St Austell Bay Ale Trail

Beer Brands - Proper Job - Mixed Pint Cheers _ Hold up - DSC03243 .jpg

St. Austell Bay Ale Trail

This has to be one of my favourite stretches of coast line in Cornwall. Some amazing views, beautiful places, and fantastic St. Austell Brewery inns.

Mark - IT Manager

Overview

We’re proud to partner with St Austell Brewery, a brand celebrated for its exceptional ales and West Country hospitality, to bring you an unforgettable walking holiday experience.

The St Austell Bay Ale Trail perfectly blends the natural beauty of the South West Coast Path with the flavours of the brewery’s award-winning ales.

But it’s not just about the ales—St Austell Brewery’s pubs are renowned for their outstanding food. Together, we’ve designed a holiday where walkers can savour both the landscape and the flavours that make this region truly special.

With the option to include a behind-the-scenes St Austell Brewery tour if you choose a rest day in Charlestown, this is more than a walking holiday—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, quality, and the best of the South West.

Distance

26 miles

Start

Mevagissey

Finish

Fowey

GRADING

Pricing

Dog Friendly?

Inns

Accommodation

15 miles

6 miles

4 miles

Easy

Moderate

Strenuous

Yes

Price based upon 2 people sharing a twin or double room.

Dog friendly rooms on this route are limited, so please either book early or have some flexibility in your dates

St. Austell Brewery Inns

£140 - £160 per person per day

Leaflet | OpenStreetMap contributors

Itinerary

Distance - 8 miles (12 miles if starting from Gorran Haven). Grade - Strenuous (what this grade means)

This morning, after breakfast, we will transport you out to Mevagissey or Gorran Haven so that you can walk back to Charlestown.

Leaving Mevagissey harbour you climb Penare Point, passing the overgrown ruins of the old pilchard cellars, all that is left of the abandoned hamlet at Portgiskey.

The village of Pentewan is the only place with facilities on today's walk at The Ship Inn and the Pixie Cove Cream Tea Shop. Having crossed the golden sands at Pentewan Bay, the village makes for an interesting distraction from the coastline with its inland harbour built in the 18C now marooned from the sea after shifting sands blocked the channel.

Your route now enters very dramatic cliff and cove walking as you start an ascent to the rugged Black Head Promontory, site of a former Iron Age cliff castle, and with stunning views across the Bay you can see why. The little beach at Halane makes an excellent lunch stop on the way up with its refreshing waterfall crashing to the sands behind a window rock arch.

Heading inland now towards the back of St Austell Bay the walking takes you through the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve at mighty Ropehaven cliffs through a memorable descent/ascent back to sea level at Silvermine Point, passing the natural rock arch at Phoebe's Point. The day ends with a return to habitation at the historical harbour at Charlestown where you will spend the night in the peaceful company of the harbours tall ships.

Distance - 8 miles (12 miles if walking from Looe). Grade - a mix of moderate and strenuous (what these grades mean)

This morning, after breakfast, we will transport you out to either Polperro or Looe so that you can begin your walk back to Fowey.

Enjoy Polperro before you start the walk today with its unspoilt harbour, refreshments (try the Blue Peter Inn as you depart !), twisting streets and its Museum of Smuggling and Fishing, just off the path in the harbour area.

The twisting steps around Raphael Cliff with views of the natural rock arch at Blackybale Point.

Make sure you divert 2 minutes to Lansallos Cove, a superb tiny smugglers beach - the ancient stone stiles and access routes around here are maintained as part of the Encounter Walking Holidays Coast Path Charity Project as this is our local area - enjoy it!

They are a steep walk down but the beaches at Lantic Bay are the best in the area without doubt and are stunning. If you can hang on this long for your lunch eat it on the beaches at Great or Little Lantic Bay - but remember its a steep climb back up!

At the end of the walk you need to take the small passenger ferry crossing from Polruan to Fowey.

