Key Takeaways:
- South East Cornwall offers quieter coastal walking with dramatic scenery and fewer crowds than busier Cornish hotspots.
- The South West Coast Path here suits flexible itineraries using ferries, buses, and circular routes.
- Coastal villages and beaches combine scenic walks with excellent places to eat and relax.
- Walkers can tailor distances from short coastal strolls to challenging multi-day routes.
- This region balances wild coastline with accessible paths, transport links, and amenities.
- Staying locally allows walkers to explore widely while returning to countryside calm each day.
Table of Contents
- Why South East Cornwall is Perfect for Coastal Walking
- Planning Your South West Coast Path Adventure
- The Walks
- Walk 1: Cremyll to Cawsand Beach
- Walk 2: Cawsand to Wiggle Cliffs
- Walk 3: Freathy to Portwrinkle
- Walk 4: Portwrinkle to Looe
- Walk 5: Looe to Polperro
- Walk 6: Polperro to Lantivet Bay
- Start Your South East Cornwall Coastal Escape
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why South East Cornwall is Perfect for Coastal Walking
South East Cornwall is a captivating corner of the Cornish coast, where dramatic cliffs, sheltered coves and historic harbour towns come together. From sections of the South West Coast Path near Plymouth through to the Fowey area, this stretch offers some of the most rewarding coastal walks, with sea views and places to pause and refuel.
Staying at Kernock Cottages places you perfectly to explore the Cornish coast, with peaceful countryside surroundings to return to after a day outdoors.
Planning Your South West Coast Path Adventure
South East Cornwall is ideal for walkers who want variety without crowds. Clifftop paths, beaches such as Cawsand Beach, and ferry connections at Cremyll make it easy to plan circular routes. You can enjoy coastal villages, historic landmarks and sea views stretching back towards Plymouth or east towards Fowey.
The Walks: Plymouth to Fowey
These holiday walks explore some of the most scenic sections of the South West Coast Path, taking in Mount Edgcumbe, the Rame Peninsula, Whitsand Bay and the charming fishing villages of Looe and Polperro. Routes range from shorter coastal walks to longer day hikes, with circular options included where possible.
We have organised these walks into six sections, with details for parking and, where necessary, public transport to help you return to your starting point. Included are suggestions for making the most of this glorious stretch of the Cornish coast. You could easily combine walks to complete this section of the coast path over fewer days.
Along this stretch of the South West Coast Path, there are many wonderful places to visit and some of the best places to eat in Cornwall. We have included recommendations for each walk.
Take up the challenge and enjoy all that South East Cornwall has to offer. For accessible routes in Cornwall, visit Sharon Thomas’ YouTube page: Wheelie Fun Accessible Adventures.
Walk 1: Cremyll to Cawsand Beach
Stride the cliffs, sail the waves and immerse yourself in the Plymouth to Cawsand South West Coast Path adventure.
Follow the coast path from Cremyll with the sea on your left, winding through Mount Edgcumbe Country Park and on to the charming medieval villages of Kingsand and Cawsand. Both villages are set around beautiful beaches, with Kingsand beach welcoming dogs year-round and Cawsand beach allowing dogs seasonally.
Cawsand’s sandy shoreline is perfect for a relaxed stop and, for a different perspective, you can book a paddleboarding session to explore this scenic stretch of coast from the water.
Only the Mount Edgcumbe part of this walk is accessible for pushchairs and mobility scooters.
This route follows South West Coast Path walk 31.
Walk Options (Choose One)
Option 1: One-way walk from Cremyll to Cawsand (5.7km)
Drive to Cremyll PL10 1HT, where there is a fairly large car park. Walk the coast path through Mount Edgcumbe and on to Cawsand Beach. Alternatively, you can get the 70B bus from Cawsand triangle back to Cremyll.
Option 2: One-way walk with ferries (5.7km)
Drive to Plymouth and park at Royal William Yard PL1 3GD. Take the ferry to Cremyll and then follow the coast path to Cawsand Beach. This is a lovely way to experience the coastline from both land and sea.
Option 3: Circular walk from Cremyll to Cawsand and back (10km)
Drive to Cremyll PL10 1HT and complete the circular route back to your car.
Explore AllTrails Walking loop details.
Option 4: Coast path walk to Cawsand plus Rame Head loop (14.7km)
Walk from Cremyll to Cawsand along the coast path, then continue around Rame Head via the remains of a 14th Century Chapel with views across Whitsand Bay, returning to Cawsand via Wiggle Cliff. From Cawsand, return to Cremyll by bus.
Option 5: Extended figure-of-8 walk via Rame Head (19km)
Walk from Cremyll to Cawsand, continue the Rame Head loop, and then walk back from Cawsand to Cremyll, combining two circular routes into a longer figure of eight walk.
