");

The Saints Way

Enquire Now
4 nightsAverage
24.9 MILES / 40 KMTotal
6.2 MILES / 10 KMAverage Per Day
899m / 2949ftElevation
Hostels, B&BsAccommodation

The Saints Way

Difficulty Grade
Accommodation Type
Hostels, B&Bs
Activity
Walking Holiday
Start/Finish
Cornwall / Devon
Average PPPN
£153
Best Months
April - Oct

Difficulty grade based on 1 star being the easiest and 5 star being the most difficult

Costs based on two people sharing

Overview

The Saints Way - Cornwall Coast to Coast from Padstow to Fowey Two or Three days walking along this hidden Pilgrim's Path through unvisited mid Cornwall Easy to Moderate Walking (what these grades mean) - 28 miles Coast to Coast or a 40 mile option using all sections.

​ Sample everything that Cornwall has to offer on the Saints Way, the region's premier mid-distance footpath across the heart of the region. ​ Based upon ancient trade routes the path takes you through the complete spectrum of Cornish Landscapes, from tranquil harbours and ports, options to include rugged cliff top coastal paths, to inland tors and uplands as well as passing by the white peaks and dams of our own unique China Clay Country!

​Also known as the Drover's Way, the route has been used as far back as the Bronze age by traders, drovers and pilgrims en route from Ireland and Wales to mainland Europe, anxious to find a way to avoid the long and dangerous sea passage around Lands End. ​ Animals driven along the route were "fat walked" by the drovers... encouraged to gorge and grow on route before being sold on to be sent to France from Fowey. Resurrected in 1986, the Saints Way is a well walked, signposted trail marked fully on the OS maps that follows public footpaths, quiet back lanes and leafy tracks that unlocks the atmosphere of the fascinating Celtic past and traditions of the region. ​ As a walking experience its ideal as you can relax in the superb facilities and restaurants of Padstow and Fowey, two of Cornwall's best loved harbour towns, at each end of the walk. In between you will discover the hidden places of Mid-Cornwall missed out by the majority of visitors, to give a truly peaceful and remote feel to your coast to coast adventure, something not always possible on the more popular long distance walks in other parts of Cornwall. ​ Your route takes you from the bustling harbour of Padstow on the North Coast, meandering inland following the tranquil Camel Estuary before heading for the hills and uplands of Central Cornwall.

On the Saints Way interior you will be staying in remote country inn's, welcoming farmhouses and comfortable B&B's whilst there are very good hotel options in Padstow and Fowey for those who want a more luxurious start or finish. ​ With plenty to spot en route, the trail links the shrines, standing stones, holy wells and Neolithic sites of past ages with today's sleepy hamlets, stunning scenery, a modern day wind farm and you can fit in a visit at the end of the walk to the world famous Eden Project. The Saint's Way, or Forth an Syns in Cornish, ends after two or three magical and memorable days walking in the stunning natural port of Fowey deep in Daphne du'Maurier country on the South Coast. ​ A unique chance to encounter the full variety of Cornwall, experience its Celtic roots and its wonderful scenery, the Saints Way will take you away from the crowds and into the mysterious beauty of Cornwall past

Your Journey

Itinerary Days

Each profile offers a different pace and day-by-day itinerary.Choose a profile to explore the day-by-day route, distances and ascent.

Standard Route

3 days

2 nights

Duration

41 miles / 66 km

Total distance

Total distance

0 of 3 days / 0 of 3 days

Ascent / descent coverage

Total ascent / descent

13.7 miles per day

22 km per day

Average distance
1Day

Padstow to Lanivet

The Saints Way begins in Padstow at St Petroc’s Church, the site of the original Celtic Monastery. After exploring Padstow, you ascend Dennis Hill for panoramic views of the Camel Estuary and the rugged coastline. The path then meanders through inland creeks, past ancient manor settlements and along the Mellingey Valley, before a climb to St Breock Down, Cornwall's highest point on the route. Here, you’ll find the Men Gurta Longstone, the largest standing stone in Cornwall. Continuing through Tregustick valley and over drover’s lanes, the route reaches the village of Withiel after 10 miles, offering a peaceful overnight stop. For those on the two-day route, the trail continues to Lanivet, a small village with a pub, B&Bs, and a shop, where you can rest and explore the local church and its unique carvings.

