Hiking the South West Coast Path: Newquay to Falmouth

Golden bays, mining heritage, and Land’s End magic (Newquay to Falmouth)

Suggested Walk: 3-4 Days

Route: Newquay → St Agnes → St Ives → Land's End → Penzance → Falmouth

Iconic Venues: Padstow The Old Custom House, St Agnes The Driftwood Spars, St Ives The Sloop Inn.

Overview: This stunning 84-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path leads from Newquay on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast to the harbor town of Falmouth on the south coast. Along the way, walkers encounter everything from golden surf beaches and dramatic cliffs to quaint fishing harbors and subtropical gardens. Much of the route traverses the UNESCO-listed Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, with old engine houses perched on clifftops. Below, we break down key highlights and tips for each major stop – Newquay, St Agnes, St Ives, Land’s End, Penzance, and Falmouth – plus practical advice on when to go, what to pack, and how to stay safe and make the most of your trek.

Newquay: Surf Capital and Start of the Journey

Newquay’s Fistral Beach, the surf mecca of the UK. Newquay is a lively resort town famed for its surfing scene – Fistral Beach is one of Europe’s most consistent surf breaks. It’s worth spending time here to soak up the beach vibes, catch a surf lesson, or watch the pros ride waves (Newquay hosts the annual Boardmasters Surf & Music Festival every August). Beyond Fistral, wander Newquay Harbour and stroll the headlands for sweeping ocean views. Don’t miss a Cornish pasty or locally caught fish and chips in town to fuel up for the hike ahead.

Highlights: Fistral Beach is Newquay’s iconic stretch of sand – backed by dunes and the landmark Headland Hotel – and patrolled by lifeguards in summer. Towan Head offers a great vantage point over the waves and Cribbar reef (a famous big-wave surf spot). For family-friendly fun or a rest day, Newquay has attractions like the Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo. If your timing is right, the Boardmasters Festival (early August) brings live music and surf competitions to Fistral Beach, creating a buzzing atmosphere. Prefer something quieter? Sunset at Watergate Bay (just up the coast) is magical, with big skies and tide pools.

Travel Tips: Spring and early fall are ideal times to start your trek in Newquay – the weather is mild, wildflowers bloom, and it’s less crowded than the school-holiday peak of July-August. Newquay is accessible via direct train services in summer (or via a branch line from Par) and by long-distance coaches. There’s a small airport nearby (NQY) with UK flights. As you set off southward on the Coast Path, be aware of the River Gannel estuary just outside Newquay – it can be crossed on foot at low tide via a footbridge, or by a seasonal ferry (operating roughly 3 hours either side of high tide). Check tide times locally to plan your crossing. Pack proper walking shoes from day one – although the first day’s walk toward St Agnes is fairly gentle, there are some sand and rock sections where good grip helps. Newquay has abundant accommodation (hotels, B&Bs, hostels and campsites), but book ahead in summer when vacancies can be scarce.

St Agnes: Wild Cliffs and Mining Heritage

Wheal Coates engine house near St Agnes, a relic of Cornwall’s tin mining era. After passing dunes and the expansive sands of Perranporth, the Coast Path climbs onto the wild cliffs around St Agnes. This area is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site, dotted with ruins of old tin mines like the photogenic Wheal Coates engine house. Heather and gorse blanket the clifftops in late summer, painting the landscape purple and gold. The village of St Agnes itself has a creative, community vibe with galleries, craft shops, and friendly pubs (perfect for a hearty meal or a pint of local ale).

Highlights: Soak up the view at St Agnes Head, where on a clear day you can see far up and down the coast. Wheal Coates, perched dramatically above the sea, is a must-see – it’s an atmospheric reminder of Cornwall’s 19th-century mining boom and offers a great photo op. Below St Agnes Head lies Chapel Porth Beach, a surfers’ hideaway known for its tidal pools and a seasonal café selling “hedgehog” ice creams. In St Agnes village, learn about local folklore: each spring (around early May bank holiday) residents perform the Bolster Giant pageant, a colorful festival that reenacts the legend of giant Bolster with parades and a clifftop drama. It’s a unique cultural experience if your timing aligns.

