Porthleven to Lizard Point is a stunning section on the South West Coast Path (SWCP). Grab your day pack and get ready for a wonderful day of walking with the option to break at any of the highly-rated cafes along the way.

I did this walk in the month of May in absolutely perfect conditions – sunny with cool breezes, trekking on dry ground. There are several ups and downs but nothing too severe. It’s a price I was happy to pay for the chance to venture to some of England’s most beautiful coves.

That said, I have read other walkers’ reports warning that high winds or boggy conditions can make the Porthleven to Lizard Point walk hard so do check weather conditions before you set off.

What makes this section of the South West Coast Path stand out is the sheer number of charming coves that appear along the route, all nestled between massive cliffs. And that’s not all…

Expect grassy headlands, an abundance of wild flowers, serpentine rock formations, a wireless station where a critical moment in history took place, and perhaps even a possible rare sighting of the Cornish chough – a bird in the crow family with a distinctive red bill.

Porthleven Harbour

Arrive at the traditional fishing village of Porthleven which has a charming harbour with a number of small shops and cafes. Walk to the left of the harbour towards the sea and look for the church. Walk beyond it where you’ll eventually merge on to the official path.

Your Porthleven to Lizard Point trek starts now.

Once you’re off, the first early point of interest is The Loe, also known as Loe Pool, Cornwall’s largest body of freshwater. A shingle and sand bar known as Loe Bar separates Loe Pool and the sea. Don’t attempt to swim here as it’s known to be extremely dangerous due to strong currents.

Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach 

When scanning the map for this location, you may notice that there are two “Church Coves” that flag up along Lizard peninsula – one to the east and one to the west of Lizard Point. The one I’m referring to is Gunwalloe Church Cove beach which is closest to Porthleven. 

If you are driving, an alternative starting point for this walk can be at Gunwalloe.

Park at the Gunwalloe Church Cove National Trust Car Park. It’s free for National Trust member or there’s a small day charge for non-members.

You can join the South West Coast Path immediately from here.

St. Winwaloe Church

Steps away from the Gunwalloe car park stands St. Winwaloe Church or, the Church of the Storms. 

I’ve seen plenty of churches around seaside areas but never one quite so close to the beach! It’s tucked neatly into base of the hill which presumably shelters it from the surrounding sea and high winds (somewhat).

The trail then passes along the edge of Mullion Golf Course and ascends to the clifftop where you’ll take one last look at the beautiful Church Cove at Gunwalloe.

Poldhu Cove

Poldhu Cove quickly appears next. If you are travelling by bus, this is a good place to join the path alternatively as the bus stop is steps away from the beach, right by a large parking lot.

There’s a beach cafe here as well which gets great online reviews, especially for their Poldhutastic hot chocolate and pasties. I say “Go for it!”

Marconi Station Heritage Site 

The next point of interest is one which history buffs and tech enthusiasts will absolutely love. It is the Marconi Monument which is erected by the field where the world’s very first trans Atlantic transmission kicked off.

Polurrian Beach 

Polurrian Beach then appears. Again, more stunning dramatic cliffs to admire. On the approach, there’s a bench overlooking the beach which makes for a great break spot.

I was glad that I stopped here for a snack as it gave me the boost needed to conquer the long flight of steep steps you have to tackle next to climb out of the bay!

Mullion Cove

The picturesque harbour of Mullion Cove is nestled between two steep cliffs and has a small port which was built back in 1895. Mullion is definitely a highlight on this walk.

An alternative option if you are staying in Porthleven and want to do a shorter version of this walk is: Porthleven to Mullion walk. Although I’d recommend taking the bus from Porthleven to Mullion and doing the walk in reverse.

Ogo Dour Cove

One of the challenging sections of this Lizard peninsula walk comes in Predannack when the path dips into the valley. The descent is very steep and rocky, immediately followed by a short but steep incline.

At the ascent, you’ll immediately notice the change underfoot – a mix of grass and heath across a large expanse of land.

Before walking away, be sure to admire Ogo Dour Cove below. In Cornish, “ogo” means “cave” and “dour” means “water” so it translates to “Cave Water Cove“.

Kynance Cove

The Lizard peninsula is dotted with beautiful coves but none compare to Kynance Cove. She’s the undisputed star of the show.

You must stop here to either relax anywhere around the beach or above on the clifftop, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of Kynance Cove, one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches.

I’m a sucker for the cool cliffs and iconic rock stacks combo which is exactly why places like this and Botany Bay in Kent, along the Viking Coast Trail, draw me in on first sight.

Lizard Point (End of Porthleven to Lizard Point walk)

Once you’ve climbed up and out of Kynance Cove you’ll now be tackling the last stretch of the Porthleven to Lizard walk. Kynance Cove to Lizard Point and back appeared to be a popular route for visitors looking for a short distance trek.

As you walk the final leg you should be bale to spot the stark white structure of Lizard Lighthouse from the distance. This historic lighthouse was built in 1752. I’m definitely adding this one to my list of spectacular lighthouses in the UK alongside others such as Portland Bill in Dorset.

An old pier and boathouse and a collection of cafes above will be the next tell-tale sign that you have arrived at the southernmost point in the UK, Lizard Point.

Next on the Southwest Coast Path will be Lizard Point to Coverack. But that’s for another day. Enjoy this moment and reward yourself for successfully completing the day’s walk with, of course, a scoop of Cornish ice-cream.

Porthleven to Lizard Point: Travel Logistics (Bus / Car)

How to get to Porthleven by bus

If you plan to use public transport to get to and from the start and end point of this walk, the good news is that it’s feasible – we have bus options (although I will never vouch for bus services on Sunday’s!) Buses run to Porthleven from Helston, Falmouth or Penzance. You can find Cornwall bus schedules here.

At Lizard Point, walk a few minutes inland to Lizard village where buses run to Porthleven. 

Where to park at Lizard Point

For those driving, there is a large National Trust car park steps away from Lizard Point which is free for members and a small charge for non-members.