The Wild West Coast

West Cornwall: Mounts Bay to St Ives

Ideas for a seven day trip (but can be shortened) exploring (by car or bus) the coastline of West Cornwall from Mounts Bay to St Ives.  This rugged coastline is teeming with wildlife, steeped in legend, and punctuated by dramatic granite cliffs and crumbling engine houses.

Whether you want to spend a day or week exploring West Cornwall, this is the trip for you. With the help of local experts we've pulled together ideas for days out on this wild and rugged coastline. These combine walks taking in the local highlights of the world renowned South West Coast Path National Trail and the Cornish Mining world Heritage Site with visits to local museums and galleries.

St Michael’s Mount and the Marazion-to-Penzance walk

Morning

In arty Marazion, five miles (8km) from Penzance, browse the town’s seaside galleries before casting away to the sea-bound St Michael’s Mount. At low tide you can walk across the causeway in the footsteps of pilgrims and a legendary giant. At high tide, hop aboard a boat or amphicraft to the island fortress where you can hunt for the giant’s stone heart; be spellbound by storytellers, stand in the firing line of bygone battles and explore subtropical gardens.

Afternoon

Whether you fancy a cream tea, crab sandwich or classic fish and chips, there are plenty of places to dine while drooling over views of Mounts Bay. Then amble the easy-peasy two miles (3.2km) from Marazion to Penzance in time for a fish supper, freshly caught by neighbouring Newlyn’s fishing fleet. “We land monkfish, turbot, brill, pollock, ling, hake and haddock,” says local fisherman James Bosustow.

Legendary Mousehole and Pilcher’s Lamorna Cove

Morning

Dinky Mousehole (3.4 miles/5.5km south of Penzance) was dubbed the ‘loveliest village in Cornwall’ by Dylan Thomas. Fortified by artisan produce from the harbour-side deli, strike out on a five-mile (8km) circular walk to Lamorna Cove – a remote artists’ colony and the film set for many of Rosamunde Pilcher’s novel adaptations. On route, pause at Point Spaniard (where 400 Spaniards landed during the Anglo-Spanish war in the late 16th Century). Peer out to seabirds nesting on St Clement’s Isle and wander through the woodland and wildflowers of Kemyel Crease Nature Reserve.  

Afternoon

Dip into Mousehole’s galleries, dine in a waterfront bistro and brush up on the legend of the Mousehole Cat – said to have braved treacherous seas on a fishing trip with its owner, Tom Bawcock (a fisherman who saved the village from starvation one stormy winter). Choose a less stormy day for a boat cruise to encounter seabirds, seals and dolphins while your skipper regales you with tales of smugglers, shipwrecks and pirates. 

Poldark and time travel — the white sands of Porthcurno

Morning

Porthcurno (3.7 miles/6km south east of Land’s End) scored a huge role in the BBC TV’s famous adaption of Winston Graham’s Poldark novels. Toss a coin to decide which Poldark film set to visit after tackling three miles (4.8km) of Coast Path above which peregrine falcons, shags and herring gulls soar. Will you head west to Porthgwarra with its slipway tunnel, or east to Penberth, past the 80-tonne hulk of Logan Rock teetering above Pedn-Vounder beach?

Afternoon

At the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum, step back to a time when this beatific beach was at the forefront of global communications (the first undersea communication cables were laid between the UK and America from this very beach). Then take a cliff-side pew at the famous Minack Theatre for an alfresco performance, or just to admire the sublime views, sub-tropical gardens and exhibition centre.

Land’s End, Sennen Cove and the Song of the Sea

Morning

At Land’s End, the most westerly tip of England, pose for the customary souvenir picture. If you don’t care for the ‘theme park’ attractions that have cropped up at this popular landmark, backtrack one mile (1.6km) along the Coast Path to the serene beauty of Nanjizal. With any luck you’ll be the only soul here, staring out to the rock formation of the Diamond Horse and the sparkling waters slipping through the narrow ‘Song of the Sea’ rock arch.

Afternoon

Carve out at least an afternoon to spend in Sennen Cove, an easy mile’s walk (1.6km) along part of the South West Coast Path (or a two-mile/3.2km drive from Land’s End). Here you can take a surf lesson, visit the Lifeboat Station or dive into the local art scene at the Roundhouse and Capstan Gallery. A very short climb above the town takes you beyond the former coastguard lookout to the cliffs overlooking Gamper Bay and the wreck of RMS Mulheim. End the day with fish and chips on the beach or seafood in Sennen’s swanky surfside restaurant. 

