Walk - Hayle to St Ives

6.1 miles (9.8 km)

Hayle St Ives

Moderate - Moderate

The route from Britain’s oldest swing bridge leads you along roads following the Hayle Estuary. You are able to take small detours in places in order to reach the muddy flats which are home to many different species of birdlife. Hayle was once the most important industrial port in Cornwall and a centre of copper mining and smelting.

The Path also follows part of the ancient pilgrim route called St Michael’s Way which led pilgrims across Cornwall from Lelant to Marazion, near Penzance, where they would then travel on to the Cathedral of St James in Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. Follow the railway line to St Ives, passing Carbis Bay and through the wooded outskirts of the town before arriving at the large, sheltered expanse of golden sand that is Porthminster Beach.

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Safety advice

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.

Ayr Holiday Park

01736 795855

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.

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The Painters Cottage

01736797626
Small friendly guest house set in historic former artist's residence with arts and crafts period features. Ideal for exploring West Cornwall and the South West Coast Path. One night stays, 4 full ensuite rooms. Evening meal available
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Carlill Guesthouse

01736 796738

Stylish modern ensuite rooms. Few minutes to coast/amenities. Long parking available

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The Western Hotel

01736 795277
In the heart of St Ives with good breakfasts, comfy rooms and live music at night. Just steps away from the harbour, local art galleries and Coast Path. Baggage transfers.
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Polmanter Touring Park

01736 795640

1.5 miles from St Ives, we offer the perfect base to explore West Cornwall offering award-winning camping facilities and 2 luxury apartments.

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Cohort Hostel

01736 791664
Newly renovated hostel: Centre of St Ives & minutes from the coastal path. Dorms & private rooms, free WiFi, kitchen, TV room, lounge & bar.
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Tamarisk Guest House

01736 797201/07798 800 930
Tamarisk is only 10 minutes' walk from Porthmeor Beach and Town Centre. Away from traffic and situated on a delightful lane leading onto the cliffs carrying the south West Coast path.
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Creekside B&B

01736 753969

Creekside B&B in Hayle welcomes you warmly with ensuite rooms, free wifi & a tasty breakfast. Transport links, cafes, restaurants & shops are nearby.

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Trevalgan Touring Park

01736 791892
Located just 2 miles from St Ives town centre, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with a wondrful peaceful atmosphere. Ideally situated to explore the delights of the West Cornwall peninsula.
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Sandbanks Holidays

01736 752594

Nestled in the sand dunes of St Ives Bay, surrounded by National Trust conservation areas, with direct access to the coastal road and the A30, sandbank is an ideal location, whatever your personal holiday passion. 

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Sandbank House B&B

01736 752820

Nestled in the sand dunes, surrounded by conservation areas, with direct access to the coast road and A30, we are in an ideal location whatever your personal holiday passion.

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Nanterrow Farm

01209 712282

Found in the heart of a 100 acre farm, this charming late Georgian farmhouse sits within a traditional country garden in a quiet, traffic free valley.

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The Tinner's Arms

01736 796927
Built in 1271, The Tinners Arms has been at the heart of Zennor for over 700 years. Pub, restaurant and small B&B.
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Mount View Hotel

01736 710416

Ten minutes from the Coast Path. Open all year. B*B includes a full Cornish breakfast. Dogs welcome and free of charge.

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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.

Explore In Cornwall

01736 740234

We provide guided day and half day walks on the South West Coast Path across Cornwall and other parts of the Trail. These are guided by Steve Crummay who has 30+ years experience of working in Cornwall's amazing coast and countryside.

