Walking The South West Coast Path From Port Isaac

Port Isaac is perfectly situated for walking holidays, or simply for a walk during your holiday, with the iconic South West Coast Path running through the village and along the coast in both directions.

Hugging the beautiful coastline of Cornwall, the South West Coast Path is a 630-mile trail that winds it way across cliffs, over beaches and back and forth through inlets, coves, farmland and villages between Minehead in Somerset and Poole Harbour in Dorset. Made up of a variety of terrain, there are sections suitable for all abilities, from wheelchair accessible paths to steep and rocky tracks. Popular with locals and holidaymakers alike, the Path is one of the best ways to see what Cornwall’s coastline has to offer.

Towards Port Quin

First carved out in the 70s, the (then-called) South West Way Association was formed to campaign for a complete path. As a charity they now oversee management of the path and raise valuable funds for upkeep and improvements. As the longest established national trail in the UK, it takes a lot of maintenance. The association raises funds through the participation of individuals and businesses acting as members, mile makers and waymakers. The SWCP team is also committed to beach safety, positive wellbeing, education and community outreach.

Whilst the SWCP can be tackled in one go or sections over a number of weeks or months (have any of you read The Salt Path by Raynor Winn?), most walkers tend to enjoy sections of it as day walks, or walk a stretch as part of a round loop. Port Isaac is an ideal base for walks. Facing out to sea from the harbour, turn to your left and walk up Roscarrock Hill heading south. There are a number of “there and back” or loop routes that you can enjoy in this direction, passing the beautiful inlet of Pine Haven and on to Port Quin. From there, you could continue past Epphaven and Lundy Bay, around The Rumps and Pentire Head to Polzeath (just under nine miles from Port Isaac). Spot wildlife such as seabirds and seals, and, if you’re lucky, maybe even dolphins, basking sharks or whales. The easiest way to make the return journey back to Port Isaac from Polzeath is by bus (Number 96) which takes 20 minutes. It only runs Mondays to Saturdays though, so keep that in mind if you’re heading out for a Sunday stroll! Beyond Polzeath are some lovely, flatter, walks around to Daymer Bay and on over the beach or sand dunes to Rock, where the foot ferry crosses the Camel Estuary to pick up the coast path in Padstow.

“The Rollercoaster”

The 3.5 mile walk from Port Isaac to Port Quin is jokingly referred to as “The Rollercoaster”, due to it’s steep up and down sections that seemingly go on and on! Whilst the coastal hike along the South West Coast Path is strenuous, the panoramic ocean views and endless horizon makes it worth it. On sunny, still days, there is no better place to cool off and jump in for a swim than at Port Quin. Seasonably serviced by a locally run ice cream van, it’s the perfect mid-way point to catch your breath and relax before heading back through the rolling fields. Making a circular walk just under five miles in total. The route home to Port Isaac is a lot easier, with less steep inclines and descents. Passing through farmland and woodland, you have the option to rejoin the South West Coast Path towards the final stint or walk down the lane back into the village, meaning you’ll finish where you started.

Heading nine miles north in the opposite direction to the other end of Port Isaac Bay you’ll reach Tintagel, a historic village famous for King Arthur and Tintagel Castle. Not for the fainthearted, the undulating path is made up of steep hills to climb and descend. If classic Cornish beaches and a local pub are what you’re looking for, you could finish your walk at Trebarwith Strand, a beach and hamlet just under 7 miles from Port Isaac, although you’ll need to arrange a taxi to bring you back to Port Isaac. If you make it as far as Tintagel, a bus service runs between Port Isaac and Tintagel.

The South West Coast Path Near Port Isaac

As the weather can sometimes be changeable in the South West, it’s best to be prepared! Sun cream, a waterproof, suitable footwear, water and a fully charged mobile phone are all essential items for a day out on the coast path.

Cornwall is famous for its stunning coastal scenery, which is best seen and explored by foot. With the Coast Path running directly through Port Isaac village, many of our accommodations lie a stones throw from the start of your journey.