SWCP Section 4, St. Ives to Penzance

Starting from St Ives, the walk begins with a pleasant route to St Ives Head, passing St Nicholas Chapel and the coastguard lookout, offering views across the bay to Hayle Sands and Godrevey Lighthouse. The path then descends to Porthmeor Beach. Stock up here, as there are no more facilities until Sennen, over 20 wild miles away after leaving Clodgy Point. The trail immediately enters the rugged West Penwith coastline, with signs of former mining activity on the hills above. After rounding Hor Point, the path follows a series of stunning rocky coves. From the Cam Naun trig point, there are views out to The Carracks (Seal Island) and, looking inland, Trevose Head on a clear day. A short inland diversion at River Cove leads to the remains of the lost village of Treveal. Back on the coast, after Wicca Pool, the impressive Zennor Head promontory offers dramatic views into Pendour Cove and tales of Zennor's mermaid sirens. The walk then heads inland for half a mile through ancient Bronze Age fields to the hamlet of Zennor and the welcoming Tinners Arms.

Today's trek rounds the Wild West Penwith peninsula towards Land's End, starting past the Treen Cove Mine engine house to reach the striking Gurnards Head, a 2nd-century cliff castle with hut circle remains and views of Carn Galver and Watchcroft inland. The path traverses "Zawns," narrow chasms, leading to Bosigran Head, a sea climbing hotspot, and Commando Ridge, a WWII training ground. Porthmoina features 19th-century stamping mill remains, and the Holy Well at Morvah is passed before reaching the isolated Pendeen Lighthouse, offering panoramas and access to Geevor Mine inland. From Pendeen, the trail follows old mining paths past dramatic engine houses and the Levant Mine, with its working beam engine and tales of miners working under the ocean. The collapsing remains of mines lead to the Botallack engine houses clinging to the cliffs and the Iron Age fort at Kenidjack Castle. Descending into the valley, the path passes ancient sites, including a Bronze Age cairn and arsenic processing remnants, before reaching St Just with views of Cape Cornwall. An inland option explores ancient stones near Carn Galvour Mine, including the Men Scryfa pillar, the Nine Maidens stone circle, Bosiliack Barrow, the Lanyon Quoit, and the Men-an-Tol. A visit to the well-preserved Iron Age village of Chysauster is also possible with an extra night in Zennor.

This morning's gentle walk leads to Cape Cornwall, England's only "Cape," offering potential sightings of dolphins, sharks, and seals, as well as views to the Scilly Isles. The path detours to the ruined chapel and chimney atop the headland, a landmark for shipping. Offshore are the treacherous Brisons Rocks. After passing tranquil Cape Priests Hole, a climb to the cliff tops reveals Bollowall Barrow, Neolithic stone chambers with local legends of fairies. Descending to sea level, the surreal fossilized beach at Porthnanven (Dinosaur Egg Beach) is crossed before climbing past mine shafts to Progo Poreth Ogo natural arch. Glimpses of Whitesand Bay lead to the legendary surfing mecca of Sennen Cove. As Lands End looms, towering cliffs overlook The Irish Lady rock. Dramatic rock formations precede Lands End itself, with views of the Longships Lighthouses. The path then leads to softer sands, passing the remains of a water wheel and the natural arch at Tol Pedn Penwith, before reaching Porthgwarra with its miner-drilled tunnel and man-made caves. The final dramatic scene is the Minack Theatre, hewn into the cliffs above Porthcurno.

Today's walk along West Cornwall's stunning coastline showcases picturesque golden coves, beginning with a steep climb to the infamous Logan Rock and the Treryn Dinas Iron Age Fort. After the tale of its dislodgement and reinstatement, the path descends to the unspoilt fishing village of Penberth. Continuing past Tater-du Lighthouse to Lamorna Cove and its notorious inn, the route then follows a more peaceful undulating path through the Kemyel Crease Nature Reserve to Port Spaniard, the site of a 16th-century Spanish landing. A brief return to road leads to Mousehole, described by Dylan Thomas as England's loveliest village, with its stunning harbor and narrow alleys, a good lunch stop where Star Gazy Pie is a local specialty. Around Penlee Point, the memorial gardens for the Penlee Lifeboat tragedy can be visited before the cycle walkway leads into Newlyn, Cornwall's first artist colony with its free art gallery and bustling fishing harbor. The final stretch along the walkway passes Battery Rocks and the Art Deco swimming pool, marking the arrival in the sheltered and hospitable town of Penzance, the end of this coastal journey unless continuing towards St Michael's Mount and St Ives.

The St Michaels Way is a 12-mile inland pilgrimage from Penzance to St Ives, part of the Santiago de Compostela route, starting along Mounts Bay to Marazion and St Michael's Mount. It then heads inland through Marazion Marshes and Ludgvan, before a steep climb to Trencrom Hill, offering panoramic views of the Land's End peninsula. Finally, the path descends to Carbis Bay, rejoining the Coast Path for a pleasant walk along St Ives Bay back to St Ives, completing a circular route.