Land’s End Circuit

Walk Overview

The Land’s End Circuit, located in far south-west Cornwall, offers the perfect combination of stunning coastal walking and historic inland paths. The coastal section of the circuit follows the iconic South West Coast Path between St Ives and Marazion, taking in the wild Land’s End peninsula. The inland section from Marazion to St Ives runs from the Cornish north coast down to the Cornish south coast following the St Michael’s Way pilgrimage path.

The historic St Michael’s Way is the only British footpath to be designated as a European Cultural Route. It follows the route taken by St Michael and his Irish and Welsh followers who, upon reaching Mount Bay on the Cornish south coast, sailed to France to continue their pilgrimage through the Pyrenees Mountains and ultimately to the Shrine of St James in Santiago, Northern Spain. As such, the inland path of the Land’s End Circuit forms part of the renowned Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Way.

This is a walk of contrasts. The inland section of the Land’s End peninsula features granite moorland and marshland and is a haven for birdlife. Along the way, there are also remnants of tin and copper mining sites, some dating back to the ancient Bronze Age. The coastal section of the peninsula between St Ives and Penzance comprises the most isolated segment of the South West Coast Path. Through this stage of the walk, the turbulent, and sometimes treacherous, Atlantic Ocean is your constant companion.

The rugged coastline of the Land’s End peninsula leads walkers to scenic clifftops, hidden smugglers’ coves, sandy surf beaches and turquoise waters. Keep a lookout and you could see seals, sharks, dolphins and porpoises. Along the way you can visit the world’s most dramatically located open air theatre, the Minack Theatre. This theatre is located in an amphitheatre hewn from the coastal cliffs at Porthcurno.

Fittingly, this walk begins and ends in the charming coastal hamlet of Marazion which overlooks Mount Bay and St Michael’s Mount Island. In fairytale fashion, the island is crowned by a medieval castle and church. Akin to the famous Mont St Michel in France, St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall is linked to the mainland by a tidal causeway which can be crossed at low tide, and is open to the public.

Land’s End Circuit covers 92 kilometres (57 miles) and generally takes about five or six days of walking. Your total trip duration then depends on whether you incorporate rest days into the walk and, if so, how many.

Further information:

• A five day itinerary is described below.

• The itinerary involves an average daily distance of 18 kilometres (11 miles). Shortened versions of the walk are available.

• For more information on walking in Cornwall and Devon, click the button below.

Itinerary

The walk takes 5-6 days to complete. A typical 5 day itinerary is shown below.

Day 1

Marazion to Lamorna

Distance: 18 km

Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2

Lamorna to Sennen Cove

Distance: 19 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

Day 3

Sennen Cove to Pendeen Watch

Distance: 15 km

Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

Walk Options

Guided

There are currently no walk tour operators who offer Land’s End Circuit as a guided trip. There are tour operators who offer other guided walks in the Land’s End peninsula region. Generally, with these options, comfortable or luxury accommodation is offered at one central base and walkers are transferred to and from a section of the walk each day.

Typically, the package offered by these operators include:

• Walking tour with professional guides

• Accommodation

• All meals

• Transfers between the trail and the accommodation

Assisted self-guided

Several tour operators offer Land’s End Circuit (or shortened versions) as a self-guided trip.

Typically, the service includes:

• Track notes, maps and information pack

• Accommodation, usually with ensuites (the range and quantity of accommodation available in some villages is limited; also, the basic package offered by some tour operators might not always extend to ensuites)

• Luggage transport between accommodation (and sometimes, where necessary, vehicle transfers between track and accommodation)

• Breakfasts and optional packed lunches

• 24/7 support

The duration of the self-guided options varies depending upon how far you wish to walk each day. Accommodation options range from comfortable through to luxury, again depending upon the size of the village or town and the purchased package.

Independent

There are camping areas along the route that make camping on most nights a possibility. It’s also quite feasible to book accommodation along the route yourself and, if you require luggage transfers, to arrange that independently.

For those considering this option, it’s worth noting that the self-guided tour operators often have preferred rates with accommodation providers and luggage transfer companies. They also often have reserved allocations at the best-located/most suitable accommodation for the particular walk, so sometimes when accommodation shows no availability to an independent inquiry there’s still availability through a self-guided operator.

Also, be aware that Cornwall is a popular destination for both local and overseas travellers, so during the holiday season it will usually be necessary to book accommodation well ahead of your visit.

Essential Information

Access

The start and finish for the Land’s End Circuit is usually Marazion. However, it is possible to start the walk in either St Ives or Penzance.

Marazion is readily accessible by public transport. There are regular trains from either London’s Paddington or Waterloo stations to Penzance. From there it is a short bus trip to Marazion.

Best time

The best time to do the walk is between March and October. 

Vivid wildflowers adorn the route in spring and the autumn foliage colours are spectacular.

Difficulty

Land End’s Circuit is rated at a difficulty level of easy to moderate. There are some demanding sections involving steep ascents and descents. The path is generally well marked and maintained.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options at the start and finish of Land’s End Circuit (Marazion) and, generally, plenty along the route. Accommodation options include camping, hostels, B&B’s, guesthouses, inns and hotels.

Many of the accommodation providers, particularly those near to the route, are attuned to walkers’ needs or offer amenities suited to walkers. 

We can assist walkers in choosing the accommodation options which best suit their needs.

Dining

We can assist you in choosing special dining options along the route and at the end of the walk.

Other activities

As a popular tourist destination, the Land’s End peninsula region offers many attractions in addition to the Land’s End Circuit.

Many walkers choose to add extra days to their trip so that they can explore these other attractions. Some will do that through rest days along the trail; others prefer ‘add-ons’ at the end of the walk. Some do both!

St Ives is an excellent spot for a rest day or ‘add-n’. It’s a popular seaside resort offering many art galleries including the beach-front located Tate St Ives. It also features many historic buildings, the National Maritime Museum, cafes and restaurants.

Marazion, the usual start and finish point for the walk, is a small seaside town with a range of accommodation and restaurants. It provides a very good base to visit the enchanting St Michael’s Mount.

We can assist walkers to explore the many attractions of the Land’s End peninsula and Cornwall.

Assistance

We can assist walkers with various aspects of their walking holidays.