Welcome to England! Embark on a memorable hiking journey along the South West Coastal Path, a beautiful section of coastal path that runs between the popular holiday resorts of Padstow and St Ives. As well as the most famous holiday resorts along the path, you’ll also hike through small thatched villages, old mining towns and harbours, which used to be bustling with the shipping of minerals and fish. The hike passes through a stunning coastal landscape with incredible beaches, cosy little coves and beautiful cliffs. These combinations of nature give the area a romantic aura, which has inspired artists and writers for generations. Travel here and see for yourself why!
Hike in England along the South West Coastal Path
Highlights
- Hiking along the Cornish coast
- Padstow's beautiful harbour
- The surf capital of the UK, Newquay
- Magical St Ives
- Stunning bays and beaches
Quick facts
| Travel duration: | 8 days/ 7 nights |
|---|---|
| Travel period: | 30/3 – 15/10 |
| Grade: | Medium. Average 4-5 h/ 10-15 km/ 300-700 m per day. Day by day trip grading, see "program" on each trip. 3 |
| Accommodations: | |
| Trip type: | Self guided walking holidays |
| Price example: | From €1,250 |
| Meals: | Breakfast |
Prices per person in EUR
This trip is available from 30/3 – 15/10, with any arrival date.
8 days/ 7 nights From €1,250 Book your trip
| Period | Double Room - shared bed | Twin Room - separate beds | SGL - Single Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-30 2026-04-30 | €1,250 | €1,250 | €2,010 |
| 2026-05-01 2026-06-30 | €1,330 | €1,330 | €2,120 |
| 2026-07-01 2026-08-31 | €1,290 | €1,290 | €2,120 |
| 2026-09-01 2026-09-30 | €1,330 | €1,330 | €2,120 |
| 2026-10-01 2026-10-15 | €1,250 | €1,250 | €2,010 |
Prices quoted are per person and include:
- Accommodation 7 nights incl. Breakfast
- Luggage transport at hotel changes
- Detailed roadbook in English (information about the area, practical information and hiking descriptions day by day).
- GPX files & mobile phone app for navigation
- 24 h emergency phone in case of emergencies
Not included
- Transport to/from the destination
- Transfer to/from the Airport
Single room rates
- Single room rates apply when travelling in the company of others. If you are travelling on your own, in most cases there is an extra charge due to more expensive luggage transport. Please contact us for prices.
Optional extras
- Private transfer from/to the Airport can be booked. Please contact us for prices.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Padstow
Welcome to Padstow! Here we recommend you visit the town’s old harbour, which usually has a nice ensemble of boats, nice pubs and a Rick Stein restaurant.
Day 2 Hike from Padstow to Porthcothan – 21 km
Today you leave Padstow’s busy little tourist harbour and follow the beaches along the picturesque Camel Estuary to Stepper Point, overlooking Bodmin Moor and the infamous ‘Doom Bar’ sandbank. From here you pass several beautiful bays until you reach Porthmissen Bridge, a coastline of limestone and shale with colonies of razorbills and guillemots. From here you continue towards Trevone Bay and Harlyn, two surfing paradises with beautiful beaches. The coastal path takes you on past Trevose Head – the headland where on clear days you can see both St Ives and Newquay. The route turns south here, crossing more sandy beaches around Constantine and the Trethias Island Nature Reserve before finally reaching Porthcothan Bay.
21 km, +262m, -258m
Day 3 Hike from Porthcothan to Newquay – 17.5 km
You’ll start the day by hiking up to Park Head, where there are wonderful views of the Bedruthan Steps. From here you’ll continue past the village of Mawgan Porth before glimpsing Trevelgue Head, one of the largest Iron Age forts in the country. The route then continues to Newquay, the final destination of the day.
17.5km, +285m, -266m
Day 4 Hike from Newquay to Perranporth – 18.5 km
Leaving Newquay harbour, you’ll hike up Towan Head, past the whitewashed Huer’s Hut. Then you will follow the cliffs around Pentire Point to catch the ferry across the River Gannel. Once on the other side, the trail winds around headlands and coves to Kelsey Head and its fort before wandering into the small village of Holywell, From here you follow the golden sands of Perran Beach, past the tiny ruins of St Piran’s Oratory, said to be the oldest church in Cornwall. Depending on the tide, you can reach Perranporth either via the beach or the cliffs.
18.5km, +310m, -333m
Day 5 Hike from Perranporth to Portreath – 20 km
Today’s hike is relatively easy, following well-used paths up and down valleys, past mine workings, which are now home to horseshoe bats. Along the hike you will pass Trevellas Porth and Trevaunance Cove, which has a pleasant waterside pub. From here the hike continues up to St Agnes Head, past bird nesting rocks and the ruins of Wheal Coates mine to the inlet at Chapel Porth. Finally, you’ll hike the last bit up and down the cliffs until you reach Portreath.
20 km, +435m, -431m
Day 6 Hike from Portreath to Hayle – 20 km
The day begins with a strenuous climb up Tregea Hill, before continuing along Carvannel and Reskajeage Downs. After a while, you’ll reach a large cliff face called Hell’s Mouth. If you’re lucky, you might see the bay’s cute inhabitants, the grey seals. The hike continues towards Godrevy Point and its famous lighthouse, which marks the infamous reef ‘The Stones’. After a stop in the sleepy little coastal village of Gwithian, you will reach the harbour of Hayle.
20 km, +268m, -273m
Day 7 Hike from Hayle to St. Ives – 9 km
The last day of the trip offers a short but incredibly beautiful hike via the Hayles Estuary, famous for its seabirds and waders. From here you will hike along the dunes above Porth Kidney and the beautiful Carbis Bay until you finally reach St Ives. This is a lovely little town, famous for its small museums and galleries, simply a perfect end to your trip.
9 km, +184m, 179m
Day 8 Departure day
We at EverTrek hope you have had a great trip!
We hope to see you again.
Accommodations
You will stay in a variety of accommodation along the route, ranging from B&Bs, lodges, pubs, and small hotels. They are run by friendly hosts who offer en-suite rooms or private facilities with breakfast to get you ready for the trek. Additional facilities such as laundry and packed lunches are available in some accommodations.
8 days/ 7 nights
| Night | Place | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | Padstow | Hotel/ B&B |
| Night 2 | Padstow | Hotel/ B&B |
| Night 3 | Newquay | Hotel/ B&B |
| Night 4 | Perranporth | Hotel/ B&B |
| Night 5 | Portreath | Hotel/ B&B |
| Night 6 | Hayle | Hotel/ B&B |
| Nights 7 | St.Ives | Hotel/ B&B |
Route map
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