Constantine Bay, it’s the perfect place to unwind with a laid-back picnic and soak in the scenery.

Ascent: +145m (+475ft) / Descent: -140m (-460ft)

Overnight Newquay

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Esplanade Hotel | Hotel

Overlooking Fistral Beach in Newquay, you will have a lovely relaxing stay at this hotel.

Geckos Rest | Bed and breakfast

Gecko’s Rest offers traditional bed and breakfast at their Four Star Silver guest accommodation in Newquay, Cornwall. Geckos Rest is located on Mount Wise, only a 3-minute walk to the town centre and a 5-minute walk to the beach.

St Bernards Guesthouse | Guest House

St.Bernard’s is a family run guest house and has eight bright modern bedrooms all of which are en-suite, with a generous amount of facilities to make your stay comfortable. The guest house is over three floors, the spacious stairways, modern dining and lounge facilities compliment the bright bedrooms. They have an airy dining room which is used for your breakfast or a take away in the evening, the lounge has a bar and has a selection of board games and books which is a great way to relax after a long days walking.

Day 3 Transfer to Porthcothan and walk Porthcothan to Newquay 10.5 miles / 17 km

This dramatic coastline, with its hidden coves and jagged headlands, tells tales of shipwrecks and seafaring adventures. It’s a place where local legends come alive, expansive views steal your breath, and the sweeping three-mile stretch of golden sand at Watergate Bay stands as the showstopper.

Ascent: +260m (+855ft) / Descent: -230m (-755ft)

Overnight Newquay

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Esplanade Hotel | Hotel

Overlooking Fistral Beach in Newquay, you will have a lovely relaxing stay at this hotel.

Geckos Rest | Bed and breakfast

St Bernards Guesthouse | Guest House

Day 4 Newquay to Perranporth 11 miles / 18 km

Stepping away from the bustling streets of Newquay, you’ll soon find yourself on Fistral Beach, a world-famous haven for surfers. Beyond the waves, West Pentire Headland awaits, bursting with vibrant wildflowers and alive with the chatter of kittiwakes and wading birds.

Ascent: +120m (+395ft) / Descent: -165m (-545ft)

Overnight Perranporth

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

St George’s Country House | Country House

St George's is a small country house hotel with 8 en-suite guest rooms. They offer contemporary accommodation in an old mine captains house with a large garden and extensive views.

Seiners | Hotel

Oceanfront living at Perranporth Beach allows you to eat well, sleep well and surf well. The hotel offers locally sourced and freshly prepared food to order served in our traditional Cornish bar. Seiners bar has a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of seating, and an outdoor beach terrace. The winter menu ranges from sandwiches to steaks, with constantly changing specials, and a beautiful freshly prepared Sunday Roast. During the Summer months, Sunday Roast is switched to Sunday BBQ's, weather permitting!

Day 5 Perranporth to Portreath 12 miles / 19 km

Prepare for a day of challenging ups and downs as you traverse a landscape shaped by ancient mines, now serving as secret hideaways for bat colonies. The wild beauty of St Agnes Head is a true treat, especially for bird enthusiasts drawn to its thriving avian life.

Ascent: +460m (+1510ft) / Descent: -490m (-1605ft)

Overnight Portreath

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Portreath Arms | Inn

The Portreath Arms Hotel is a small, traditional, family run hotel located in The Square, the hotel has a bustling public bar and lounge - a traditional meeting place for locals. They only have seven guest rooms; therefore, the staff can give you their full attention to make sure you have a great stay. Breakfast is served each morning in the dining room and there is a choice of Full English or Continental. Lunch and Dinner can be taken in the traditional lounge bar, the dining room or even in the garden - weather permitting! The Portreath Arms Hotel serves an excellent choice of home cooked food, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients and local fish and crab is a speciality.

The Copper House | Bed and breakfast

The Copper House is a B&B in the Cornish coastal village of Portreath, designed and built with comfort in mind, step inside the peaceful, modern rooms looking out onto the valley and ancient woods of Illogan. The rooms are light and spacious and furnished to a high standard. Sit outside in your private, furnished terrace and sip a glass of wine straight out of your own fridge. They have two rooms: both with large terraces and these are stylish and contemporary. Dressing gowns, hairdryers and Duck Island toiletries are provided along with tea, chocolate and Rombouts filter coffee.

Day 6 Portreath to Hayle 12.5 miles / 20 km

Smugglers coves, with colourful names such as Ralph’s Cupboard pepper the coast. Cliffs, dunes and estuaries all contribute to a wonderful day of walking.

