Unique Retreats and Journeys
Escape to Cornwall,
from £1,125* per person
The Summer of UK travel & domestic holidays is upon us! But what is there to do? Travel Matters has the ideal self-guided walking tour of Cornwall planned. Have you ever dreamed of sauntering through the small streets in iconic Cornish fishing villages like Mousehole and Newlyn? Or admiring the spectacular views at the tip of Trevose Head, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? Would you consider hiking along St Michael’s Way (an official Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in the middle of Cornwall)? How about tucking into traditional gourmet meals in iconic pubs and beachfront restaurants? If these are some of a handful of aspects you would want to see on your domestic holiday itinerary, then look no further!
During your self-guided walking tour ‘Escape to Cornwall’ we will help show off some of Cornwall’s favourite fishing ports, secret coves along the pilgrimage route of Michael’s Way, introduce legends of Phoenician traders and pirates.
Itinerary (Departing during 2023 & 2024)
Day 1:
Arrive in Padstow -
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!
Day 2:
Padstow Circular Walk Around Rock (10km) -
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)
Day 3:
Padstow to Constantine Bay (20km) -
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.
Day 4:
St Michael’s Way, Carbis Bay to Marazion (16km) -
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.
Day 5:
Marazion Circular Walk, Footpaths and bridleways of Perranuthnoe (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.
Day 6:
Marazion Circular Wal, Footpaths & Bridleways of Perranuthnoe (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.
Day 7:
Goodbye Cornwall -
The tour finishes after breakfast and you can make your way by bus or taxi to Penzance Station in order to continue your onward journey.
Accommodations
Due to the high demand of the locations on this self guided tour experience, we have lined up several accommodation options that we believe will offer total comfort as well as an authentic Cornish experience. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
Night One, Two & Three
‘The Seafood Restaurant & Rooms’ is a charming 16 bedroom B&B adorned in luxurious items to make your stay that much more special. The restaurant is renowned for its Seafood Menu and has quite brilliant views of the Harbour & Camel Estuary.
St Petroc's Hotel is a traditionally styled hotel in the middle of Padstow. Guests can either indulge in a continental style breakfast delivered & served to your room, or make a reservation at The Bistro who will spoil you with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or a classic English breakfast.
St Edmunds House is an intimate lodge that epitomises the Cornish lifestyle. Not only are the furnishings quintessentially themed around a cute harbour town, but you will certainly relish the unparalleled views of the Camel Estuary to Rock and Daymer Bay.
Night Four, Five & Six
The Godolphin Arms overlooks the iconic St Michael's Mount and most rooms have views of sea. All bedrooms come with en-suite bathrooms and have ample space. Attached is a renowned restaurant that supervises a striking beachside terrace, where you & your guests will have a choice of eating areas with ingredients that have been sourced locally & responsibly.
Terms & Conditions
Payment Policy -
25% Deposit required at the time of booking
Balance due 6 weeks before the arrival
Cancellation Policy -
More than 42 days = Deposit only
More than 28 days = 40% of Holiday cost
More than 14 days = 60% of Holiday cost
Less than 14 days =100% of Holiday cost
(Any alteration of bookings will incur an administration charge of £75 per person)
Non-British Passport Holders -
Please obtain up to date advice on passport and visa requirements from the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of your destination or country(ies) through which you are travelling (including other EU nationals).
Included
Breakfast
6 nights accommodation
Baggage Transfers
Taxi Transfer Bodmin Parkway Train Station to the hotel in Padstow (Day 1) & from the hotel in Marazion to Penzance Train Station (Day 7)
Taxi Transfer from Padstow to Carbis Bay (Day 4 )
Detailed Maps, Information Pack and Route Notes
A Tree will be planted by our charity partners Trees for Cities for every participant
Not Included
Travel to Bodmin Parkway Train Station
Travel from Penzance Train Station
Short return ferry ride from Padstow to Rock
Dinners & Lunches
Personal Equipment
Travel Insurance
(*Rates are subject to change)
This Tour is provided by one of our UK Partners - Macs Adventures
