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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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.

Beachpads

01872 862439

Three Individual Properties directly on the SW Coastal Route. Sleeps 1 -22. Out of school holiday and summer season single night single bedroom stays available.

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The Little Holiday Co St Ives

Comfortable and cosy one bedroom, dog friendly with sea views

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Polmanter Touring Park

01736 795640

We offer the perfect base to explore West Cornwall offering award-winning camping, glamping and luxury self-catering properties

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Cohort St Ives

01736 791664

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

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Trevalgan Touring Park

01736 791892

Stunning position with easy access from SWCP between Zennor and St Ives. Backpacker pitches, luxury heated facilities, free phone charging and a well-stocked shop.

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Loggans Lodge

07907 753219 / 01736 752021

Loggans Lodge has 3 en-suite bedrooms equipped with Tea/Coffee facilities, fridge, TV, safe, hairdryer. Close to bars, restaurants, take-aways and a supermarket

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Wheal Rodney Holiday Park Ltd

01736 710605

Small, family run holiday park in Marazion, free-to-use warm pool and free power showers. Camping and self-catering! Pitch up field for hikers amp

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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.

Pedn Olva

01736 796222

Perched on granite rocks above the sparkling waters of St Ives Bay, the Pedn Olva has been beautifully refreshed, with stylish rooms offering breath taking views over the harbour and the ocean.

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Lifeboat Inn

01736 794123

Warm rooms & apartments with free Wi-Fi in a down-to-earth pub featuring harbour views.

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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.

NCI St Ives

01736 799398

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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.

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