Travel Tips: The trail approaching St Agnes features moderate ups and downs but nothing too technical – still, you’ll notice more elevation change than the flat beach walks near Newquay. Take your time on the clifftop sections, especially in windy weather, and stay clear of crumbly edges (the views are just as good a few steps back!). Keep an eye out for wildlife: this stretch is great for spotting seals in the coves below and seabirds like fulmars and peregrine falcons riding the updrafts. St Agnes has a limited number of B&Bs and guesthouses, so consider booking ahead in summer. There’s also a campsite on the edge of the village for tents and campervans. If you need a rest day or to shorten your hike, local buses connect St Agnes with Newquay and Truro (the number 87 or T1/T2 bus routes). And when you depart St Agnes toward St Ives, stock up on water and snacks – the next segment has long, rugged stretches with few facilities.

St Ives: Art Colony by the Sea

Porthmeor Beach in St Ives, with sunbathers enjoying the golden sand and turquoise water. St Ives is a jewel of Cornwall’s north coast – a town famed for its beautiful beaches and its inspiring quality of light that has attracted artists for over a century. Arriving here feels rewarding after the remote cliffs of West Penwith. Suddenly, you’re amid quaint cobbled streets lined with studios, galleries, cafes, and old fishermen’s cottages. St Ives has no less than four beaches around town (Porthmeor, Porthminster, Porthgwidden, and the Harbour beach), each with its own character. It’s worth planning at least an afternoon or day here to explore the cultural offerings, such as the Tate St Ives gallery overlooking Porthmeor Beach and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, which celebrates one of Britain’s great 20th-century sculptors who made St Ives her home.

Highlights: Relax on Porthminster Beach with views across the bay to Godrevy Lighthouse (immortalized by Virginia Woolf). Step into the Tate St Ives for world-class modern art exhibitions, or visit the Leach Pottery for a taste of the town’s pottery heritage. The St Ives September Festival is a two-week celebration of music and arts that takes place every year in mid-September (in 2025 it runs September 13–27) – during festival time, the town buzzes with live concerts, open studios, and creative energy. In May, the St Ives Food and Drink Festival takes over Porthminster Beach, showcasing Cornwall’s culinary scene (yes, that means plenty of seafood, craft beer, and perhaps a Cornish cream tea or two). Even if you’re not around for an event, don’t leave St Ives without trying a scoop of Cornish ice cream or a fresh-from-the-harbor lobster at one of the local eateries.

Travel Tips: Plan your approach to St Ives carefully – the section of Coast Path between St Agnes/Portreath and St Ives involves a long detour inland around the Hayle estuary. Many walkers split this segment over two days, stopping in Portreath or Hayle. If you’re arriving via public transport, note that St Ives is well connected by rail: the branch line from St Erth is one of Britain’s most scenic train rides, and it links St Ives to the mainline (handy for those finishing or starting their hike here). In St Ives, accommodation ranges from chic boutique hotels to classic B&Bs and backpacker hostels – but summer demand is high, so book ahead. The next leg from St Ives to Land’s End is arguably the most challenging of the entire Newquay-Falmouth stretch, so take the opportunity in St Ives to restock supplies and rest your legs. The first day out of St Ives is very strenuous, with numerous ascents and descents on rugged paths. Make sure you have a detailed map (or the official SWCP guide) and start early to give yourself plenty of daylight to reach Zennor or beyond. One reward of the difficult terrain: a true feeling of wilderness and awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals offshore, and for seabirds like gulls and shags nesting on the cliffs.

