The South West Coast Path is arguably the UK’s greatest coastal walk. The country’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath, it extends for 630 miles and traverses four counties. The path runs from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset.
One of if not the most beautiful coastline in England, the Cornwall leg of the Coastal Path makes much of it easily accessible and provides a multitude of tremendous vantage points.
Delightful fishing villages, immaculate beaches, wild headlands, turquoise seas, bustling towns and much more provide ever-changing landscapes as you negotiate the path.
As the path leaves behind the lush green landscapes of North Devon and enters Cornwall, rugged headlands reveal fascinating distorted rock formations and secret sandy coves on Cornwall's Atlantic Coast.
The path initially crosses into Cornwall at Marsland Mouth, continuing south-westwards along the rocky coast towards Bude. Much of Bude is a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, and Bude’s rugged clifftops form some of the most breathtaking portions of the South West Coast Path.
Naturally, for such a long footpath, degrees of difficulty vary throughout and the walking through Bude is among the most forgiving on the path.
The path encounters more severe passages, and the leg from St Ives to Zennon is no exception. Various routes can be joined in and around St Ives - the dramatic clifftops provide ideal perspective from which to spot seals, basking sharks and other sea-life.
The route from St Ives to Zennor along the South West Coast Path is officially categorised as ‘severe’, the rough and rocky terrain ensuring hardy footwear is essential. A walk of around 8 miles, it incorporates some steep ascents which are rewarded by fabulous views across the bays.
Let's Stay Cornwall will select several of it's favourite walks throughout the site but highly recommends the official South West Coastal Path website.
Cornwall is a county full of landmarks and famous beaches – and the Cornish leg of the South West Coast Path encompasses the vast majority. From Watergate Bay to Newquay, Pentire Point to St Agnes, St Ives to Penwith, Land’s End to the Minack Theatre, Lizard Point to Falmouth, and Polperro to Looe – there’s no finer or more comprehensive guide to Cornwall.
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