Ascent: +205m (+670ft) / Descent: -200m (-655ft)

Overnight Hayle

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Mad Hatter B&B | Bed and breakfast

The Mad Hatter B&B has beautiful rooms overlooking the Hayle Estuary Wildlife reserve. All rooms are equipped with tea/coffee making facilities and TV. It is the ideal location for birdwatchers, ramblers and surfers. It is close by to Hayle beach and Gwithian which is great for surfing is 2 miles away. There are pubs and restaurants within walking distance. They provide a hearty home-cooked breakfast using local produce and free range eggs. There is plenty to choose from whatever your tastes. Packed lunches are also available on request and there are washing and drying facilities at the property.

White Hart Hotel | Hotel

Established in 1838, the White Hart Hotel is an elegant building situated at the centre of the town of Hayle, Cornwall. They offer a range of single, twin, double and family rooms. Rooms are elegant in style, and feature an en suite bathroom. All rooms feature original works of art.

Premier Inn - Hayle | Hotel

At the end of a long day, you can relax in style in one of their new generation bedrooms, featuring an impressive 40" flat screen TV, bright, modern bathroom with a large shower head and super-comfy Hypnos beds. They have free WiFI throughout the hotel and a restaurant which is open for evening meals from 5pm – 10pm.

Day 7 Hayle to St Ives 6 miles / 10 km

Your walk begins at the Hayle Swing Bridge, the oldest in Britain and ends in the delightful town of St Ives, where you could easily spend a few days exploring the galleries, craft shops and excellent cafes.

Ascent: +105m (+345ft) / Descent: -90m (-295ft)

Overnight St Ives

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Pedn Olva | Hotel

The Pedn Olva, with the sea only thirty feet below and flanked by golden sands, is founded on blue-black granite rocks on the southern shores of St. Ives Harbour and Bay. Each bedroom at the Pedn Olva has stunning views of St Ives and the Cornish coast – light, airy and contemporarily decorated – they have everything you need for a relaxing, memorable and comfortable stay.

Western Hotel | Hotel

Steeped in history, The Western Hotel is one of St Ives's oldest coaching houses and has been a St Austell Brewery hotel since the 19th century. It has the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and character in the heart of St Ives, this charming hotel resides within a characterful building, providing a unique and inviting atmosphere.

Tregenna Castle Resort | Hotel

Within 72 acres of private grounds, this Tregenna Castle Resort overlooks St Ives and the Cornish coast. You can enjoy 2 on-site restaurants, offering fine food and drink. Meals are made from local ingredients and are cooked fresh to order. Wireless internet is free, and there is free parking on site.

Day 8 Free day in St. Ives or Optional (15km) Carracks & Rosewall Hill Loop Walk

Today you can do a loop walk that goes along a further stretch of the South West Coast Path and through beautiful coastal scenery eventually leading to "The Carracks" - rocky islands just offshore and which mean “rocky” in Cornish. Continue inland climbing Rosewall Hill for more fabulous views before walking back into St Ives. (15 kilometres / 9.30 miles)

Ascent: +275m (+900ft) / Descent: -275m (-900ft)

Alternatively, if your legs have had enough walking then you can enjoy a free day in St Ives to explore the promenade and indulge in the culinary delights that this fantastic coastal town has to offer!

Overnight St Ives

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Pedn Olva | Hotel

Western Hotel | Hotel

Tregenna Castle Resort | Hotel

Day 9 Onward travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 8kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 8kg is equivalent to 12 pints of local beer at the bar. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Accommodation in B&B's, guesthouses and country inns
Daily breakfast
Door to door baggage transfer
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem

Excluded

Lunches & dinners
Snacks and drinks
Travel Insurance
Travel to Padstow
Travel from St Ives

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the walk
Accommodation upgrades

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We are taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via My Account on our website.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be? Do I need to be able to navigate? How far in advance do I need to book? Are there upgrade options available? What personal equipment do I need? When is the best time of year? Am I able to take my dog? What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

The South West Coast Path

Join us on a walk from St Ives to Penzance on the South West Coast Path. This remote and exhilarating walk along the clifftops visits the bustling towns, golden sands and secluded coves of Cornwall.
Walking the South West Coast Path

The South West Path stretches around the south-west peninsula of England, exposing dramatic coastal scenery as the walk unfolds. The route is split into several delightful sections as walking the entire route at once would be rather time-consuming. This video gives you an overview of the route and how best to tackle it.