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Simply Devon and Cornwall. Hotels in Devon. Hotels in Cornwall. Devon information. Cornwall information. Devon days out. Cornwall days out. Devon webcams. Cornwall webcams. Eating out in Devon. Eating out in Cornwall. Devon holidays. Cornwall holidays. Simply Devon and Cornwall.
Special Feature:
Walking the coast path from Looe to Polperro
The South West Coast Path National Trail offers 630 miles of superb coastal walking. From Minehead on the edge of the Exmoor National Park to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset it is the best way to enjoy the South West's wonderful coastal scenery, wildlife and heritage.
If the full 630 miles sounds a bit too much of a challenge, you can enjoy a little taster by walking the Cornish coast path from Looe to Polperro.
the insiders' guide to everything that's great about Devon and Cornwall
Looe - your starting point
This stretch of the coast path is a perfect introduction. It's about 5.5 miles, and takes around 90 minutes at a brisk pace, or a couple of hours if you want to take your time and make the most of the views (perhaps pausing for a picnic on one of the strategically-placed benches along the way). It's not a difficult walk, but you should be aware that it involves a few climbs (including one long, steep one), the path is uneven, and it gets pretty boggy when it's been wet.
The walk - from Looe to Polperro (East to West)
Assuming you arrive by car, the easiest place to park is the stretch of seafront in West Looe (free on-street parking). There are also plenty of buses to Looe, or you could arrive via the exceptionally scenic Looe Valley branch railway line from Liskeard (the station is at the top end of East Looe, so adds another 15 minutes or so to the walk).
The walk starts at the Western end of the seafront - an area known as Hannafore - through a gate and out onto a grassy area with nice views back towards Looe and across to Looe Island.
Looking back towards Looe and Hannafore
You'll soon cross a small stream, and after a mile or so you will pass the secluded National Trust beach at Portnadler Bay. From here, you'll round the headland towards Talland Bay (just over half way), where there's a cafe if you fancy a break. It's worth taking a bit of time to head down onto the beach itself, which is partly sandy (a nice spot for a paddle in warmer weather!).
After a brief detour along the road behind the beach, you'll rejoin the sign-posted coast path. There's then a fairly long, steep climb up the headland (the hardest bit of the walk), but thankfully there's a handy bench at the half way mark, next to the clifftop cenotaph.
Once you start the descent down the other side, you'll get some stunning views of the wooded headland out to the west of Polperro, and you'll soon get your first glimpse of the harbourside village of Polperro itself as you make your way down the hill.
Once in Polperro, you'll find yourself in a narrow street (all streets in Polperro are narrow!), with picture-postcard cottages winding down the heart of the village. Here you will find a few traditional and welcoming pubs, and a handful of small shops and cafes to enjoy.
Obviously at this point you can turn around and re-trace your steps back to Looe. Or, if 5.5 miles is enough for you, head up through the village until you reach the Crumplehorn Inn, near to which is the bus stop for the hourly service back to Looe (check bus times for service 573 with Western Greyhound).
First glimpse of Polperro
Hannafore Point Hotel
West Looe ***
Traditional hotel perched on a pretty headland. Handy for coast path.
