Hello fellow walkers and hikers — I’m Andrea, a travel writer and blogger based in St Agnes in West Cornwall, where I spend much of my time exploring and documenting the magnificent Cornish coastline.
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking the Cornwall section of the South West Coast Path, this guide is designed to help you plan, pace, and fully enjoy the journey. Whether you’re tackling the full stretch from Bude to Plymouth or simply dipping into a few unforgettable stages, this walk offers far more than scenery — it’s a deep, physical connection with one of the most dramatic coastlines in Britain.
This itinerary includes 26 walking days plus 4 flexible buffer or rest days, giving you space to adjust for weather, recovery, or simply lingering in places you fall in love with.
Why I Love Walking in Cornwall
People often ask me what I love most about hiking in this beautiful county, and the answer is never simple.
I love the harshness of the winter months — the wind against my face and the familiar sting of cold air that leaves my nose running and my spirit strangely alive. Spring brings its own magic, with wildflowers scattered across the cliffs in soft bursts of colour. Then comes summer, when turquoise waters shimmer beneath the cliffs and every walk feels almost dreamlike.
In autumn, the Atlantic storms roll in with raw power, sending waves crashing against the cliffs below. Yet beyond all of this, what I treasure most is the stillness — sitting at St Agnes Head watching a double rainbow stretch across the sea, feeling a rare and complete sense of peace.
As I walk, I meet all kinds of fellow adventurers: solo hikers searching for clarity, friends sharing the journey, charity walkers raising money for causes close to their hearts, and long-distance trekkers pushing from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Everyone has their own reason for being there, but the coast seems to offer the same gift to all of us — space to think, breathe, and reset.
Wild, Lonely and Utterly Addictive: Cornwall in Winter
Distance, Terrain & Pacing Notes
The Cornwall section of the South West Coast Path runs approximately 288 miles (around 464 km) from Bude to Plymouth.
Most walkers average 9–10 miles per day, though this varies depending on terrain, weather, and stops. Some days are shorter due to ferry schedules or accommodation logistics, while others feel significantly harder due to steep ascents and exposed cliff paths.
Expect:
- Constant elevation changes (Cornwall is famously “up and down”)
- Exposed Atlantic winds, especially on the north coast
- Slower progress than mileage suggests
- Plenty of reasons to stop for photos, coffee, or simply to take it all in
This is widely considered one of the most physically demanding sections of the entire South West Coast Path, not because of altitude, but because of relentless ups and downs.
Day-by-Day Itinerary (26 Walking Days + Buffers)
Day 1: Bude to Crackington Haven (~10 miles)
A rugged, exhilarating start with dramatic cliffs and wide Atlantic views.
Highlights:
- Wild, exposed coastline
- Powerful surf
- Early sense of remoteness
- Adventures on the Cornish Coast Path: Bude to Crackington Haven
Day 2: Crackington Haven to Boscastle or Tintagel (~10–11 miles)
Steep climbs and cinematic coastal scenery define the day.
Highlights:
- Boscastle harbour
- Tintagel’s dramatic clifftop setting
- Ancient, mythic atmosphere
Day 3: Tintagel to Port Isaac (~9–10 miles)
Rocky terrain softens into quieter coves.
Highlights:
- Hidden beaches
- Port Isaac’s narrow lanes and fishing village charm
- Fresh seafood stops
Day 4: Port Isaac to Padstow (~12 miles)
Rolling terrain with sweeping estuary views.
Highlights:
- Camel Estuary scenery
- Padstow harbour
- Famous local seafood
Tip: The Rock–Padstow ferry can shorten the route.
Day 5: Padstow to Porthcothan (~13–14 miles)
Long beaches and open headlands.
Highlights:
- Quiet coves
- Wide Atlantic views
- Peaceful coastal cafés
Day 6: Porthcothan to Newquay (~11 miles)
Transition into surf country.
Highlights:
- Newquay beaches
- Coastal viewpoints
- Lively seaside atmosphere
- Adventures on the Cornish Coast Path: Porthcothan to Newquay
Day 7: Newquay to Perranporth (~11 miles)
A mix of dunes and cliff paths.
Highlights:
- Perranporth beach
- Sand dune landscapes
- Gentle recovery terrain
Day 8: Perranporth to Portreath (~12 miles)
A wilder, more exposed stretch.
Highlights:
- Seabirds and seals
- Remote cliff scenery
- Mining heritage landscape
- Passing through my home village of St Agnes with its welcoming pubs and cafés
- St Agnes, Cornwall
- Adventures on the Cornish Coast Path: Perranporth to Portreath
Day 9: Portreath to Hayle or Gwithian (~12 miles)
Open coastline with estuary views.
Highlights:
- Hayle estuary birdlife
- Long sandy beaches
- Peaceful walking rhythm
Day 10: Hayle to St Ives (~6–8 miles)
A shorter, scenic day.