Land’s End and the Penwith Peninsula: Epic Cliffs at England’s Tip

Rugged cliffs near Land’s End, the westernmost point of England. Rounding the Penwith Peninsula, the Coast Path reaches its wild climax between St Ives and Penzance. Here you’ll traverse remote moorland cliffs, pass ancient mine workings and stone cairns, and ultimately stand at Land’s End, the iconic “end of the land” where England drops into the Atlantic. The scenery is dramatic: wave-battered granite cliffs, offshore rocks like the shark-fin shapes of The Armed Knight and the distant Longships Lighthouse, and on a clear day, even a hint of the Isles of Scilly on the horizon. Land’s End itself is a popular landmark with a famous signpost marking the distance to John O’Groats (the length of Britain) – a classic photo spot. While the Land’s End visitor complex is touristy (with cafés, shops, and exhibits), the natural beauty still steals the show, especially if you wander a bit further along the coast to escape the crowds.

Highlights: This segment is rich in mining history and natural wonders. You’ll encounter the crown engine houses of Botallack Mine clinging to cliffs just north of Cape Cornwall – one of the most photographed sites on the trail. The nearby Levant Mine has a restored steam engine (a reminder of the dangerous work miners did beneath the sea). Around Pendeen and Geevor you can even take a short detour to a mining museum to learn more about Cornwall’s tin and copper heritage. Rounding Cape Cornwall, you pass beautiful Sennen Cove, a surfers’ beach with whitish sand – a great place to stop for a cream tea or an ice cream. Then it’s on to Land’s End, where simply walking the clifftops and breathing the Atlantic air is a thrill. South of Land’s End, a highly recommended side trip (2 miles off-path) is the Minack Theatre at Porthcurno, an open-air amphitheater carved into the cliffs – if schedule permits, catch a live performance with the ocean as a backdrop, or at least tour the venue by day. The nearby Porthcurno Beach is often rated among Cornwall’s prettiest, with its soft sand and turquoise water in a dramatic valley setting.

Travel Tips: The St Ives to Penzance (via Land’s End) section is rated “Challenging” – be prepared for up to 10 miles of rugged, and at times boggy or rocky, footing in a day. Good hiking boots are essential, and trekking poles can help on steep ups and downs. In wet weather, some parts can be slippery, so take care (the Path here “uses rugged paths” and can be wet underfoot). Navigation is straightforward if you follow the acorn waymarks – and do stick to the path, as straying too near cliff edges is dangerous. This area feels remote; phone signal may be spotty, and there are few facilities between villages. Plan your water and snacks for each day – for instance, Zennor has a pub and café, but after that the next services are around Pendeen. Many walkers break the journey with overnight stops in Zennor, St Just, or Sennen rather than doing St Ives to Penzance all in one go. Wildlife lovers should keep watch for the Cornish chough, a rare red-billed crow that has returned to these cliffs – sighted near Land’s End and on the way to Penzance. Also, seals often bob in the coves and basking sharks or dolphins may be seen in summer just offshore. By the time you reach Land’s End, you might coincide with one of its seasonal events – in summer, they host evening fireworks and entertainments once or twice a week (e.g. “Magic in the Skies” fireworks on Tuesdays/Thursdays in late July and August). Finally, as you turn the corner at Land’s End and head east into more sheltered waters, you’ll notice the landscape start to soften and the south-coast path to Penzance feels easier underfoot.

Penzance & Mount’s Bay: History, Harbors and a Castle in the Sea

Penzance welcomes you back to civilization with its long promenade, palm trees (thanks to a mild climate), and the sight of the fairytale-like St Michael’s Mount rising from the bay. Penzance is the largest town in west Cornwall – a great place to resupply, spend the night, or celebrate completing the rugged north coast section. The town’s heritage as a port is evident along Chapel Street, where old inns and maritime history abound. From the promenade, you can detour (or take a short bus) to Marazion to visit St Michael’s Mount: a medieval castle and village perched on a tidal island in Mount’s Bay. At low tide you can walk across the causeway to the Mount; at high tide, small ferry boats shuttle visitors over. Standing atop the Mount’s battlements offers panoramic views of the bay and back toward Penzance – a highly recommended side adventure if time permits.

