St Ives to Pendeen Watch

This section of the South West Coast Path takes you on a captivating journey from the charming seaside town of St Ives, renowned for its artistic heritage and golden beaches, to the historical Pendeen Watch, home to a prominent lighthouse and remnants of Cornwall's mining past. Prepare yourself for a walk filled with mesmerising coastal views, ancient stone circles, and welcoming cafes. Prepare for a moderate to challenging hike, covering a distance of 14 miles (22.5 km).

Starting Point: St Ives

Begin your journey in the bustling town of St Ives, a haven for artists and beach lovers alike. You'll find plenty of cafes and shops to stock up on supplies before you set off. The path starts near Porthmeor Beach, so take a moment to soak up the beautiful views before heading west along the coast.

Clodgy Point (1 mile from St Ives)

Leaving St Ives behind, the path climbs to Clodgy Point. The views here are stunning, overlooking the rugged cliffs and out towards the Atlantic Ocean. This is a great spot for a breather and a photo opportunity.

Zennor Head (6 miles from St Ives)

After passing through Treveal and Tregerthen, you'll arrive at Zennor Head. This is a fantastic vantage point with stunning views of the coastline. If you're interested in folklore, you might want to visit the nearby Zennor village where you can find the famous Mermaid of Zennor carved into a church bench end.

Facilities: Public toilets are available in Zennor village, alongside a charming pub, The Tinners Arms, for those in need of a hearty meal and a rest.

Bosigran (10 miles from St Ives)

Continuing on the path, you'll pass through Porthzennor Cove and reach the impressive granite cliffs of Bosigran. This area is popular with climbers and offers dramatic views out to sea. Nearby, you can find the ancient Bosigran Castle, an Iron Age cliff fort, and the Merry Maidens stone circle.

Pendeen Watch (14 miles from St Ives)

The final stretch of the journey brings you to Pendeen Watch, home to a lighthouse standing on a dramatic headland. This is also an area rich in mining history with the nearby Geevor Tin Mine Museum. Here, you can explore the old mine workings, get a sense of the harsh life of a miner, and even pan for minerals.

Facilities: There are public toilets, a cafe, and a small shop at the Geevor Tin Mine Museum.

Points to Remember

  • Terrain: This section of the path is rugged and steep in places, so good walking boots are essential. There are also some sections on roads and lanes.
  • Facilities: Limited between St Ives and Pendeen Watch, so carry water and snacks. You'll find toilets and a pub in Zennor, and facilities at Pendeen Watch.
  • Weather: Coastal weather can change quickly – bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
  • Seasonal Refreshments: Available at the Geevor Tin Mine Museum and in Zennor during summer months.