Trip code: W06IM 4.9 (18 reviews)
Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
10.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
Cornwall has the longest coast in the UK and much of it is designated as 'An area of Natural Beauty (AONB)' This stunning walk follows the coastal paths, from wild cliffs and heathland to golden sands and charming harbours, these are five days of exceptional walking in one of the UK's most spectacular and unique regions. The coast is wild in this area with stunning scenery and this holiday takes in Cape Cornwall, Sennen Cove, Land's End, the Minack Theatre and Mousehole.
Starting in picturesque St Ives, a beautiful town which seems to have it all, sandy beach, charming harbour and narrow streets full of interesting craft and art shops and galleries, not to mention the restaurants and cafes with their tempting treats, the trail heads West following the coast each day. The natural scenery often competes with human history for your attention, stunning beaches and impressive cliffs are punctuated by hill top forts, bronze age burial chambers and reminders of Cornwall's tin mining history along the way. As you reach the most westerley tip of mainland UK the geological feautures surround Lands End with its arches and stacks and the pink hued cliffs of Porthcurno Bay are a beautiful sight. Flora and fauna are visible at every turn on this impressive coastline, wonderful wild flowers, including sea pinks line the coast, look out for the sea birds and if you are really lucky you may see grey seals bobbing about in the waters below.
Staying in pretty villages all along the coast, starting in St Ives and continuing to Pendeen with excellent views across the coast. Stay in Sennen Cove, one of the finest stretches of sand in Cornwall and Porthcurno, the home of the Minack theatre (our B&B is only 400 yards away) before concluding your holiday in the charming fishing village of Mousehole.
Why not enjoy an extra night at the end or the beginning of you holiday to fully explore St Ives or Mousehole?
The coast path is generally well maintained, although in spring and summer the vegetation grows faster than it can be kept under control. Hills are an inevitable part of coastal walks and there are inclines to tackle on every stage. Take your time when climbing these hills and be careful going downhill as it is easy to slip. The path itself varies from paved road to sand. It is often hard compacted earth, but there are sections where mud is a problem, particularly during wet weather, and the granite rocks that underpin the Cornish landscape can make the going somewhat difficult in places. Be prepared to take your time when passing difficult sections.
Arrive at St Ives and enjoy dinner here before you overnight in one of our comfortable accommodations.
You stay at Pedn Olva.
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Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
A fabulous hotel with only 30 rooms and commanding an enviable position overlooking the sea below. It is contemporary in design, with its own restaurant, bar, terraces and outdoor heated swimming pool, although its walking distance to St Ives and all its attractions.
The rooms are extremely comfortable and upgrades are available at an extra cost. Better still is the fantastic breakfast which is included and the fact that all rooms overlook the sea and St Ives harbour.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
A dramatic introduction to the Cornish landscape today; beyond the narrow, sheltered streets of St Ives the path soon leads out onto one of the wildest sections of the entire Southwest Coast Path. Rugged granite moors rise inland, while the narrow strip of land between the windswept cliffs and the hills is studded with tiny farming hamlets and stitched with stone walls dating back to prehistoric times. The views are spectacular from the craggy headlands, with buttresses of weathered stone dropping dramatically to an often restless sea. In sheltered spots flowers find sustenance in the thin soil, while myriad seabirds make their homes on the cliffs, facing the full brunt of the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight in Zennor.
You stay at Tinners Arms.
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Built in 1271, The Tinners Arms has been at the heart of village life in Zennor for over 700 years. Originally built to accommodate the masons who constructed St Senara’s Church, famous for its mermaid, you’ll find little has changed over the years. Modern life slips away as you step inside.
