St Austell Bay Ale Trail

St Austell Bay Ale Trail

St Austell Bay Ale Trail

3 Nights

Average

26 miles / 42 km

total

9 miles / 15 km

Average

663m / 2175ft

elevation

Mixed

accomodation

663m / 2175ft

elevation

Mixed

accomodation

St Austell Bay Ale Trail

St Austell Bay Ale Trail

St Austell Bay Ale Trail

difficulty Grade

difficulty Grade

difficulty Grade

Star 1

Accomodation Type

Accomodation Type

Accomodation Type

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Activity

Activity

Activity

Mixed Activity

Mixed Activity

Mixed Activity

Start/Finish

Start/Finish

Start/Finish

Cornwall/Cornwall

Cornwall/Cornwall

Average Daily cost

COST

COST

Best Months

Best Months

Best Months

May-Sept

costs based on two people sharing

costs based on two people sharing

Overview

Overview

We’re proud to partner with St Austell Brewery, a brand celebrated for its exceptional ales and West Country hospitality, to bring you an unforgettable walking holiday experience. The St Austell Bay Ale Trail perfectly blends the natural beauty of the South West Coast Path with the flavours of the brewery’s award-winning ales. ​ But it’s not just about the ales—St Austell Brewery’s pubs are renowned for their outstanding food. Together, we’ve designed a holiday where walkers can savour both the landscape and the flavours that make this region truly special. With the option to include a behind-the-scenes St Austell Brewery tour if you choose a rest day in Charlestown, this is more than a walking holiday—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, quality, and the best of the South West.

Itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1×

Section 1 of the St. Austell Bay Ale Trail runs 8 miles (12 miles if starting from Gorran Haven) and is graded strenuous. After breakfast, you’ll be transported to Mevagissey or Gorran Haven to walk back to Charlestown. Starting from Mevagissey, climb Penare Point, passing the ruins of the old pilchard cellars at Portgiskey. Stop for refreshments in Pentewan, known for its inland harbour now blocked by shifting sands. The route then follows dramatic cliffs to Black Head Promontory, site of an Iron Age cliff castle, with stunning bay views. Lunch at Halane beach with its waterfall and rock arch. The walk continues through the Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserve at Ropehaven cliffs, descends to Silvermine Point, and finishes at Charlestown harbour.

DAY 2+
DAY 3+

Gallery

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

An Ale lovers dream

Mixed Activity

26 miles / 42 km

I love this stretch of the coast path, It has such a variety of terrain and landscape. It's also the second time I've done the St. Austell Brewery tour, and every time I have learned something different, as well as getting to sample some of their small batch ales.

Mark T

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

An Ale lovers dream

Mixed Activity

26 miles / 42 km

I love this stretch of the coast path, It has such a variety of terrain and landscape. It's also the second time I've done the St. Austell Brewery tour, and every time I have learned something different, as well as getting to sample some of their small batch ales.

Mark T

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

An Ale lovers dream

Mixed Activity

26 miles / 42 km

I love this stretch of the coast path, It has such a variety of terrain and landscape. It's also the second time I've done the St. Austell Brewery tour, and every time I have learned something different, as well as getting to sample some of their small batch ales.

Mark T

Travel To And From The Route

🚂Train Travel

Fast direct trains run from London, The Midlands and the North to Exeter station where you change for the scenic branch line journey to Barnstaple on the North Devon Coast. Time from London to Barnstaple is 3.5 to 4 hours.

Everything You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know

What is a self guided walking holiday?

What is a self guided walking holiday?

What is a self guided walking holiday?

How do I choose a route

How do I choose a route

How do I choose a route

How hard are the walks?

How hard are the walks?

How hard are the walks?

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

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Stay Inspired and Informed

Adventure Emails

Stay Inspired and Informed

Adventure Emails

Stay Inspired and Informed