Highlights: In Penzance, check out the Jubilee Pool, a 1930s Art Deco seawater lido, for a refreshing (or bracing) dip. The town is also known for its creative community – galleries like the Penlee House showcase local art (including works of the Newlyn School). A short walk or bus ride west brings you to Newlyn, a bustling fishing harbor where you can sample amazingly fresh seafood (the Newlyn Fish Market supplies many of London’s top restaurants). Further along is Mousehole, a postcard-perfect fishing village with tiny streets – if you’re here in late December, Mousehole’s Christmas lights are famous. One of Penzance’s biggest cultural events is the Golowan Festival in late June, which revives ancient midsummer traditions – expect ten days of music, parades, and street entertainment, culminating in Mazey Day when colorful processions fill the town (in 2024 Mazey Day was June 29). This festival gives a real taste of Cornish heritage and fun. Penzance also marks the end of the line for the Great Western Railway – you might spot the Night Riviera sleeper train ready to depart for London in the evening, a reminder that you’re at the far end of Britain.

Travel Tips: If you need a break, Penzance has all amenities: supermarkets, pharmacies, outdoor gear shops, and accommodations ranging from hostels to upscale hotels. It’s a major transport hub – from here you can catch mainline trains or buses if you plan to end or pause your trek. Many hikers finishing the northern coast will take a rest day in Penzance before continuing to Falmouth via the south coast. The path east of Penzance is much gentler as it skirts the flat shores of Mount’s Bay. Still, be mindful of tide times if you decide to cross to St Michael’s Mount on foot – the causeway is only exposed at low tide and you can get stranded (local tide tables are posted in Marazion). Between Penzance and Falmouth, you’ll encounter estuaries that require ferries: notably the Helford River ferry (operates April–October during daylight hours). If walking in the off-season, be prepared with alternative inland routes or transport, as some ferries reduce service in winter. From Penzance, the South West Coast Path continues east through charming villages like Porthleven and around the Lizard Peninsula (England’s southernmost point) before turning north to Falmouth – a journey of about 60 more miles.

Falmouth: A Festive Finish by the Fal Estuary

Falmouth makes a fitting end-point for this adventure, greeting walkers with a mix of maritime heritage and lively culture. Set on the Fal estuary and boasting the world’s third-largest natural harbor, Falmouth has long seafaring history – it was once the second busiest port of the British Empire. Today, it’s known for its nautical vibe, university arts scene, and events. At the entrance to Falmouth harbor stands Pendennis Castle, a 16th-century fortress built by Henry VIII that you can tour for sweeping ocean views. The town’s waterfront is lined with bobbing boats, and you’ll find no shortage of pubs and cafés to toast your completion of the Coast Path.

Highlights: Visit the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth to learn about the region’s boating and pirate history – it’s interactive and great for families. Stroll the vibrant Old High Street and Custom House Quay, where you can often catch street performances or markets. If you’ve got energy left for a side trip, take a ferry across to St Mawes on the Roseland Peninsula or up the Fal River to explore Trelissick Garden – Falmouth is well-connected by boat routes, offering a cool perspective from the water. Time your finish right, and you could celebrate with the locals during one of Falmouth’s annual festivals. The International Sea Shanty Festival in June draws shanty singers from around the world, filling pubs and streets with music (the 2025 dates are June 13–15). In mid-August, Falmouth Week brings sailing regattas by day and entertainment by night (for 2025, it’s slated for August 8–17). And every October, the Falmouth Oyster Festival honors the start of oyster dredging season with four days of feasting, live music, and cookery demos (generally held in the second week of October, e.g. Oct 9–12, 2025). Even outside of festival time, Falmouth’s creative community means there’s often something happening – art exhibitions, farmers markets, or gigs.

Travel Tips: Falmouth has a train station (on a branch line to Truro) and frequent buses, so departing (or heading back to Penzance if you parked there) is straightforward. Before you leave, indulge in some local food – perhaps a celebratory meal of fresh oysters or fish by the harbor. Accommodation in Falmouth is plentiful (hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages), but during big events like Falmouth Week, rooms can book up quickly. Because Falmouth is on the more sheltered south coast, walking is possible year-round, but if you arrive in winter be aware that some attractions or ferries operate on limited schedules. As with the rest of Cornwall, the best walking weather is usually in spring or autumn: you’ll enjoy long enough days and decent chances of sunshine without the peak-season crowds. Whenever you finish, take a moment at South Cliff or Gyllyngvase Beach to reflect on your journey – you’ve traversed a magnificent and diverse coastal landscape from the wild Atlantic to the calm waters of the Fal.