Todays route passes along rocky paths and moorland fringes, through hard countryside littered with blocks of granite, towards the Pendeen and St Just mining districts. The harsh landscape maintains a beauty in its wildness, one that inspires countless stories of piskies and giants (how else can you explain the lumps of granite thrown across the land?).Sections of the path take you away from the sea edge and there are grand views of the granite hills (carns) that back the coast. Particularly impressive are the Carn Galvers and Watch Croft. Finally, passing by beautiful Portherras beach, the coastal path winds past Pendeen Watch lighthouse before reaching Pendeen where you will spend the evening.
You stay at The Field House.
The Field House is a contemporary guest house with modern guest rooms and views across fields to the ocean. There are fantastic views to Poldark country, as the property is set just above the cliff tops of Levant and Botallack mines where much of the filming took place. Delicious breakfasts with finest local produce and a welcome Cornish cream tea on arrival.
Along this exceptional stretch of coast, the natural beauty competes with human history for your attention. Proud headlands are crowned with Iron Age hill forts, towering cliffs are home to Bronze Age burial chambers and at every turn there are reminders of Cornwall's mining heritage. The end of the north coast is rugged and impressive, with high cliffs cut by steep inlets and moorland hills rolling away in land. This is the St Just mining district, perhaps the birth place of the Cornish tin mining industry and a world leader in tin production in its heyday. Engine houses perch in the most precarious of positions and the remains of stamping mills and arsenic works are found in sheltered valleys. Moving on to the West coast, the scenery remains grand and impressive. From the treacherous Brisons reef to the golden sands of Sennen beach, the sea scape dominates. With lovely sheltered valleys and a path that constantly rises and falls, one minute you are at sea level and the next way up above, looking down on the gulls as they circle below. You will spend the next two nights in Sennen.
You stay at Old Success Inn.
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The Old Success inn is situated in Sennen Cove, one of the finest stretches of sandy coastline in Cornwall. This charming bed and breakfast combines the contemporary with the characterful, providing somewhere to eat, drink or stay with magnificent views. The modern rooms make a comfortable base. The unrivalled location in Sennen Cove offers a slice of authentic Cornish culture!
A short walk packed full of incredible scenery today. From the vaulted cliffs and sea arches of Lands' End to the outstanding pink hued cliffs of Porthcurno Bay. Add to this crystal-clear water and a profusion of wild flowers and the region's popularity is easily understood. The coast path can be busy at either end of this walk but remains relatively quiet in between. With Lands End and the Minack Theatre, it is a region that draws many visitors but it doesn't take long to get away from the commotion. With just over six miles to cover, it is an easy walk with plenty of time to stop off and enjoy the incredible views. At Porthcurno you can take the public bus back to Sennen for your second nights stay, (public bus - ticket not included).
You stay at Old Success Inn.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTV
The Old Success inn is situated in Sennen Cove, one of the finest stretches of sandy coastline in Cornwall. This charming bed and breakfast combines the contemporary with the characterful, providing somewhere to eat, drink or stay with magnificent views. The modern rooms make a comfortable base. The unrivalled location in Sennen Cove offers a slice of authentic Cornish culture!
This morning after breakfast, you will leave your hotel in Sennen and take the bus back to Porthcurno to restart your walk, (public bus - ticket not included). Leaving behind the beaches and windswept cliffs of the West coast, there is a significant change upon reaching the more sheltered South coast. Numerous deep valleys here are filled with palms, fuscia and gunnerera and even the highest cliff tops proudly display a good selection of wildflowers. The rocky sea line between Lamorna and Mousehole is lovely and the last section of open countryside until after Marazion. Mousehole is a working fishing village every bit as picturesque as the post cards suggest. Narrow streets run down to the tiny harbour where visitors enjoy the sea breeze. You will overnight here in Mousehole.
You stay at The Ship Inn.
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Tea/coffee
The Ship Inn is the perfect place to stay in the heart of Mousehole. Explore the narrow winding streets of this fishing village and historic harbour, the bijou boutiques and chocolate box cottages before returning to your comfortable bed and breakfast base and relaxing next to the stunning harbourside view.
Departure from Mousehole
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £315.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
10.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
