Along the South West Coast Path

South West Coast Path: St Ives to Penzance

Walk this rugged and remote section of the South West Coast Path in Cornwall from St Ives to Penzance, via Land’s End. Be prepared for some exhilarating walking and follow the trail that hugs the coastline on its way down to Lands End which is the most westerly tip of the UK. Wild flowers on the cliff tops and turquoise seas with golden beaches dominate with fantastic views, plenty of birdlife and delicious seafood all to be found on this 40 mile stretch of coast path. The bustling fishing village of St Ives is your start point, and you will also encounter small fishing communities, such as Sennen Cove, Mousehole and Porthcurno with its spectacular open air theatre situated right beside the sea.

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Sally Thompson 
updated on: August 04, 2022
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Hiking route · United Kingdom
St Ives to Zennor*
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 9.8 km
Duration 3:30 h
Ascent 287 m
Descent 187 m

Leave St Ives, a bustling fishing village with a wonderful harbour, and follow the wild and rugged coastline south. 

from Callum Broad,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Zennor to Pendeen Watch*
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 11.4 km
Duration 3:20 h
Ascent 256 m
Descent 310 m

Prepare for a challenging start to this section's walk, where the way turns rocky and sometimes damp,  but the rewarding views are worth the effort. 

1
from Callum Broad,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Pendeen Watch to St Just*
Difficulty
Distance 8.4 km
Duration 2:28 h
Ascent 152 m
Descent 150 m

 There is a lot to see on this section of the walk to St Just, with astounding views out to sea, mine ruins and Kenidjack Castle.

from Callum Broad,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
St Just to Sennen Cove*
Difficulty moderate
Distance 7 km
Duration 2:15 h
Ascent 62 m
Descent 108 m

Enjoy this short section connecting Cape Cornwall and St Just with Sennen Cove. Fields and cliff-walking will make for a lovely jaunt down the ...

from Taylor St John,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Sennen Cove to Porthcurno*
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 10.5 km
Duration 3:15 h
Ascent 141 m
Descent 94 m

A day of cliff top walking guides you to a major milestone of your trip,  Land's End and the most westerly point of Britain. 

from Callum Broad,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Porthcurno to Penzance*
recommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 18 km
Duration 7:00 h
Ascent 247 m
Descent 289 m

Leaving Porthcurno, you will discover Lamorna, trade the open coast for some wooded walking and finish your hike in Penzance.

1
from Callum Broad,   Macs Adventure