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


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
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.



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
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