South West Coast Path — stage 16, Cornwall
🛰️ Aerial view

Coastal walk

South West Coast Path — stage 16

Penzance, Cornwall

Distance 20
Difficulty Moderate · coastal
Type Coastal
Dogs Welcome · livestock & cliff edges

About South West Coast Path — stage 16

Coast Path stage of about 20 km along the Cornwall coast (Open Government Licence route data).

Along the way there are 39 places worth knowing about — somewhere to eat, things to see, and family stops close to the route. Scroll down for the map and the full list.

As with any Cornish coast path, check the tide times and weather before you set out, keep back from cliff edges, and wear footwear with a decent grip.

Directions to the start ↗ Official trail info ↗

Walk map & stop-offs

Orange lines are the trails. Coloured pins are places near the walk — tap any pin (or the buttons below) for cafés, sights, family stops and more.

Stops along the way

Real places near this walk — pulled from the Cornish.co.uk directory. Somewhere to eat, things to see, family days out, wildlife and beaches within easy reach.

Eat & drink

The Mussel Shoal 0.6 km Eat The Mussel Shoal A charming, open-air seafood shack right on Porthleven harbour, specializing in incredibly fresh mussels prepared in… Kota Kai 0.6 km Eat Kota Kai The vibrant, relaxed sister restaurant to Kota, offering a more casual dining experience with equally delicious… Kota Kai Bar & Kitchen 0.6 km Eat Kota Kai Bar & Kitchen The vibrant, more relaxed sister restaurant to Kota, offering casual dining with an Asian twist, a… The Ship Inn 0.6 km Eat The Ship Inn A quintessential Cornish pub steeped in history, offering a warm welcome, real ales, and classic pub… The Ship Inn Porthleven 0.6 km Eat The Ship Inn Porthleven A truly traditional Cornish pub right on the harbour, offering hearty pub classics, fresh fish, and… Kota Restaurant 0.7 km Eat Kota Restaurant Experience award-winning cuisine at this celebrated Porthleven restaurant, renowned for its exquisite fusion of Cornish ingredients…

See & do

St. Brannock's Church 0.6 km See St. Brannock's Church Discover the ancient heart of Nancledra at St. Brannock's Church, a peaceful and historic place of… Porthleven Beach 0.7 km See Porthleven Beach A charming sandy beach within a working fishing harbour. Enjoy gentle waves suitable for families, explore… The Boathouse (Porthleven) 0.7 km See The Boathouse (Porthleven) Enjoy delicious seafood and stunning harbour views from this popular restaurant. A fantastic spot for a… Tehidy Woods 0.8 km See Tehidy Woods Explore ancient woodlands, tranquil lakes, and winding paths in this stunning nature reserve near Townshend. Perfect… Mount's Bay - Eastern End (near Gulval Church) 0.8 km See Mount's Bay - Eastern End (near Gulval Church) Experience the dramatic beauty of Mount's Bay from its eastern edge. Enjoy panoramic views stretching towards… Loe Beach (near Porthleven) 0.8 km See Loe Beach (near Porthleven) A sheltered, sandy beach perfect for families and watersports. Gentle waves make it ideal for swimming,…

Family & play

Lizard Adventure (Activity provider based near Helston) 1.9 km Family Lizard Adventure (Activity provider based near Helston) Offering thrilling coasteering, kayaking, and climbing adventures along the dramatic Cornish coastline. For the adrenaline seeker… Flambards Theme Park 2.5 km Family Flambards Theme Park A family-friendly theme park offering thrilling rides, nostalgic exhibitions, and seasonal entertainment. Perfect for all ages… Flambards Theme Park (Limited to specific attractions within 2 miles) 2.6 km Family Flambards Theme Park (Limited to specific attractions within 2 miles) While the main park is just outside, some peripheral activities or viewing areas may fall within… Mount's Bay Kayak Tours 5.5 km Family Mount's Bay Kayak Tours Glide across the stunning waters of Mount's Bay near Goldsithney. Experience the Cornish coastline from a…

