Day 1 – Monday, 4th September 2017

 

Activity: South West Coast Path - Minehead to Porlock Weir

 

Grade: Around 9.5 miles (15.3 km) - moderate but with a strenuous "alternative route" option covered in the coast path guide book. 4.5 hours average walking time without breaks

Overnight at The Bottom Ship - A small and very basic but walker friendly 15th century thatched inn in a stunning location on the path, overlooking the harbour and Bristol Channel. Bar and evening meals on site.

Website www.shipinnporlockweir.co.uk

 

Day 2 – Tuesday, 5th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Porlock Weir to Lynmouth

 

Grade: Around 12 miles (19.3 km) - moderate grade walking with strenuous sections. 5.5 hours average walking time without breaks.

 

Overnight at The Bath Hotel - Family Run 2* Rated Hotel Accommodation in the perfect position right by the harbour side in the centre of Lynmouth and right on the coast path. Restaurant, 2 bars, conservatory and Sun Lounge for residents. En-suite rooms giving a choice of sea view and upgrade options along with more economical standard rooms.

 

Website www.bathhotellynmouth.co.uk

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Day 3 – Wednesday, 6th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Lynmouth to Combe Martin

Grade: Around 13.5 miles (21.7 km) - strenuous grade. 7 hours average walking time without breaks

Overnight at Acorns Guest House - A Victorian guest house ideally located just 3 minutes from the beach and the southwest coast path. Situated in a beautiful and fertile valley, or Combe, on the western edge of Exmoor National Park, Combe Martinlies at the centre of some of North Devon's most spectacular coastal scenery.

Website www.acorns-guesthouse.co.uk

 

Day 4 – Thursday, 7th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Combe Martin to Woolacombe

Grade: Around 13 miles (20.9 km) - 8 miles Moderate 5 miles Strenuous. 6 hours average walking time without breaks
 

Overnight at The Imperial BandB - Woolacombe - Situated in the heart of Woolacombe a minute or two from the coast path, beach and evening meal options. Four ensuite sea view rooms in a large seafront house.

Website www.theimperialwoolacombe.co.uk

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Day 5 – Friday, 8th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Woolacombe to Croyde Bay
Grade: Around 6.5 miles (10.5 km) - Moderate Grade. Average Walking Time 2.5 to 3 hours not including breaks
 

No Overnight Acommodation - going home

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Day 6 – Saturday, 9th September 2017
No Walking Today

Day 7 – Sunday, 10th September 2017

No Walking today. 

Arrive and overnight at The Imperial Hotel - Barnstaple - The only 4 star luxury hotel in Barnstaple, the Imperial Hotel is perfect for walkers looking for a bit of luxury as its set right on the coast path overlooking the Riverside at Barnstaple. This has been the Towns best hotel since 1898 and is a grade 2 listed building that retains a lot of that
history and character in its stately, country house feel. Spacious lounges, the colours bar and a fine dining option in the Arlington Restaurant mean most don't need to venture out but if you do you are in the heart of Barnstaple with all the facilities and sights minutes away. 

Website: www.brend-hotels.co.uk/theimperial

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Day 8 – Monday, 11th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Croyde Bay to Barnstaple

Transfer BUS to Croyde to walk back to the Hotel

 

Grade: Around 14.5 miles (23.3 km) - Easy Grade. Average walking time 6 hours not
including breaks. This is very quick walking flat and from Braunton along a made
up cycle trail.

Overnight at The Imperial Hotel - Barnstaple – As yesterday

 

Day 9 – Tuesday, 12th September 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Barnstaple to Instow

 

Grade: Around 7.5 miles (12.1 km) easy grade. Average walking time 3-4 hours not including break.

 

Overnight at The Wayfarer Inn - Comfortable inn accommodation in a small seaside village on the path with varied evening meal options to welcome walkers.

Website www.thewayfarerinn.co.uk

Day 10 – Wednesday, 13th September 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Instow to Westward Ho!

Grade: Around 11 miles (17.7 km) - Easy Grade. Average walking time 4 hours

Overnight at The Waterfront Inn - A premier family inn, with a fantastic coastal location, beside 2 miles of award winning blue flag beach and just minutes away from the Royal North Devon Golf Course.

