Discover the wonders of the Cornish coast on this 7-day self-guided walking tour
Explore the beautiful and intoxicating coastal scenery of Cornwall on this Lizard Peninsula self-guided walking tour. You’ll be awe-struck by the rugged and dramatic landscape, full of rocky cliffs, crashing waves and salty sea breezes.
The small towns and fishing villages built to thrive in this unique environment have a rugged character all their own. You’ll also find charming coves, protected from the wind and waves, where you’ll feel hidden from the world. Explore at your own pace, linger over delicious meals in a local pub or relax while looking out over the sea and feel your worries carried away by the wind.
Stay in comfortable local guesthouses and enjoy the hospitality of your gracious hosts. Your walking tour of the Lizard Peninsula is like a visit to another time and place which makes it the perfect escape from the ordinary. Book a tour today to begin your own Cornish adventure!
Highlights of the Lizard Peninsula Walking Tour
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Lizard Peninsula Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Helston
Welcome to Cornwall and the town of Helston! If you’re arriving by train, the closest stations are Redruth or Camborne. Make your way to your hotel and get a good night’s rest in preparation for your walking tour.
Overnight Location: Mandeley Guesthouse, Helston
Distance: N/A
Meals: None
Day 2 Helston – Loe Pool – Porthleven – Helston
Your tour starts gently today with a simple circuit route around Loe Pool, which is the largest natural freshwater area in Cornwall. Continue on to a woodland area of the Penrose Estate, then come to Porthleven, a small fishing port with the distinction of being the most storm-battered town in Britain. Explore the town, take in the sea views, the art gallery, and maybe some homemade ice cream at The Square before returning to your guesthouse in Helston.
Overnight Location: Mandeley Guesthouse, Helston
Distance: Full Route: 8.5 miles / 13.7 km; Short Route: 6.75 miles / 11 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Helston – Manaccan – Porthallow – St. Keverne
Begin today with a taxi transfer (no additional cost) across to the east side of the Lizard Peninsula to the town of Manaccan. From here, explore Frenchman’s Creek, where the mysterious atmosphere of the calm water and the wooded banks inspired novels by the author Daphne du Maurier. From here, follow the South West Coast Path to the south as it hugs the spectacular and rugged cliffs and passes small, sandy coves. After you’ve walked through the small harbor of Porthallow, you’ll arrive in the village of St. Keverne, where you will spend the night.
Overnight Location: Old Temperance House, St. Keverne
Distance: Full Route: 9.5 miles / 15 km; Short Route: 5.5 miles / 9 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 St. Keverne – Coverack – St. Keverne
Walk along a circular route today, crossing lush, green pastureland to the coastal village of Coverack. This picturesque harbor area is enchanting with lovely cottages clustering around the harbor. As you return to St. Keverne, you’ll follow the South West Coast Path as it climbs rocky cliffs at times, but at other times is flat and covered with pebbles. Notice the rocks offshore at Lowland Point, where an estimated 150 ships have wrecked. Spend another comfortable night in lovely St. Keverne.
Overnight Location: Old Temperance House, St. Keverne
Distance: Full Route: 8.75 miles / 14 km; Short Route: 6.25 miles / 10 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 St. Keverne – Arrowan – Lizard Point – Mullion
Travel by taxi (at no additional cost) from St. Keverne to Arrowan. Spend the day following the South West Coast Path south to Housel Bay Beach, which is near Lizard Point. Along the way you’ll pass Kennack Sands, the “Old Serpentine Works” National Trust, and the towns of Cadgwith and Church Cove. Enjoy the spectacular views at Housel Bay Beach, the walk to Lizard to take a bus to Mullion. Mullion is the largest town on the Lizard Peninsula where you can explore shops, restaurants, inns and the art gallery. Spend the night in Mullion.
Overnight Location: Mounts Bay Inn, Mullion
Distance: Full Route: 8 miles / 13 km; No Short Route
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Mullion – Kynance Cove – Mullion OR Mullion – Gunwalloe – Mullion
Based from Mullion, you have two options for today’s walk: returning to Lizard and following the South West Coast Path to Kynance Cove or staying closer to Mullion and exploring the coastal area around Gunwalloe.
If you choose Kynance Cove, begin by taking a bus back to Lizard Village, which is the southernmost point on the British mainland. This well-known tourist destination has been popular since the Victorian period and is still drawing travelers today. Make your way to the Lizard Lighthouse, then follow the South West Coast Path back to Mullion, a stretch of trail that is probably one of the most beautiful and dramatic of the whole trail. Plan to pause at Kynance Cove to take in the incredible rock formations and the lovely, sheltered beaches. Note – tickets for the bus from Mullion to Lizard cost £15 and are not included in your tour price.
If you choose to head to Gunwalloe, you’ll enjoy walking over the gentle hills and following farmland paths. A boardwalk helps you cross a rare marshland area to reach the fishing village of Gunwalloe. From high on Halzephron Cliff you can look to the north and see Loe Bar and the village of Porthleven. Return to Mullion via the South West Coast Path past Church Cove and Poldhu.
Overnight Location: Mounts Bay Inn, Mullion
Distance: Full Route: 8.5 miles / 13.7 km;
Short Route to Kynance Cove: 6 miles / 9.7 km
Short Route to Gunwalloe Cove: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure Day
Sadly, your Lizard Peninsula Walking Tour in Cornwall has come to an end. Buses are available in Mullion to take you back to Helston, or to the train stations at Camborne or Redruth. Have a pleasant journey!
Overnight Location: N/A
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Lizard Peninsula Walking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour in England is run as private tour for your group only and the price is based on the number of guests on your trip.
Prices below are per person:
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $1,125 USD
- Price per person staying in a single room: $1,950 USD
Accommodation on the Lizard Peninsula Walking Tour
This tour is based in 3-4-star hotels and bed and breakfasts. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $475 USD to have a private room in a hotel.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Mandeley Guest House, Helston ★★★★
You’ll feel completely at home here, with your own side entrance for your convenience. Enjoy the quiet location and garden views, and start your day with their excellent breakfast options.
Old Temperance House, St. Keverne ★★★★
You’ll love this 500-year old building, as well as the location on the town square, convenient to shopping, pubs, cafes, and an organic farm known for its homemade ice cream.
Mounts Bay Inn, Mullion ★★★
Friendly hosts go above-and-beyond to make sure your stay at this charming guesthouse is as comfortable as possible.
What’s included in the Lizard Peninsula Walking Tour?
Meals
Six breakfasts are included with accommodations. Lunches, dinners and drinks are not included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights along the tour. Extra nights may be added for an additional fee.
Also Included
- Luggage Transfers
- Full Tour Pack with color-coded routes on local maps
- Smartphone App with GPS routes
- 24-hr emergency helpline
Not included
- Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
- Entrance to attractions
- Buses and/or Ferries unless otherwise stated
- Tourist Taxes where applicable
Optional Extras
- Private transfer from Redruth Train Station to Helston
- Additional night in Mullion
- Optional 3-day/2-night extension from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly
- Optional 3-day/2-night extension from Porthleven to Land’s End
Frequently Asked Questions about Lizard Peninsula Walking Tour
Compass Holidays has been helping walkers explore the best walks in the UK since 1990. Their expert team organize great walking holidays so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your time away.
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