6 Days & 5 Nights

4.7

South West Coast Path: Penzance to Falmouth | Stage 5 | 6 Days

Walking around the wild and rugged Lizard Peninsula.
The stunning sight of St Michael's Mount.
Sub-tropical conditions that produce rare wild flowers.
Secret smuggler’s coves and hidden creeks.
Picnic lunches on the golden sands of secluded coves.

Walk from Penzance to Falmouth, a less travelled section of the South West Coast Path that stretches round the remote and wild Lizard Peninsular. The trail follows rugged cliff tops taking you past deserted coves and whitewashed cottages. Pass St Michael’s Mount which is linked to the mainland by a cobbled causeway and see Loe Pool, Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake. Due to the sub-tropical conditions, this area of Cornwall is a botanist and nature lover’s paradise. See nature at its finest, with an abundance of rare wild flowers and basking in the turquoise waters of the English channel, spot basking sharks and grey seals.

From £710.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Penzance and overnight

The walk starts in Penzance which is a bustling small town with many cafes, restaurants and an abundance of galleries selling local artwork.

Overnight Penzance

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.

Elmsdale Guest House | Guest House

Elmsdale is a Victorian town house in a terrace of fine town houses leading off Penzance sea front. Elmsdale is within the Penzance conservation area and close to Penlee Park. The Town centre is approximately 600 metres away through the park or via leafy paved pedestrian paths that criss-cross the Town. Guest accommodation is located on the first and second floors and comprises 4 double bedrooms (all en-suite).

Torwood House | Bed and breakfast

This beautiful Victorian house is three stories high and is situated in a large tree lined avenue just off from the seafront. Torwood House run by the same proprietor for over 20 years endeavours to provide you with a warm welcome and will do their utmost to make your stay a pleasurable one.

Queens Hotel | Hotel

The Queens Hotel is the gateway to West Cornwall offering comfort and style, as well as great service and food. Located in picturesque Penzance, Cornwall, it boasts a restaurant with views across Mount's Bay, free parking and an on-site hair and beauty salon. Each room at the Queens Hotel features an en suite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Day 2 Penzance to Porthleven 14 miles / 23 km

Leave the lively streets of Penzance behind and follow the path as it curves around Mounts Bay. Before long, the iconic silhouette of St Michael's Mount appears on the horizon—a majestic castle perched on a tiny island, connected to the shore by a charming cobbled causeway. Depending on the tide, you can stroll across on foot or hop aboard a boat to explore this enchanting island.

The trail then weaves through an undulating route, taking you up scenic clifftops before guiding you down to the golden sands of Praa Sands. Here, it’s worth pausing to take in the energy of the local surfers carving through the waves. From there, the path continues and leads you into the postcard-perfect fishing village of Porthleven, a delightful spot to round off your adventure.

Ascent: +285m (+935ft) / Descent: -265m (-870ft)

Overnight Porthleven

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.

Harbour Inn | Inn

The Harbour Inn has 15 beautiful bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, wi-fi and televisions. Each room is equipped with a hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities. The cosy bar offers a seasonal menu made from local produce. Whether it’s one of the pub classics, the catch of the day or something simpler from the Salads and Ploughman’s section, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.

Kota Rooms | Bed and breakfast

Perfectly positioned on the Harbour Head in the idyllic fishing port of Porthleven, Kota has quickly become one of the best-kept secrets in the South West. There is a lovely bar area where guests can enjoy fine wine, cocktails, cold beer or a warming digestif.

Artist Loft | Bed and breakfast

Situated in the centre of the historic fishing village of Porthleven on the south west coast of Cornwall is The Artist Loft is a self-contained bed and breakfast offering luxury en-suite accommodation. In an elevated position on the first floor at 10 Fore Street, just Artist steps from the picturesque harbour with its many cafe’s, restaurants, art galleries and shops.

Day 3 Porthleven to Lizard 15 miles / 24 km

Today's walk begins with a walk along a stretch of beach to the wonderful Loe Bar where Loe Pool sits (Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake).

Birdwatching is very common on the lake so if you wish take a stroll down and see what you can spot. The path continues along cliff edges and down to the fishing village of Mullion Cove. The next few miles to Lizard point can be challenging and boggy underfoot, but worth it as you pass some of the best coastal walking in South Cornwall.

Ascent: +315m (+1035ft) / Descent: -245m (-800ft)

Overnight Lizard

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.

Penmenner House | Bed and breakfast

Penmenner is an attractive period house with 4 en-suite guest rooms and outstanding sea views, a sunny breakfast room, an elegant drawing room, a beautiful garden. Rooms are freshly decorated and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.

