Route: From Penzance to Falmouth
Overview
Penzance is situated in the shelter of Mount's Bay and enjoys the most temperate climate of the British Isles; this produces many sub-tropical plants such as ferns, palm trees, banana plants, magnolias and camelias which are on display in the local Gardens.
As well as a market town, Penzance features an attractive promenade and harbour and is a popular tourist destination for culture with music, theatre and art festivals throughout the year.
This walk starts off relatively easily, giving you time to take in the views at Marazion, especially of St Michael's Mount, a unique and stunning landmark. This can be reached by a causeway at low tide or a ferry boat if the tide is in. The scenery then gives way to cliff walking taking in Perranuthnoe and Praa Sands with lovely sandy beaches and onto the fishing village of Porthleven and the magnificent Loe Bar.
Porthleven to The Lizard and onward to Coverack is arguably the most unique and beautiful stretch of the whole South West Coast Path and is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty with amazing cliff top views and wildlife. Finally onward to Helford and Falmouth, with many changes of scenery including woodland, fields, the Gillan Creek crossing and River Helford crossing, it's likely you will see many bird species, maybe even the now rare kingfisher.
Simply a beautiful journey on a beautiful stretch of the South West Coast Path.
Walk the Trail offers 3 itineraries along this route to cater for all levels of walker. If, you feel that you'd like something different, just ask.
INCLUDED
All our holiday packages include:
- Overnight accommodation staying at carefully selected B&Bs, Inns and Hotels
- A detailed holiday pack
- Luggage transfers
- Transport from path to accommodations if necessary
- Maps
- Guidebook
- Emergency support.
NOT INCLUDED
Our holiday packages do not include:
- Transport to and from the start and end of the holiday, unless stated. We can help you with your options.
- Packed Lunches and Evening Meals
- Travel Insurance
Recommended dates to walk this route
This walk can be done all year round but the weather in the winter months may make the walk a little more difficult.
Also we advise that the ferries required at Gillan Creek and Helford only operate between Easter and the end of October. However, outside these times a taxi can be arranged where necessary.
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
Itinerary & Costs
This walk is designed for those who are experienced in walking high daily mileages.
Leaving Penzance, with iconic St Michaels Mount always in view, you walk through differing landscapes from the high clifftops onto sandy beaches, passing through picturesque Porthleven, as you make your way to your first stop at Mullion. Travel from Mullion onwards to the wooded valleys which bring you to Gillan Creek via the pretty fishing villages of Coverack and Cadgwith. Taste the wine from the vineyards at Porthallow as you walk towards your next stop, or buy a bottle to celebrate the end of the days walk when you reach Gillan. Crossing historic Helford creek by ferry prepares you for the historical maritime traditions of your last destination in Falmouth, with its numerous restaurants, pubs and shops as well as its castle watching over you at Pendennis Point. Falmouth has links to the main line rail network via the branch line, and coach and bus links to the rest of the country.
The Daily Itinerary
Click on a day for further information.
There are 2 river crossings to consider today. Gillan Creek can be waded 3 hour either side of low tide and there is a small ferry operating 3 hours either side of high tide April til October. The Helford can be crossed throughout the day using the ferry. During Spring tides, there are occasions were the Helford ferry is unable to operate for 1-3 hours if the tide is extremely low.
What's Included
Optional Extras
The following items are optional and can be removed to reduce the cost of your holiday.
Important Information
Note: We would not recommend this particular itinerary be undertaken between the months of November and February only due to the reduced daylight hours at that time of year.
Reviews
Peter & Lisa from Australia 
Janine & Ruth from Switzerland Cheryl from Vermont, USA Holiday Summary
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Itinerary
4 Days / 5 Nights 15 miles daily avg
Difficulty
Rating: 4
Walkers
Number in Group: 2
What's Included
Cost £499 per person
Based on Two people sharing a Double or Twin Room
Total Cost £998
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Unfortunately, due to the unprecedented demand for accommodation in the UK, the website will not allow bookings giving less than 8 weeks notice. If you're looking to walk sooner than this, please send us an enquiry.
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