6-Day Bude to St Ives Itinerary — Fastpacker Pace (SWCP Section 2)

From Bude, the trail immediately ascends with grassy cliff tops offering superb views over the harbour and beaches, passing the octagonal Storm Tower near Compass Point. Efford Beacon presents sweeping vistas, before the route becomes more rugged, navigating Phillip's Point Nature Reserve and descending to the popular surfing sands of Widemouth Bay, where refreshments are available at the Bay View Inn. A steep climb from Wanson Mouth up Penhalt Cliff rewards with spectacular coastal panoramas before a dramatic descent to Millook Haven, with its unique folded geology. Further progress involves a steep descent and ascent at Scrade Valley, one of Cornwall's deepest and most challenging, before a further zig-zag descent and climb at Cleave Strand leads, via Castle Point and Pencannow Point, to the welcome amenities of Crackington Haven.

The South West Coast Path weaves from Crackington Haven towards Port Isaac, initiating with a strenuous ascent up Cambeak headland, offering expansive vistas before descending to the spectacular sandy beach of The Strangles, with Cornwall's highest cliff, High Cliff (223m), looming above. The journey continues over challenging terrain, including the exposed Beeny Cliff and the dramatic 37m Pentargon waterfall, before a steep 200-step climb. After passing the Boscastle Farm Shop, the path leads into the picturesque harbour village of Boscastle, a welcome hub for refreshments. From here, the route ascends Willapark headland, crosses Forrabury Common, and plunges into the wooded gorge of Rocky Valley. Beyond Bossiney Haven and Barras Nose, Tintagel Castle beckons, with the main path continuing past St Materiana's church before descending to the golden sands of Trebarwith Strand, where the Port William pub offers vital refreshment. The path then becomes extremely rugged, crossing numerous steep valleys and potentially unstable cliffs like Jacket's Point. Finally, Bounds Cliff provides excellent birdwatching opportunities before descending through valleys to Port Gaverne, with its hotel offering a last chance for refreshment before the concluding climb into the iconic fishing village of Port Isaac, famous for "Squeeze-ee-belly" alley and its abundance of welcoming eateries.

The journey from Port Isaac to Padstow unfolds as a spectacular, though demanding, coastal traverse. Beyond Port Isaac, the path navigates a "rollercoaster" of headlands like Lobber Point and Downgate Cove, leading to dramatic views across Port Quin Bay before descending to the deserted village of Port Quin and the folly of Doyden Castle. Continuing past antimony mine remains and offshore islands teeming with seabirds, the trail reaches The Rumps and Pentire Point, before descending to Polzeath’s popular beach. Leaving Polzeath, the route follows the Camel Estuary, skirting Trebetherick Point and Daymer Bay, via St Enodoc Golf Course, to the ferry crossing at Rock. From Rock, a short ferry or water taxi ride across the Camel Estuary brings you to Padstow, renowned for its culinary delights and charming harbour.

Leaving Polzeath, the path initially traces the Camel Estuary, offering views of shipwreck remains near Trebetherick Point and passing Daymer Bay before a necessary ferry or water taxi crossing from Rock to Padstow, a town renowned for its ample refreshments. From Padstow, the route ascends steeply, then follows undulating clifftops past Harbour Cove and Hawker's Cove towards Stepper Point's daymark. Beyond, the trail navigates dramatic coastal scenery with steep ascents and descents, passing Round Hole and descending into Trevone Bay, which offers refreshments at the Bay Bistro and Store. Continuing eastward, you'll encounter Harlyn Bay, Trevose Head lighthouse, Booby's Bay, Constantine Bay, and Treyarnon Bay, each with varying terrain and refreshment opportunities. The path then leads past Porthcothan Bay, Bedruthan Steps with its café at Carnewas, and on to Mawgan Porth, before continuing along exposed clifftops towards Watergate Bay. The final stretch climbs again from Watergate Bay, maintaining elevated terrain with coastal vegetation before finally descending into the bustling town centre of Newquay, well-supplied with accommodation and dining options.

Setting off from Newquay, the coast path initially skirts the harbour before climbing clifftops above Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne, and Lusty Glaze beaches, offering dramatic views of steep-sided coves. The route then follows the expansive Gannel Estuary, with options to cross inland at low tide via Fern Pit, Penpol, or Trenance Bridge. Beyond Crantock Beach, the undulating clifftops lead past Porth Joke, towards Holywell Bay, a substantial sandy expanse with dunes and its famous well, where refreshments can be found at the Treguth Inn. The path then ascends steeply onto clifftops, passing Ligger Point and heading inland to avoid hazards at Perran Beach, before descending towards Perranporth, a larger settlement with extensive amenities. Continuing past dramatic coves and testament to the area's mining heritage, the path's increasingly industrial landscape culminates in a gradual descent towards the historic mining village of St Agnes, offering traditional pubs and local shops.

From Perranporth, the South West Coast Path ascends to dramatic clifftops, traversing undulating maritime grassland and gorse, offering views of Cornwall's distinctive mining heritage, including the iconic Wheal Coates engine house. Descending to Chapel Porth, with its curious Cow and Calf rocks, the path rises again, passing Porth Towan and Portreath with their harbours and refreshment options. Continuing inland, the route navigates the china clay landscapes before reaching the expansive sands of Gwithian Beach. Following this golden stretch, the path then skirts the Hayle Estuary Nature Reserve, crossing into Hayle town before continuing along the shores of Hayle Towans. Intersecting with St Michael's Way, the journey eases onto sand and dunes, eventually passing Carbis Bay and Porthminster Beach before its final descent into the historic fishing port and artistic hub of St Ives.