Website www.waterfrontinn.co.uk

Day 11 – Thursday, 14th September 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Westward Ho to Clovelly

Grade: Around 11 miles (17.7 km) - strenuous grade. 6 hours average walking time without breaks

Overnight at New Inn Hotel - Clovelly - Right in the heart of the cobbled lanes of Clovelly just above the harbour and on the coast path route. This accommodation consists of a Small Hotel, The New Inn and a budget walkers annex next door known as Hamlyns BandB but run by the Hotel - those that are staying in the annex get to use the facilities of the hotel during their stay. The Walkers Annex has clean andcomfortable rooms aimed at over night walkers with the use of the hotel facilities, bar, restaurant, breakfast, etc. Most rooms are shared bathrooms but there are two en-suite rooms available for those that have booked early. The Hotel accommodation is AA 2* rated includes larger rooms and all are en-suit

Both accommodation options look over the traffic free narrow cobbled lane in Clovelly where the only way to get the luggage delivered to the accommodation is by a sledge!

Website www.stayatclovelly.co.uk/new-inn

Day 12 – Friday, 15th September 2017
Activity: Leave Clovelly no walking today to avoid problems with next section.
No accommodation tonight

Day 13 – Saturday, 16th September 2017
No Walking Today

Day 14 – Sunday, 17th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Arrive Clovelly

Overnight at New Inn Hotel - Clovelly - Right in the heart of the cobbled lanes of Clovelly just above the harbour and on the coast path route. As above. 

Website www.stayatclovelly.co.uk/new-inn

Day 15 – Monday, 18th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Clovelly to Hartland Quay

Grade: Around 10.5 miles (16.9 km) - Moderate to Strenuous grade. 5.5 hours average walking time without breaks

 

Overnight at 1 Coastguard Cottage - Around 1/2 mile inland of the South West Coast Path at Hartland Quay this small cosy BandB is in the first village you come to at Stoke and is the ex Head Coastguards House built in the 1920s beside the impressive St Nectans Church. Evening meals can be ordered with a couple of days notice OR you can walk the 1/2 mile to the Hartland Quay Hotel to eat. Walker friendly happy to dry clothes and boots and provide packed lunches. 

Website www.coastguardcottagestoke.com

Day 16 – Tuesday, 19th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Hartland Quay to Bude

 

Grade Around 15 miles (24.1 km) - 11 miles (17.7 km) Severe and 4 miles (6.4 km) Moderate. 8 hours average walking time without breaks

Overnight at Elements Hotel and Restaurant, www.elements-life.co.uk
NO Dog friendly accommodation in Bude town tonight. Walk onto Elements Hotel around 1.6 miles beyond Bude but flat and easy walking. 

Day 17 – Wednesday, 20th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Bude to Boscastle

Grade: Around 16.5 miles (26.6 km) - Strenuous. Average walking time 8.5 hours not including breaks.

Overnight at The Wellington Hotel - Boscastle - Well situated in the middle of Boscastle two minutes from the harbour and coast path. This is one of Cornwalls oldest coaching Inns dating back to the 16th Century. Past guests have included royalty and celebrities such as King Edward VII, Sir Henry Irving, Guy Gibson, and Thomas Hardy.  But are they ready for us?! Restaurant and Bar on site.

Website www.wellingtonhotelboscastle.com

Day 18 – Thursday, 21st September 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Boscastle to Port Isaac

Grade: Around 14 miles (22.5 km) - 5 miles (8 km) Moderate 9 miles (14.5 km) Severe. Average walking time without breaks 7 hours. This is one of the hardest days walking on the whole South West Coast Path so do allow plenty of time.

Overnight at The Old School Hotel and Restaurant - Slightly eccentric School themed hotel that appears in the Doc Martin series. This is Port Isaacs former school (see the website!). Right on the coast path, in the village and a couple of minutes walk to the slipway. Has its own restaurant on site or very close to other options in the village.

Website www.theoldschoolhotel.co.uk

Day 19 – Friday, 22nd September 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Port Isaac to Polzeath

Grade: Around 9 miles (14.5 km) - Strenuous grade. Average walking time 4 hours not
including breaks.

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No overnight - going home!

Day 20 – Saturday, 23rd September 2017
No Walking Today

Day 21 – Sunday, 24th September 2017
Activity: Arrive Port Isaac

Overnight at The Old School Hotel and Restaurant - as above.

Website www.theoldschoolhotel.co.uk

Day 22 – Monday, 25th September 2017
Activity South West Coast Path – Polzeath to Porthcothan

 

Grade Around 16 miles - Easy. 6 hours average walking time without breaks

Overnight at Penlan B and B - Small BandB in the centre of Porthcothan just off the coast path and behind the main beach. Most of their business revolves around the coast path so this place is very walker friendly - evening meals are taken 10 minutes walk away at the Tredea Inn.

