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.

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

01736 797626

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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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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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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St Ives Holidays

01736 794686

St Ives Holidays is one of the leading holiday cottage specialists in St Ives with nearly 250 cottages in and around the area.

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St Ives Holiday Village

01736 752000

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

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Tolroy Manor Holiday Park

01736 753 082

With an Old Cornish Manor at its heart, the Park is a haven for wildlife & nature and a charming base for your walking holiday. Stay in a cottage or house and eat out in our conservatory style restaurant. Just 1 mile from Hayle Towans beach

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Sandbank 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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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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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.

The Hoxton Special Cafe

07572 432402

(In)famous “Life Changing Coffee” an epic selection of Ice Cream, Cakes, Cream Teas in vintage china and one of the best views in Cornwall.

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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

Guided walking with a qualified Mountain Training Instructor and professional ecologist exploring everything about the path

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The Hoxton Special Watersports

07572 432402

We offer Kitesurfing, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Yoga Sessions and Coffee right on the beach. Everyone is welcome at our Watersports Cafe.

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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.

Nearby Events

The Smuggler's Scuttler

Saturday June 27th 2020, Sennen, West Cornwall.

The UK's only coastal pirate and smuggler themed half marathon. More info.
Mighal the Fifth aka Fordh Sen Migal

Saturday 12th December 2020, Lelant, West Cornwall

Exquisite trail running taking in the breathtaking views of St Michaels Mount, Trencrom, Ninnes Bridge, Knill's Monument, St Uny church and St Ives Bay, Mount's Bay and 'Bowl Rock'. More info.