Highlights:
- St Ives harbour
- Art galleries and cafés
- Stunning beaches
Day 11: St Ives to Zennor or Pendeen (~12–14 miles)
Classic wild West Cornwall.
Highlights:
- Granite cliffs
- Ancient mining landscapes
- Remote Atlantic views
Day 12: Pendeen to Sennen Cove (~9–10 miles)
Increasingly dramatic coastal scenery.
Highlights:
- Rugged cliff paths
- Wide Atlantic panoramas
- Surf atmosphere at Sennen Cove
- Adventures on the Cornish Coast Path: Pendeen to Sennen
Day 13: Sennen Cove via Land’s End to Porthcurno or Lamorna (~11–13 miles)
Iconic Cornish coastline.
Highlights:
- Land’s End
- Porthcurno’s turquoise waters
- Minack Theatre views
- Adventures on the Cornish Coast Path: Sennen to Lamorna
Day 14: Lamorna to Marazion (~9 miles)
A gentler day around Mount’s Bay.
Highlights:
- St Michael’s Mount views
- Calm bay scenery
- Easier terrain
Day 15: Marazion to Porthleven (~11 miles)
Fishing villages and coastal drama.
Highlights:
- Porthleven harbour
- Excellent seafood
- Wildflower-lined paths
- Adventures on the Cornish Coast Path: Marazion to Portheven
Day 16: Porthleven to The Lizard (~13 miles)
Reaching the southernmost point of mainland Britain.
Highlights:
- Rugged cliffs
- Remote atmosphere
- Expansive sea views
- Adventures on the Cornish Coast Path: Mullion Cove to Lizard Point
Day 17: The Lizard to Coverack (~11 miles)
Quieter coves and clear waters.
Highlights:
- Fishing villages
- Picnic spots
- Coastal cafés
Day 18: Coverack to Helford (~13 miles)
A varied coastal and river section.
Highlights:
- Helford River crossings
- Woodland creeks
- Ferry sections
Day 19: Helford to Falmouth (~10 miles)
Approaching a lively harbour town.
Highlights:
- Maritime history
- Harbour walks
- Great food and accommodation
- Adventures on the Cornish Coast Path: Helford Passage to Falmouth
Day 20: Rest Day in Falmouth
Explore the town or recover.
Options:
- Pendennis Castle
- Fal Estuary walks
- Local cafés and beaches
Day 21: Falmouth to Portloe (~14 miles)
Gentler hills and quiet coves.
Highlights:
- Hidden fishing villages
- Peaceful coastline
- Long scenic stretches
Day 22: Portloe to Mevagissey (~12 miles)
Classic Cornish charm.
Highlights:
- Mevagissey harbour
- Traditional fishing boats
- Tea rooms and bakeries
Day 23: Mevagissey to Par or Charlestown (~12 miles)
Historic harbour landscapes.
Highlights:
- Charlestown’s preserved harbour
- Maritime heritage
- Tall ships
Day 24: Par to Polperro (~13 miles)
Atmospheric cliff walking.
Highlights:
- Steep coastal paths
- Polperro’s winding streets
- Classic fishing village scenery
Day 25: Polperro to Looe or Portwrinkle (~12 miles)
A slightly easier stretch.
Highlights:
- Looe harbour
- Fresh seafood
- Relaxed coastal feel
Day 26: Portwrinkle to Plymouth (~13–15 miles)
The final approach to the city.
Highlights:
- Quiet coastal villages
- Long sea views
- Arrival at Plymouth waterfront
Tip: The final section often includes the Cremyll Ferry across the River Tamar, a key link into the city.
Days 27–30: Buffer & Exploration Days
Flexible days for rest, weather delays, or exploration.
Ideas:
- Explore Plymouth Barbican
- Walk sections of the River Yealm
- Revisit favourite coastal stretches
- Take shorter day hikes nearby
Practical Tips
Accommodation
Book ahead in peak season, especially in smaller villages. Use hubs like Newquay, St Ives, Falmouth, and Plymouth for flexibility.
Food & Supplies
Cornwall is walker-friendly with:
- Cornish pasties
- Harbour cafés
- Beach kiosks
- Traditional pubs and tea rooms
Weather & Safety
- Check forecasts daily
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes
- Carry waterproof layers year-round
Ferry Crossings
Key ferries include:
- Rock–Padstow
- Helford crossings
- Fal estuary services
- Cremyll Ferry to Plymouth
Final Thoughts
Walking the Cornwall section of the South West Coast Path is more than a long-distance hike. It is a slow unfolding of the landscape, the weather, and yourself. The coast reshapes your pace, your thoughts, and even your sense of time.
At first, you measure everything in miles. Eventually, you measure it in moments — sea mist at sunrise, the warmth of a harbour café after rain, and the quiet satisfaction of reaching yet another cliff edge with the Atlantic stretching endlessly ahead.
I hope you love the Cornish coast path as much as I do xxxx
