Walk - Portloe to Mevagissey

12.2 miles (19.6 km)

Portloe Mevagissey

Challenging - Strenuous to easy

A bit of a clamber across rocks along a rather rugged Path out of Portloe eases around the more pastoral landscape of Caerhays Castle, before becoming tougher again on the approach to Hemmick Beach. From here the high cliffs to the windswept, 375 foot headland of Dodman Point looms ahead. Views from here are fantastic, especially on a clear day when you may even be able to make out Berry Head in Devon.

The landscape of the Path varies between a mixture of wild scrub and soft pastures and some road walking around Gorran Haven. The Path then really opens up on the approach to Chapel Point and walking is easy with rewarding views in all directions. Mevagissey, with its double walled harbour, is a busy fishing port and offers a good range of refreshments after 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.

Mevagissey Bay Hotel

01726 843453

We believe we have probably the best hotel location in the Mevagissey Bay area with stunning sea views perfectly placed for the coastal path.

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Portholland Escapes

07788373673

Fabulous converted horse trailer ‘Sea Biscuit’ (sleeps 2) outdoor kitchen, hot shower shed , fire pit… all in an area of outstanding natural beauty! 50 metres from the beach

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2a Coastguard Cottages Gorran Haven

+447905000122

Cosy Cornish Coastguards cottage located directly on the SW Coast Path. Sleeps 4, dog friendly, stunning views, log burner, parking for 2 cars, near shops & restaurants.

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Caerhays Holidays

01872501310

We offer 5 of our stunning properties all with direct access to the the SWCP.

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Treveague Campsite

01726844027

A quiet peaceful campsite, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Southern Cornish Coast. Perfect facilities for walkers. Food Drink Showers Laundry

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The Hut at Well Cottage

07985959637

Cosy shepherd's hut for two with log burner, kitchenette and separate private shower room between Veryan and Portloe on the Roseland Peninsula.

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The Cove

01726843781

We are a family run cafe and comfortable en-suite bed and breakfast in the pretty coastal village of Pentewan, over looking the village square.

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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.

Boswinger Hostel Ltd

01726 844527

YHA Boswinger is 10 minutes walk from the South West Coast Path offering good value rooms with sea views. From £39 per room. Evening pizzas and breakfasts available.

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Coast Path Cafe

07512543735

Right on the Coast Path at beautiful Gorran Haven. A village co-operative, we serve fresh, local, homemade food with wonderful 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.

Mevagissey Tourist Information Centre

01726 842200

Pop in to find out what's going on in and around Mevagissey and also browse Hurley Books bookshop

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Highlights

Views back to the tiny harbour of Portloe.

Caerhays Castle and Gardens: the castle was designed in 1808 by the Georgian architect John Nash. The gardens, known for their magnolias, are open to the public in the spring. For more information tel: 01872 501310.

Porthluney Cove: designated a Eurobeach, this sheltered cove is clean and safe for swimming. The 1979 version of Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca, starring Jeremy Brett as Maxim de Winter, was filmed here.

The secluded sands of Hemmick Beach, surrounded on three sides by rocky cliffs.

Dodman Point and the Bulwark earthworks: this large headland was once an Iron Age fort, thought to have been the largest cliff castle in the South West. There are remnants of an ancient strip-field system and the remains of two Bronze Age barrows. There is a large, plain, stone cross erected in 1896 as a navigation aid. On a clear day views extend to Lizard Point in the west and Berry Head in the east.

Sitting on the bench or fields above Vault Beach.

The views of Gorran Haven from Maenease Point and beyond.

Walking through the fields towards Chapel Point and the white pebbles of Colona Beach.

Bodrugan’s Leap at Turbot Point: named after Sir Henry Bodrugan (also known as Sir Henry Trenowth) who made his escape from his pursuing enemy Sir Richard Edgcumbe of Cothele by leaping off the cliff to a boat which took him to safety in France.

Admiring the white 1930’s houses at Chapel Cove - a truly beautiful place to live!

Searching the rock pools at low tide on Portmellon Beach.

The interesting narrow streets of Mevagissey.

Public transport

The nearest train station is Truro, from where there are regular buses to Portloe and Mevagissey. Alternatively From St Austell train station, buses run to Mevagissey and Goraan Haven.

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.

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