South West Coast Path: Falmouth to Plymouth | Stage 6
South West Coast Path: Falmouth to Plymouth | Stage 6
- Walk along jagged cliffs, descend to small hidden bays and beaches with clear waters, combining elevated sections by the sea with paths that skirt the coast.
- Discover charming coastal villages such as Mevagissey, with its lively fishing harbour, and Charlestown, where old boats on the quay evoke times of traditional sailing.
- Admire coastal fortresses such as St Mawes Castle on the Roseland Peninsula, built during the reign of Henry VIII, an imposing witness to the British crown's defensive past.
- Along the way, you will enjoy delicious local cuisine: Cornish pasties, fresh crabs, freshly caught fish and craft beers served in cosy coastal pubs.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Falmouth
You can stroll through its lively streets lined with independent shops, galleries, cafes and cosy restaurants where you can savour fresh seafood and typical Cornish cuisine. Close to the centre, small beaches such as Gyllyngvase and Castle Beach invite you to take a walk by the waves or enjoy a sunset overlooking the ocean.
Falmouth is the perfect starting point for your adventure along the South West Coast Path, where the seafaring spirit and Atlantic breeze will accompany you from day one.
Overnight in Falmouth
Greenbank Hotel
Built in 1640, this accommodation offers rooms with television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and bar.
Day 2 - Falmouth to Portloe 13,6 miles I 22,0 km
From Place, the trail guides you around the St Anthony peninsula, past a small coastal church and the lighthouse that stands guard over the sea like a guardian of the horizon. Between golden sandy beaches and green valleys, the path leads you to Portscatho, a quiet fishing village ideal for pausing and enjoying lunch by the sea.
Finally, the trail descends between hidden coves to the harbour of Portloe, a haven of unspoilt beauty where dark rocks and calm seas provide the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
Ascent: 438m (1,437ft) / Descent: 437m (1,434ft)
Overnight in Portloe
Jago Cottage
This charming accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. You can also enjoy its beautiful garden, where you can relax at the end of the day.
Day 3 - Portloe to Mevagissey 12,1 miles I 19,5 km
Soon you will reach Porthluney Beach, a golden spot where the waves caress the sand and time seems to stand still. After a break by the sea, be sure to visit nearby Caerhays Castle, an elegant mansion facing the bay, surrounded by lush gardens that dazzle with their colour and serenity.
The trail then climbs towards Dodman Point, one of the most spectacular headlands on the coast, from where the views stretch towards the Lizard and the undulating coastline that disappears into the horizon. The route then descends to Gorran Haven, a peaceful fishing village ideal for a break before continuing on to Mevagissey, whose lively harbour, narrow streets and bustling shops offer a perfect end to this stage of the journey through history, nature and the sea.
Ascent: 565m (1,854ft) / Descent: 570m (1,870ft)
Overnight in Mevagissey
Kerryanna Country House
Surrounded by a large, beautiful garden where you can relax and enjoy the fresh air, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms.
Day 4 - Mevagissey to Charlestown 7,2 miles I 11,7 km
From there, the path follows the golden sands of the bay before climbing towards Gamas Point and the rugged heights of Black Head, where an Iron Age castle once stood. The views from this point are breathtaking, with the coastline opening up into a succession of cliffs and coves that showcase the power of the sea and the passage of time.
The trail descends back to the coast before turning inland, skirting the wide bay of St Austell. Your day ends in Charlestown, a charming historic harbour famous for its tall ships and maritime visitor centre, which pays tribute to Cornwall's naval past.
Ascent: 444m (1,456ft) / Descent: 438m (1,437ft)
Overnight in Charlestown
Boscundle Manor
Located in a privileged setting, this accommodation offers rooms with television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. It also has several gardens, a terrace and a bar.
Day 5 - Charlestown to Fowey 10,4 miles I 16,8 km
This is the coast of Daphne du Maurier, the setting that inspired many of her novels. At Polridmouth, you will discover a hidden beach that is home to the small boathouse where the writer lived for years, a corner steeped in history and literary mystery.
