Hiking the South West Coast Path in Cornwall – The Best Bits

This stretch of the South West Coast Path takes you from the historic harbour town of Porthleven to the dramatic cliffs of The Lizard—the most southerly point in mainland Britain. It’s a route that gives you everything: rugged coastal scenery, secluded beaches, and some proper leg-burning climbs. The path weaves past the towering cliffs of Mullion Cove, the dramatic rock formations at Kynance Cove, and eventually leads to Lizard Point, where you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views and maybe even a sighting of seals basking on the rocks.

This section is about 13 miles long and is best tackled with a solid pair of boots and a few pasties in your backpack. There are plenty of places to stop for a rest, including the famous Kynance Cove Café, which serves up a well-earned cream tea with a sea view. Whether you’re in it for the challenge or the photo opportunities, this is one of Cornwall’s most rewarding hikes.

This is one of the wildest and most dramatic sections of the South West Coast Path, taking you from the sheltered cove of Crackington Haven to the legendary clifftops of Tintagel. Expect steep climbs, staggering drops, and views that stretch for miles along Cornwall’s north coast. This part of the trail is not for the faint-hearted, but the rewards are immense.

The route takes you past High Cliff, the highest point on the Cornish coast, before dropping into beautiful valleys and climbing back onto rugged headlands. The final stretch into Tintagel is something special, with its castle ruins perched above the waves, steeped in Arthurian legend. Whether you believe the King Arthur tales or not, the landscape here feels straight out of myth. If you’ve got energy left, a visit to the castle or a stop at one of Tintagel’s cosy pubs is the perfect way to end the hike.

For a hike that combines history, mining heritage, and epic seascapes, the Portreath to Hayle section of the South West Coast Path is a must. This stretch takes you through the old heart of Cornwall’s industrial past, where the cliffs are dotted with the remains of tin mines, engine houses, and old tramways that once powered the region’s economy.

The path is a mix of gentle trails and challenging ascents, passing by the stunning Godrevy Lighthouse, which inspired Virginia Woolf’s famous novel To the Lighthouse. The final stretch into Hayle offers a change of scenery, with rolling dunes and vast beaches that seem to go on forever. It’s a perfect route for those who love a bit of variety—one moment you’re walking through old mining landscapes, the next you’re looking out over golden sands and turquoise waters.

If you want rugged, untamed Cornwall, the section from Pendeen to Sennen is the one to pick. This route takes you through some of the most dramatic and remote parts of the Cornish coastline, where towering cliffs plunge into the Atlantic and the waves crash against the rocks below. It’s a stretch that feels wild and untouched, with mining ruins clinging to the cliff edges and the remnants of Cornwall’s tin-mining heritage scattered along the way.

The path follows the edge of Cape Cornwall, often considered the ‘real’ Land’s End by locals, before winding its way toward Whitesand Bay and into Sennen. If you time it right, you’ll reach Sennen in time to watch the sun dip below the horizon—one of the best sunset spots in the whole county. It’s a demanding walk with plenty of ups and downs, but the breathtaking views make it more than worth the effort.

This section of the South West Coast Path is pure Cornish magic. From the surf haven of Sennen, you’ll pass the famous Land’s End, where the country quite literally falls into the sea. The route then continues past dramatic cliffs and secluded coves, with hidden gems like Nanjizal Beach—one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets. The turquoise waters and natural rock arch make it a stunning stop-off point for a breather.

Further along, the path weaves through towering granite cliffs, wildflower-covered headlands, and ancient settlements before reaching Lamorna Cove. This small, peaceful cove is the perfect place to rest up with a cup of tea and take in the views. This stretch is around 10 miles long and is one of the most rewarding hikes in Cornwall for those looking to experience both rugged wilderness and quiet coastal charm.

For a hike that offers a gentler side of Cornwall’s coastline, the stretch from Falmouth to Portloe is a beauty. This part of the coast path is all about rolling hills, wooded valleys, and hidden creeks, with plenty of stunning sea views along the way. Unlike some of the more challenging sections, this route offers a more relaxed pace, perfect for those who like to take their time and soak up the scenery.

The walk starts in the picturesque harbour town of St Mawes, before winding along the Roseland Peninsula—one of Cornwall’s most unspoiled and peaceful areas. You’ll pass through small fishing villages, past sandy coves, and across lush farmland before reaching Portloe, a tiny but beautiful harbour village that feels like a step back in time. If you’re after a walk with breathtaking views but without the leg-burning climbs, this one is for you.

Trewena Cottages is the perfect base for walkers tackling the South West Coast Path in Cornwall. Located just outside Falmouth, it offers easy access to some of the most scenic sections of the trail, from the dramatic cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula to the rugged beauty of the Roseland.

After a long day of coastal hikes, guests can return to the comfort of a cosy, well-equipped cottage with a hot shower, a plush bed, and their own private outdoor space to rest tired legs. With walking maps, local tips, and hosts who know the area inside out, Trewena makes it easy to plan the perfect route—whether it’s a multi-day trek or a leisurely circular walk with a pub stop along the way.

With Cornwall’s best beaches, countryside trails, and historic sites within easy reach, Trewena offers the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation for hikers looking to explore the coast at their own pace.