Secluded coves to windswept headlands

Falmouth to Par – 36.5 miles/ 3 days along the Roseland 

Summary

The south coast of Cornwall is typically more sheltered in parts than the north Atlantic coastline and it’s also one of the most diverse sections of Coast Path. Secluded coves and wooded valleys are found in some sections of this walk, while in others there are high windswept headlands jutting out to sea. This route takes in the lush Roseland Peninsula, part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as a series of fishing ports and the headlands of Dodman Point and Black Head. It combines fairly easy walking with quite strenuous stretches of Coast Path where the views offer a reward for your efforts.

Highlights

Leaving Falmouth, which is reputed to have the third largest natural harbour in the world, the Coast Path crosses the Fal to Place on the Roseland Peninsula via a seasonal ferry from St Mawes. There are fantastic views back to Falmouth from the landing at St Anthony’s Head.

As you approach Portloe, the route becomes more strenuous with steep ascents and descents but the views of the tiny fishing village and its harbour are well worth the effort. The second day’s walk starts off with a clamber over rocks before a mixed bag of walking ahead.

An easy stroll to the busy fishing port of Mevagissey, with its double walled harbour and good range of refreshments, is a welcome relief after the dizzy heights of Dodman Point. The last leg offers more rollercoaster cliff paths and dramatic scenery towards Charlestown.

The final stretch of the journey follows a diversion around china clay works at Par, which still exports the clay from the 19th century docks, before leading to the large expanse of beach and dunes at Par sands where there’s a selection of cafes and pubs.

Itinerary

  1. Falmouth to Portloe 13.6 miles (21.9 km)
  2. Portloe to Mevagissey 12.2 miles (19.6 km)
  3. Mevagissey to Par 10.7 miles (17.2 km)

Relevant section guides

We have split the path into 52 sections, and for each one have produced a section guide. These pages do not aim to replace the guidebooks, but aim to give a flavour of what each section is like, and show you about the highlights and places of interest along the route, along with links to accommodation information and much more. The relevant section guides for this walk are exactly the same as the day walk in the iterinary:-

  1. Falmouth to Portloe 13.6 miles (21.9 km)
  2. Portloe to Mevagissey 12.2 miles (19.6 km)
  3. Mevagissey to Par 10.7 miles (17.2 km)

Travel

First Great Western train run regularly between the mainline train station at Truro to Falmouth. The Falmouth to St Mawes ferry runs throughout the year, departing from the Prince of Wales pier or Custom House Quay. There is a seasonal ferry between St Mawes and Place which takes about 10 minutes. When this is not running you can book a water taxi. For more information about the crossings visit the Fal River links website. There are bus links from Truro to Portloe and Mevagissey. St Austell also has a mainline train station with regular bus links to Mevagissey. The very regular 26 bus goes from Mevagissey to Par via Pentewan and St Austell and Par also has a connecting train service. For further details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.

Walks from the track

Accommodation, Activity, Eat and Drink Finder