Cornwall: Padstow to St Michael's Mount

7 Days & 6 Nights

4.3

Cornwall: Padstow to St Michael's Mount

Amble down the tiny streets of iconic Cornish fishing villages and trendy Harbour towns
Stand at the tip of dramatic Trevose Head, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Follow the St Michael’s Way, an official Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route
Catching your first glimpse of the abbey on St Michael’s Mount as arrive in Marazion
Eat delicious seafood in Rick Stein's Padstow restaurants
Spotting the spires of St Enodoc Church, burial site of the poet Sir John Betjeman

Small Cornish fishing ports, legends of Phoenician traders, pirates, secret coves and the pilgrimage route of St Michael’s Way, all feature on this self-guided walking tour of Cornwall that immerses you in the history and local life of the area. To begin with, you will discover a plethora of highlights of the North Coast, striding out onto sections of the South West Coast Path and seeing the dramatic headland of Trevose lighthouse. Stay in the trendy harbour town of Padstow, discovering its hidden lanes and quirky tearooms and in the evenings, relax in one of renowned chef Rick Stein’s seafront restaurants. The walk then contrasts from north to south as you walk the St Michael’s Way, an official Camino de Santiago micro-pilgrimage. It is said that Welsh and Irish pilgrims and missionaries landed their boats on the north Cornish coast and walked to the south coast, rather than face the treacherous waters around Land’s End. As you get closer to your next destination, Marazion, you will begin to get a glimpse of St Michael’s Mount, a prominent UK landmark and the official end of the St Michael’s Way.

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Padstow and overnight

Padstow is a charming and bustling harbour town and is your base for the next three nights. The town has a dramatic setting at the head of the Camel River Estuary and is surrounded by natural beauty. It is also famous for its association with Rick Stein, the celebrity chef!

After checking into your centrally located B&B, why not try one of the local pubs for some traditional food and beer, which will give you sustenance for your first day of walking tomorrow? Or it is also possible to eat at one of Rick Stein’s four acclaimed restaurants, The Seafood Restaurant, St Petroc's Bistro, Rick Stein’s Café or Steins Fish & Chips. Gourmet heaven!

Overnight Padstow

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Old Custom House | Inn

Standing on the quayside, the Old Custom House is still one of the finest buildings in the town. Today it is famous for its fine food, award-winning ales, elegant, accommodation and for its Beauty Studio. The Old Custom House hotel has 24 bedrooms, as it is an old building, each room has a unique view and dimensions. It has long been a pub, providing a focal point for Padstow fishermen, local people and visitors to enjoy a drink and a bar meal. They serve stylish pub grub, washed down with award winning St Austell Brewery ales and a choice of good wines throughout the year. Next door to the Old Custom House is Pescadou restaurant. Although part of the hotel, Pescadou is far from the pub atmosphere. It excels in providing contemporary, informal dining with all dishes cooked to order in the open plan kitchen.

The Seafood Restaurant & Rooms | Hotel

You will be staying in one of their 16 rooms at their flagship seafood restaurant and you will enjoy picturesque views over the harbour and camel estuary. You will find complimentary Molton Brown toiletries, bathrooms, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar and hair dryer in your room, there is also a laundry and dry-cleaning service.

St Petroc's Hotel | Hotel

With low wooden beams, winding stairs and cosy fireplaces you will be charmed by St Petroc’s Hotel in the heart of Padstow. Rooms are individually furnished and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnights stay. Breakfast is served in the bistro with choices such as smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, or a classic English breakfast. A continental breakfast can be served in your room.

Day 2 Choice of Padstow Circular Walk 9 miles / 14 km

You have two choices of walk today both start with a ride across the estuary to Rock, which takes its name from the Blue Elvan rock which is quarried nearby. This village has also been named “Britain’s Saint Tropez” due to its popularity as a holiday destination for the rich and famous, including Prince Harry, the Rothschilds and the actor, Hugh Grant.

Option 1: Rock Circular - 14km (9 miles) - Ascent: +135m / Descent: -125m

From Rock head along the coastal path on the tops of the sand dunes and towards the mouth of the Camel River. You then turn inland and pass by St Enodoc Church which is the burial place of the poet, Sir John Betjeman and dates from the 12th century. Follow trains to Pityme where you can enjoy a pub lunch..