The ferry departs from the main Quay in Polruan and will drop you at either Town Quay or Whitehouse Quay which are about 5 minutes apart depending on the time of year and tide.

Town Quay is right in the centre of Fowey at the main square and Whitehouse Quay is slightly further along the coast path towards Readymoney Cove just off the Esplanade (the street along the edge of the harbour).

If you are dropped at Whitehouse Quay then its 5 minutes walk further along The Esplanade from the Whitehouse Quay Ferry to reach Fowey Town Square with lots of refreshment options - just turn right after leaving the ferry and right again to reach the centre.

Standard Route

Day 1 - Mevagissey to Charlestown

8 miles

Day 2 - Charlestown to Fowey

10 miles

Day 3 - Polperro to Fowey

8 miles

Average Daily Distance - 8.7 miles

Trail Running Route

Day 1 - Gorran Haven to Charlestown

12 miles

Day 2 - Charlestown to Fowey, plus The Hall Walk

14 miles

Average Daily Distance - 12.7 miles

Day 3 - Looe to Fowey

12 miles

Options

The St. Austell Brewery Tour

Visit The Eden Project

Walk The Saints Way from Helman Tor to Fowey

Need more walking? Then how about a second night in Fowey so that you can walk the Western leg of The Saints Way, from Helman Tor back to Fowey?

If you choose to take a rest day in Charlestown then we will include taxi transfers to and from St. Austell Brewery and arrange a guided tour of the brewery itself, together with a tasting session that includes many of the company's most famous ales.

If you choose to take a rest day in Charlestown then another option is the world famous Eden Project with it's incredible biomes and commitment to ecology and all things sustainable.

Distance - 10 miles. Grade - 4 miles easy and 6 miles moderate (what these grades mean)

Heading towards Fowey you round the huge china clay works and skirt the wide and spacious Par Sands before entering wild and remote Gribbin Head with its memorable red and white striped Daymark Tower.

A commanding spot, the tower does the location justice, standing 84 feet above the cliffs. It was built in 1832 to enable mariners to recognise and avoid this wild and entrancing headland from the sea.

On your way up to the Gribbin enjoy the chance to stop in the beautiful pilchard fishing cove and Rashleigh Inn at stunning Polkerris, with its well preserved little quay and pilchard cellars tucked into a wooded valley above a fine beach with sands, cliffs and rockpools.

You are now entering the breath taking Daphne Du Maurier coastline, location for so many of her novels, and of huge inspiration to the writer and indeed to all who pass through its wild beauty. Rebecca, The Birds, the Kings General and The House on the Strand were all faithfully based on this landscape. At Polridmouth an enchanting hidden beach opens up to reveal the Boathouse from Rebecca, Manderley, the infamous house which was once the writers home, hidden inland in the wooded coombes.

The route onto Fowey is now a joy, with a series of smuggling coves infamous for landing brandy to be whisked away to the remote farms that can be spotted inland as the path rises and falls from shingle beach to low clifftop.

Just before entering Fowey, a final delight is King Henry VIII clifftop castle at St Catherine's, you can access it from the coast path and freely wander its compact ramparts for the most stunning introduction and panorama's to tonight's stay in Fowey. Fowey is, without doubt, the most stunning location on this section of coast. Make the most of its restaurants, bars and panoramic natural harbour, recently voted the most desirable place to live in the UK.

If you're trail running, or just prefer longer walking distances, then once you reach Fowey you can add in the Hall Walk circular route, which will increase the overall mileage today to 14 miles.

Overnight Stops

Charlestown is a charming Georgian port on Cornwall’s south coast, famous for its historic harbour and tall ships.

Spending the night here gives you time to fully enjoy Charlestown’s charm and dine at welcoming St Austell Brewery accommodations like The Pier House, with stunning sea views and a delicious menu, or the Rashleigh Arms, known for its warm atmosphere and hearty meals. Both venues serve a selection of St Austell Brewery’s award-winning ales, perfect for sampling the best of Cornwall’s brewing tradition.

