SWCP Section 5, Penzance To Falmouth

Leaving Penzance, the walk begins easily around Mounts Bay, reaching Marazion and the iconic St Michael's Mount, accessible by causeway or ferry. Back on the coast path, the route encounters cliffs and coves, passing Greeb and Bears Rocks to reach Perran Sands. Climbing Stackhouse Cliffs around Cudden Point offers views back to St Michael's Mount and towards Lizard. Prussia Cove, the haunt of smuggler John Carter, features his storage caves and the ruts where contraband was moved. Bessy's Cove, named after an alehouse keeper who stocked smuggled brandy, leads to the mile-long Praa Sands. The day concludes with challenging trails through mine country, passing the haunting ruins at Rinsey Head and the impressive remains of Wheal Prosper before an easy descent to the harbor at Porthleven.

Leaving Porthleven, the trek crosses Porthleven Sands to the unique Loe Bar, separating the ocean from Cornwall's largest natural lake, Loe Pool, formed according to legend by the giant Tregeagle. An optional inland diversion circles Loe Pool, a Site of Special Scientific Interest with birdwatching hides and the Penrose House estate, leading to the legendary Carminowe Creek. After tackling Halzephron Cliffs, the path passes striking coves to reach the 15th-century Gunwalloe Church by Dollar Cove, the site of a Spanish shipwreck. At Poldhu Cove, the Marconi Monument marks the first transatlantic telegraph signals. A steep descent leads to the dramatic fishing hamlet of Mullion Cove, entering serpentine rock areas. The walk continues past The Rill, where the Spanish Armada was first sighted, to reach the spectacular Kynance Cove. The day ends at Lizard Point, mainland Britain's most southerly point, after passing Pistil Meadow, the burial site of drowned sailors. The overnight stop is in Lizard Town.

Starting from the impressive Lizard Lighthouse, the path passes the collapsed sea cave known as Lion's Den. Climbing Bass Point, you reach the Lloyds Signal Station, once a vital communication hub. The Old Coastguard lookout marks entry into a more remote section. Serpentine Steps, a Shist Rock seat, and Marconi's restored wireless station precede the descent to Church Cove, with its pilchard fishing history. Admire Hugga Dridgee, or the Devil's Frying Pan, a natural arch bridge. Refreshments are available in the timeless fishing village of Cadgwith. The afternoon walk passes Kennack Sands and enters a remote section where pirate treasure is rumored to be buried. Reaching Black Head, the path turns north, offering views across Falmouth Bay. The menacing Manacles reef, responsible for numerous shipwrecks, comes into view. The protective rampart of the Iron Age Cliff Castle is visible at Chynhalls Point before arriving at the pretty village of Coverack.

Today's walk begins with an inland detour around the Dean Quarries, offering an optional visit to the Giants Quoits standing stones near Rosenithon Village. Rejoining the coast path after Lowland Point, the remains of a 2nd-century salt works at Trebarveth can be observed. More climbs and descents lead to Porthoustock, a former pilchard fishing and smuggling location. At Porthallow, the official halfway point of the South West Coast Path offers refreshments at the Five Pilchards Inn. The afternoon features panoramas across Falmouth Bay, passing Nelly's Cove and Turwell Point. Rounding Nare Head Crags provides distant views of Rame Head on clear days. The path then enters Gillian Creek with its unique woodland mix, offering a ford or longer route depending on the tide, leading to the isolated St Anthony in Meneage church. Passing the strategic Dennis Head, the route enters the Helford River area, including Frenchman's Creek. In Helford Village, refreshments are available before a ferry crossing to Helford Passage. Accommodation is found about a mile inland in Mawnan Smith.

Today's gentler walk into Falmouth follows the cliffs along the Helford River to the picturesque National Trust village of Durgan. The path passes below the outstanding Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens, both open to the public and offering a possible visit due to the shorter walking day. Leaving Trebah beach, a D-Day embarkation point, the views across the Fal improve. Mawnan Church is a short detour, overlooking the Helford River entrance, a good spot for birdwatching and perhaps a glimpse of the legendary sea serpent, Morgawr. The path continues to Rosemullion headland and open downland with great panoramas. Refreshments are available at Maenporth Beach, marked by the wreck of the Ben Asdale Trawler. After passing Swanpool nature reserve, the walk enters Falmouth via Gyllyngvase Beach. A pleasant seafront amble leads to dramatic Pendennis Point and its historic Pendennis Castle, offering a fitting end to the trek with its views and potential cream tea, overlooking the Fal River entrance and the distant Lizard. The overnight stop is in Falmouth, marking the end of the South West Coast Path walking holiday.