The Polperro to Looe coastal walk follows the South West Coast Path along the Cornish coast, linking the two villages by way of Talland Bay. The documented route is a circular walk starting and ending in Looe, so plan around that route rather than assuming a direct out-and-back from Polperro.
- Route: Looe–Talland Bay–Polperro circular walk
- Distance: 5.7 miles for the full circuit
- Terrain: flat tarmac at first, then paths with some ascent and descent
- Start: Looe railway station
How does the Polperro–Looe walk fit the coast path?
The South West Coast Path Association describes a circular route from Looe through Talland Bay and Polperro, returning to Looe. It crosses the river to West Looe before following the coast path towards Talland Bay and Polperro.
That means the route works well as a coast-path day walk between the two places, but its stated start and finish are in Looe. If you’re staying in Polperro, House on the Props is about a one-minute walk from the village centre. A guide to Polperro’s harbour, lanes and village centre can help you orient yourself before setting out.
In Polperro, the circular-route directions leave the coast and head inland past the Harbour Heritage Museum, along The Warren and Fore Street, then up The Combe to the roundabout at Crumplehorn. The association describes the coastal section as passing beaches with rockpools and remnants of shipwrecks.
What route options and terrain should you expect?
The full Looe–Talland Bay–Polperro circuit is graded moderate. Its first mile follows flat tarmac; the rest uses paths with some uphill and downhill sections.
If you want a shorter walk from Polperro, the association also describes a separate route to Talland Bay and back, covering 3.7 miles. For a longer challenge, the Polperro-to-Portwrinkle coast-path stage covers 12.7 miles and is graded challenging, or moderate to strenuous. Its terrain includes high cliff paths, urban stretches, shady woodland, rocky coves and open fields.
On the Looe-to-Polperro circuit, the Smugglers Rest and the beach café at Talland are about halfway along the route. The association also describes the walk as a good autumn option for spotting migrant birds, including finches and warblers in hedges and skuas and terns offshore.
What should you check before setting out?
Cliff falls and landslips can close sections of the South West Coast Path and lead to temporary inland diversions. Follow signs and information on the ground, and check the South West Coast Path Association’s official site before you go.
For bus travel, Transport for Cornwall lists services 73 and 73A between Liskeard and Polperro via Looe and Pelynt, services 481 and 482 between Polruan and Looe via Lansallos and Polperro, and services 10 and 10S between Plymouth and Polperro.
Its service information includes timetables, service updates and planned changes, so check current notices when arranging your journey. The Newquay Cornwall Airport to Polperro journey is another part of arrival planning.
The Looe Valley Line connects Looe with Liskeard, where you can connect with the mainline. The association describes trains as running year-round Monday to Saturday, with a Sunday service in summer.
How can you plan the return to Polperro?
Because the documented circuit returns to Looe, you can complete the loop and finish where you began at Looe railway station. The association also describes retracing the route or catching a bus back to Looe from the stop across the road from Crumplehorn car park in Polperro; check the current bus service before relying on that option.
If you’re making a separate visit to Looe rather than walking the circuit, a Looe day trip from Polperro gives you another way to plan time between the two places.
FAQs
Is there a direct Polperro to Looe coastal walk?
The documented route linking them is a circular walk that starts and ends at Looe railway station, passing through Talland Bay and Polperro.
How long is the Looe–Talland Bay–Polperro walk?
The full circular route is 5.7 miles and is graded moderate.
Is there a shorter walk from Polperro?
Yes. The South West Coast Path Association describes a 3.7-mile route from Polperro to Talland Bay.