South West Coast Path: Padstow to St Ives | Stage 3
South West Coast Path: Padstow to St Ives | Stage 3
Personalised Quotation
Luggage Transfers
24/7 Travel Assistance
Selected Accommodations
Immerse yourself in a coastal walk from Padstow to St. Ives, along one of the most scenic and iconic sections of the South West Coast Path. This is a journey that awakens the senses with the roar of the Atlantic, endless coastal views, maritime flavours and encounters with heritage and art in an environment as diverse as it is impressive.
- Start in Padstow, with its lively estuary and welcoming atmosphere, famous for its excellent cuisine and sea breeze that anticipates the landscapes you'll explore.
- Travel along dramatic cliffs, white sandy beaches and hidden coves, passing through coastal villages such as Porthcothan, Newquay and Perranporth, each offering its own charm and reason to stop and explore.
- Pass vestiges of Cornwall's mining heritage, as well as spectacular rock formations, eroded cliffs, and coastal wildlife such as seals off Godrevy Head.
- Enjoy the flavours of south-west England: fresh fish and seafood, meat pies, Cornish creams and local beers that accompany the route with authenticity and character.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Padstow
Begin your journey in Padstow, a picturesque fishing village located on the rugged north coast of Cornwall. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant food scene, spearheaded by renowned chef Rick Stein, Padstow combines seafaring tradition with a contemporary vibe.
With historic quays, charming inns, local craft shops and seafood restaurants, this small port offers the perfect starting point for a walking adventure along England's spectacular south-west coast.
With historic quays, charming inns, local craft shops and seafood restaurants, this small port offers the perfect starting point for a walking adventure along England's spectacular south-west coast.
Overnight in Padstow
The London Inn
This accommodation is located in a row of old fishermen's cottages and offers rooms with flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a bar and restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Padstow to Newquay 13,3 miles I 21,5 km
You will leave the bustling port of Padstow behind and enter the first sections of the trail, where low cliffs and golden beaches mark the beginning of your adventure. The sound of the sea and the Atlantic breeze will accompany you as you make your way along this wild and scenic coastline.
You will soon reach Trevose Head, an imposing headland offering panoramic views of the Cornish coastline. Further on, Constantine Bay awaits you with its wide beach and serene atmosphere, an ideal place to take a break, share a picnic by the sea and enjoy one of the most picturesque spots on the route.
At the end of your route in Porthcothan, you will have a transfer included that will take you to Newquay, where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 444m (1,456ft) / Descent: 418m (1,371ft)
You will soon reach Trevose Head, an imposing headland offering panoramic views of the Cornish coastline. Further on, Constantine Bay awaits you with its wide beach and serene atmosphere, an ideal place to take a break, share a picnic by the sea and enjoy one of the most picturesque spots on the route.
At the end of your route in Porthcothan, you will have a transfer included that will take you to Newquay, where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 444m (1,456ft) / Descent: 418m (1,371ft)
Overnight in Newquay
St. Bernards
Located in the centre of Newquay, this comfortable accommodation offers rooms with television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. You can also enjoy an English, Irish or full breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Newquay-Porthcothan-Newquay 10,1 miles I 16,4 km
Today begins with a transfer to Porthcothan, where you will resume the route from where you left off the day before. You will continue your journey along a coastline as beautiful as it is legendary, where every bend in the path seems to whisper stories of ancient shipwrecks and seafaring adventures. Along the way, you will discover coves hidden between rugged cliffs, silent witnesses to the passage of time and the power of the Atlantic.
The views from the headlands will take your breath away, with the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. Soon you will reach the impressive Watergate Bay, a vast five-kilometre stretch of golden sand that unfolds majestically before you. It is the perfect place to stop, take a deep breath and let the magic of the Cornish coast envelop you.
