Acclimatise to the bracing Cornish air with a wander around the cobbled streets of this beautiful old port. Bask in the naturally luminous coastal light which attracted artists to this gorgeous stretch of the Cornish coast. You can see the influence of this elemental environment on the British arts movement at Tate St Ives – a purpose-built contemporary art gallery overlooking Porthmeor Beach.

A gentle walk out of St Ives to Clodgy Point soon becomes a strenuous journey of roller coaster climbs as the Coast Path plunges down towering cliffs into beautiful coves and back up again. Zennor is designated both an Environmentally Sensitive Area and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is a particularly difficult section and there is a real feeling of remoteness here, unlike any other part of the Coast Path. 11 KM / 7 miles

Another demanding day along the clifftop paths overlooking a succession of rugged coves and exposed headlands. Admire the views from the rocky promontory of Gurnard’s Head and explore the remains of an ancient settlement before moving onto the Iron Age hillfort of Bosigran Castle. Overnight beneath the lighthouse at Pendeen. 11 KM / 7 miles

Today’s walk takes in part of Cornwall’s oldest mining district and leads around Cape Cornwall, where the Atlantic currents split. The path is a mixture of easy open walking along the high cliff tops and short, rough ascents and descents with many attractive spots for a picnic with spectacular views. Lookout for seals, choughs and peregrines. 14.5 KM / 9 miles

This particularly beautiful section of Coast Path certainly feels like it begins at the very edge of the England, as the Path leads you along high cliffs and exposed, windswept heath. On a clear day, there are fantastic views across the sea out to Bishop’s Rock Lighthouse and the Isles of Scilly. The natural land-bridge of Tol-Pedn-Penwith at Gwennap Head adds to the drama of the landscape – some of the best of the entire Coast Path. 17.5 km / 11 miles

An even easier day’s walk following the well-surfaced cyclepath around the spectacular horseshoe of Mounts Bay today, meaning there should be ample time to cross the causeway at low tide to explore the tidal islet of St Michael’s Mount – less than kilometre offshore from your overnight stopover in Marazion. 5 km / 3 miles

Travelling through a landscape littered with the legacies of the region’s mining history, the Path passes tempting sandy beaches, followed by rugged scenery beyond Rinsey Head. Here, the granite turns to slate, steepling up into dramatic vertical cliffs. The stretch on the approach to the pretty fishing village of Porthleven is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. 17.75 km / 11 miles

Another classic day on the path, where the benign scenery of Mount’s Bay gives way to the altogether wilder landscapes of the Lizard Peninsula. Here rare heathers and wildflowers add colour and drama to the spectacular views. Kynance Cove is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the vivid turquoise seas are particularly dramatic at high tide on a windy day. 24.15 km / 15 miles

A long day on the trail through the outstanding landscapes and unique geology of the most southerly peninsula in mainland Britain. the Path crosses serpentine, granite and schist. Serpentine is a dark green rock veined with red and white which is easily carved and polished. A steep climb up to join the seabirds around Beagles Point provides far-reaching views of the Coast Path ahead. 25.75 km / 16 miles

Another long day includes two river crossings: the beautiful Gillan Creek and a short ferry ride across the Helford River – once the haunt of pirates and smugglers. After passing the Swanpool Nature Reserve, exhilarating views from Pendennis Castle await. There is much to see in the busy harbour of Falmouth – including the red brick chimney known as the King or Queen’s Pipe, which was used to burn confiscated contraband tobacco. 26.5 km / 16.5 miles

Set off across the Fal, passing the unique cloverleaf fortress of St Mawes Castle to alight on another of Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: The Roseland Peninsula. Look out for seals at Zone Point and Dartmoor Ponies at Treluggan Cliff before stealing yourself for the steep ascent of Nare Head followed by the welcome descent to Portloe. 21.75 km / 13.5 miles

The rugged Path out of Portloe eases around the more pastoral landscape of Caerhays Castle, before becoming tougher again on the approach to the 375ft headland of Dodman Point, affording extensive views out to the Eddystone Lighthouse. The bustling port of Mevagissey, with its double walled harbour, offers a good range of refreshments to celebrate completing this exhilarating section of the South West Coast Path. 19.35km / 12 miles

Depart Mevagissey after breakfast.

From London by rail: Regular train service from London Paddington to St Ives (usually with a change of trains at St Erth – total journey time approximately 5.5 hours) and then it’s a short taxi to your guesthouse.

Return journey to London: Nearest train station is St Austell, which is well connected with the rail service to London Paddington (journey time approximately 4.5 hours). Your final night’s accommodation is a six-mile taxi ride from St Austell. National Rail website: National Rail

Flights are possible to Newquay Airport, then onward travel by bus or taxi connecting up with rail services to St. Ives. Details of flights to and from Newquay Airport can be found at Cornwall Airport Newquay

Coach: National Express has a network of non-stop rapid routes, by day and overnight. The services from London Victoria and Heathrow Airport run several times a day. The nearest stop to St Ives is Hayle, and then it’s a 15-minute taxi to the first night’s accommodation in St Ives.