Cornwall In Style

7 Days & 6 Nights 4.3 Read 3 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. The accommodation on this tour is in luxury and boutique-style hotels and transfers to and from the train stations at the beginning and the end are also included. So if you like to be taken care of and don’t want the hassle of taking public transportation this tour is for you!

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:

Foodie Adventures, Elegance & Unique Stays, Historical Journeys

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 luxury and boutique-style hotels.

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 hotels, both 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
Taxi transfer on Day 1 from Bodmin Parkway Train Station to the hotel in Padstow
Taxi transfer on Day 7 from the hotel in Marazion to Penzance Train Station
Taxi transfer on Day 4 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 Bodmin Parkway Train Station
ravel from Penzance Train Station
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. From here a taxi transfer to your hotel in Padstow is included. 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. 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

A taxi transfer to Penzance Train Station from your hotel in Marazion is included. From here 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 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.

The Seafood Restaurant & Rooms

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

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.

St Edmunds House

Situated behind the Seafood Restaurant St Edmund’s House has six guest rooms set in private gardens all with lovely views across the Camel Estuary to Rock and Daymer Bay.

Day 3 Padstow to Constantine Bay 12 miles / 19.3 km 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.

The Godolphin Arms

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.

Mount Haven Hotel

The Mount Haven Hotel and Restaurant is a luxury boutique hotel, the stylish and sophisticated terrace, gardens and most bedrooms all share the iconic vista of St Michael’s Mount. Every bedroom is furnished with sumptuous fabrics, exotic art, fine Italian linen, luxury mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with complimentary hand-made organic toiletries. The Restaurant at Mount Haven uses fine local and seasonal ingredients from around Cornwall to produce simple and tasty meals every day. For lunch or dinner the menu offers a range of dishes from award winning chefs, one of only a small number of Cornwall’s hotels to have gained 2 AA Rosettes for its food.

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

The Godolphin Arms

Mount Haven Hotel

Day 7 Onward Travel