Overview
Set on the western edge of Great Britain, Cornwall is a legendary cultural haven surrounded by the sea and imbued with tales of mermaids, pixies, and ghostly galleons. The most spectacular sections of the Cornish Coastal Path are on our adventure, with overnights in three of Cornwall’s atmospheric coastal villages: the fishing port of Padstow, the market town of Penzance, and Fowey, with its smugglers’ pubs. We’ll hike along towering cliffs and sandy beaches, explore fascinating sites including Tintagel, mythical home of King Arthur and his knights, and soak up local lore. Our adventure also takes full advantage of the flourishing dining scene, including a meal at Rick Stein’s acclaimed The Seafood Restaurant—expect delightful fresh seafood with a Cornish twist.
This was just the right combination of hiking, cultural, and historic experiences and foodie delights. Staying three nights in every hotel makes the trip far more relaxed (no constant packing and unpacking) than most itineraries.
— Malcolm S., Corona, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Padstow / Boscastle / Port Isaac
In lovely Padstow, we hike from the medieval harbor town of Boscastle to the ruins of Tintagel Castle, linked with mystical tales of King Arthur, and from the sands of Constantine Bay past the lighthouse at Trevose Head. We visit the whitewashed “higgledy-piggledy” cottages of Port Isaac, a fishing village since the 14th century, and dine at The Seafood Restaurant of chef Rick Stein. Stein’s Mediterranean and local seafood cookbook is a classic, and his restaurant specializes in the very freshest local fish and shellfish, often landed right on the restaurant’s doorstep.
Days 4-7
Porthcothan / Land’s End / Lamorna Cove / St. Ives / Penzance
From the horseshoe-shaped bay of Porthcothan, we walk on high sea cliffs to the impressive volcanic sea stacks called the Bedruthan Steps, then visit the delightful town of St. Ives, a haunt of artists for hundreds of years. One of our walks is on a spectacular coastal path to famed Land’s End, where much of BBC’s Poldark series was filmed, and we’ll hike to the tiny fishing cove of Porthgwarra for a picnic on the beach.
Days 8-11
Fowey / Polperro / Saints Way
We explore the 19th century Lost Gardens of Heligan, with its intriguing collections from the Victorian plant hunters, and hike between the fishing village of Polperro and Polruan, an ancient boatbuilding community on a hill surrounded by the sea. Our paths are never far from the sea. Another walk circles Menabilly, Daphne du Maurier’s estate, reimagined as Manderley in her haunting novel Rebecca. Our last hike is along The Saints Way, a long-distance footpath marked with Celtic crosses, a legacy of early Christian pilgrims. Depart on Day 11 via Bodmin.
Hiking in Cornwall
Highlights
Highlights
Details
9 hiking days on moderate trails with some short steep sections, 4-6 hours a day, van support
