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.

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

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.

The Painters Cottage Bed and Breakfast

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

Cohort St Ives

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

Carnelloe Farm

Panoramic sea and sky views at Carnelloe a very cosy granite home, slps 6, wood burner & comfortable sofa, Chairs, 3 bedrooms, 12 acres of pastural farm land, 2 bathrooms

Trevalgan Touring Park

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

Loggans Lodge

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

Hope Farm Holidays

Eco campsite situated 1 mile from the coast. Peaceful, quiet, compost toilets, solar showers, ideal for walkers

Wheal Rodney Holiday Park Ltd

Small, family run holiday park in Marazion, free-to-use warm pool and free power showers. Camping and self-catering!

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.

Interactive Elevation

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.

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