Cornwall: Padstow to St Michael's Mount

7 Days & 6 Nights 4.2 Read 5 reviews

Ambling down the tiny streets of iconic Cornish fishing villages such as Mousehole and Newlyn
Standing at the tip of dramatic Trevose Head, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Following the St Michael’s Way, an official Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in the middle of Cornwall!
Catching your first glimpse of the abbey on St Michael’s Mount as you complete your pilgrimage route
Enjoying both traditional and gourmet meals in local pubs and seaside restaurants
Spotting the spires of the 12th century St Enodoc Church, burial site of the poet Sir John Betjeman

Small Cornish fishing ports, legends of Phoenician traders, pirates, coves and the pilgrimage route of 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. Discover a plethora of highlights, relaxing in one of renowned chef Rick Stein’s seafront restaurants, striding out to reach the tip of Trevose Head with views to Newquay, the iconic fishing village of Mousehole, and glimpsing St Michael’s Mount as you reach the south coast. Begin in Padstow, a delightful seaside town and embark on walks that take you along small beaches with green and purple rocks and ride on a tiny ferry that crosses the Camel River Estuary. Pass St. Enodoc Church where the poet Sir John Betjeman is buried, then follow an official Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route from the north to the south coast, the St Michael’s Way. It is said that Welsh and Irish pilgrims and missionaries landed their boats on the northern Cornish coast and walked to the south coast, rather than face the treacherous waters around Land’s End. This inland route is a great contrast to the coastal routes, full of hedgerows, Iron Age hill forts, ancient churches and crosses. As you get closer to your next destination, Marazion, you will begin to get a glimpse of St Michael’s Mount, prominent UK landmark and the official end of the St Michael’s Way. The southern Cornish coast and your exploration of it also has much to offer, including a scenic walk along local bridleways and footpaths near Marazion and trails that follow the coastline to Mousehole, a quaint fishing village that seems to belong on a film set. Penzance is also en route and a town that was once the main commercial hub for the tin mining trade. To this day it remains a bustling town but is now famous for its art galleries and tea shops.

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What To Expect

This easy to moderate walking tour introduces you to the incredible history of the Cornish people and the interesting and wonderful walks along gorgeous coastline, bridleways and quiet lanes. Great food and wonderful pubs, where you may overhear conversations about the areas history of smugglers and pirates.

Tour Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent active trip.

Activity:

Multi Center Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking tour

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Historical Journeys, Coastal & Island

Navigation

You will be provided with detailed route notes and maps to help you find your way. There are often waymarks to help you find your way and as always when walking you should be able to read a map and use a compass in case of bad weather.

Accommodations

On your 6 night, 7 day Cornwall self-guided walk you will stay in very comfortable B&B’s and guest houses.

Alternate accommodation

During the high season you might be booked into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. If those listed are unavailable the alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard than those described.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. Solo walkers are also welcome for an additional charge.

Meals

6 Breakfasts are included. You can either eat dinner in local restaurants or at the B&B’s, some of which have a restaurant. For lunches you can ask the hotels to make you a packed lunch or you can buy sandwiches or local cheeses, meats and breads in local shops or markets.

Included

6 Nights in B&B’s or guest houses
6 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
One transfer from Padstow to Carbis Bay
Detailed maps, information pack, and route notes
Organisational assistance and backup from our area manager in England and our office

Excluded

Travel to Padstow
Travel from Marazion
Short return ferry ride from Padstow to Rock
Dinners and lunches
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance

Extras

Additional nights before or after the holiday

When To Go

This Cornwall itinerary is very enjoyable at any time between the beginning of April and the end of October although it is particularly lovely in late spring and early Autumn.

Getting to the Start

Padstow is accessible from Bodmin Parkway Railway Station. There are direct trains to Bodmin Parkway from London Paddington. More information on train times and schedules can be found on the National Rail website. The 555 Western Greyhound bus from Bodmin Parkway to Padstow leaves approximately every hour and takes one hour. Padstow is also accessible from Newquay Airport. Flights arrive here from all over the UK and there is a bus (Western Greyhound 556) to Padstow that takes about one hour.

Getting from the End

Take a taxi or a local bus to Penzance Train Station from Marazion. Then take a train to Bodmin where you can make a change of train and board a train to London.

It is possible to drive to Padstow and park your car here for the duration of the tour. Then make your way back to Padstow via bus and train on the last day. More information regarding parking in Padstow can be found on Padstow's website.

Luggage Transfer

All baggage transfers are included. We request that you have only one piece of luggage per person and it should weigh only 20kg.

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.

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Itinerary

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 due to 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 Pedroc’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

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.

London Inn

The London Inn opened in 1803 which original housed three fisherman’s cottages and taking its name from an old Local Sloop. The owners will welcome you to their family run pub, full of charm, atmosphere and character. All rooms offer tea and coffee making facilities, TV and hairdryers. All their rooms are situated above the sometimes-busy bar. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the pub. Their classic pub menu is sourced locally using local ingredients whenever possible and comprises of local fish and meat dishes, which can be eaten in the main bar or in the lounge bar area.

Old Ship Hotel

The Old Ship Hotel is an historic Grade II listed building in the heart of Padstow and each one of the spacious bedrooms has its own unique character. All have ensuite bathrooms, hot drinks facilities, Freeview and secure safes. You are assured a very warm welcome at the Old Ship Hotel, the perfect place to relax after your days adventure!

Day 2 Padstow Circular Walk Around Rock 6 miles / 9.6 km

Today’s walk takes you on a circular route beginning with a short ferry 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.

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. The walk finishes 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

London Inn

Old Ship Hotel

Day 3 Padstow to Constantine Bay 12 miles / 19.3 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, where your walk finishes. It is possible to take a local bus back to Padstow.

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

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

London Inn

Old Ship 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.

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

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.

Glenleigh

Glenleigh House, a conveniently situated Marazion B&B, overlooking St Michael’s Mount and the sweeping panorama of Mount’s Bay, has been owned and run by the Hales family for more than 30 years. Built in 1898 as the home of a prosperous farmer, Glenleigh House retains its original Victorian charm whilst providing modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and a fantastic, filling breakfast of your choice to set you up for your day. Rooms are all freshly decorated and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.

Denham House

Denham House is situated 150 yards from the beach at Marazion with fabulous views of the sea and St Michael's Mount. They have 2 spacious guest rooms with whirlpool baths, WIFI, fresh fruit bowl and all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.

Day 5 Marazion Circular Walk–Footpaths and bridleways of Perranuthnoe 10 miles / 16 km

Your walk today begins in Marazion and takes you through the Parish of Perranuthnoe, a small and ancient village. The trail follows footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes in the surrounding countryside and from where you can also see coastal views. This is indeed a stunning part of Cornwall with constant reminders of the area’s history of trading and of pilgrimages. You will also see the remnants of the copper and tin mining industry and walk past several old mine workings.

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

Glenleigh

Denham House

Day 6 Marazion to Mousehole 6.2 miles / 10 km

As the walk today is a bit shorter, 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.

Todays 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.

You may wish to 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.

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

Glenleigh

Denham House

Day 7 Onward Travel