Looe to Polperro Coast Path Walk via Talland Bay

Short answer: The coast path from Looe to Polperro is about 5.7 miles (9.2km) on the South West Coast Path's official route from Looe station, graded moderate. Allow 2.5–3 hours. The first mile is flat; then it climbs and drops, with a steep descent into Talland Bay (café halfway) and a steep climb out. Catch the 73 bus back to Looe from the top of Polperro, but check times first.

This is one of the best short linear walks in Cornwall: a flat start along the Looe seafront, views of Looe Island, a beach café at halfway, and Polperro's harbour as the reward.

How long is the Looe to Polperro walk?

The official South West Coast Path route is 5.7 miles (9.2km) from Looe station to Crumplehorn at the top of Polperro. Other sources give 5 to 5.5 miles, depending on where you start. At a quick pace it's about 1 hour 45; most people take 2.5 to 3 hours with stops.

How hard is it?

Moderate. The first mile out of West Looe, via Hannafore and Marine Drive, is flat tarmac. After that the path climbs and drops, with a steep descent into Talland Bay and a steep climb out of it towards Polperro. Part of the path near Talland has been diverted because of erosion, so follow the signs.

The route

1. From West Looe, along Hannafore and Marine Drive, past Looe Island.
2. Onto the cliff path towards Talland.
3. Down into Talland Bay, roughly halfway, for the beach café (crab sandwiches, cream teas, beach-hut seats).
4. Over the headland and down into Polperro harbour.

How do you get back to Looe?

The 73 bus runs from the stop near Crumplehorn at the top of the village to Looe, taking 12–17 minutes. On the timetable from 26 July 2026 it runs roughly every 1–2 hours; check the return times on the Transport for Cornwall website before you set off, because missing the last one means a taxi. The 481/482 also links the two. More: Polperro by bus and train.

Which way should you walk it?

Looe to Polperro: you finish at the harbour with a pint and a pasty, and bus back. If you'd rather finish in a bigger town with a station, start at Polperro.

Want a circular?

The Ramblers publish a 9.3-mile loop that returns to Looe by an inland bridleway, about 3 hours' walking. It can be muddy and has a ford.

Good to know

• Toilets at Talland are portaloos.
• Dogs: fine on the path; check beach rules at Talland in summer.
• The Looe Valley line has no Sunday trains after 8 November 2026, if you're coming by rail from Liskeard.

Before you go: Looe parking · when you arrive: Polperro's best pubs · the Polperro guide.

Times, prices and dates are the businesses' and organisers' to change — check before you travel. Spotted something we've got wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.