Coastal Walking in Cornwall - Padstow to St Ives

You make your own way to Padstow where you check in to your first accommodation.

Accommodation in Padstow

You now leave Padstow's bustling little tourist harbor and follow the beaches to Stepper Point with views all the way to Bodmin Moor. You pass several bays until you see limestone and slate at Porthmissen Bridge. From here you continue to Trevone Bay, a beautiful sandy beach popular with surfers. You then make your way to Harlyn and finally reach Trevose Head where on clear days you can see both St Ives and Newquay. The path then turns south and crosses several sandy beaches around Constantine before finally reaching Porthcothan Bay. From here a transfer will take you back to Padstow where you spend the night. 

Accommodation in Padstow

Morning transfer from Padstow - Porthcothan. From the bay the path climbs up to Park Head, which gives wonderful views over Bedruthan Steps, a collection of stone stacks that have been a popular tourist attraction since the railway reached Newquay in 1875. Passing through the village of Mawgan Porth, the route follows the clifftop above Watergate Bay. You continue past Trevelgue Head and over Barrowfields all the way down to Newquay. The town now known as Britain's surfing capital was formerly a famous fishing village and mining center for silver and lead.

Accommodation in Newquay

As you leave the harbor the path climbs up Towan Head before winding its way around headlands and bays to Kelsey Head. From there you continue down to the village of Holywell and along Perran Beach where you pass the ruins of St Piran's Oratory which is said to be the oldest church in Cornwall. Depending on the tide you reach the village of Perranporth either via the beach or the cliff.

Accommodation in Perranporth

The day offers a somewhat easier stretch where you walk along well-used paths that sometimes dip down into valleys. The coastal path follows the cliffs around Cligga Head, past mine shafts with dramatic views over the mine buildings and chimneys that dot the landscape further ahead around St Agnes. On the way you can make a stop at Trevellas Porth and then Trevaunance Cove which has a nice pub by the water. You pass by the ruins of Wheal Coates Mine to the sandy inlet at Chapel Porth. The route takes you up and down along cliffs and beaches until you reach the harbor at Portreath.

Accommodation in Portreath

As you leave Portreath there is a strenuous climb up Tregea Hill and 10 km of National Trust land, continuing high above the sea along Carvannel and Reskajeage Downs. At Navax Point you might be lucky enough to see grey seals. As you continue to Godrevy Point you will see the lighthouse that sits up on Godrevy Island, probably the inspiration for Virginia Woolf's 'To the Lighthouse'. The path then winds through the Towans sand dunes to the bustling harbor at Hayle.

Accommodation in Hayle

A short day that should give you plenty of time to explore beautiful St. Ives, with its museums and galleries. The path runs along the Hayle Estuary, which is known for its seabirds and waders. You pass the sand dunes above Porth Kidney and then pass beautiful Carbis Bay to reach the town.

Accommodation in St Ives

The trip ends after breakfast.