Transport Notes
Depending on which option you choose, you can return to your starting point by bus or ferry.
Bus and ferry services operate between Cawsand, Cremyll and Plymouth, with services running more frequently during the summer months. Ferry services are seasonal and buses run roughly hourly, so it is worth checking times in advance.
For ferry planning, explore Cremyll Ferry times and details.
For bus routes, explore Bus Times.
Where to Eat
There are several great cafés and pubs to enjoy around Mount Edgcumbe and Cawsand. We particularly recommend the Devonport Inn in Cawsand.
Before reaching Cawsand, you could also take a short uphill detour to the excellent Canteen at Maker Heights, next to Maker Camping, which is a fantastic lunch stop.
If you choose to park at Cremyll, the Edgcumbe Arms sits right by the car park on the water’s edge. Serving good food and known for being very dog friendly, it makes an ideal place to unwind at the end of your walk.
If you are starting your walk in Plymouth, Royal William Yard has several good food options, including The Seco Lounge, which is a great spot for coffee or breakfast before taking the ferry.
Visit our Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants page for more information.
Walk 2: Cawsand to Wiggle Cliffs
This is an approximately 9km circular route exploring Cornwall’s fabulous forgotten corner, the Rame Peninsula.
Walk the coast path from Cawsand around Rame Head via the remains of a 14th Century Chapel, with views across Whitsand Bay, before leaving the coast at Wiggle Cliff to return to Cawsand. The nature and wildlife along this stretch is spectacular.
Walk Details
This walk is available on iwalkcornwall, or you can use the OS maps provided in the cottage. Drive to Cawsand PL10 1PA and aim to arrive early to park. The circular route brings you back to your car in Cawsand.
Where to Eat
Cawsand has a great selection of pubs and cafés, making it an ideal place to stop and refuel. If you are up for another hill walk, it is well worth heading through Kingsand and up to Maker Heights to visit The Canteen. The food is excellent, but it is only open at lunchtime.
For something more relaxed, the Devonport Inn is a popular choice with sea views.
Beach Activities
Cawsand has a beautiful sandy beach that is perfect for families. Paddleboards and kayaks are available to hire making it a great spot to enjoy time on the water. Dogs are restricted on Cawsand beach during certain seasons, but nearby Kingsand beach is dog friendly all year round.
Walk 3: Freathy to Portwrinkle
An approximately 10.4km circular walk and one of the most rewarding day hikes on this stretch of Cornwall’s coast.
This route follows the National Trust Whitsand Bay Circular Walk and includes what is often described as one of the most glorious stretches of beach along this coastline.
Walk Details
If you are keen to walk every step of the South West Coast Path, you can park at Wiggle Cliff car park (where the coast path leaves the road) and include the additional stretch. Otherwise, park at the Freathy National Trust car park (PL10 1J) and follow the circular route back to your car.
Around the Tregantle MOD training area at Tregantle Fort, there may be a diversion if the red flags are flying.
Beach Access
This is a glorious stretch of coastline and dogs are permitted on the whole beach. Access points are steep and tide times should be checked carefully. Freathy has lovely coves for a picnic, but be aware of incoming tides.
Another great beach stop is Tregantle. Only swim where lifeguards are present, as currents can be strong.
Where to Eat
The Finnygook Pub in Crafthole is a good place for refreshments. It is set back from the road, so follow the sign and head behind the building for the entrance.
If you are quick walkers or fancy a cream tea (jam first!), Antony House is nearby and makes a lovely stop.
Walk 4: Portwrinkle to Looe
This is a long stretch of coastline, and public transport to enable a straight route is limited. Splitting this section into two loops makes this easier.
Option 1: Two circular walks
Part one – Portwrinkle to Downderry (10.8km)
Follow the Portwrinkle to Downderry circular walk and return to Portwrinkle. This is a strenuous route but a superb stretch of Whitsand Bay. The Inn on the Shore at Downderry is a good halfway stop.
Part two – Downderry to Looe
Park in Looe and walk the coast path towards Downderry, returning the same way. This stretch includes Millendreath, Seaton and Downderry, with plenty of refreshment stops along the route. Depending on the tide, sections between Seaton and Downderry can be walked along the beach.
Option 2: One-way coast path walk (14.5km)
For the full route, explore AllTrails Looe to Portwrinkle. This walk works best from west to east and includes some challenging sections.
Drive to Liskeard and take the scenic Looe Valley Line train to East Looe (trains run roughly hourly), or park in Looe and arrange a taxi.
From Looe station, follow the South West Coast Path through the town and out along the coast, passing Millendreath before climbing up and over to Seaton. The route then continues east through Seaton and Downderry towards Portwrinkle, with several places to stop for refreshments along the way.
There are some demanding stretches on this route, so sturdy footwear is recommended and it is worth allowing plenty of time for rest stops. If the tide is out, sections between Seaton and Downderry can be walked along the beach, adding variety to the day.