Wildlife & nature

Cornwall Falconry Centre 1.2 km Wildlife Cornwall Falconry Centre Experience the thrill of birds of prey at this centre near Penzance. Enjoy spectacular flying displays… Helston Downs Nature Reserve 1.9 km Wildlife Helston Downs Nature Reserve A peaceful expanse of heathland and grassland offering tranquil walks and opportunities for wildlife spotting. A… Cudden Point Nature Reserve 2.4 km Wildlife Cudden Point Nature Reserve Explore the dramatic cliffs and ancient fortifications of Cudden Point, offering breathtaking sea views and a… Loe Pool Nature Reserve (South West Coast Path Access) 3.4 km Wildlife Loe Pool Nature Reserve (South West Coast Path Access) Experience the natural beauty surrounding Loe Pool. Walk sections of the South West Coast Path for… Cornwall Seal Group Sanctuary (Formerly known as the West Cornwall Sea Bird and Seal Sanctuary) 4.9 km Wildlife Cornwall Seal Group Sanctuary (Formerly known as the West Cornwall Sea Bird and Seal Sanctuary) Witness the heartwarming rescue and rehabilitation of seals and seabirds. A vital conservation effort offering a…

Beaches nearby

Porthleven Sands 0.9 km Beaches Porthleven Sands A picturesque harbour town beach offering golden sands and rugged cliffs. Perfect for a stroll or… Long Rock 1.4 km Beaches Long Rock Stroll along a section of the iconic Mounts Bay Coastal Path, offering dramatic cliff views and… Penzance 1.5 km Beaches Penzance Embrace the rugged charm of Battery Point. This elevated spot offers commanding views across Mount's Bay… Porthleven Sands 1.7 km Beaches Porthleven Sands A stunning stretch of the South West Coast Path offering unparalleled sea views and access to… Wherry Town 2.4 km Beaches Wherry Town Loe Bar 2.7 km Beaches Loe Bar An iconic natural barrier of sand and shingle, Loe Bar connects to the Lizard Peninsula near…

Shops & markets

Porthleven Food Market 0.6 km Shop Porthleven Food Market A vibrant hub for local Cornish produce and artisan crafts, Porthleven Food Market offers a true… The Cornish Store 0.7 km Shop The Cornish Store Discover authentic Cornish crafts and gifts at this charming independent shop in Porthleven, a stone's throw… The Acorn 1.1 km Shop The Acorn A beloved vegetarian and vegan restaurant and bar offering delicious, locally sourced dishes in a relaxed… The Bookshop Penzance 1.1 km Shop The Bookshop Penzance An independent haven for book lovers, offering a carefully selected range of new and second-hand books… The Exchange Art Gallery 1.1 km Shop The Exchange Art Gallery Immerse yourself in local art at The Exchange, a vibrant gallery showcasing Cornish talent. Browse unique… Starry Eyed 1.1 km Shop Starry Eyed A delightful independent shop filled with an eclectic mix of handmade jewellery, unique gifts, and quirky…

Places to stay

Tregerest Farm Cottages 0.1 km Stay Tregerest Farm Cottages Experience rural bliss at these delightful farm cottages situated very close to Paul, offering peaceful self-catering… Porthleven Harbour Inn 0.7 km Stay Porthleven Harbour Inn A fantastic harbourside location with rooms offering sea views and a lively pub atmosphere, serving delicious… Chy An Gweal B&B 0.7 km Stay Chy An Gweal B&B Discover a delightful Bed & Breakfast nestled in the heart of Gulval, offering a warm Cornish… Penzance Boutique Apartments 0.7 km Stay Penzance Boutique Apartments Self-catering apartments offering modern comfort and convenience. A stylish option for those seeking independence with easy… Old Success Inn 0.7 km Stay Old Success Inn A historic inn nestled in Porthleven, offering comfortable rooms and delicious pub fare. Steps from the… The Captain's House 0.7 km Stay The Captain's House A boutique guesthouse with sea views, offering stylish rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious…

Know before you go

🧭 Getting there

The walk starts near Penzance. Use the directions button above to route to the trailhead.

🅿️ Parking

Check locally for the nearest car park — many Cornish trailheads have limited roadside parking.

🐕 Dogs

Welcome · livestock & cliff edges

🌊 Safety

Coastal sections can be exposed — check tide times and the forecast, keep back from cliff edges, and wear grippy footwear.

More walks nearby