Penlan is a very basic walkers BandB but is the only option in Porthcothan 

Website www.porthcothanbay.co.uk/pcb2_bandb-html

Day 23 – Tuesday, 26th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Porthcothan to Newquay

Grade: Around 11 miles (17.7 km) to Newquay Station - Moderate grade. 5 hours average walking time without breaks.

Overnight at The Esplanade Hotel Newquay - Modern and comfortable hotel in a superb location situated right on the coast path above stunning Fistral Beach the UKs premier surfing spot on the outskirts of Newquay. Superb Atlantic Ocean views from the restaurant, lounge area and many of the bedrooms allow you to watch
the sunset and surfers with a drink in your hand. Indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna for those who need to recover from their walking or just stroll over the road to Fistral and one of Cornwall's best loved beaches. The adventurous can hire surf equipment from the hotel or take a surfing lesson below the hotel those needing pampering can book and use the luxury facilities at the Fistral ESPA Spain the sister hotel The Bay a few hundred yards down the Esplanade.

Website: www.esplanadehotelnewquay.co.uk

Day 24 – Wednesday, 27th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Newquay to Perranporth

 

Grade: Around 11 miles (17.7 km) Moderate - sand dune route on Perran Sands to Perranporth is Strenuous. 5.5 hours average walking time without breaks. Note that if you are able to use the Fern Pit Ferry (see below) you will save around 2 miles (3.2 km) on this distance.

Overnight at Seiners - Perfect location right on the coast path at the end of 3 miles of sands at Perranporth with stunning views from the Inn and its terrace. Bar serving evening meals on site and as you are in Perranporth other options within just a few minutes walk.

Website: www.seiners.co.uk

Day 25 – Thursday, 28th September 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Perranporth to St Agnes (Trevaunance Cove)

Grade: Around 4 miles (6.4 km) - Moderate. Around 2 hours average walking time without breaks.

 

No accommodation - going home! 

Day 26 – Friday, 29th September 2017
No Walking Today
Day 27 – Saturday, 30th September 2017
No Walking Today
Day 28 – Sunday, 1st October 2017
No Walking Today
Day 29 – Monday, 2nd October 2017
No Walking Today

Day 30 – Tuesday, 3rd October 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Trevaunance Cove (below St Agnes) to Portreath

Grade Around 8 miles (12.9 km) - 4 miles (6.4 km) Moderate and 4 miles (6.4 km) Strenuous grade. 4 hours average walking time without breaks.

Overnight at The Portreath Arms Pub Hotel - Walker Friendly Inn accommodation right on the coast path in the centre of Portreath with easy access to the beach, harbour and a handful of shops and restaurants. Bar and restaurant on site. Basic accommodation option but good value for a walking overnight stay.

Website www.theportreatharms.co.uk

Day 31 – Wednesday, 4th October 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Portreath to Hayle

Grade: Around 12 miles (19.3 km) - Moderate. 5.5 hours average walking time without
breaks.

Overnight at The Mad Hatter Hayle - Basic walker friendly option just off the coast path in Hayle above the Mad Hatter Tea Shop.

Website www.cornwall-online.co.uk/madhatter

Day 32 – Thursday, 5th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Hayle to Zennor

Grade: Around 13.5 miles (21.7 km) - 5.5 miles (8.8 km) Moderate grade to St Ives, 7 miles (11.3 km) Severe from St Ives. 6.5 hours average walking time without breaks.

Overnight at The Gurnard's Head Hotel - Superb location just off the coast path in the wildest, remotest of hamlets Gurnards is a very laid back atmospheric establishment a favourite of the travel writers. Gurnards Head won Dining Pub of the Year 2010 (Cornwall) for its superb food, is listed by Alistair Sawday in his special places to stay and The Good Hotel Guide 2011. Comfort and calm is its key with Vi Sprung Beds, the best dining in the area - "Its so chilled I probably wouldn't care if I only had a hammock upstairs." Sally Shalam, The Guardian.

Website www.gurnardshead.co.uk

Day 33 – Friday, 6th October 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Zennor to Pendeen

Grade: Around 8 miles (12.9 km) including the distances to and from the coast path. 6 miles (9.6 km) Severe grade. 2 miles (3.2 km) Easy to and from the path. Average walking time 4 hours.

Overnight at The Old Coastguard Hotel - Owned by the same people as the Fabulous Gurnards Head in Zennor this is another place loved by the broadsheet travel writers with good reason. A fabulous location on the edge of Mousehole with outside terraces and tropical gardens that run right down to a rocky beach.
Winner of Dining Pub of the year 2013 and listed in the Good Food Guide its Brasserie restaurant is superb with fresh seafood landed 2 miles away at Newlyn. A range of renovated rooms from small double ensuites to four posters all have views of the sea, many look out over St Michaels Mount and the Lizard. Lie in bed and watch the Cornish Crabbers chug past on their way to Penzance. Breakfast on the terrace, in the garden or the bar ... it can be hard choice but either way you will start the day relaxing as you gaze over the sea.

