Land's End to Sennen Cove Clifftop
Description
Description: An exhilarating expert-level coastal walk tackling the dramatic and exposed cliffs at England's most famous headland. This challenging route combines steep terrain, exposed clifftop paths, and Atlantic exposure with stunning scenery across the Longships Lighthouse and the Celtic Sea. Starting from iconic Land's End, the walk heads north along the South West Coast Path through some of the Southwest's most rugged and windswept landscape. The route features numerous elevation changes, narrow cliff-edge sections, scrambling opportunities, and sections where you'll feel the full force of Atlantic weather. Sennen Cove's golden beach offers a rewarding respite before the challenging return journey. Only suitable for experienced walkers with excellent fitness and head for heights. Avoid in poor weather or high winds.
Walking Steps:
Start at Land's End car park – Begin at the iconic signpost and head north on the coast path.
Climb Greeb Cliffs – Steep initial ascent with exposure. Strong winds common in this section (~1 km).
Traverse exposed clifftop – Narrow path with sheer drops on the right. Concentration essential (~2 km).
Pass Longships Lighthouse viewpoint – Dramatic views. The lighthouse sits on rocks offshore (~3 km).
Navigate Porthcurnick section – Scrambling over rocks and exposed ledges. Requires sure-footedness (~4 km).
Cross Priest's Cove – Narrow descents and ascents through dramatic rock formations (~5 km).
Reach Chapel Carn Brea – Ancient stone cairn with panoramic views across the coast (~6 km).
Drop to Sennen Cove – Long descent to the beautiful sandy beach. Rest break (~7 km).
Return via same route – Challenging return with significant elevation, especially the final climbs back to Land's End (~13.4 km).
Safety warnings:
- Expose clifftop sections – stay back from edges
- Weather-dependent – strong winds frequent
- No shade or shelter on exposed sections
- Mobile signal unreliable
- Loose rocks and scree common
- Tides affect beach access at Sennen
Walk Details
- Location Land's End, West Cornwall Coast
- Coordinates 50.0744° N, 5.6928° W
- Distance 13.4 km
- Duration 5h 30m
- Difficulty Expert
- Type Out and Back
- Author Callum