Option 2: Pentire Head and "The Rumps" 18km (11 miles) -Ascent: +200m / Descent: -200m:

Instead you can walk along the cliff-tops towards Pentire Head and "The Rumps", Looping back round to Polzeath and following your footsteps back to Padstow. This path traces the jagged outline of the coast, with every twist and turn revealing yet another picturesque Cornish view. Islands protrude from the sea, swallowed by a vast expanse of blue. Secluded bays and inlets of sapphire-clear water lay hidden below the cliffs from all but the most observant. Rock columns and cliff arches lay a testament to the power of the sea.

Both walks finish back at the ferry crossing where you will take the little ferry back to Padstow. (payable locally)

Overnight Padstow

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Old Custom House | Inn

The Seafood Restaurant & Rooms | Hotel

St Petroc's Hotel | Hotel

Day 3 Padstow to Constantine Bay. Transfer to Padstow 12 miles / 19 km

Today’s walk takes you along the South West Coast Path to Constantine Bay. Begin by walking alongside the Camel Estuary before coming out onto the coast. Pass the sweeping golden beaches of Trevone, Harlyn Bay and Mother Ivey’s before rounding Trevose Head. This area has been designated “An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Newquay. From here, pass a lighthouse which takes you to another small headland and to Booby’s Bay, a wide sandy beach and into Constantine Bay. An included transfer will take you back to your accommodation in the evening.

Enjoy another fabulous evening in the quaint seaside town of Padstow, where you might try another of the many great restaurants or local pubs.

Ascent: +230m / Descent: -240m

Overnight Padstow

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Old Custom House | Inn

St Petroc's Hotel | Hotel

The Seafood Restaurant & Rooms | Hotel

Day 4 St Michael’s Way. Carbis Bay to Marazion 10 miles / 16 km

After a transfer of around one hour (included) begin today’s walk in Carbis Bay. St Michael’s Way is a walking route that takes you from Cornwall’s north to south coast and due to its historical significance, it is the only footpath in Britain that is part of the designated European Cultural Route. It is part of a network of pilgrim routes that lead to St James’ Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela and dates back to pre-historic times. It is thought to have been used by pilgrims and missionaries who arrived from Ireland and Wales and chose to abandon their ships and walk across the Cornish peninsula, rather than navigate the treacherous waters around Land’s End.

Although the route officially begins in Lelant, you will begin in Carbis Bay and from here the route takes you inland and to the striking granite sculpture known as Knill’s Steeple. Then come upon Bowl Rock, a lump of granite which is said to have been placed here by a giant! The route continues around Trencom Hill, a Neolithic Hill Fort and onwards through the Marazion marshes, a wetland reserve for wild birds.

Ascent: +320m / Descent: -340m

Overnight Marazion

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Marazion Hotel | Hotel

Enjoy this relaxing hotel located in the heart of the beautiful town of Marazion. The rooms have views over St Michael's Mount and we are only one hundred yards from one of the safest and most fabulous Cornish beaches. The "Cutty Sark" is the fully licensed public bar serving local beers and wines. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner specialising in local produce. The "Coffee Lounge" overlooking the town square is somewhere to relax, watch the world go by and perhaps enjoy the freshly prepared coffee and homemade cakes.

Upper Deck | Bed and breakfast

The Upper Deck comprises the entire top floor of Britannia House, with lovely views of the sea over Mounts Bay. Spacious room with two arm chairs, TV/DVD tea and coffee making facilities & fridge. Full Cornish Breakfast served in your room between 0830 and 0930. En-suite bathroom with shower over bath.

The Godolphin Arms | Hotel

The Godolphin Arms offers ten en suite bedrooms which are light, airy and generously proportioned with spacious en suite bathrooms. The majority of rooms have fantastic sea views and some have balconies facing the idyllic St Michael's Mount. Eating at The Godolphin Arms is a relaxed, friendly experience. With spectacular views from the first floor dining area and a stunning beachside terrace, you have a choice of eating areas with the same menu offered throughout.

Day 5 Marazion Circular Walk. (Choice of two Walks) 10.5 miles / 17 km

Today you have the option of two loop walks (a longer and shorter one) - you may want to begin this morning (if the tide is right!) by following the footsteps of pilgrims across the causeway to St Michael’s Mount, a prominent British landmark and the official end of the St Michael’s Way. Thousands of years ago this island was a busy port trading tin with Europe and an abbey was built on top of the island and granted to the Benedictine monks from Mont St Michel in France.