 

Website www.oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk

Day 34 – Saturday, 7th October 2017
No walking

Day 35 – Sunday, 8th October 2017
No walking

Day 36 – Monday, 9th October 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Pendeen Watch to Sennen Cove

Grade: Around 9 miles (14.5 km) - Moderate. Around 4.5 hours average walking time without breaks.

 

Overnight at The Old Coastguard Hotel - as above.

Website www.oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk

Day 37 – Tuesday, 10th October 2017
Activity: South West Coast Path - Sennen Cove to Mousehole

Grade Around 14 miles (22.5 km) - 7 miles (11.3 km) Moderate, 7 miles (11.3 km) Strenuous. Around 6-7 hours average walking time without breaks.

Overnight at the Old Coastguard above

Day 38 – Wednesday, 11th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Mousehole to Marazion

Grade: Around 7 miles (11.3 km) Easy Grade along the seafront via Penzance. 2.5 hours average walking time without breaks. Note that this short day works very well if you require time to explore Penzance or visit St Michaels Mount en route.

Overnight at Rosario Bed and Breakfast - 4* graded BandB Accommodation (Visit Cornwall) with its own tea gardens right in the centre of Marazion and on the coast path.

Website www.rosario-marazion.co.uk

Day 39 – Thursday, 12th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Marazion to Gunwalloe

Grade: 13.5 miles – moderate to strenuous grade – average walking around 5-6 hours not including breaks.

Overnight at Hazelphron Inn – Inn just inland of the coast path

Website Http://halzephron-inn.co.uk

Day 40 – Friday, 13th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Gunwalloe to Mullion Cove

Grade: 4 miles – Moderate to Strenuous walking – average walking time around 1.5 to 2 hours not including breaks

 

No accommodation.

Day 41 – Saturday, 14th October 2017
No walking today.

Day 42 – Sunday, 15th October 2017
No walking today.

Day 43 – Monday, 16th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Mullion Cove to Cadgwith

Grade: Around 10.5 miles (16.9 km) from the Cove. Add 1 mile (1.6 km) from the centre of Mullion Town if staying there. Moderate Grade throughout - 4-5 hours average walking time without breaks.

Overnight at Cadgwith Cove Inn - One of the most atmospheric stays in Cornwall the Cadgwith Cove Inn is the centre of this tiny fishing hamlet with the Inn sat right at the head of the stunning cove just a few steps from the Ocean. As such its frequented by the small boat fisherman who still operate from here. Listed in the 2013 Good Pub Guide, enjoy Cask Ales and evening meals on site and for those who like seafood its landed 10 metres from the kitchen door by those who share the pub with you... so you dont get fresher fish than this. Recently the base for
the Monty Halls "Fishermans Apprentice" TV series the inn and its locals give the place a special atmosphere and a sense of a long lost Cornwall. The pub has been here for over 300 years in "a small drinking village with a fishing problem" - if you are here when the boats arrive expect to hear a few sea shanties in a place a long way away from the modern world. Unusual, quirky and well worth the overnight stay when on the coast path.

Website: www.cadgwithcoveinn.com

Day 44 – Tuesday, 17th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Cadgwith to Porthallow

Grade: Around 12 miles (19.3 km) Moderate Grade. Average Walking Time 5-6 hours
not including breaks.

Overnight at Gallen-Treath Guest House - Comfortable and spacious guest house accommodation in the pretty little village of Porthallow with its single pub The Five Pilchards and the coast path just a few minutes walk away. AA3* rated there are en-suite room options, a second floor lounge with balcony and a garden and patio to relax in after the walk here. Licensed and able to provide 3 course evening meals if booked in advance.

Website www.gallen-treath.com

Day 45 – Wednesday, 18th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Porthallow to Falmouth

Grade: Around 18 miles (29 km) to Falmouth Harbour - Mainly Moderate with Easy grade finish. Accommodation is actually before Pendennis Point so around 15.5 miles today as its in West Falmouth You will also save 2 miles (3.2 km) if you manage to Ford over Gillan Creek but this is tide dependent. Average walking time 8+ hours not including breaks. This is a very long days walk with 2 river crossings so do allow plenty of time.

Overnight at Lerryn Hotel - Around 2 minutes from the coast path as it reaches Falmouth. The Lerryn Hotel has an ideal situation set just off Falmouths best beaches on one side whilst on the other around 10 minutes to the station, and another 5 minutes onto the town centre shops and restaurants. Comfortable en-suite rooms some with sea view balconies, flat screen TVs and free wi-fi as well as a residents lounge and bar on site.