Cornish mining heritage at Cape Cornwall

Morning

Just under six miles (9.3km) north of Land’s End lies St Just. From here, embark on a five-mile walking loop via Cape Cornwall – an iconic promontory where the Atlantic currents divide. Gaze out to seabird breeding colonies on Brison Rocks and enjoy panoramic views to Land’s End and some of the Cornish Mining World Heritage coastline, before sipping local ale in an atmospheric 14th Century pub.

Afternoon

Park a couple of miles from St Just at Pendeen (or take the No.7 bus, or the No. 300 during summer) for an easy three-mile stroll (4.8km) around some of the key monuments of this granite and mining coast. With every footstep you can imagine the camera rolling from scenes in Poldark and steam coming from the mining chimneys. Clap eyes on the sea-lashed engine house at Botallack mine, go underground at Geevor Tin Mine and see a working beam engine in action at Levant mine.

Zennor’s mermaid, wild food and an Iron Age fort

Morning

Beguiling Zennor is just 4.4 miles (6.4km) from St Ives. It’s where DH Lawrence once lived and a legendary mermaid is said to have lured a local chorister into the cobalt seas. Witness the fabled 15th Century Mermaid Chair in St Senara Church and hunker under the low, granite ceilings of the historic Tinners Arms, before striking out along two miles (3.2km) of Coast Path to the site of an Iron Age fort on Gurnard’s Head.

Afternoon

A few minutes’ jaunt inland from Gurnard’s Head, take a pit stop at the bright yellow inn (dogs and walking boots welcome) for a dish of finger-licking food, including wild ingredients plucked from the surrounding coast and countryside. If food is your passion you can hook up with Fat Hen’s Caroline Davey for a wild food walk. “I want to show people the potential of wild ingredients and how to use foraged foods like any other ingredients you would buy from the supermarket,” says Caroline.

Arty St Ives and the pearly sands of Carbis Bay

Morning

The fishing town-cum-artist-colony of St Ives has grown into one of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations. If you’ve got a car, the best way in and out of town is via the park and ride train service from Lelant Saltings. Whether you hop on here or from St Ives, take a seat on the coastal railway to soak up the seascapes that inspired John Miller’s internationally renowned paintings. Disembark beside the pearly sands of Carbis Bay and take a tour on a Hawaiian outrigger canoe before a gentle mile-long (1.6km) stroll back to the arty hub of St Ives. 

Afternoon

Take in the highlights on the St Ives Town Trail (1.9 miles/3km), from the sands of Porthminster to surfy Porthmeor, overlooked by the world-famous Tate St Ives. Other must-see hotspots are the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Leach Pottery. But don’t miss out on the littering of lesser-known galleries where you can meet local artists. Get in touch with your creative side on a ‘sketch and stroll’ or try all sorts of craft activities at Barnoon Workshop before a sundowner in one of Cornwall’s oldest inns and dinner at one of the many fine eateries. 

 

While Penzance and St Ives have the widest selection of accommodation, there are plenty of cosy inns with rooms tucked away on this part of the coastline. There are also well-equipped campsites just footsteps from the South West Coast Path. If you want a single base for the five days, opt for a self-catering cottage within easy reach of the main town hubs. 

The businesses shown below are supporters of the Coast Path and welcome walkers. Additional listings can be found on the Visit Cornwall website. If you would like to have your accommodation and luggage transfer arranged, Contours Walking Holidays and Encounter Walking Holidays can create your perfect package.   

Caravan in the Meadow

Cosy caravan with all mod cons, located in meadow with beautiful views. Discounts and lifts for SWCP walkers.

Bosavern House

Quality B&B accommodation on the dramatic Lands End peninsula. Close to the historic mining town of St Just. An ideal base to explore the beautiful surrounding area.

The Old Post House B&B

The Old Post House B&B provides the perfect base for a comfortable stay in light and spacious rooms in a classic, granite house close to the centre of St Just.

Cape Cornwall Club

CCC is a dog friendly boutique sports resort with 23 en suite rooms and food includes seabass and lobster caught 100m away. Our large terrace looks across England's only cape

Trevaylor Campsite

500m from the Coast Path, Trevaylor is a family run camping and holiday park offering around 60 camping pitches

Tremorran Bed & Breakfast

Built in 1908 as a mine captain’s house, boasting comfortable rooms with views over the gardens. All rooms have a seating area. Single Night Stays Welcome

Parknoweth Farm Campsite

A Small Friendly campsite with gorgeous coastal views and good facilities

Lamorna Pottery B&B

We offer an en-suite Twin or King Size rooms. Evening meal by arrangement. Seating area and outlook onto patio and woods.

Treverven Farm Camping

Tents, Caravans & campervans welcome at this tranquil site with glorious views over the coast. Close to award winning beaches.