Loop Walk from Marazion (longer): 17km (10.5miles) - Ascent: +160m / Descent: -155m
Loop Walk from Marazion (shorter): 7km (4 miles) - Ascent: +70m / Descent: -40m

Overnight Marazion

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Marazion Hotel | Hotel

Upper Deck | Bed and breakfast

The Godolphin Arms | Hotel

Day 6 Marazion to Mousehole 10.5 miles / 17 km

Today's walk initially takes you along a pleasant coastal path to Penzance, a bustling town whose heyday was in the 19th century when it was the commercial centre of the tin mining industry. Today it has a plethora of art galleries, tea shops, coffee houses and pubs. Continue on a cycle path which hugs the shoreline to reach the pretty fishing port of Newlyn. This idyllic place attracted a whole host of artists in the 19th century due to its similarity to Brittany in France. Stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants such as The Smuggler’s Restaurant, which has great views over the harbour and the boats which have possibly brought in the fresh fish in that you are eating.

Continue to Mousehole (pronounced ‘mowzal’), an iconic Cornish village with its typical old stone quay and cottages. From here you can either catch a bus back to Marazion (via Penzance), or retrace your steps.

Ascent: +30m / Descent: -35m

Overnight Marazion

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Marazion Hotel | Hotel

Upper Deck | Bed and breakfast

The Godolphin Arms | Hotel

Day 7 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

Walk St Michael's Way, an official micro-pilgrimage route from Lelant to St Michael's Mount on this easy-to-moderate walking tour. Expect wonderful walks along its gorgeous coastlines, indulge in sumptuous amounts of seafood and have a pint in a classic English pub at the end of your walk - ensuring you chat with the locals to learn about the incredible past of the Cornish people (you never know you might overhear some tales of smugglers and pirates!).

Tour Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie

Coastal Walking

Activity Level & Terrain

This tour is suitable for most people that are in good physical condition. It is rated easy to moderate but the terrain may be a bit rugged and tricky at times, with rocks and roots underfoot. There are some elevation gains and losses, especially when walking on the coastal paths as the trails follow cliffs and may go up and down to walk along beaches in between. On the St Michael’s Way route there are also a number of elevation gains and losses, but nothing too significant. It should also be noted that sea fog and sea mist in coastal areas is a thing and can make visibility difficult at times. If you happen to be walking and fog descends on you, ensure you pay close attention to the Macs Adventure app and always be vigilant of the immediate step ahead of you.

Experience & Fitness

This trip is not suitable for anyone with vertigo, being a coastal path some sections can be narrow and may have exposed cliff-edge walking. The cliff line on the South West Coast Path trails is largely unfenced, so you must keep away from the edge at all times, making sure you take extra caution when there is a steep slope beside the path. Please also be vigilant of other walkers, especially those walking in the opposite direction, ensuring you have enough space to pass safely. If any erosion has taken place a diversion will have been put in place by the local authorities and the affected area will normally be fenced off. Do not enter any fenced-off areas and please ensure you follow these diversions for your own safety as these are in place for trail maintenance and ultimately to avoid any landslip.

It should also be noted that sea fog and sea mist in coastal areas is a thing and can make visibility difficult at times. If you happen to be walking and fog descends on you, ensure you pay close attention to the Macs Adventure app and always be vigilant of the immediate step ahead of you.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

If you wish to visit St Michael's Mount, please be aware that it is closed all year round on Saturdays and cannot be visited. Ensure you factor this into your booking start date to avoid disappointment.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear such as good boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

How fit do I need to be? How far in advance do I need to book? What personal equipment do I need? When is the best time of year? How do the baggage transfers work? Am I able to take my dog? What happens if I cant walk a stage? Is St Michael's Mount closed on Saturday's all year round?

South West Coast Path, Adventure Your Way

Join us on a walk from St Ives to Penzance on the South West Coast Path. This remote and exhilarating walk along the clifftops visits the bustling towns, golden sands and secluded coves of Cornwall.
Walking the South West Coast Path

The South West Path stretches around the south-west peninsula of England, exposing dramatic coastal scenery as the walk unfolds. The route is split into several delightful sections as walking the entire route at once would be rather time-consuming. This video gives you an overview of the route and how best to tackle it.