Which Section of the South West Coast Path is Right for You?

With dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, picturesque fishing villages and some of England’s most spectacular coastal scenery, the South West Coast Path is an unforgettable walking experience. But with so much to explore, how do you decide which section is right for you?

Stretching for 1,014 kilometres from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, the South West Coast Path is England’s longest National Trail. At RAW Travel, we specialise in walking holidays along some of the most spectacular sections of the South West Coast Path, from Cornwall’s rugged coastline between Padstow and Plymouth to the extraordinary Jurassic Coast between Exmouth and Weymouth. Every section offers something different, with its own landscapes, history and walking challenges.

From the sweeping Atlantic beaches of the north coast to the rugged cliffs of Land’s End, the turquoise coves of the Lizard Peninsula and the sheltered harbours of the south coast, the landscape changes dramatically as you walk. Whether you’re drawn to great food and charming villages, remote landscapes, historic landmarks or challenging coastal hiking, there’s a section to suit you.

And with RAW Travel, your South West Coast Path walking holiday can be tailored to suit your interests, available time and preferred departure date.

Here’s our guide to choosing the best section for your next walking adventure.

Which section of the South West Coast Path should you walk?

• Padstow to St Ives: Best for sandy beaches, fishing villages and fantastic food. Grade 6, Challenging.
• St Ives to Penzance via Land’s End: Best for wild Atlantic scenery, historic landmarks and rugged coastal walking. Grade 6–7, Challenging to Strenuous.
• Penzance to Falmouth: Best for secluded coves, unusual geology and the Lizard Peninsula. Grade 6, Challenging.
• Falmouth to Plymouth: Best for historic harbours, picturesque fishing villages and varied coastal scenery. Includes challenging and strenuous stretches.

• Exmouth to Weymouth (Jurassic Coast): Best for ancient geology, fossil-rich beaches, dramatic cliffs and historic seaside towns. Varied walking with moderate and challenging sections.

Or combine all of these together to customise a longer trip. Just ask us!

1. Padstow to St Ives

Best for beautiful beaches, charming villages and a classic Cornish experience

If this is your first time walking in Cornwall, Padstow to St Ives is a wonderful introduction to the South West Coast Path. This section combines some of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches with dramatic coastal cliffs, pretty fishing villages and plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood or a traditional Cornish pasty.

The coastline is constantly changing, with wild Atlantic views, hidden coves and lively seaside towns providing plenty of variety. It’s also home to two of our favourite Cornish destinations: Padstow and St Ives.

Highlights of Padstow to St Ives

Padstow is a fantastic place to begin your walking holiday. This bustling harbour town is famous for its seafood, excellent restaurants and picturesque waterfront. Celebrity chef Rick Stein helped put Padstow on the culinary map, and it’s easy to see why food lovers flock here. Consider adding an extra day to explore nearby Port Isaac, a beautiful fishing village with narrow streets, whitewashed cottages and a harbour tucked between steep hillsides. Fans of the television series Doc Martin will recognise it as the fictional village of Portwenn.

From Padstow, the trail follows rugged headlands and beautiful bays towards Porthcothan. Further along, you’ll discover coastal favourites including Mawgan Porth, Watergate Bay, Crantock and Perranporth, each offering its own character and opportunities to enjoy local food. The walking is varied, with clifftop trails, sandy stretches and plenty of hills. While some sections follow well-defined paths, the repeated climbs and descents make this a challenging coastal walk.

Your journey finishes in St Ives, one of Cornwall’s most beautiful seaside towns. Its golden beaches, narrow streets, independent galleries and excellent restaurants make it a wonderful place to spend an extra night.

Why choose Padstow to St Ives?

Choose this section if you love:

• Beautiful sandy beaches
• Pretty Cornish villages
• Great food and fresh seafood
• History and local legends
• Art and culture
• A mixture of coastal scenery and lively towns

This section is particularly appealing to walkers who appreciate having cafés, restaurants and accommodation along the way, as well as local transport options should they need to shorten a walking day.

Walking grade: 6 – Challenging

Our tip: Allow extra time in Padstow or St Ives. Both towns deserve more than a quick overnight stay.

