South West Coastal Path: Penzance to Mevagissey
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the South West Coastal Path from Marazion to Mevagissey, exploring the stunning coastline of England. This self-guided walking holiday offers breathtaking views of beaches, coves, and cliffs, with highlights including the Lizard and Roseland Peninsula, the naval history and castle at Falmouth, and picturesque ports and fishing villages. Enjoy 7 nights in charming hotels and guesthouses, with daily luggage transfers and an information pack to guide your way. From the iconic St Michael’s Mount to the remote beauty of the Lizard, each day promises new adventures and spectacular scenery. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Marazion
Location: Marazion
Accommodation Name: Hotel or Guesthouse in Marazion or Penzance
Make your own way to Marazion, the home of the iconic St Michael’s Mount. The town claims to be the oldest town in Britain and was called Ictis by the Romans which goes someway to indicate that the area was a trading post for tin in ancient times. The town has an active community of artists whose work you can see in many of the galleries.
Accommodation: We use various accommodation in this busy village. Most accommodation require a minimum 2 night stay. If we are unable to confirm in Marazion, a night in Penzance will be booked and you will have the option tomorrow to either walk 3.8 miles along the coast, catch a bus (15 min) or we can organise a taxi to Marazion (additional expense). ...more ...less
Day 2 : Marazion to Porthleven 17.75 km/11 miles
Location: Marazion
Accommodation Name: Harbour Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your first day takes you from Mounts Bay with St. Michael's Mount sitting in the sea. This old abbey now a manor house has an ageless appeal and was traditionally linked to Mont St. Michel in Brittany. Round the corner from the Bay follow along some interesting sections of cliffs, with the remnants of tin mines. There are some beautiful bays and inlets associated with smuggling and then you will reach Porthleven, a pretty fishing and boating harbour that is closed by wooden baulks during storms. You can enjoy fine seafood at the inn or venture along the quay to a famous seafood restaurant.
Accommodation: Stay at the Harbour Inn by the quayside with old stone flags on the floor, oak beams and wood paneling in profusion. The bar retains the ambience of an old fisherman’s pub, and offers friendly service in traditional surroundings. If you are here on a Saturday there will often be entertainment as well.
Day 3 : Porthleven to The Lizard 24.15 km/15 miles
Location: The Lizard
Accommodation Name: The Caerthillian
Meals Included: Breakfast
Via the stunningly beautiful Kynance Cove and the pretty village of Mullion, which is at the heart of some of the finest walking. The sea at the Lizard has some interesting rock type’s country. The remote southernmost point of Britain will hopefully reward you with an unforgettable sunset, and will certainly offer fine views of the sea.
Accommodation: The Caerthillian at The Lizard, set in its own grounds the hotel has views of the famous Lizard lighthouse. Most rooms are ensuite and are equipped with tea and coffee facilities, TV and hairdryers. All have magnificent sea views.
Day 4 : The Lizard to Porthallow 25.75 km/16 miles
Location: The Lizard
Accommodation Name: Gallentreath
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today pass Coverack, a fine example of a totally unspoilt traditional fishing village. You may wish to make a detour from the coast to visit St Keverne to view its pleasant village square and remarkable churchyard where over 400 shipwreck victims of the nearby Manacle Reef are buried.
Accommodation: Gallentreath a guesthouse where your host will make you more than welcome.
Day 5 : Porthallow to Falmouth 26.5 km/16.5 miles
Location: Falmouth
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse/B&B in Falmouth
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is quite a long day, which could be shortened by taking a taxi to Gillan. From Gillan walk to Nare point and then across the Helford Passage You could have a lunch stop at the pub near the Frenchman’s Creek made famous by Daphne Du Maurier, before following part of the beautiful Helford River and the coastal path to the impressive Trebah Gardens. You then walk into Falmouth, the biggest town on our route.
Accommodation: We use a number of guesthouse/B&B in this busy town.
Day 6 : Falmouth to Portloe 21.75 km/13.5 miles.
Location: Falmouth
Accommodation Name: The Lugger Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A lovely walk with fantastic scenery throughout the day. You start with a ferry ride from Falmouth to St. Mawes, a remote pleasant little yachting harbour at the end of the Roseland Peninsula, which boasts a clover leaf castle built by Henry VIII in 1542. En route pass by Caerhays Castle, designed by John Nash, and its beautiful gardens. Then through Veryan noted for its thatched round houses. You arrive at the understated beauty that is Portloe, a tiny sheltered harbour with old streets.
Accommodation: The Lugger Hotel a 17th century inn. It sits right on the water's edge in the centre of this delightful village.
Day 7 : Walk to Mevagissey 19.35 km/12 miles
Location: Mevagissey
Accommodation Name: The Mandalay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk from Portloe to Mevagissey via Portholland Cove and Dodman Point, quite a lot of ascent and descent on the last day, but great coastal views.
Accommodation: The Mandalay is located just 5 minutes walk from the harbour. The rooms are simply but all are ensuite/private facilities.
Day 8 : Arrangements end after breakfast
Location: Mevagissey
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Mevagissey after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in hotels and guesthouses -
7 breakfasts
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7 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available
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One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg.
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Digital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notes
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Emergency hotline
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GPX Files
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Lunch, Dinner and drinks
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Entrance fees
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Travel insurance
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
What's Not Included
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Lunch, Dinner and drinks
Meals other than breakfast are not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions and sites are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Transportation to the starting point and from the ending point of the trip is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not covered.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers during the trip are not included.
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Excess luggage
Charges for excess luggage are not included.
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Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
This is a self-guided tour, so no guide is provided.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Additional charges apply for solo travelers or single room bookings.
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Additional walking guides or maps (can be provided at an additional cost)
Additional walking guides or maps can be provided at an extra cost.
Accommodation
7 nights in hotels and guesthouses. Described is the normal accommodation that we use on this tour. At the time of booking please be aware that other places might be used instead, if these choices are full or closed for whatever reason. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. ...more ...less
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including raincoat, lunch supplies, waterbottle, warm top, camera etc.
Grading
A Moderate grade walk with some long days. The coastal path is hilly and many climbs are made each day, returning again to sea level. Some trails are rough under foot. This is a coastal path, so some scrambling may be in place.
Mode of Transport
Make your own way to Marazion. Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip is not included. Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are also not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in hotels and guesthouses. The accommodation typically has ensuite/private facilities, although some may have shared facilities. If the usual accommodations are full or closed, alternative places may be used.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including a raincoat, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and camera.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The walks are graded as moderate with some long days. The coastal path is hilly with many climbs each day, returning to sea level. Some trails are rough underfoot, and some scrambling may be required.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.
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Is there any support available during the tour?
Yes, the tour provides an emergency hotline, GPS files, and an information pack including route notes and maps.
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What happens if I am traveling solo?
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Additional costs may include travel insurance, travel to the start and from the end point of the trip, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, excess luggage, and a supplement for solo travelers or single rooms.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Marazion and ends in Mevagissey.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking holiday.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
South West Coastal Path: Penzance to Mevagissey
8 Days Starting in Marazion, England and ending in Mevagissey, England
Visiting: Marazion, The Lizard, Falmouth, Mevagissey
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WTR
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
