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

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
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.



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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
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