Explore RAW Travel’s Padstow to St Ives walking holiday

2. St Ives to Penzance via Land’s End

Best for wild Atlantic scenery, dramatic cliffs and challenging coastal walking

If you’re looking for spectacular scenery and a more demanding walking experience, St Ives to Penzance is hard to beat. As you head west from St Ives, the coastline becomes wilder and more remote. Villages become fewer, the cliffs more rugged and the Atlantic feels ever present. This is one of the most spectacular sections of the South West Coast Path, but also one of the most physically demanding.

Don’t be fooled by shorter daily distances. Some walking days involve steep climbs, rocky terrain and boulder scrambling, making progress slower than the kilometres might suggest. Two of the walking days are among the toughest on the trail.

For experienced walkers, the rewards are extraordinary.

Highlights of St Ives to Penzance

Leaving the lively streets of St Ives, you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by remote coastal scenery. The path becomes rockier and more demanding as it follows the rugged coastline towards Zennor, a tiny village known for its ancient church, local legends and literary connections. Further west, the dramatic mining landscape around Botallack reveals Cornwall’s industrial heritage. Abandoned tin and copper mine engine houses cling to the cliffs, creating some of the most recognisable images of the South West Coast Path.

Then comes Land’s End, one of England’s most famous coastal landmarks. Standing at the western tip of mainland England, with the Atlantic stretching towards the horizon, is an unforgettable experience. On clear days, you can see the Longships Lighthouse and, in the distance, the Isles of Scilly. Continuing towards Porthcurno, you’ll encounter the extraordinary Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre carved into the cliffs above the ocean.

The route eventually passes through the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole before reaching Penzance, where you can enjoy independent shops, restaurants and views across Mount’s Bay towards St Michael’s Mount.

Why choose St Ives to Penzance?

Choose this section if you love:

• Dramatic Atlantic coastline
• Rugged cliffs and headlands
• Remote landscapes
• Physically demanding walking
• Cornwall’s historic mining heritage
• Iconic landmarks such as Land’s End
• Spectacular scenery and photography opportunities

This is the section for walkers who want to experience Cornwall at its wildest and most dramatic.

Walking grade: 6–7 – Challenging to Strenuous

Our tip: Don’t judge the difficulty by distance alone. This is a section where fitness, balance and experience on uneven terrain really matter.

Explore RAW Travel’s St Ives to Penzance walking holiday

3. Penzance to Falmouth via the Lizard Peninsula

Best for hidden coves, turquoise water and Cornwall’s unique coastal landscapes

If you’re drawn to remote landscapes, secluded beaches and something a little different, Penzance to Falmouth via the Lizard Peninsula is a fantastic choice. This part of the South West Coast Path combines rugged cliffs, sheltered coves, tiny fishing villages and some of Cornwall’s most unusual geology. The Lizard Peninsula is home to the southernmost point of mainland Britain, and its scenery feels distinctly different from the wild Atlantic coastline further west.

Highlights of Penzance to Falmouth

Leaving Penzance, you’ll have the opportunity to visit St Michael’s Mount, one of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks. This remarkable tidal island is crowned by a medieval castle and church, with a causeway accessible on foot when tidal conditions allow.

As you continue towards the Lizard Peninsula, the landscape changes again. The area’s unusual serpentine rock formations give parts of the coastline a distinctive appearance, while wild heathland, dramatic cliffs and turquoise bays create an extraordinary setting for coastal walking. One of the highlights is Kynance Cove, famous for its white sand, striking rock formations and remarkably clear water. It’s one of Cornwall’s most photographed beaches, and for good reason.

You’ll also pass Lizard Point, mainland Britain’s southernmost point, before continuing along a coastline dotted with picturesque fishing villages, including Cadgwith and Coverack. The route eventually leads towards Falmouth, a lively maritime town with a fascinating naval history, excellent restaurants and a beautiful natural harbour.

Why choose Penzance to Falmouth?

Choose this section if you love:

• Hidden beaches and secluded coves
• Wild coastal landscapes
• Unique geology and rock formations
• Historic landmarks
• Picturesque fishing villages
• Challenging coastal walking

This section is particularly rewarding for walkers who enjoy feeling they’ve discovered somewhere special. The Lizard Peninsula offers a wonderful combination of dramatic scenery and quieter coastal communities.

