About the South West Coast Path
Stretching 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, the South West Coast Path is the longest of England's National Trails. The Cornish section — running from the Devon border in the north to the Tamar estuary in the east — covers some of the most spectacular and demanding terrain on the entire route.
The path was originally walked by coastguard officers monitoring for smugglers. That heritage is still felt in the way it hugs every contour of the cliff edge, dipping into every valley and cove rather than taking the easier inland line.
Key Sections in Cornwall
Bude to Tintagel (North Coast)
This northern stretch is wild and exposed. The cliffs here are among the highest in Cornwall, with dramatic geology on display at Millook Haven. Boscastle's narrow harbour and Tintagel's legendary castle make this a route steeped in both natural drama and Arthurian myth. Expect approximately 24 miles of challenging walking with significant ascent.
St Ives to Pendeen Watch
The stretch around St Just and Cape Cornwall feels genuinely remote, with the ruins of tin mine engine houses perched on clifftops above crashing Atlantic waves. This is one of the most photogenic sections of the entire National Trail. The mining landscape here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Land's End to Porthcurno
From Britain's western tip eastward, this section passes the Minack Theatre and Porthcurno's dazzling white-sand beach. The walking is moderately challenging and rewards with some of the finest coastal scenery in the country.
The Lizard Peninsula
The Lizard is the most southerly point of mainland Britain, and the coast path here passes through a landscape of rare serpentine rock and unusual flora. Kynance Cove — turquoise water, white sand, stacked serpentine stacks — is one of the most photographed spots in Cornwall.
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Cornish section | Approximately 300 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous |
| Best season | April–October |
| Waymarking | Acorn symbols throughout |
| Official resource | southwestcoastpath.org.uk |
Tips for Walking in Cornwall
- Footwear: Waterproof walking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended — many sections are rocky and uneven.
- Navigation: The OS Explorer maps (sheets 102, 103, 104, 126, 139) provide full coverage of the Cornish coast path.
- Accommodation: Book ahead in summer, particularly for popular sections near St Ives and the Lizard. The Ramblers' Association and SWCP Association publish accommodation guides.
- Weather: Atlantic weather is changeable. Always carry waterproofs regardless of the forecast.
- Leave No Trace: Stick to the path, take litter home, and follow the Countryside Code.
Going Slowly
You don't need to walk the whole path to appreciate it. Even a single afternoon on a section between two cliff-top villages will give you a lasting sense of what makes Cornwall's coastline extraordinary. Start with a section, take your time, and let the landscape do what it does best.