The South West Coastal Trek is a challenging but iconic route — perfect for walkers who love big scenery and easy‑to‑follow landmarks from start to finish.
🌊 South West Coastal Trek | St Ives → Zennor 🚶♂️
This wild stretch of the South West Coast Path takes you from the golden beaches of St Ives to the rugged granite cliffs of Zennor. Expect Atlantic waves, hidden coves, dramatic headlands, and some of the most unforgettable coastline in Cornwall.
📍 Route List
A). St Ives Harbour
B). Porthmeor Beach
C). Clodgy Point Car Park / Start of Coast Path
D). Hor Point
E). Pen Enys Point
F). Merry Harvester Stone Circle (Trevalgan Stone Circle)
G). Carn Naun Point
H). Zennor Beach (Pendour Cove area)
I). Porthzennor Cove
J). The Tinners Arms
Places to Stay in Cornwall
🌟 Route Breakdown
A). St Ives Harbour
Start your trek in one of Cornwall’s most iconic seaside towns. Cafés, shops, beaches, and that classic harbour curve set the tone for a big coastal day. Vibe: Bright, bustling, postcard‑perfect Best moment: Looking back at the harbour as you climb toward Porthmeor
B). Porthmeor Beach
A sweeping sandy bay right beside Tate St Ives. Great for a warm‑up stroll before the path gets wilder. Vibe: Artistic, open, breezy Best moment: Watching surfers catch early‑morning waves
C). Clodgy Point Car Park / Start of Coast Path
This is where the real South West Coast Path begins. The terrain becomes rugged, the views open up, and the adventure properly starts. Vibe: Remote, natural, instantly dramatic Best moment: The first glimpse of the Atlantic crashing against the rocks
D). Hor Point
A clear, easy‑to‑spot headland with huge sea views. The path is narrow but well‑defined, hugging the cliffs. Vibe: Wild, windswept, exhilarating Best moment: Feeling the full force of the Atlantic breeze
E). Pen Enys Point
A dramatic granite headland just past Hor Point. A brilliant photo stop with sweeping views in both directions. Vibe: Rugged, cinematic Best moment: Turning back to see St Ives shrinking behind you
F). Merry Harvester Stone Circle (Trevalgan Stone Circle)
A modern stone circle right beside the coast path — instantly recognisable and a fun landmark to break up the walk. Vibe: Quirky, unexpected, memorable Best moment: Snapping a photo with the stones and the ocean behind
G). Carn Naun Point
A prominent headland offering huge views back toward St Ives and forward toward Zennor. Vibe: Expansive, dramatic Best moment: Watching the coastline curve away into the distance
H). Zennor Beach (Pendour Cove area)
A rugged, wild stretch of coastline near Zennor Head. The beach itself is difficult to access, but the viewpoints from the path are spectacular. Vibe: Untamed, powerful, remote Best moment: Hearing the waves boom against the cliffs below
I). Porthzennor Cove
A tucked‑away rocky cove right on the path. Dramatic, atmospheric, and a great final landmark before the village. Vibe: Hidden, moody, dramatic Best moment: Watching the water swirl between the rocks
J). The Tinners Arms
Your finish line — a legendary Cornish pub in the heart of Zennor. Food, pints, and a well‑earned rest after a big coastal trek. Vibe: Cosy, historic, welcoming Best moment: That first sip after 8–9 miles of granite and Atlantic air
🕒 Recommended Time to Complete
- Steady pace: 4.5–5.5 hours
- Leisurely with photo stops: 6–7 hours
This is a challenging but rewarding section of the South West Coast Path — rocky, uneven, and steep in places, but packed with some of Cornwall’s most dramatic scenery.
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