Walk - Mevagissey to Par

10.7 miles (17.2 km)

Mevagissey Par

Challenging - Strenuous to easy

The day begins in the fishing town of Mevagissey, but try not to spend too long wandering the streets and waterfront as a Path of roller coaster climbs awaits! High cliffs pass rocky coves between Pentewan and Charlestown produces dramatic scenery, but tiring walking. The inland china clay works around St Austell come in and out of view. The clay industry boomed in the 19th century, resulting in the formation of the ‘Cornish Alps’, and continues today with 80% used to make paper.

There are many steps to climb along this stretch as the Path continues to rise and fall past Phoebe’s Point and Silvermine Point. Charlestown, with its beautiful historic harbour and quay, provides a welcome spot for rest and refreshment before the final stretch of the journey to Par. A diversion around china clay works at Par, leads you to the pubs and cafes and large expanse of beach at Par Sands.

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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.

Pentewan Sands Holiday Park

01726 843485

Discover touring, camping and lodge options at this 5 star beachside holiday park & complex. Day visitors are welcome, plus budget pitch up options for walkers.

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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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Le Dorney Villas Cornwall

07770 592093

No 2 , 4 bedroom sleeping 8. No3 , 3 bedroom sleeping 6. As singles or doubles.. Can be rented separately or together. Drop off and pick ups available see website.

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Sandy Toes Accommodation

07752 858771

Collection of: two studios with kitchenettes and en-suites, and two chalets with tea and coffee facilities as well as private bathrooms across the garden

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Par Bay B&B

07947 006545

Par Bay B&B is a large house overlooking St Austell bay. The B&B accommodation is on the second floor of the property & has a king size bed. Single Night Stays Welcome

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The Conifers Self Catering Apartment

07895 663417

The Conifers is a tiny self catering flat in Par Duck Pond Nat Reseve. Galley kitchen, double bedroom ensuite bathroom, lovely garden no lounge

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Chi Benygys

07938 951687

Two min walk from the Path. Also available as one bedroom. Sea view from the veranda, newly renovated, spacious living & dining areas, log burner. Parking for 2 cars. Host owns the local taxi & offers 20% discount.

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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.

Pier House

01726 67955

Georgian-era property offering unfussy rooms, plus an informal restaurant and bar.

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Teacup Tearoom

07483 899359

The Teacup Tearoom is a multi award winning tearoom. Dog friendly, cater for allergies and dietary requirements, homemade cakes & cream teas

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Bluebells Coffee House

01726 212333

A cozy, community driven cafe, offering expertly brewed coffee, food and a welcoming atmosphere. We are Dog Friendly with a Soft Play inside.

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Coast Path Cafe

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.

NCI Charlestown

01726 817068

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Gorran Haven Car Service

07938 951687

Taxi Service based in Gorran Haven, serving from Porthscatho to Fowey, dog friendly, luggage transfer for small parties, very reasonably priced. Female driver.

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Highlights

Stocking up on refreshments in the interesting, narrow streets of Mevagissey.

Views of undulating fields and white stretch of Pentewan Beach beyond.

The extensive views from Black Head: a humped, windswept promontory which is the site of an Iron Age cliff castle. There is a memorial stone here to the Cornish poet A.L. Rowse.

Walking through the woodland which runs down to Hallane Mill Beach: a good place for a picnic.

The woodland of Ropehaven Cliffs: a Cornwall Wildlife Trust Reserve and a good place to spot nesting fulmars. According to the CWT, fossils found in the rocks here indicate that 400 million years ago Ropehaven lay beneath tropical seas.

Emerging from the trees at Ropehaven to fantastic views of the Path twisting around the cliffs ahead.

Charlestown: Charlestown Harbour still remains relatively untouched by development and so has been a very important film and TV location over the years. It was used in the filming of the 1976 World War II drama The Eagle Has Landed, the 1975-77 romantic drama Poldark and the 1970's series The Onedin Line. The Shipwreck Treasure Museum on Quay Road has many artefacts from shipwrecks and one of the largest underwater diving equipment collections in the country. Open from March to November from 10.00-17.00, Tel: 01726 69897.

The National Coastwatch Station on Landrion Point.

Exploring the dunes of Par Sands.

Views ahead from Polmear to Gribbin Head.

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