Itinerary Expand allSt Ives to Mousehole Day 1 Arrival in St IvesArrival in St Ives Day 2 St Ives to ZennorA dramatic introduction to the Cornish landscape today; beyond the narrow, sheltered streets of St Ives the path soon leads out into 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Zennor to PendeenTodays 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Pendeen to SennenAlong 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 are reminders are 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Sennen to PorthcurnoA 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Porthcurno to MouseholeLeaving 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Departure from MouseholeDepart Mousehole after breakfast Meals included: Breakfast
United KingdomUK passport holders do not need visas for this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies.For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
HotelsTHE PAINTERS COTTAGE, ST IVESThe Painters Cottages is a small and friendly guest house that provides all the features of modern hospitality in the setting of an historic former artist’s residence. Ideally situated to explore the ancient landscape of West Cornwall, the South West Coast Path, St Michael’s Mount and other local National Trust attractions. All of the rooms have been decorated with quality furnishings and fabrics that are evocative of the original artworks or artefacts featured in the room. Each room has a theme that is based upon the origins of the house and the legacy of artists and artisans associated with West Cornwall.TINNERS ARMS, ST IVESBuilt 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.THE FIELD HOUSE, PENDEENThe 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.OLD SUCCESS INN, SENNENThe 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!SEA VIEW HOUSE, PORTCURNOSea View House was built in 1910 Seaview House and is the oldest Guest house in the Valley. It's situated approximately 400 yards from the National Trust Beach, South West Coastal Footpath and Minack Theatre. The bed and breakfast enjoys spectacular views along the Porthcurno valley, and is able to offer guests comfortable and modern rooms. Porthcurno is an ideal base to explore the entire Lands End peninsula where you will find excellent and dramatic cliff top and inland walking. The Minack theatre, Porthcurno beach, the South West Coastal Footpath and the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum are all well within walking distance. A little further away you will find the beautiful town of St Ives, the quaint fishing village of Mousehole, the stunning St Michaels Mount and the world famous Lizard peninsula.THE SHIP INN, MOUSEHOLEThe 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.
March 2, 2021 Spectacular Coastal Walks Along The UK’s Best ShorelinesFrom the untamed ruggedness of Scotland and the idyllic harbour towns of Cornwall to the southern Welsh shores, we’re
December 16, 2020 4 new UK trips to book in 2021In 2020, unsurprisingly, many of us began to explore those hidden gems in our own back yard – and why not.
December 8, 2020 Discover Close to Home: Six Magical UK Destinations To Explore in 2021Owing to this year’s travel restrictions, the UK has leapt into the lead of popular travel destinations.
June 16, 2020 Discover the United Kingdom – on foot, by bike or on the waterThis summer, many of us will be looking to explore our own back yard – and why not.
Walking The Lizard Peninsula Explore the majestic Cornish coastline through fishing villages, coves and beaches Walking & Trekking Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 12+ 6 Days from £849 Self-Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Jewels of the Jurassic Coast Walk Discover the beautifully varied and wonderfully unspoilt Jurassic Coast. Walking & Trekking Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 8+ 6 Days from £929 Self-Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Best of the Cotswolds Self-Guided Walk Explore the Cotswolds - England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Walking & Trekking Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 12+ 9 Days from £1,189 Self-Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Walking the Northumberland Coast Walk along Northumberland's wild coast with fabulous beaches and famous castles Walking & Trekking Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 12+ 9 Days from £999 Self-Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details