The trail continues to wind its way between rocky coves and cliffs crowned by St. Catherine's Castle, before descending to Fowey, a charming harbour town full of life. With its bars, restaurants and cobbled streets facing the water, Fowey offers the perfect end to a day combining nature, literature and the sea.
Ascent: 301m (988ft) / Descent: 292m (958ft)
Overnight in Fowey
The Gelleon Inn
This charming coastal accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a delicious restaurant that uses local produce.
Day 6 - Fowey to Looe 12,1 miles I 19,5 km
From the pier, the path climbs steeply towards the cliffs, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views of the open sea and the wild Cornish coastline.
Today's route takes you through one of the most remote and unspoilt sections of the South West Coast Path, where the paths wind along the edge of the sea between meadows, cliffs and salty breezes. Soon you will reach the unspoilt Lantic Bay, a cove of golden sand and turquoise waters that invites you to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Further on, the path descends to the picturesque village of Polperro, with its sheltered harbour and whitewashed houses, the ideal place to take a break and enjoy a snack. From there, the route levels out, passing through charming Talland Bay, before following the seawall that leads to Looe, where the views towards St George's Island provide the perfect end to a day full of coastal beauty and adventurous spirit.
Ascent: 580m (1,902ft) / Descent: 580m (1,902ft)
Overnight in Looe
Talland Bay Hotel
This modern accommodation, surrounded by beautiful surroundings, offers comfortable rooms with television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a restaurant serving dishes made with local produce.
Day 7 - Looe to Crafthole 8,7 miles I 14,0 km
The path continues through woods that line the cliffs, offering shade and serenity before descending to Seaton Beach, a cosy spot perfect for pausing and enjoying a coffee by the sea. From there, the trail continues towards Downderry, and if the tide allows, you can walk directly along the beach, with the waves lapping at your feet.
A zigzag path then climbs up to Batten Heights, the highest point on the entire Cornish coast, 140 metres above sea level. The views from here are simply spectacular, taking in the whole bay and the cliffs you have walked along. Finally, the route descends around Whitesands Bay to Portwrinkle, a charming fishing village where the rhythm of the sea marks the end of a day spent among forests, peaks and golden sand.
From there, you will head to Crafthole, a picturesque coastal spot where green hills merge with the echo of the sea and every sunset brings the tranquillity of life by the horizon. There you will spend the night and prepare for the last day of walking on your tour.
Downderry: If there is no availability at Crafthole, you will be accommodated in this town. We will make the necessary arrangements for you to have the necessary transfers between the towns.
Ascent: 437m (1,434ft) / Descent: 357m (1,171ft)
Overnight in Crafthole
Finnygook Inn
This accommodation offers rooms with flat-screen televisions, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a large garden, a bar and a restaurant.
Day 8 - Crafthole to Plymouth 12,8 miles I 20,6 km
One of the most spectacular spots of the day is the Rame Head viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the coast and the open sea. The route continues to Cawsand and Kingsand Bay, charming coves perfect for stopping for lunch and enjoying a well-deserved rest by the sea.
The walk continues through woodland via Mount Edgecumbe County Park to Cremyll, where you will take the ferry to Plymouth. You can find more information about the ferry on the Plymouth Boat Trips website.
The last few kilometres are along the seafront to Plymouth Hoe, where your accommodation for the last night of your trip awaits. To round off the day, you can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the seafront restaurants in the Barbican, relax with a picnic in the sunshine on the Hoe, or even take a guided behind-the-scenes tour of Devonport Dockyard.
Ascent: 334m (1,096ft) / Descent: 394m (1,293ft)
Overnight in Plymouth
Admiral's House by Maison Pierre
This historic accommodation offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and a lovely outdoor area with a terrace.
Day 9 - Plymouth
End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
If you arrive at Newquay Airport, you will need to take a bus to Falmouth. From Bristol Airport, you will first need to take a bus to Plymouth and then a train.
You can find more information about trains on the GWR website and about buses on the First Bus website.
To return to your home town from Plymouth, you can fly from Exeter or Bristol airports. To get to either of these two airports, you will need to take a direct train to the relevant city centre and then take a bus to the airport.
You can find more information about trains on the GWR website.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).