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Shadows at St Ives Bay. Photographer Georgia Wallis, Plymouth. St Ives Photographer Des Gardner (2012 Photo Competition entry) Hayle Estuary. Photographer S Curtis. Hayle Estuary Mouth Photographer Julia Waters (2012 Photo Competition entry) near st. ives Photographer Oliver Klemencic (2012 Photo Competition entry) Across the Sand Dunes at Hayle looking towards St Ives Photographer Rosie Spooner (2012 Photo Competition entry) Cornish palms taken between Carbis Bay and St Ives. Photographer Katy Lawry, Nottinghamshire. Carbis Bay Western end Photographer Julia Waters (2012 Photo Competition entry) Where the sea is blue near St Ives. Photographer John Edwards, Hengoed. Harbour at St Ives, Cornwall. Photographer Mike Hutchinson, Worcestershire. Dawn at St Ives. Photographer Lucy Bloomfield, Newport Pagnell. St Ives harbour by night. Photographer Nigel Paige-Dickins, Wilts. Smeaton's Pier Lighthouse. St Ives. Photographer Jennifer Wardley, West Sussex. St Ives from Porth Kidney Sands Photographer Julia Waters (2012 Photo Competition entry) St Ives from Porth Kidney Sands. Photographer Ted Forman. Hayle. Photographer Ted Forman. St Ives. Photographer Jaap Gaasenbeek View of St Ives Photographer M Beadles (2012 Photo Competition entry) From Carbis Bay South the Luxurious South West Coast Path Photographer Phil Robinson View over Carbis Bay. Photographer R Kelly, Nottinghamshire. Approaching Carbis Bay. Photographer Paul Melling, Lancashire. St Ives Lighthouse Photographer Rob Kendall (2012 Photo Competition entry) St Ives Harbour, Cornwall Photographer Chris Parker (2012 Photo Competition entry) St Ives from Porthminster Point Photographer Julia Waters (2012 Photo Competition entry) The sun setting on St Ives. Taken from Hayle Towans coastpath Photographer Jenny Phillips (2012 Photo Competition entry) St Ives. Photographer John Edwards, Hengoed. Pre Dawn in St Ives Photographer Rob Kendall (2012 Photo Competition entry) St Ives from Hayle Towans. Photographer Andrew Campbell , Falmouth. Beach rainbow. Captured on Carbis Bay.. Photographer: Andrew Turner Porthmoer Beach, St Ives, Cornwall Photographer Chris Parker (2012 Photo Competition entry) Lelant Station, Hayle Estuary Photographer Julia Waters (2012 Photo Competition entry) St Ives Town Beach Photographer Rosie Spooner Porthmeor Beach, St Ives. Photographer Sarah Harrison, London. St Ives Harbour. Photographer Ted Forman Sunset at St Ives Bay. Photographer Georgia Wallis, Plymouth. Clodgy view Photographer Lowenna Jones (2013 Photo Competition entry)

Interactive Elevation

  • Hayle - Minor route change - Oct 2015: As part of the renovation of North Quay on the outskirts of Hayle, a new riverside walkway has been constructed along which the Coast Path now runs (previously it ran along a track about 30 metres away). More details.

Highlights

  • The birds of Hayle Estuary including curlews and oystercatchers. Winter is the season to see the most birds, in fact as many as 18,000 birds have been recorded here in the cold season.
  • Hayle’s mining and rail heritage. Little remains of the Carnsew foundry of Harvey & Co near the railway viaduct in the town centre, yet at one time it was a thriving business exporting Cornish beam engines and other mining equipment all over the world. You can find out more information from the town library and Tourist Information Centre in Commercial Road.
  • The RSPB hide at Ryan’s Field, open to visitors and containing information and identification charts.
  • St Uny’s Church, Lelant, with its ancient Cornish crosses. It is believed that the churchyard is built on the site of a Roman fort. This is the starting point of St Michael’s Way.
  • The views of the dunes and out to Godrevy from above Porth Kidney Sands. This beach is often deserted due to lack of parking facilities.
  • The large, sheltered sandy beaches of Carbis Bay, which are perfect for picnics.
  • Exploring all that St Ives has to offer, including a wealth of art and crafts, fantastic cafes and restaurants and of course the beautiful beaches.

Shorter option

Carbis Bay (4.5 miles, 7 km).

Longer option

Zennor (7.2 miles, 11.2km) - but be aware that the section of path between St Ives and Zennor of path is quite rugged and you should allow at least 3 hours.

Public transport

The nearest train stations are Hayle & St Ives. 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.

Parking

Hayle (Postcode for Sat Navs: TR27 4HQ), Lelant, Carbis Bay and St Ives.

Section 20: Hayle to St Ives

Starts 227 miles (366 km) from Minehead

Ends 399 miles (642 km) to Poole

Previous section in South West Coast Path Portreath to Hayle

Next section in South West Coast Path St Ives to Pendeen

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