Quick summary: The South West Coast Path stretches 630 miles (1,014 km) from Minehead to Exmouth. The Cornish section spans roughly 300 km, divided into five walkable segments with distinct characteristics.
North coast (Tintagel to Padstow)
Distance: 40 km. Difficulty: moderate to hard (cliff climbs, rugged terrain). Time: 3–4 days comfortable pace. Highlights: Tintagel Castle, Boscastle Harbour, High Cliff (218m England’s highest sea cliff). Water access: limited safe swimming; sea can be rough. Facilities: small coastal villages; bring supplies for remote stretches. Best season: May–September (winter storms create unsafe conditions).
South coast east (Falmouth to Lizard Point)
Distance: 35 km. Difficulty: easy to moderate (fewer cliff gains). Time: 2–3 days. Highlights: Falmouth beaches, Porthleven Harbour, Mullion Cove (dramatic cove). Water access: multiple safe swimming spots. Facilities: well-established seaside towns; good accommodation. Best season: year-round (more protected from Atlantic swells).
South coast central (Lizard to Mousehole)
Distance: 45 km. Difficulty: hard (frequent elevation changes). Time: 3–4 days. Highlights: Lizard Point (southernmost UK mainland point), Porthcurno (Minack Theatre views), Mousehole (picture-perfect village). Water access: coves and beaches available but exposed. Facilities: mix of developed resorts and remote villages. Best season: May–October (November–April sees heavy Atlantic weather).
West coast (Land’s End to Padstow)
Distance: 75 km. Difficulty: hard (most rugged, relentless climbs). Time: 5–6 days. Highlights: Land’s End, Sennen Cove, St Ives (artistic harbour town). Water access: excellent surfing beaches; strong currents. Facilities: variable; St Ives is well-developed; intermediate stretches are remote. Best season: September–October (summer is crowded; winter is dangerous).
Practical details
Daily mileage: expect 15–20 km per day at comfortable pace (4–6 hours walking). Elevation gain: varies dramatically; north coast averages 500m per day; south coast averages 300m per day. Water temperature: 13–16°C year-round; wetsuit required for swimming. Tide considerations: some sections have time-dependent beach access; consult tide tables before departure.
Navigate safely
The South West Coast Path, Tide predictions and Weather forecasts for all of the Cornish legs of the South West Coast Path can be found at freemapsofcornwall.co.uk
Key takeaway:
The Cornish coastline isn’t monolithic. Choose your coastal section based on fitness level, time available, and preferred difficulty. East is easier; west is tougher but more dramatic.