YHA Penzance

Shared and private rooms, bell tents, landpods and pitch-up camping. Dogs welcome at campsite.

The Dairy Barn

We offer self-catering accommodation in the centre of the Land's End peninsular, with multiple properties including 3 barn conversions (sleep 2). Single and 2 night stays available call to find out availability.

The North Inn, Pendeen

Traditional Cornish Village Pub with large beer garden, 4 x B & B rooms and simple camping with sea views

Panorama Guest House

A small, friendly, family-run guest house in Newlyn, ideally situated for access to the Coastal Path and with bus stops right outside. Dogs welcome by prior arrangement.

The Studio

The architect designed Studio is located on the west side of Penberth valley in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 8 mins walk from the Path.

Land's End Hostel and B&B , Trevescan

Family run boutique Hostel and B&B, 1/2mile from Lands End. Great for walkers, cyclists, Lejog. Close to The Minack, St Just Airport & Sennen.

Porthcurno Barns Holiday Rentals

Family run holiday homes nestled in the peaceful seaside hamlet of Trendrennen, within walking distance of the stunning Porthcurno, Pedn Vounder and the Minack Theatre

Keigwin House

Popular 'home from home', 5 minutes from the Path and town centre. Great breakfasts and a warm welcome awaits. 5x double/twins, 1x single and 2 x family ensuite rooms

The Tremont Hotel

The Tremont is approx. 300 metres from the South West Coast Path offering quality bed & breakfast, packed lunches and drying facilities. Walkers welcome.

Mariner's Cottage, Mousehole

Recently refurbished cottage sleeps 4. Water's edge garden and far reaching views of Mount's Bay. Dog friendly.

AG Properties Cornwall

2 Bed self catering Apartment, Penzance. Walking distance to town centre and South West Coast path. Free parking.

Boswednack Manor B&B

Quiet B&B west of Zennor. May -.Sept. Lovely views from all rooms. Self-catering cottage weekly lets all year. Leave a message on our landline and email.

Upper Deck B&B

The Upper Deck B&B has two superb bedroom suites with lovely sea views of St Michaels Mount Castle. The SWCP passes our front door.

Trevalgan Touring Park

Located just 2 miles from St Ives town centre, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with a wonderful peaceful atmosphere. Ideally situated to explore the delights of the West Cornwall peninsula.

St Ives Holiday Village

Set over 100 acres of woodland, the park is a haven for nature. Accommodation ranges from woodland chalets to luxurious lodges. Ideal for nature lovers and families who want to explore the great outdoors,the Path and nearby beaches of St Ives

Boskerris Hotel

Located in Carbis Bay, Boskerris hotel is a family run oasis. We have 15 individually decorated bedrooms, most of which with an outstanding panoramic ocean views.

Ayr Holiday Park

We offer luxury holiday caravans, s/c apartments, touring & camping pitches with amazing views and facilities. Less than half a mile from beaches, town centre & harbour. Town centre 10 minute walk from the park or a short bus/taxi ride.

Cohort St Ives

Educational Residential Trip Centre. Open to the public over Easter School Holidays and Summer School Holidays. Family rooms. Dorm rooms. Private rooms. Great facilities.

Newlyn is home to Cornwall’s biggest fishing fleet, so whether you fancy fish and chips or a seafood feast, fish lovers will be in foodie heaven. Penwith is also home to an abundance of wild ingredients from samphire to three-cornered leeks, as well as locally-reared meats.  

The businesses shown below are supporters of the Coast Path and welcome walkers. Additional listings can be found on the Visit Cornwall website.

The Commercial

The Commercial is a friendly, family run inn with 4 star accredited accommodation, serving locally sourced food and drink.

Old Success Inn

Airy quarters in a 17th-century seaside pub offering breakfast & a patio with coastal views.

Count House Cafe

The Count House Cafe at Geevor Tin Mine and Botallack Count House

Ship Inn

Airy, nautical-inspired rooms, some with bay views, in a cosy inn offering plus pub food.

It’s best to have a car if you want to explore the nooks and crannies of the area, but the hubs of St Ives and Penzance have excellent rail links. There are also bus services that link Penzance and Land’s End (No. 1/1A), Penzance and St Ives (No. 16/16A) and St Ives and Pendeen via Penzance (No. 17/17A). During summer the West Penwith Community Bus Association runs a bus service (No. 7) between Zennor and Land’s End, which is particularly useful. Visit www.travelinesw.com for public transport timetables and route planning advice. For Baggage transfers visit...www.lttaxis.co.uk

From Dover it is 354 miles (570km) and approx 6 1/2hrs drive to Penzance.  From Harwich it is 398 miles (641km) and a 7 hour drive.