Distance

15 miles

24.1 km

Ascent / Descent

Ascent / descent unavailable

Elevation profile

Elevation profile unavailable
2Day

East Leg - Lanivet to Fowey

f

Distance

13 miles

20.9 km

Ascent / Descent

Ascent / descent unavailable

Elevation profile

Elevation profile unavailable
3Day

West Leg - Helman Tor to Fowey

From Lanivet, the Saints Way offers two distinct routes for the final leg of your journey. The western route takes you through remote nature reserves like Redmoor and Breeny Common, leading you into sunken droves and green lanes, with the ancient village of Luxulyan offering a brief respite. After passing the impressive Treffry Viaduct and Prideaux Iron Age hill fort, you’ll descend to the marshes of Par, once part of the sea and the setting for Daphne du Maurier's House on the Strand. From here, the route continues to Tywardreath, a picturesque village with a Benedictine monastery and ends at Par Sands. Many walkers choose to complete the last four miles to Fowey along the South West Coast Path, passing through the idyllic Polkerris beach and the dramatic Gribbin Head, with its iconic red and white Daymark Tower. Alternatively, the eastern leg offers a quieter, more remote experience along the Fowey estuary, providing a peaceful and less traveled route into Fowey. Both options are beautiful and worthwhile, but the three-day walk allows you to experience both routes.

Distance

13 miles

20.9 km

Ascent / Descent

Ascent / descent unavailable

Elevation profile

Elevation profile unavailable

Estimated Cost Calculator

6 Days / 7 Nights
2

Your Selection

6 Days / 7 Nightsstandard

Cost Per Person

£980

Based on 2 people sharing

Total Cost

£1,960
Pip and Jay's experience on The Saints Way

Verified Walker

Walker

Traveler's Story

The walk was amazing.

Walking Holiday40

The change of countryside scenery along the route means that you pass through coastal, woodland, villages, moorland and back to the coast throughout. We were lucky enough to see both coasts at the same time from the viewpoint. Stopping in at each of the churches was lovely and collecting stamps was a bonus.

Pip and Jay

Explorer

Getting There

How to reach your starting point

Travel by By Train

Arriving at Padstow Train - Fast, comfortable and direct trains run from London Paddington to Bodmin Parkway Station which is the nearest stop for Padstow. Time from London is around 4 hours shorter journey times from Bristol, Bath and Exeter. Direct trains from the Midlands, the North and Scotland run to Plymouth where you change for the Bodmin Parkway train 1/2 hour.

From the station at Bodmin Parkway connecting buses run very regularly to Padstow taking one hour or we can advise on a private transfer for you.

Departing from Fowey by Train - Regular buses run all day from Fowey to Par Station (20 mins) and St Austell Station (40 mins). All fast trains stop at St Austell which has the most options for London, the Midlands and the North. Again we can advise on a private transfer to either station.

You can check tickets and times at www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk the train service operators or just ask us to help!

Travel Tip: Consider taking the train for a more sustainable journey

Need help with travel arrangements?

Route Map

Explore your walking route

Loading Map...

Start/Finish

Cornwall / Devon

Interactive Map

Zoom and pan to explore the route in detail

Elevation Profile

See the terrain and climbs along your journey

Points of Interest

Discover attractions and rest stops on your walk

Trip Booking FAQs

Start Planning Your Perfect Trip — Your Trail Begins Here.

Adventure Emails

Stay Inspired and Informed

Encounter Walking

Download the App

Experience the Future of Self Guided Walking Holidays

Encounter Walking App
Phone frame