South West Cornwall
Walk the South West Coast Path through South West Cornwall on a self-guided walking holiday. Accommodation, luggage transfer and custom holiday pack included.
South West Cornwall
https://www.contours.co.uk/south-west-cornwall
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An epic walk along the coastline of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
From £355 per person
At 630 miles (1,008 km) in length, the South West Coast Path is Britain’s longest waymarked footpath and the ultimate challenge for any long distance walker. The route curls around the entire peninsula of Devon and Cornwall, rounds the south-western tip of England at Land’s End, and follows the southern shore through the dramatic scenery of Dorset, constituting a major portion of the England Coast Path.
Although we provide some gentler itineraries, on most holidays, expect stiff climbs on jaw-dropping coastal trails; mile after mile of sea views; and plenty of cream teas and Cornish pasties enjoyed in seaside towns. Walking the South West Coast Path is a challenge, but an immensely (and often tastily) rewarding one.
We’ve broken the full SWCP into ten stages so you can pick and choose your favourite stretches of coast. We also offer a choice of short breaks along the path, which you can find on the South West Coast Path Short Breaks page. If you’re looking for a circular tour, take a look at our walking holiday around the far point of Land’s End Peninsula and inland along St Michael’s Way.
Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.
We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more.
From £620 per person
The wildest and most isolated section of the South West Coast Path winds from Penzance along the rugged red-green cliffs of the Lizard and through the tranquil woods that line the creeks of Helford River.
With idyllic coves and smugglers’ hideaways in the mix, it’s already a beautiful route – but South West Cornwall visits St Michael’s Mount, too. Accessed by a tidal causeway, the rocky island is crowned by its vast fortress and priory.
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWCO1 | From Penzance to Falmouth | 4 days walking | £620 | |
| SWCO2 | From Penzance to Falmouth | 5 days walking | £740 | |
| SWCO3 | From Penzance to Falmouth | 6 days walking | £860 | |
| SWCO4 | From Penzance to Falmouth | 8 days walking | £1100 |
Please note that the Helford Passage Ferry Service operates from Good Friday or 1st April to October 31st. If the ferry is not running the alternatives are a 13 mile detour or to take a taxi; therefore if you wish to walk this route outside of these dates, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Travel to Penzance where your first night's accommodation will be booked
Penzance to Porthleven. 14 miles (22km) / 1549 ft (472 m) ascent
Porthleven to The Lizard. 14 miles (22km) / 1801 ft (549 m) ascent
The Lizard to Porthallow. 15.5 miles (25km) / 2215 ft (675 m) ascent
Porthallow to Falmouth. 18 miles (28.5km) / 1939 ft (591 m) ascent
Depart from Falmouth after breakfast
This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this tour. Sometimes there may be a shortage of available accommodation in a preferred location, in which case we will transfer you from the trail to your accommodation and back again at no extra charge. Overnight stops marked with a (T) will always require transfers as standard.
Overnight stops marked with an (L) have very limited accommodation, and therefore more often than not will also require a transfer, particularly on bank holidays and weekends. We will use non-transfer accommodation wherever possible.
The daily mileages quoted are average trail miles only and do not include the distance from the trail to your accommodation. We do not expect you to have to travel more than a mile from the trail to your accommodation in most cases; should your accommodation be further than this, transfers will be provided as standard if practical. A very limited number of stops will require you to travel on foot up to two miles off the trail, however these instances will be clearly communicated to you if applicable.
Further transfers may also be required due to some accommodations having a two-night minimum booking policy, especially at weekends.
Below are the additional costs that may apply depending on your requirements. Dog-friendly tours are subject to a Daily Dog Charge, which will be listed below if applicable. Our standard prices per person are based upon two people sharing a room; if you are on your own, or are part of a group but require a room of your own, then the Solo Traveller or Single Supplements apply respectively:
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
Looking out to the rising silhouette of St Michael’s Mount from the shore at Marazion.
Visiting the fishing villages of Porthleven, Mullion and Cadgwith, where whitewashed thatched cottages cluster around tiny harbours.
Experiencing the subtropical temperatures of this wild and isolated section of the South West Coast Path.
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
To find out more about the weather forecast for your chosen holiday's general location, please see the following websites:
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“Another great walk on the SWCP. Enjoyed the trip, great scenery and nice places to stay. We like the quality of accommodation and reliability of service provided by Contours.”Mr Hughes, UK
“It was superb - weather was perfect which made it so enjoyable. Luggage transfer was perfect; taxi companies were also excellent for transfers on two nights.”Ms Bruce, UK
“Very, very good, more than just good. We were very lucky with the weather, which makes a huge difference. Northumberland was great and the three stages we have just completed were well organised.”Ms Sharp, Switzerland
“This has to be one of the best walks in UK. Wild, wet and demanding. But spectacular.”Mr Oberwetter, USA
“This was a very pleasant walk and well organised on the whole by Contours. Lots of people seem unaware of the walking holidays where we pick our mileage, you book accommodation and the bags are moved each day. Plenty of recommendations for you!”Mrs MacDonald, UK
“Varied landscape, beautiful small villages.”Mr Pomowski, Germany
“All the accommodation was good.”Mr Bond, UK
“I knew the Cornish Coast was beautiful but I did not know to which extent.”Miss Blazquez, Spain
“Lovely walk, not too demanding. Some splendid scenery and - away from the tourist villages - surprisingly few walkers.”Mr Tessier, UK
Dog friendly