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Self-Guided
Walking Holidays/
The
Cornish Coastal Path Itinerary
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Arriving at airport or
station, you are met by our transport. You will be transferred
to your first night’s accommodation at St Ives. You will
have time free to acclimatise, and perhaps to enjoy a walk along
the beautiful beaches or just explore the maze of narrow cobbled
streets that form this lovely Cornish town.
Starting from your base you join the South West Coast Path at
Porthmeor Beach and climb out of St Ives. On your way today you
are afforded superb views over the various rocky coves and headlands
that are a feature of this part of the walk. You also have the
opportunity to see some sites of historical interest, such as
the various mines and engines which are part of Cornwall's mining
heritage. Having passed Pendeen Watch as you approach St Just
you are welcomed to your accommodation for this evening.
Today's walk is dominated by Land's End - the most westerly point
of the English mainland and the closest to North America. Rounding
Cape Cornwall you follow the meandering coastal path with views
down to the golden sands of Sennen Cove and the rocky headland
of Land's Ends in the distance. As you round Land's End the
cliffs are immediately more sheer and picturesque, with stunning
rock formations and sea arches. Take time to enjoy the surroundings
before heading down around Gwennap Head and the Minack Theatre
to descend to the beautiful beach at Porthcurno, your hotel,
and a well-deserved meal.
Another day of rocky coves and beaches as you start to walk in
an easterly direction - no longer walking into the prevailing
winds! After passing Lamorna Cove the way becomes more gentle
and you gradually drop down to the picturesque Cornish fishing
village of Mousehole (pronounced 'Mouzle'). You can see the impressive
St Michael's Mount at the far side of the bay, and from here
the path quickly brings you into Penzance where you can decide
to follow the path through Penzance to Marazion or call on our
transport to cut out this part of the trail. You accommodation
tonight affords wonderful views of the medieval castle and church
atop the rocky island of St Michael's Mount.
A short transfer this morning drops you to Porthleven where you
pick up the coastal path as it starts to rise again up to the
cliffs leading to Mullion. The path continues to follow the
line of the cliffs as you approach Kynance Cove - with islands
of multi-coloured serpentine rock, and stacks and arches hidden
amongst the towering cliffs. This area is considered one of
the most beautiful places in Cornwall. From here a short walk
brings you to Lizard Point - the most southerly point of mainland
Britain, and home to Marconi's historic wireless experiments
which are remembered at the restored Lizard Wireless Station.
Leaving the Lizard this morning your path brings you round the
cliffs to Cadgwith before dropping to Kennack Sands. A further
cliff walk brings you to the small fishing village of Coverack
from where you have a more gentle walk as far as Porthoustock.
Here the path turns inland and follows small country lanes to
pass the vineyard on the way down to Porthallow and your stay
for tonight.
Leaving Porthallow you immediately climb back up to the cliffs
and follow the path to round Nare Head and along the coastline,
entering the Helford River estuary. A short walk brings you the
ferry at Helford (which runs from April 1st to Oct 31st) where
you cross over to Helford Passage. Rounding Rosemullion Head,
Pendennis Castle and your journey's end can be seen in the distance
- but not before we visit the beautiful secluded beach at Maenporth.
As you pass Pennance Point the path drops down to Swanpool and
enters Falmouth, and the conclusion of your Cornish adventure.
Transfer back to airport or station for your return journey.
7 nights accommodation, based on two adults sharing, in Tourist
Board approved hotels and guesthouses (normally with en-suite
facilities).
Meals consist of a full breakfast each day and
a packed lunch. Also included is a two/three course meal each
evening (except for your first evening's stay in St Ives). Drinks
are not included.
Luggage transfer each day, route description and
maps.
Transfers to and from Newquay Airport, St Ives or Falmouth train
stations.
For more information on the South West Coast Path visit the National
Trail website at www.southwestcoastpath.com.
Flight schedules and information on Newquay Airport.
For information on trains to St Ives and Falmouth, visit the National Rail site.
