Walk - Port Isaac to Padstow

11.7 miles (18.8 km)

Port Isaac Padstow

Challenging - Strenuous to easy

The Coast Path follows some truly beautiful, unspoiled sections of coast, including the remote inlet of Pine Haven and the historic promontory known as The Rumps. Views from here are spectacular. A strenuous first half to Polzeath, crossing small valleys and winding round exposed headlands, is followed by an easy walk and ferry crossing into Padstow.

Once home to the composer Malcolm Arnold, Padstow is an idyllic, Cornish fishing town with beautiful surroundings and has been used as a backdrop for many films and television programmes, including the 70’s film The Eagle Has Landed, which was filmed in the sand dunes at Rock. Padstow is also home to a fine selection of cafes and restaurants such as Rick Stein’s famous seafood restaurant, making it the perfect place to end a day of walking the South West Coast Path.

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There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

South Quay B&B

01841 532 383

A house on the harbourside in Padstow. 2 double rooms, the en suite top bedroom has a tiny terrace under the gable of the house.

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Moyles Farm

01208 862331

Amazing views over open farmland, a perfect retreat to relax and unwind after a day on the Path. Range of accommodation including Shepherds Huts. Lifts to Path & luggage transfer on request.

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Lowen Lodge

01208 895 354

Perfect dog friendly cottage for 2 between Rock and Polzeath. gweengtweevgage ggtfectCornish Traditional Cottages offer self-catering holiday homes throughout Cornwall. Find your perfect base for exploring the Cornish Coast.

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Mariners Lettings Ltd

01208 869257

Mariners Lettings - seven self-catering properties in Rock ranging in size from two to five bedrooms, 500 metres from the SW Coast Path

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Tresco Farm

Wild camping farm site, pub within walking distance. 2 mile from coast.

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Seascape Hideaways at Port Isaac

07887 604295

Perched above Port Isaac harbour, The Fo’C’sle is an enchanting Grade II listed fisherman’s cottage hugging the headland to the SWCP and this beautiful stretch of coast.

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The Slipway

01208 880264

The Slipway, overlooking the sea front is a Terraced Bar & Restaurant with a B&B above, in the centre of Port Isaac.

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Coswarth House

07907626084

A beautifully furnished boutique hotel in a listed building with breakfast served at Rick Stein's Cafe. Each room has a luxury bathroom.

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Home By The Sea

07814 370650 / 07837 849009

No frills accommodation - but comfortable warm welcome, allowing people to walk the path and explore port Isaac on a budget. Call 07814 370650/07837 849009 or email [email protected] for walkers rates

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Dennis Cove Campsite

01841 532349

Closest campsite to the harbour,10min walk from the Path via the Camel Trail. Serene site bordering the Camel Estuary. A perfect base to explore the Cornish coastline & beaches.

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Trewetha Cottage B&B

01208 880877

Stunning location, Cornish cottage B&B furnished to a high standard. Single night stays.Pick up/drop to the Path

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The Annexe Eastholme

07970 947682

Self catering one bedroom apartment, kingsize bed, heating, wifi, parking, fully equipped, linen and towels included. Drying/laundry available on request for a small fee.

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Tregella Place Camping

07964 973054

Basic rural site with some facilities. 10 min drive from Padstow

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You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Oystercatcher

01208 862371

Contemporary menu & sea view plus dog friendly, self-catering apartments

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The Pityme Inn

01208 862228

Just 1 mile from Padstow beach and incorporating a village shop and takeaway, the Pityme Inn serves up the best of local produce from 9 am each day. Garden with heating pods and 4 rooms available.

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Rest A While Tea Garden

01841 532919

A delightful Tea Garden where you can relax enroute with outstanding views just 50m off the Coast Path. Serving hot & cold drinks & Cream Teas (traditional, savoury, vegan, gluten-free). Outside seating only. 11 am -3.00 pm

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The London Inn

01841 531129

A traditional Cornish pub full of charm and character with a large selection of cask ales and four comfortable rooms. Situated minutes from the Harbour.

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The Golden Lion

01208 822345

In in the heart of Port Issac we are a traditional pub with beautiful sea views. With open fires and terraces, we have the perfect spot to sit, eat and drink anytime of the year

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Old Custom House

01841 532359

Prime position on Padstow’s South Quay, quality food and drink with a view plus 23 rooms & self-catering option

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What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Stepper Point NCI, Padstow

Situated above the Coast Path with commanding views out to sea and over the Camel river. Visitors most welcome.

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NCI Stepper Point

07810 898041

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The National Lobster Hatchery

01841533877

Experience pioneering marine conservation in action on the beautiful estuary in Padstow and be inspired to make a difference.

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Padstow Tourist Information

01841 533449

All the information you need to enjoy your visit to Padstow.

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Highlights

Views from Lobber Point back over Port Isaac and Tintagel church and castle beyond.

Portquin: a natural harbour. This little village is also referred to as ‘the village that died’ due to the disappearance of all of the men of the village sometime in the 19th century. It is thought that they all drowned at sea whilst fishing, forcing the women to abandon their homes.

Doyden Castle: a 19th century folly built on Doyden Point, now a holiday home owned by the National Trust.

The old antimony mines at Gilson’s Cove.

Having a snack on Lundy Beach: a beautiful sandy cove with rock pools and caves and a natural arch known as Lundy Hole.

The spectacular views from Carnweather Point across Port Quin Bay to The Rumps and out to The Mouls.

Standing at the Iron Age fort on Rumps Point and looking out to the offshore rocks known as Sevensouls and the Mouls. Excavations have revealed that the fort once had stone faced ramparts and circular houses at the headland, as well as pottery made from clay from the Lizard.

Pentire Point: from here there are magnificent views of Padstow Bay to the south and west and fine examples of pillow lava leading to the Rumps behind you.

The Doom Bar: shifting sands resulted in the formation of a sand bar at the mouth of the Camel Estuary, which makes entering the port very difficult. The Doom Bar has been responsible for hundreds of wrecks. Could it really be the result of a mermaid’s curse?.

The views of and from the Bronze Age tumuli of Brea Hill.

Watching the surfers at Hayle Bay.

Taking the ferry from Rock across the river Camel to Padstow.

Public transport

The nearest train station is Bodmin, from where you can get a bus to Pastow or Port Isaac via Wadebridge. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the train station and bus stop symbols, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

The ferry from Rock to Padstow runs on demand almost every day of the year, except Sundays in the winter. See our estuaries and ferries page for details.

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