Transport Notes
The Torpoint to Liskeard bus (number 75) runs every two hours. Check times especially for the last bus. Taxis are also available if preferred.
For taxis from Looe try Looe Bridge Taxis (07891 585 708) or Jack’s Cabs (07869 820285), or use the taxi rank on the eastern side of the bridge.
For Liskeard, My Kabs Liskeard (01579 348 880) is a useful option.
Where to Eat
There are several places to stop for food and drink along the route, including pubs and cafés in Seaton, Downderry and Looe.
Walk 5: Looe to Polperro
The South West Coast Path from Looe to the charming fishing village of Polperro is approximately 5.7 miles each way. This is a classic beach hike with several steep sections and long flights of steps, so it is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
The towns themselves provide a real Cornish day out, with time to meander the streets of these popular fishing villages and explore Polperro’s art and craft exhibits. OS map 107 is available in your Kernock Cottage for use during your stay.
Start with the River Looe on your left and follow the coast path west towards Polperro, passing through the beautiful Talland Bay.
Parking and Getting There
Park at the Millpool car park in Looe, or if you arrive early, near Hannafore Point (Marine Drive PL13 2DJ) around the headland, where there are some parking spaces close to the footpath.
Alternatively, park at Liskeard station and take the 8¾-mile Looe Valley Line train (dog-friendly) to Looe, which is one of the great scenic railway routes of the UK, and follows the estuary as the river flows to the sea.
Route Details
If you park at Millpool, begin your walk on the western side of the river, keeping the water on your left. Follow the estuary path as it curves around towards Hannafore, where you will easily join the South West Coast Path.
From here, continue along the coast through Talland Bay, a perfect place to pause for refreshments at the café, before heading on to the much loved harbour town of Polperro.
Where to Eat
Once in Polperro, take time to wander the narrow streets, beach and harbour, soaking up the character of this historic fishing village. For food, a fresh crab roll from Kitty’s Crab Shack is a popular choice, or you may prefer to visit The Blue Peter or The Three Pilchards, both well-regarded local pubs. Neither takes bookings, allowing you to arrive at your own pace and enjoy the walk without rushing.
If you are looking for somewhere to eat in Looe at the end of your day, we recommend the highly regarded Sardine Factory (booking essential).
Getting Back
Options for the return:
- STORM boat trips operate between Polperro and Looe. If you book ahead you could call local skipper Phil on 078 1375 7656 and make arrangements for a boat trip back to Looe.
- Take the 73 bus back from Polperro to Looe.
If you took the train to Looe then you can return to Liskeard from the station at Looe.
Walk 6: Polperro to Lantivet Bay
This walk is often covered from Lansallos, as shown on iwalkcornwall, but starting and finishing at Lantivet Bay makes a very rewarding route.
You may also wish to see this route from trekandtors. The full walk is up to 18.5km, but returning via the same path creates a more manageable walk of around 12km.
Parking
Park at Lantivet Bay car park (PL23 1NP).
Start Your South East Cornwall Coastal Escape
From cliff top walks on the South West Coast Path to relaxed afternoons on beaches such as Cawsand Beach and peaceful ferry crossings from Cremyll, South East Cornwall is a place to slow down and enjoy the coast. Whether you are walking sections near Plymouth, exploring quieter coves along the Cornish shoreline, or heading east towards Fowey, each route offers something a little different.
If you are staying at Kernock Cottages, we are always happy to share ideas for other holiday walks to suit your stay and offer local advice on routes, timing and places to stop along the way. It is all part of helping you make the most of your time in this beautiful corner of Cornwall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South East Cornwall best known for?
South East Cornwall is known for its unspoilt coastal scenery, quieter sections of the South West Coast Path and traditional seaside villages. It offers dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches such as Cawsand Beach and easy access to ferry routes near Cremyll, making it ideal for walkers and nature lovers.
Is South East Cornwall a good place for coastal walking holidays?
Yes, South East Cornwall is excellent for walking holidays. The South West Coast Path runs through the area, linking places such as Plymouth, Portwrinkle and Fowey. Many routes can be completed as circular walks using buses or ferries, which is perfect for relaxed multi-day itineraries.
Are there good places to stay near these coastal walks?
Yes, South East Cornwall offers a range of places to stay close to the South West Coast Path, making it easy to explore sections between Plymouth and Fowey without long drives. Staying locally allows you to enjoy flexible walking days, return to peaceful surroundings each evening and make the most of the area’s quieter coastline.
Can I find dog friendly cottages in Cornwall near the South West Coast Path?
Yes, South East Cornwall is well suited to dog owners. Many beaches and coastal paths allow dogs year-round or seasonally, and there are several dog friendly cottages in Cornwall close to walking routes, villages and countryside.
