South West Coast Path

The south west coast path was originally created by coastguards patrolling the area for smugglers. It was then also used by fishermen looking for shoals of fish and checking the sea conditions. Today it is walked by millions of people wanting to discover new places and take in some spectacular views.

The paths that follow the winding coast across the wider St Austell Bay area are a great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the place we call home.

There are plenty of opportunities to join the path across the Bay, making it even easier to discover hidden coves and beaches, take in stunning scenery and enjoy everything each village along the way has to offer.

We’ve selected some of our favourite stretches of the path for you to try, along with the distances, one-way:

• Gorran Haven – Mevagissey (3.5 Miles)
• Charlestown – Par (3.4 Miles)
• Fowey – Polkerris (4.7 Miles)
• Caerhays/ Porthluney Cove – Dodman Point (2.8 Miles)

Simply find a near-by car park, or use public transport to reach your destination, jump on the path and get exploring! One of the great things about the Path is it’s free to use – ice cream rewards excluded, of course!

There are of course many more routes across the Bay that are just waiting to be discovered.

Did You Know?

Walking the entire South West Coast Path is the equivalent to scaling Mount Everest four times!

Walkers of the South West Coast Path spent an estimated £436 million in 2012 mainly in local businesses. This expenditure supports 9.771 full-time equivalent jobs.

For more information on the path, including more about its history, how you can support the organisation that looks after the trail and for maps and more route ideas, find out more here.