Walking grade: 6 – Challenging

Our tip: Take the opportunity to explore St Michael’s Mount. It’s a wonderful experience and our team can easily add in enough time to your itinerary to enjoy the experience here. Well worth the visit.

Explore RAW Travel’s St Ives to Falmouth walking holiday

4. Falmouth to Plymouth

Best for historic harbours, fishing villages and Cornwall’s beautiful south coast

For charming fishing villages, sheltered bays and fascinating maritime history, Falmouth to Plymouth offers a wonderful contrast to Cornwall’s wild Atlantic coastline. Following the south coast eastwards, this section of the South West Coast Path winds through wooded valleys, rural landscapes, secluded coves and picturesque harbours.

It’s an excellent choice for walkers who enjoy a combination of beautiful coastal scenery, local history and traditional Cornish communities.

Highlights of Falmouth to Plymouth

Leaving Falmouth, the route follows the beautiful Roseland Peninsula, a quieter and more rural part of Cornwall known for its sheltered coastline, green countryside and pretty villages such as St Mawes and Portscatho. The headland at St Anthony Head offers spectacular views across the Fal estuary and towards Falmouth. Further along, the coastline becomes increasingly rugged, particularly around Portloe and Nare Head, where steep climbs reward walkers with magnificent sea views.

One of the highlights is Mevagissey, a picturesque working fishing village with narrow streets, colourful harbour buildings and a fascinating maritime history. Once an important centre for Cornwall’s pilchard fishing industry, Mevagissey retains much of its traditional character. Continuing east, you’ll encounter the historic harbour town of Fowey. With its narrow streets, attractive waterfront and strong maritime heritage, it’s a wonderful place to explore. The town also has connections to author Daphne du Maurier, whose writing was inspired by Cornwall’s landscapes.

Beyond Fowey, the path follows a beautiful stretch of coastline towards Polperro and Looe.

Polperro is particularly charming, with whitewashed cottages clustered around a sheltered harbour, winding pedestrian lanes and a long history of fishing and smuggling. Nearby Looe is another classic Cornish fishing town, known for its bustling harbour, sandy beach and excellent seafood.

As you continue east, the coastline leads towards Rame Head, a dramatic headland with sweeping views across Plymouth Sound and the surrounding coastline. The historic chapel of St Michael sits near the headland’s summit, making this a particularly memorable landmark. The route continues through the picturesque twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, before reaching Mount Edgcumbe and crossing the River Tamar to Plymouth.

Finishing in Plymouth provides a wonderful sense of achievement. With its rich naval history, waterfront restaurants and lively harbour precinct, it’s a fitting place to celebrate completing your coastal journey.

Why choose Falmouth to Plymouth?

Choose this section if you love:

• Picturesque fishing villages and historic harbours
• Traditional Cornish communities
• Beautiful beaches and secluded coves
• Maritime history and local culture
• Varied coastal landscapes
• Great seafood and local food experiences
• A combination of challenging walking and charming towns

While this section can feel less remote than the far western coastline, it still includes some strenuous stretches, particularly around Portloe and Nare Head. Walking difficulty: Challenging, with strenuous sections. 

Our tip: Allow time to explore Mevagissey, Fowey and Polperro. These are some of Cornwall’s most charming coastal villages and deserve more than a passing visit. RAW Travel can help design a customised walking itinerary along this section of the South West Coast Path.

Explore RAW Travel’s South West Coast Path walking holidays

5. Exmouth to Weymouth: The Jurassic Coast

Best for ancient landscapes, fossil-rich beaches and spectacular coastal scenery

Want something a little different? The Exmouth to Weymouth section of the South West Coast Path offers a remarkable journey through 185 million years of Earth’s history.

Stretching approximately 102 kilometres along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast, this section takes you from the striking red sandstone cliffs of Exmouth to the sweeping shingle of Chesil Beach and the historic harbour town of Weymouth.

Unlike the rugged Cornish coastline, the Jurassic Coast reveals a fascinating geological story. Towering cliffs, ancient rock formations and fossil-rich shores showcase millions of years of change, with the landscape taking on a completely different character as you walk.

Highlights of Exmouth to Weymouth

Beginning in Exmouth, you’ll encounter striking red sandstone cliffs that mark the western gateway to the Jurassic Coast. These distinctive rock formations date back to the Triassic Period and provide a dramatic introduction to this extraordinary coastline.