Charlestown is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions like the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, or the South West Coast Path. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing break with great food, drinks, and beautiful scenery.

Take a rest day here and we will arrange a tour of St. Austell Brewery, with transport to and from the brewery, a guided tour and a chance to sample some of their award winning and small batch brews.

Nestled on the picturesque waterfront, Fowey offers the ideal overnight stop on our Ale Trail. After a day of scenic walking relax at Havener's, a charming pub on the harbour known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. Here, you can sample a selection of locally brewed ales from the nearby St Austell Brewery, perfectly paired with hearty dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients.

Fowey’s rich maritime history only adds to its charm. Once a bustling port renowned for its trading and seafaring prowess, the town played a vital role in England’s naval defence and commerce. Today, the estuary is a haven for sailors, offering stunning views of colourful boats and tranquil waters — perfect for soaking in the unique coastal ambiance.

With its blend of history, scenic estuary, lively harbour, and warm hospitality, Fowey provides the perfect mix of relaxation and discovery on your journey.

Travel To and From The Route

Trains from London Paddington run to St Austell Station taking around 4.5 hours.

Full details on train times and ordering tickets can be got from www.thetrainline.com If you are already travelling call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50

Its only around 1.5 miles from the train station in St Austell to Charlestown Harbour so you can either take a bus or a taxi.

Taxis are usually available outside in the station car park and cost around £10.00 - 10 minutes journey.
Arriving from Overseas - Those arriving from overseas will usually arrive in the UK at London Gatwick or London Heathrow airport from where you can catch direct trains to St. Austell.(see the train information above). Those arriving at London Heathrow will usually take a 1/2 hour underground train / overland train service into London Paddington to catch the fast inter city trains to Devon and Cornwall.

Internal Flights - There is also a regional airport at Exeter (Devon) and Newquay (Cornwall) and you can catch internal flights from other UK airports as well as Heathrow and Gatwick. Once in Exeter a short bus ride connects you with the Train Service which you can use to reach the trail (see above). Bristol airport may also be of use if you can find flights arriving there from overseas.
For public transport information covering buses and trains use the excellent Traveline South West website www.travelinesw.com which will give you up to date detail, times and directions. If you are already on the road you can call them on 0871 200 2233 open 08:00-20:00 daily

Buses go from outside the station at St Austell. Through the day, bus numbers 24 and 25 run twice an hour Monday to Saturday but only once every two hours on a Sunday. If arriving on a Sunday or in the evening check times with Traveline and you may need to take a taxi instead. Journey time around 15 minutes by bus

Buses either drop you just before the harbour at "THE CHAPEL" bus stop OR around 300m inland at CHARLESTOWN CHURCH - just ask your driver to tell you which stop they will be using and to advise you when to get off. If you are dropped at The Church bus stop inland of Charlestown then walk back the way the bus arrived with the Church on your left to the road junction (50m) Then turn left onto Charlestown Road heading downhill towards the sea and after 200m you will enter the shops and pubs just before the Harbour at Charlestown - around 5 minutes walk. If you are dropped at The Chapel Bus Stop you are effectively now in Charlestown just walk ahead in the same direction the bus was travelling to reach the shops and cafes by the harbour ahead of you.
There is plenty of free, on street parking which you can use for the duration of your walk in the roads behind the harbour. If you prefer there is also a private car park which charges a fee and we will provide further information in your itinerary.

Gallery

Reviews and Feedback

St. Austell Bay

Ale Trail

Mark, IT Manager

3 December 2024

I love this stretch of the coast path, It has such a variety of terrain and landscape. It's also the second time I've done the St. Austell Brewery tour, and every time I have learned something different, as well as getting to sample some of their small batch ales.

St. Austell Bay

Ale Trail

Emma, Founder

12 November 2024

Thanks to the team at Encounters, four of us enjoyed a well organised few days walking, eating and beer sampling! Excellent route, food, beers, and you even sorted the weather! Thank you team. Will book again soon.