Cornwall's coast path is genuinely strenuous walking, not a coastal stroll: expect frequent short, steep climbs and descents rather than sustained ascent, uneven granite and slate underfoot, and weather that can turn in the time it takes to reach the next headland. Bus and rail services along this stretch are seasonal and can be sparse outside summer, so transport needs planning before you leave, not after. Treat every distance, time and access note on this page as a starting estimate, and check the official South West Coast Path Association service for current conditions, diversions and closures before any walk.
Rocky, boulder-strewn terrain past Clodgy Point and Zennor Head, with the path rising and falling constantly rather than settling into one long climb. There is no realistic mid-route bail-out, so this is a full-commitment half-day once you leave St Ives.
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The longest and most remote section in this guide, running past Pendeen and Cape Cornwall to St Just's old mining ground before reaching Sennen. Most walkers split it, since public transport links along the way are thin and irregular.
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The shortest section here, looping from Britain's most southerly point across rare heathland to the serpentine stacks of Kynance Cove. Short does not mean easy or quiet — this is the most visited stretch in the guide, and beach access depends on the tide.
Open this field sheetEach field sheet in this guide states a walking direction, a distance and ascent figure checked against official sources, the underfoot surfaces you'll actually meet, and any realistic escape points if you need to cut a walk short. It also covers the practical logistics that decide whether a day goes well: nearest public transport, where to find water and toilets before the route runs out of both, and how the season affects daylight, crowding and service frequency.