Website www.thelerrynhotel.co.uk

Day 46 – Thursday, 19th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Falmouth to Portloe

Grade: Around 14 miles (22.5 km) - 6 miles (9.6 km) Easy 8 miles (12.9 km) Strenuous. 6.5 hours average walking time without breaks.

Overnight at The Lugger Hotel - Right on the Coast Path in this timeless, remote and unspoilt fishing village The Lugger is a regular haunt of the broadsheet travel writers. Sitting at the head of the slipway its cut into the rocks in the tiny cove and has commanding views over the ocean. Enjoy fine food and wine in the AA Rosette Hotel restaurant or make use of the on site spa treatment centre. A luxury range of bedrooms and suites most with sea views - even if you cant stay try and visit as there is no finer place for a cream tea with a view in the whole of South
Cornwall.

Website www.bespokehotels.com/thelugger

Day 47 – Friday, 20th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Portloe to Gorran Haven

Grade: Around 9 miles (14.5 km) - Moderate walking grade, 2 miles (3.2 km) Strenuous. Average walking time around 4 hours not including breaks.
No acommodation - going home today!

Day 48 – Saturday, 21st October 2017
No walking today
Day 49 – Sunday, 22nd October 2017
No walking today

Day 50 – Monday, 23rd October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path – Gorran Haven to Pentewan

Grade: Around 6 miles easy to Mevagissey then some moderate. Average walking time around 2.5 hours not including breaks.

Overnight at The Cove - Walker Friendly BandB right on the coast path at Pentewan village. Next door to the pub for evening meals and with a guests lounge, wood burner and 2 settees to relax in after your walk. 

Website www.pentewanbandb.co.uk

Day 51 – Tuesday, 24th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Pentewan to Fowey

Grade: Distance 15.2 miles – mainly moderate grade with 4 miles easy grade walking around Par – Average walking time around 6 hours not including breaks.

Overnight at The Well House - Right in the heart of atmospheric Fowey just off the coast path next to the restaurants, shops and pubs of the town. A period grade 2 listed building which was a former merchants house with lots of character and charm all beamed ceilings and fireplaces throughout its three BandB rooms. Tea room
on site with its small courtyard complete with ancient well at the rear of the accommodation. Very walker friendly owners able to provide advice and packed lunches.

Website: www.wellhousefowey.co.uk

Day 52 – Wednesday, 25th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Fowey to Looe

Grade: Around 12 miles (19.3 km) - 7 miles (11.3 km) Strenuous 5 miles (8 km) Moderate. 6.5 hours average walking time without breaks.

Overnight at Little Harbour Guest House - AA 3* BandB just 50 metres off the coast path in quieter West Looe but with easy access to the shops, facilities and restaurants in both West and East Looe. Straightforward walker-friendly BandB with a guest lounge to relax in, welcoming owners, big breakfasts, Digital TVs and all the rooms are en-suite.

Website www.littleharbour.co.uk

Day 53 – Thursday, 26th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Looe to Portwrinkle (Crafthole)
Grade: Around 8 miles (12.9 km) - Strenuous. 4 hours average walking time without breaks.

Overnight at Finnygook Inn - A 15th century coaching Inn with lots of character and comfortable en-suite bedrooms. 1/2 mile inland of the coast path at the village of Crafthole, walkers are welcome with excellent food on site and superb views over the St Germans and Tamar Estuary Creeks.

Website www.finnygook.co.uk

Day 54 – Friday, 27th October 2017
Activity South West Coast Path - Portwrinkle (Crafthole) to Plymouth Hoe

Grade: Around 13 miles (20.9 km) to the Cremyll Ferry which lands you at Plymouth. Moderate walking Grade.
If staying at Plymouth Hoe the full distance is 15.5 miles (24.9 km) - 2.5 miles (4 km) in Plymouth. Easy walking grade but you can short cut this! 6.5 hours average walking time without breaks

Overnight at Duke Of Cornwall Hotel - One of Plymouths original and grander hotels with lots of history and plenty of facilities. Restaurant, lounge areas and bars on site and only 200m off the coast path route before you reach Plymouth Hoe. 15 minute walk to the train station, similar distance to the Hoe and Barbican areas and in the City Centre for those who want to walk to restaurants, theatre and Plymouths other attractions.

Website www.thedukeofcornwall.co.uk

Day 55 – Saturday, 28th October 2017
Depart Plymouth - end of this stretch of the walk!

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