Ascent: 285m (935ft) / Descent: 304m (997ft)
The views from the headlands will take your breath away, with the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. Soon you will reach the impressive Watergate Bay, a vast five-kilometre stretch of golden sand that unfolds majestically before you. It is the perfect place to stop, take a deep breath and let the magic of the Cornish coast envelop you.
Ascent: 285m (935ft) / Descent: 304m (997ft)
Overnight in Newquay
Tregeraint House B&B
Located in the centre of Newquay, this comfortable accommodation offers rooms with television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. You can also enjoy an English, Irish or full breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Newquay to Perranporth 13,3 miles I 21,4 km
Leaving Newquay behind, the landscape transforms and leads you into a more serene and wild environment. Soon you will reach Fistral Beach, famous worldwide for its powerful waves and surfing atmosphere, where the sound of the sea sets the pace for the day.
Beyond the sand and sea, the path takes you to the headland of West Pentire, a place of vibrant natural beauty. In spring and summer, the fields are ablaze with colour as wildflowers cover the hillsides, while the air is filled with the cries of kittiwakes and wading birds. It is a stretch of the route that combines living nature, spectacular coastal landscapes and a sense of freedom that is hard to match.
Ascent: 209m (686ft) / Descent: 235m (771ft)
Beyond the sand and sea, the path takes you to the headland of West Pentire, a place of vibrant natural beauty. In spring and summer, the fields are ablaze with colour as wildflowers cover the hillsides, while the air is filled with the cries of kittiwakes and wading birds. It is a stretch of the route that combines living nature, spectacular coastal landscapes and a sense of freedom that is hard to match.
Ascent: 209m (686ft) / Descent: 235m (771ft)
Overnight in Perranpoth
St George's Hotel
This charming accommodation offers rooms with flat-screen televisions, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a large garden where you can relax at the end of the day.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Perranporth to Porthreath 12,0 miles I 19,5 km
Get ready for a more demanding day of walking, with ascents and descents that traverse a landscape marked by the region's industrial past. Old mines, now covered by vegetation, dot the route and offer a quiet refuge for colonies of bats that have found their home here.
The day culminates at St. Agnes Head, a place of wild beauty where the cliffs jut out into the sea with force and character. This stretch is especially captivating for bird lovers, who can observe abundant bird life among the coastal scrub and open skies.
Ascent: 641m (2,103ft) / Descent: 641m (2,103ft)
The day culminates at St. Agnes Head, a place of wild beauty where the cliffs jut out into the sea with force and character. This stretch is especially captivating for bird lovers, who can observe abundant bird life among the coastal scrub and open skies.
Ascent: 641m (2,103ft) / Descent: 641m (2,103ft)
Overnight in Portreath
Portreath Arms
Located on the north coast of Cornwall, its rooms have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a garden and a restaurant serving delicious home-cooked food.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Portreath to Hayle 12,1 miles I 19,6 km
As you make your way along the coast, the trail takes you through a stretch full of character and history, where every corner seems to hide a secret from the past. The old smugglers' coves, with curious names such as ‘Ralph's Cupboard’, are hidden among the cliffs and evoke times of mystery and adventure.
The landscape combines rolling dunes, tranquil estuaries and rock formations that offer unforgettable views of the coastline. It is a varied and fascinating day's walk, where nature and local legends intertwine to create a unique experience by the sea.
Ascent: 240m (787ft) / Descent: 230m (755ft)
The landscape combines rolling dunes, tranquil estuaries and rock formations that offer unforgettable views of the coastline. It is a varied and fascinating day's walk, where nature and local legends intertwine to create a unique experience by the sea.
Ascent: 240m (787ft) / Descent: 230m (755ft)
Overnight in Hayle
White Hart Hotel
Each room at this cosy hotel has a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant serving homemade dishes made with local ingredients.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Hayle to St. Ives 5,8 miles I 9,4 km
Today begins at the historic Hayle swing bridge, the oldest in Britain, which bears witness to the region's industrial and maritime past. From there, the trail guides you through tranquil estuaries and open landscapes that herald the approach of your final destination.