As you continue east, the trail passes through picturesque seaside towns and fishing villages, with beautiful coastal views and plenty of opportunities to explore along the way.

Sidmouth is a particular highlight, with its elegant seafront, colourful cliffs and traditional seaside atmosphere. Further along, the coastline becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach the historic fossil-hunting town of Lyme Regis, famous for its geological discoveries and charming harbour known as the Cobb.

One of the most memorable landmarks is Golden Cap, the highest point on England’s south coast. The climb is demanding, but the sweeping views across the Jurassic Coast make every step worthwhile.

Nearby West Bay is another highlight, with towering golden sandstone cliffs that became famous as a filming location for the BBC drama Broadchurch.

Continuing towards Weymouth, you’ll encounter the extraordinary Chesil Beach, a vast shingle barrier stretching along the Dorset coastline. Its scale and unusual formation make it one of the Jurassic Coast’s most recognisable natural features.

Your journey finishes in Weymouth, a lively seaside town with a beautiful harbour, historic waterfront and plenty of places to celebrate completing your walk.

Why choose Exmouth to Weymouth?

Choose this section if you love:

• Ancient geology and fossil-rich landscapes
• Dramatic cliffs and panoramic coastal views
• Historic seaside towns and picturesque harbours
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes
• Natural history and fascinating geological formations
• A mixture of gentler walking and challenging coastal climbs
• Beautiful beaches and traditional English seaside culture

The Jurassic Coast offers a different walking experience from Cornwall’s rugged Atlantic coastline. While some stretches are more forgiving underfoot, there are still steep climbs and demanding sections, particularly around Golden Cap.

It’s a wonderful option for walkers who want spectacular coastal scenery, fascinating history and plenty of variety along the way.

Walking difficulty: Moderate.

Our tip: Allow extra time in Lyme Regis. Its fossil-hunting heritage, historic harbour and excellent restaurants make it one of the most interesting places to explore along the Jurassic Coast.

Explore all of RAW Travel’s South West Coast Path walking holidays

Want a bit of everything? Try the Cornish Camino

Can’t decide which section of Cornwall to explore? Our 15-day Cornish Camino brings together some of the region’s most memorable landscapes, historic trails and coastal highlights. This unique itinerary combines sections of the South West Coast Path with ancient pilgrimage routes, including the Saints’ Way and St Michael’s Way. You’ll experience dramatic cliffs, picturesque fishing villages, peaceful countryside, historic churches, sandy beaches and some of Cornwall’s finest food. It’s a wonderful alternative to a traditional point-to-point coastal walk, particularly if you’re interested in Cornwall’s history, culture and pilgrimage heritage.

Discover the Cornish Camino with RAW Travel

Want to walk further? Padstow to Plymouth

For walkers who want to experience the full diversity of Cornwall’s coastline, a longer journey from Padstow to Plymouth is a remarkable adventure. Covering approximately 397.8 kilometres, according to the National Trails distance calculator, this route could take around 30 days, depending on your walking pace, chosen itinerary and rest days.

Along the way, you’ll experience the changing character of Cornwall, from the Atlantic beaches and fishing villages of the north coast to the rugged western headlands, the Lizard Peninsula and the historic harbours of the south coast. Rather than choosing just one section, you’ll discover how the landscape, culture and communities change as you make your way around this extraordinary corner of England. RAW Travel can tailor your itinerary to suit your available time, preferred daily distances and walking experience.

For another extended option, explore our Padstow to Falmouth walking holiday.

How difficult is walking the South West Coast Path?

The South West Coast Path is a challenging long-distance walking trail, with steep climbs, rocky descents, exposed clifftops and constantly changing terrain. RAW Travel generally grades its South West Coast Path itineraries as Grade 6 – Challenging, with some sections reaching Grade 7 – Strenuous, particularly those incorporating the demanding coastline between St Ives and Penzance. One of the biggest misconceptions about coastal walking is that shorter distances mean easier days.

On the South West Coast Path, the repeated ascents and descents can make a 12-kilometre day considerably more demanding than a much longer walk on flatter terrain. The terrain also varies significantly between sections. Some stretches follow well-defined coastal paths, while others involve rocky scrambling, steep steps and narrow trails. Good fitness, preparation and experience walking on uneven ground will help you get the most from your journey. Our advice is to choose a section that matches your walking experience and allow enough time to enjoy the scenery rather than rushing through it.

