Walk - Polperro to Portwrinkle

12.7 miles (20.4 km)

Polperro Portwrinkle

Challenging - Moderate to strenuous

The South West Coast Path leads you along a fantastically varied journey of high cliff paths, urban landscapes, shady woodland, passing rocky coves and through wide open fields, resulting in a mixture of easy strolling and some more strenuous walking.

After Looe, the Path passes through the holiday village of Millendreath and opens up again on Bodigga Cliffs, where the views open out to the Path ahead and Rame Head in the distance. In some places the Path twists and climbs to heights with spectacular views, especially on the approach to Battern Cliffs, which is one of the highest points on the south coast of Cornwall at 462 ft (141 m). From here you enjoy some truly fantastic cliff walking to the fishing village of Portwrinkle with views of the 4 mile expanse of Whitsand Bay beyond.

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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.

Hendersick Farm House

01503 263207

Ideal for short breaks for small groups (up to 6).B & B with own kitchen & lounge. Directly on Path. Historic farmstead with sea views, peaceful countryside & comfortable hospitality

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Camping Caradon Touring Park

01503 272388

Located halfway between the harbour towns of Looe and Polperro. 3.5 acres of level ground with excellent facilities. Open all year. Free wifi. Local bus service.

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2 Pendennis B&B

07989 037699/01503 598124

The house is 50 metres off the coast path and a few minutes’ walk from shops, pubs and restaurants. Breakfast is buffet style. I can provide dairy free alternatives. We have a pleasant garden for you to relax in. Happy to provide local information.

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Bridgeside Guest House

01503 263113

A family run Victorian Guest House situated in the heart of Looe with bar, outdoor area and harbour views. A stone's throw from Looe's many shops and restaurants and 5 minutes from the coast path.

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The Anchorage

01503 250445 / 07864 104732

Light bright airy double room with sea & countryside views. Private en-suite shower room with private sun patio and own entrance. Single night stays welcome.

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Riverview Farm

01503 262454

Relax amongst nature and wildlife – Riverview Farm is a small, working farm overlooking the East Looe River valley. Self catering – sleeps 4

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House On The Props B&B

01503 272310

B&B & Restaurant.16th Century timber building 'propped' up over the river on old ships timbers. On the Path overlooking Polperro Harbour & Quay

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Great Kellow Farm Caravan & Campsite

01503 272387

Great Kellow Farm is situated above the beautiful village of Polperro. We are a quiet family & dog friendly campsite. The campsite has sea views and easy access to country and coastal walks.

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Landaviddy Farm

01503 273302

Situated just a 10 minute walk from Polperro and close to beautiful Lansallos & Lantic beaches. 2 ensuite bedrooms, ample parking. Cornish cream tea for advanced bookings.

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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.

Sarah's Pasty Shop

01503 263973

Delicious, freshly made local pasties. Looe's oldest pasty shop, voted no 1 in the SWCP Coastpath Pasty Top Ten. Lots of flavours including our breakfast pasty, traditional and vegetarian options

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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.

Barries Taxis

07792 722549

Male & female drivers. Dog Friendly. We are the largest day fleet in Looe. Any distance considered. Call for further information.

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Highlights

The First World War granite cross memorial at Downend Point.

Talland Bay, with its dramatically positioned, ancient church dedicated to St Tallanus.

Views from Hendersick, above the Hore Stone, out to St George’s Island (also known as Looe Island).

The fantastic names, such as Aesop’s Bed, Samphire Beach, Chimney Rock, and Eglarooze Cliff.

West and East Looe. You can easily travel between the two halves of Looe by keeping to the quayside and crossing the river over the arched bridge, or if you are walking in peak summer season and particularly enjoy boats you can take a ferry across the mouth of the harbour. West Looe is comparatively sleepy and has a good selection of inns around the harbour. There are plenty of refreshments, galleries and shops in East Looe, which can be very busy, and the Old Guildhall Gaol and Museum on Higher Market Street contains a wealth of information about Looe’s fishing and shipbuilding history. Tel: 01503 263709.

Exploring the many rock pools of Downderry Beach exposed at low tide.

Battern Cliffs and views of the seabirds around the Long Stone stack.

Views of the tiny harbour of Portwrinkle from Britain Point.

The walls of the 17th-century pilchard fishing cellars still standing above Portwrinkle harbour.

Public transport

The easiest way to reach Polperro is to catch a train to Looe and then a bus. From West Looe buses go to Shortacross on the A387 where you can change for a bus to Portwrinkle. 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.

Nearby Events

Poldark North & East Cornwall Location Tour

14 April, 4 May, 3 June, 7 July, 14 September, Charlestown & Stepper Point, Cornwall

Each day will cover part of Cornwall and visit filming locations used in the BBCTV 2015-19 production, which your guide worked on as a Supporting Artist. More info.
Walk for Parkinsons (Cornwall)

Sunday 6th September 2020, Gribbin Head, Cornwall

Join in on this stunning walk and unite with thousands of others raising money across the UK. Every step takes us closer to a cure. More info.
Plymouth Coastal Runners October Challenge

1st-31st October 2020, Plymouth & surrounding area, Devon

The Plymouth Coastal Runners' TT is a ‘virtual’ time trial, based on segments on Strava. You have the whole month (1st-31st October) to run set routes as many times as you want with all results counting towards the leaderboard. More info.