Practical Pointers for the Path

• When to Go: Aim for April-June or September-October for the best experience. In spring, the cliffs are blanketed in wildflowers and the weather is generally mild. Late summer and early fall bring purple heather and golden bracken to the moors, and the sea is still warm enough for a dip. July and August offer long days and the guarantee of open tourist facilities, but note that Cornwall is extremely busy in school holidays – trails, beaches, and accommodations will be crowded. Winter hiking is feasible on this stretch (temperatures rarely drop below freezing), but you’ll need to plan short walking days and be prepared for rain and stormy winds. Always check the local weather forecast – conditions can change quickly on the coast, and sea fog or high winds might affect safety on exposed clifftops.
  
  

• Trail Condition & Safety: The Coast Path is well-marked with the National Trail acorn symbol on signposts. Still, carrying an up-to-date map (Ordnance Survey or the SWCP guidebook) is wise, especially where the route weaves around deep coves or through inland sections. Sections of the path can be steep and narrow – use caution, especially when the path is muddy or close to unfenced cliff edges. If walking solo, let someone know your daily plan. Mobile signal can be weak in the more remote areas (for example, parts of the Zennor to St Just stretch). In coastal villages, you’ll often find local coastguard and safety information posted – heed any warnings about cliff falls or tide cut-offs. Tide times are crucial for certain spots: besides the Gannel and St Michael’s Mount causeway mentioned, there’s also a tidal footpath at Porthleven Sands and some beach alternatives that are only walkable at low tide. When in doubt, stick to the main clifftop route.
  
  

• Gear: Pack layers for varying conditions. Even in summer, a light waterproof/windproof jacket is essential – sea breezes can be chilly and rain can blow in unexpectedly. Conversely, on sunny days the sun is strong, so have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots or shoes are important given the rocky and uneven terrain in places (this is not a flip-flop kind of walk). A daypack with water, snacks, and a basic first aid kit is necessary, as services can be far apart. If you use walking poles, they’ll help on the frequent ascents and descents which, over the whole trip, add up to a lot of climb (the entire SWCP has over 115,000 feet of ascent in total!). Many hikers also carry blister care items given the long days.
  
  

• Accommodation & Transport: Towns like Newquay, St Ives, Penzance, and Falmouth have plentiful options – consider treating yourself to a night in a B&B with a hot Cornish breakfast to refuel. Smaller villages (Zennor, Porthcurno, Coverack, etc.) may have only a few B&Bs or a campsite, so plan your overnights accordingly. Wild camping is not officially permitted, but some walkers with tents use campsites or occasionally seek the landowner’s permission to camp. If you prefer not to carry a heavy pack, baggage transfer services operate on the SWCP – they’ll move your bags to your next accommodation for a fee. Public transport is useful for this stretch: for instance, you can take a scenic train from St Ives back to St Erth/Penzance, or buses like the Coastliner (e.g. the A17 or nowadays route U1) that run between Newquay, St Agnes, and St Ives via Truro. In summer, some seasonal bus services (the “Atlantic Coaster” and “Land’s End Coaster”) make it easier to hop between trail towns. This means you can customize your hike – doing it in one continuous push, or as a series of day hikes using buses/trains to return to a base. Finally, be sure to celebrate your accomplishment. Completing the Newquay-to-Falmouth stretch is no small feat, and you’ll have a trove of memories: from surfing beaches to mining ruins, artistic havens to legendary landmarks. As they say in Cornwall, “Kernow a’gas dynergh” – Cornwall welcomes you – and we hope you enjoy every step of this epic coastal adventure.

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Enjoy the walk? We’re creating a special South West Coast Path merch collection, paying tribute to the iconic venues that make the journey unforgettable. Did we miss a must-do iconic venue or experience? Let us know! 

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