RAW Travel’s destination specialists can help you understand the terrain and select an itinerary that suits you.

When is the best time to walk the South West Coast Path?

Spring and early autumn are particularly rewarding times to explore Cornwall on foot. April to June brings longer days, coastal wildflowers and landscapes coming to life after winter. It’s a wonderful time to experience Cornwall before the busiest summer holiday period. July and August offer long daylight hours and lively seaside towns, although popular destinations such as St Ives, Padstow and Kynance Cove can be busy. September and early October can offer pleasant walking conditions, quieter trails and beautiful coastal scenery. Whatever the season, Cornwall’s coastal weather can change quickly. Wind, rain and exposed conditions are all part of the experience, so appropriate clothing and preparation are essential.

For more inspiration, read our 9 reasons to walk the South West Coast Path.

Frequently asked questions about the South West Coast Path

What is the most scenic section of the South West Coast Path in Cornwall?

Every section offers beautiful coastal scenery, but St Ives to Penzance via Land’s End is particularly spectacular. This stretch features rugged Atlantic cliffs, historic tin mines, remote headlands and some of Cornwall’s most dramatic landscapes.

Which section of the South West Coast Path is best for first-time walkers?

Padstow to St Ives is an appealing introduction thanks to its varied scenery, charming villages and excellent food experiences. However, it is still graded Challenging and requires good fitness and preparation. RAW Travel can help first-time coastal walkers choose a suitable itinerary.

What is the hardest section of the South West Coast Path?

The stretch between St Ives and Penzance is widely regarded as one of the most demanding sections. It includes steep climbs, rocky terrain, exposed headlands and sections of boulder scrambling. Walkers should be comfortable with strenuous days and uneven terrain.

Is the Jurassic Coast easier to walk than other sections?

Some sections of the Jurassic Coast offer gentler walking than other sections of rugged western coastline, but the route between Exmouth and Weymouth still includes steep climbs and challenging terrain. The ascent to Golden Cap is particularly demanding. The best choice depends on your fitness, walking experience and preferred daily distances.

Can you walk the South West Coast Path without a guide?

Yes. RAW Travel offers self-guided walking holidays along the South West Coast Path, allowing you to walk independently with prearranged accommodation, luggage transfers and detailed trip information. You’ll enjoy the freedom of independent walking with the reassurance of expert planning and local support.

How long does it take to walk from Padstow to Plymouth?

The South West Coast Path between Padstow and Plymouth covers approximately 397.8 kilometres. Depending on your walking pace, daily distances and rest days, you could allow around 30 days to complete the journey. RAW Travel can help design an itinerary to suit your available time.

When is the best time to walk the South West Coast Path?

Spring and early autumn are excellent times for walking in Cornwall. April to June offers coastal wildflowers and longer days, while September and early October can provide quieter trails and pleasant walking conditions. Coastal weather remains changeable throughout the year.

Can I customise my South West Coast Path walking holiday?

Yes. RAW Travel can tailor your walking holiday to suit your preferred section, travel dates, daily walking distances and available time. You can also incorporate rest days or combine multiple sections into a longer itinerary.

So, which section of the South West Coast Path should you choose?

There’s no single best section of the South West Coast Path. It all depends on what you want from your walking holiday.

For beautiful beaches and lively coastal towns, choose Padstow to St Ives. For wild Atlantic scenery and a more demanding challenge, head from St Ives towards Land’s End. For secluded coves and unusual landscapes, explore the Lizard Peninsula. For historic harbours and traditional Cornish villages, consider Falmouth to Plymouth. And if ancient geology, fossil-rich beaches and spectacular coastal landmarks appeal to you, the Jurassic Coast from Exmouth to Weymouth offers something entirely different.

It’s also the kind of destination that brings walkers back again and again.

With RAW Travel, your South West Coast Path holiday can be designed around you. Our experienced walking specialists can help you choose the right route, organise your accommodation and luggage transfers, and prepare you for the journey ahead.

You can enjoy the freedom of walking independently, knowing the important details have been taken care of.

Explore RAW Travel’s South West Coast Path walking holidays