The Classic Cornish Short Break

The Classic Cornish Short Break

The Classic Cornish Short Break

3 Nights

Average

30 miles / 48 km

total

10 miles / 16 km

Average

1067m / 3501ft

elevation

Mixed

accomodation

1067m / 3501ft

elevation

Mixed

accomodation

The Classic Cornish Short Break

The Classic Cornish Short Break

The Classic Cornish Short Break

difficulty Grade

difficulty Grade

difficulty Grade

Star 1Star 2

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

Not everyone has the time to walk a full week on the trail, you may want to fit in a short section of walking within a longer sightseeing holiday or if it’s your first time on a walking break you may want to play it safe and try a taster trip over 2 or 3 days. ​ The main consideration is to make the most of your time if its limited, to walk the best bits of the trail, see the most variety and have the quickest entry and exit to the trail from your car or public transport and of course with only a few nights away you want to get the best accommodation you can for your break. ​ Encounter Walking can provide this for you. We can operate a short section on any part of the South West Coast Path so if you are particularly interested in one area just contact us and tell us where you want to be and we will come up with the options. ​ The following route is a great example of a shorter section that works well giving you a great section of Coast Path, lots of variety and stunning walking without having to travel all the way to West Cornwall. It’s our favourite and ideal for not only on first time walking breaks but also where you are short on time but wanting the best mix of variety of trail along with absorbing and charismatic overnight harbour stops. ​ Mevagissey to Fowey or Looe - 2 or 3 days - 18 to 30 miles This is the classic short break. Cliffs, coves, stunning untouched beaches - a real escape but with reasonable daily distances. All in all a taste of the Coast Path that will see you back for more ! Its bonus is the overnight stops in enchanting fishing villages and historic harbours each night with great facilities and accommodation available at the fishing village of Mevagissey, the tall ships harbour of Charlestown, at Fowey – one of Cornwall’s best and lesser known ports finishing by the beach at Looe. The walking includes sections through inspiring Daphne du Mauriers coastline, golden untouched beaches at Great and Little Lantic Bay, towering cliffs and hidden coves around commanding Gribbin Head and for those taking the last day onto Looe the best days walking between Falmouth and Plymouth on the Coast Path including a great last day lunch stop at the Medieval Harbour of Polperro. ​ Options you can fit in include a visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan, The Eden Project or take an unforgettable gentle canoe trip up the mysterious River Fowey. Transport in and out is easy with options for long stay parking and easy access to the rail network all the way along the route. ​ To read about the walking route itself and your overnight stops follow the links below and then contact us for advice on how to set up the walk on a two or three day schedule based on your level of fitness.

Itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1×

Section 1 of the Classic Cornish Short Break runs 8 miles from Mevagissey to Charlestown and is graded as strenuous. This is a rugged coastal walk with steep climbs and cliffside paths. From Mevagissey, the route passes Portgiskey ruins and climbs Penare Point. Stop for refreshments in Pentewan before tackling dramatic ascents to Black Head and Ropehaven cliffs. Highlights include Halane’s beach and waterfall, Phoebe’s Point rock arch, and panoramic sea views. Finish at Charlestown’s historic harbour with its tall ships and tranquil setting.

DAY 2+
DAY 3+
Estimated Cost Calculator
Itinerary:
10 days – 11 nights / 10.4 miles daily
Number in group:
Preferred units:
Accommodation Quality
What's Included
Luggage Transfer
ℹ️ Click for details
Accommodation
ℹ️ Click for details
App
ℹ️ Click for details
Support
ℹ️ Click for details
Travel Design
ℹ️ Click for details
Itinerary
10 Days / 11 Nights10.4 miles daily avgStandard
Cost £ per person
£1,664Auto-calculated
Based on two people sharing a Double or Twin Room
Total Cost
£3,329

Gallery

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

Every day felt new.

Mixed Activity

30 miles / 48 km

A refreshing break packed with variety and charm.

James L.

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

Every day felt new.

Mixed Activity

30 miles / 48 km

A refreshing break packed with variety and charm.

James L.

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

Every day felt new.

Mixed Activity

30 miles / 48 km

A refreshing break packed with variety and charm.

James L.

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.

Adventure Emails

Stay Inspired and Informed

Adventure Emails

Stay Inspired and Informed

Adventure Emails

Stay Inspired and Informed