Penzance to Marazion & St Michael’s Mount
If you’re staying in West Cornwall and looking for a walk that showcases its beauty, we’ve got just the route!
Penzance to Marazion is hard to beat; it’s a gentle stretch of the South West Coast Path, which winds along Mount’s Bay with amazing sea views. Once you reach the end, you’ll be greeted by St Michael’s Mount on its tidal island. A sight that’s guaranteed to get the imagination going.
Whether you’re a keen walker or just fancy stretching your legs between eating pasties and enjoying cream teas, this is one of the most memorable Cornwall walks you can do.
It's also one of the Best Salt Path Walks from Penzance.
Starting the Walk in Penzance
The walk begins right in Penzance, where the promenade makes an easy starting point.
You’ll find that the town soon gives way to wide open views of the bay, with the beautiful blue sea on one side and the town of Penzance on the other.
Locals like this stretch for dog walks and jogs, so no doubt, you’ll encounter another walker or two.
It’s a flat and easy start, perfect if you’re walking with family or don’t want anything too strenuous.
Following the South West Coast Path
Once you’re on the South West Coast Path, just keep the water on your right and follow the trail east. This part of the Penzance Walk is well signposted, and the path itself is mostly level and straightforward.
You’ll pass a mix of shingle beaches and patches of sand, with plenty of spots to stop and admire the view.
On a clear day, you can see right across Mount’s Bay, with the Lizard Peninsula faintly visible on the horizon. It’s the kind of path that invites you to slow down and take it all in.
Scenic Highlights Along the Way
The real joy of this Penzance coastal walk is all of the sights, a real treat for the eyes!
Mount’s Bay is always brimming with fishing boats bobbing on the sea with birds circling above and often joining the boats.
You’ll often come across the occasional kite surfer too, which is always fun to witness.
Long Rock Beach makes a great halfway pause, especially if you fancy dipping your toes in the water. All the while, the outline of St Michael’s Mount gets clearer, inviting you in with every step.
It’s a walk that feels full of little rewards before you even reach the main attraction.
Reaching Marazion and St Michael’s Mount
Arriving in Marazion is always a joy. The town itself is charming, with its old cottages, galleries, and cosy cafes.
But the real star is waiting just offshore. St Michael’s Mount ascends just of the sea with its castle and gardens perched on top.
Depending on the tide, you can walk the ancient causeway of granite cobbles or hop on a boat from the harbour. However you get there, the approach is unforgettable, and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most-loved Marazion Walks.
Practical Tips for Walkers
The walk from Penzance to Marazion isn’t hugely challenging, but a few simple tips can help you enjoy it more.
Good walking shoes are worth it, even though the path is fairly flat. Keep an eye on the tide times before planning your crossing to St Michael’s Mount – you’ll find the latest updates on the National Trust website.
A light waterproof or windbreaker is useful too, since coastal weather can change quickly. Cafes and toilets are available at both ends of the walk, so it’s easy to plan breaks along the way.
Why the Walk is a Must-Do in Cornwall
This stretch of the Cornish coast has everything you could want from a day out – fresh air, sea views, a touch of history, and a lovely end-point that feels very magical.
If you’re only going to do one Penzance Walk, make it this one. It’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left Cornwall!
Reward Yourself at Hotel Penzance
And when your legs have had enough, head back our hotel in penzance and let us take care of you. Our Garden Bar and Restaurant is the perfect place to refuel after a day outdoors. With fresh local produce on the menu and wide views across Mount’s Bay, it’s a reward that feels just as good as reaching the Mount itself.