Chyheira | Bed and breakfast

Roy & Jayne offer you a warm welcome to their home. Chyheira is a 100 year old Edwardian house which proudly stands on the corner of a quiet road. Whilst being fully modernized much of the original character has been maintained.
Chyheira is set in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty and special scientific interest. Being just 10 minutes walk down a quiet lane to the South West Coastal Path.

Housel Bay | Hotel

The Housel Bay Hotel & Restaurant on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, is the most Southerly Hotel in mainland Britain. It is widely known for its spectacular wraparound sea views and its colourful history.

Day 4 Lizard to Porthallow 15 miles / 25.4 km

The Lizard is sometimes referred to as “Cornwall’s Big Toe” dipping into the ocean. It's an impressive area where sub-tropical conditions allow rare species of plants to grow. The first few miles walk to Cadgwith Cove is a very popular section with its fantastic views back to the lighthouse.

Reach Kannack Sands which is a great area to dip your feet with rock pools where you can see sea cucumbers and starfish. Head up along the cliff top of Black Head Point and then take the path along to the little harbour village of Coverage. From Coverack, pass through a quarry and to divert away from the coast then to the official halfway point of the entire South West Coast Path at Porthallow.

Ascent: +490m (+1605ft) / Descent: -560m (-1840ft)

Overnight Porthallow

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.

Gallen-Treath | Guest House

Alicia and Clive have been at Gallen-Treath Guest House since 1998, most of their bedrooms are en-suite, and all are individually decorated and have beverage facilities and Freeview TV. There is a second floor lounge with balcony and a patio/garden area for relaxing in after a day’s walking.

Penmenner House | Bed and breakfast

Chyheira | Bed and breakfast

Day 5 Porthallow to Falmouth 16.8 miles / 26.8 km

Today’s walk is a nice gentle one There are beautiful gardens at Glendurgan with sub tropical plants so its worth a stop if you have time (& if the gardens are open). The busy port of Falmouth soon comes into view. Here is the end of your walk and where you will spend your final night.

Ascent: +405m (+1330ft) / Descent: -405m (-1330ft)

Overnight Falmouth

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 Lerryn Hotel | Hotel

The Lerryn offers stunning views of Falmouth Bay, beautiful beaches and a warm and friendly welcome. The breakfasts are home cooked from local fresh produce.
They can also cater for guests with special dietary requirements with prior notification.
Bar snacks are available. All rooms have a colour television, free Wi Fi, radio and drink making facilities.

Greenbank Hotel | Hotel

The Greenbank Hotel is an upgraded hotel option in Falmouth is set in an enviable position, with its idyllic seafront location. It has one of the best panoramic waterfront views in England. Dating from 1640, the Greenbank is Falmouth’s oldest hotel and is a fascinating collection of beautifully restored buildings. The Harbourside Restaurant is elevated above the harbour and is the perfect setting to enjoy the delightful food and the Head Chef creates great seasonal menus described as Modern British. In the bar and terrace you can sit back in a soft chair and relax whilst overlooking the harbour.

Membly Hall Hotel | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

Membly Hall Hotel is a family run hotel situated in one of the most picturesque regions of Cornwall. They offer a friendly welcome on arrival. It includes a bar, restaurant, sauna and fitness centre. The accommodation also provides free parking and wi-fi. In each room, you'll find an en-suite, with some offering a sea view.

Day 6 Onward travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. 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?

This section of the South West Coast Path is graded moderate and will suit experienced walkers with good physical fitness. The trail takes you through remote and rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs, past an ancient island monastery and dips down into secret coves. If you are a nature lover there are also plenty of wildflowers and wildlife to spot.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Coastal Walking

Grade & Terrain

This holiday is graded from moderate to strenuous depending on the itinerary you choose. Although you follow the coast quite closely it includes plenty of up and down and some steep sections. This is tour is not suitable for anyone suffering from vertigo or fear of heights as there are sections where you are walking along steep-cliff side paths.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnights in B&B's, small hotels and guest houses
Breakfasts
Luggage transfers
A detailed information pack, guidebook and map
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Travel Insurance
Transport should you need to skip a stage
Travel to Penzance
Travel from Falmouth

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the walk

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

This is tour is not suitable for anyone suffering from vertigo or fear of heights as there are sections where you are walking along steep-cliff side paths.

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.

Is this tour suitable for those with a fear of heights or vertigo? When is the best time of year? How fit do I need to be? Do I need to be able to Navigate? How far in advance do I need to book? How do the baggage transfers work? Are there upgrade options available? What personal equipment do I need? 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.