South West Coast Path - from Padstow
Duration: 8 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day
> Complete the South West Coast Path in 8 days
> Enjoy the beautiful landscapes
> Accommodation before, on, and after the South West Coast Path included
The South West Coast Path is the longest marked walking route in England. This route has twice been named England's best walking route twice, and for a good reason. After all, you'll be walking through some of the most dramatic landscapes in England. The route is 630 miles long, which is equivalent to 1014 kilometers and leads you from Minehead to South Haven Point through fishing villages, mountain passes, valleys and busy seaside towns. During this walk, you'll even have the opportunity to see dolphins, seals and whales!
The route is divided into 8 one-week sections and runs from Minehead to South Haven Point. The hike is basically there for everyone, but keep in mind that you'll be hiking an average of 18 kilometers a day, which will take you about 5 hours. If you do not have enough vacation days for the whole route you can also choose one of the most beautiful sections. One of the most beautiful sections of the South West Coast Path is divided into 6 stages, starting in Padstow and ending in St. Ives.
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Padstow
Today you will have to make your way to Padstow. Here, you will spend the night preparing for your South West Coast Path adventure.
The London Inn (Padstow)
Day
2
Padstow - Porthcothan
Duration: 06:05 h
Distance: 22.6 km
Ascent: 290 m
Descent: 240 m
This section of The South West Coast Path offers a day of easy walking along low cliffs, with beautiful, tempting beaches below. The path leaves the attractive town of Padstow behind and leads you out to the Atlantic Coast. The path can become narrow in places and is quite rocky around Constantine Bay.
Macdonald's Farm (Porthcothan)
Day
3
Porthcothan - Newquay
Duration: 04:44 h
Distance: 17.3 km
Ascent: 260 m
Descent: 280 m
This stretch of coast, with its vicious rocks and wild seas, was once particularly hazardous for ships and responsible for many wrecks before the lighthouse was built at Trevose Head. The South West Coast Path leads you in and out of little coves and headlands with generally fairly easy walking, with some steep steps to climb in places. If you feel like a picnic break and the tide is out, you may be tempted to take the long flight of steps down to explore the stacks as well as the many pools and caves on the beach.
The Beresford Hotel (Newquay)
Day
4
Newquay - Perranporth
Duration: 05:27 h
Distance: 20.2 km
Ascent: 260 m
Descent: 280 m
After leaving Newquay harbour, keeping a lookout for the Kittiwake colony on the cliffs out to Towan Head, the path crosses the famous Fistral Beach. The route across the River Gannel varies depending on the season, tide and weather conditions and therefore you will need to plan ahead. Either way there is plenty to see, including beautiful salt marsh plants and many species of wading birds enjoying the worms and crabs.
Atlantic View Hotel (Perranporth)
Day
5
Perranporth - Portreath
Duration: 05:36 h
Distance: 19.7 km
Ascent: 400 m
Descent: 400 m
Leave the bustling seaside resort of Perranporth behind as the path passes through an ancient coastal mining district following rugged cliff tops. The mines along this stretch are home to bats, including the rare Greater Horseshoe bat. Not only do you pass many remnants of the mining industry, but you will also see some fascinating geology along the way, especially around Cligga Head.
Portreath Arms (Portreath)
Day
6
Portreath - Hayle
Duration: 05:10 h
Distance: 19.4 km
Ascent: 220 m
Descent: 210 m
After leaving Portreath The South West Coast Path follows the cliffs with some beautiful views of rocky coves, such as the wonderfully named Ralph’s Cupboard, apparently a favoured smugglers spot for stashing loot. After just a couple of steep climbs, the path soon levels and walking becomes fairly straightforward. As you follow the sheer cliffs, surrounded by brightly coloured spring and summertime flowers, such as blue sheep’s bit, primroses and yellow rattle, look down to the contrastingly raw, jagged reefs below.
The White Hart Hotel (Hayle)
Day
7
Hayle - St. Ives
Duration: 02:30 h
Distance: 9.5 km
Ascent: 100 m
Descent: 120 m
The route from Britain’s oldest swing bridge leads you along roads following the Hayle Estuary. You are able to take small detours in places in order to reach the muddy flats which are home to many different species of birdlife. Hayle was once the most important industrial port in Cornwall and a centre of copper mining and smelting. The South West Coast Path also follows part of the ancient pilgrim route called St Michael’s Way which led pilgrims across Cornwall from Lelant to Marazion, near Penzance, where they would then travel on to the Cathedral of St James in Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain.
The St. Ives Bay Hotel (St. Ives)
Day
8
Departure
After breakfast, our services and your South West Coast Path adventure will be over. Have a safe trip back home!
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