The route culminates in the charming coastal town of St. Ives, a place that invites you to stay beyond the last step. Famous for its unique light and artistic atmosphere, St. Ives offers a vibrant mix of art galleries, local craft shops and cosy cafés where you can relax.
Ascent: 102m (335ft) / Descent: 111m (364ft)
The route culminates in the charming coastal town of St. Ives, a place that invites you to stay beyond the last step. Famous for its unique light and artistic atmosphere, St. Ives offers a vibrant mix of art galleries, local craft shops and cosy cafés where you can relax.
Ascent: 102m (335ft) / Descent: 111m (364ft)
Overnight in St. Ives
The Western
This hotel is located in a historic building and has a traditional bar. In addition, the accommodation offers cosy rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Circular route through St. Ives 8,3 miles I 13,5 km
You will finish your journey with a circular route that further explores the untamed beauty of the Cornish coastline. This additional section of the South West Coast Path takes you along rugged cliffs and open sea views to The Carracks, small rocky islands emerging from the Atlantic whose name, in Cornish, means “rocky”.
From there, the path turns inland and climbs Rosewall Hill, a hill that rewards your efforts with breathtaking views of the coast and rolling countryside. It is an ideal day out for those who want to delve deeper into the landscapes of Cornwall before returning to the artistic and relaxed atmosphere of St. Ives.
Ascent: 275m (902ft) / Descent: 275m (902ft)
From there, the path turns inland and climbs Rosewall Hill, a hill that rewards your efforts with breathtaking views of the coast and rolling countryside. It is an ideal day out for those who want to delve deeper into the landscapes of Cornwall before returning to the artistic and relaxed atmosphere of St. Ives.
Ascent: 275m (902ft) / Descent: 275m (902ft)
Overnight in St. Ives
The Western
This hotel is located in a historic building and has a traditional bar. In addition, the accommodation offers cosy rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - St. Ives
After a delicious breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and return to your place of origin.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary Map
Request a Quotation
Request a Quotation
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- 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
To reach the starting point of this walking route, you can fly to Bristol Airport or to various airports in London. You can also fly to Newquay Airport, although it only operates domestic flights.
From London or Bristol, you can take the train to Bodmin Parkway and then catch a bus to Padstow. You can find more information about trains on the GWR website and about buses on the Transport for Cornwall website.
To return to your home town from St Ives, you can fly from Bristol or London airports. To get there, you can follow the reverse route, first taking the bus to Bodmin Parkway and then taking the train to the airport.
You can find more information about trains on the GWR website and about buses on the Transport for Cornwall website.
From London or Bristol, you can take the train to Bodmin Parkway and then catch a bus to Padstow. You can find more information about trains on the GWR website and about buses on the Transport for Cornwall website.
To return to your home town from St Ives, you can fly from Bristol or London airports. To get there, you can follow the reverse route, first taking the bus to Bodmin Parkway and then taking the train to the airport.
You can find more information about trains on the GWR website and about buses on the Transport for Cornwall website.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- 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).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
The tour is available from March to early October. April, May and June are particularly recommended, when spring flowers fill the landscape and temperatures are pleasant for walking. September and early October also offer an ideal experience, with fewer visitors after the high season. For those seeking tranquillity, it is also possible to take this trip in March and late October, when the villages and trails are quieter. However, during these months the weather can be more unpredictable, with cold, wind, rain and muddy paths, so it is advisable to come well prepared.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is of medium-high difficulty, making it ideal for people looking for 6 to 7 hours of walking per day with climbs that can be steeper and longer. It is recommended that you are in good physical condition and in good health. Some sections of the walk have uneven terrain, including rocky areas.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
Why Choose Orbis Ways?
Find Your Ideal Trip
Explore over 200 carefully designed routes tailored just for you.
Tailor-Made Budget
We adapt to your needs to provide you with the best possible experience.
Get the Most Out of Your Trip
Join the Orbis Ways community and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
