Cornwall: Padstow to St Michael's Mount

7 Days & 6 Nights 4.2 Read 5 reviews

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, 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 north 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, a 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

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

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.

Navigation

Navigationally, for all the walks we provide comprehensive route notes and you will have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone’s GPS. Using this combined with the provided route notes and maps means you should have no problems finding your way

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.

Accommodations

You will stay in hand-selected harbour hotels of typical Cornwall character. Expect comfortable bedrooms and the warmest of welcomes in these fine hotels will make your stay extra special.

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. Please note that single/solo supplements can be substantial during peak teams of the year in Cornwall.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Most accommodations offer a continental and hearty cooked breakfast, which should keep you going for the day.

Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs and restaurants. Booking in advance is essential.

Included

6 Nights in B&B’s or guest houses
6 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
Transfers as per your itinerary. Day 3 and 4
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 tour can be enjoyed from March to October but you can walk at any time of year. You can start on any date that suits your travel plans. Spring and Autumn/Fall are great because it is quieter on the paths but be aware that the weather may not be as favourable - be prepared for colder temperatures, potentially prolonged heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Weather and Climate

By nature, the South West Coast of England is prone to the different extremes of weather year on year. Always be prepared for changeable conditions when walking on the coast and expect anything from soring heat to stormy weather, including strong winds and/or prolonged rainfall. The paths can be rocky in places; so take extra care as these may be slippery when wet. Before you set off each day, it is also important that you pay attention to any weather, wind, or gale warnings in the area (we recommend: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/).

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

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes and do not include the walk to/from your overnight accommodations.

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 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: -200m

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. 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.

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 6 Marazion to Mousehole. (Choice of two Loop 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.

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.

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 7 Onward Travel