Set out to explore the ancient Celtic kingdom of Cornwall from your charming stays on the medieval harbour of Padstow and Georgian harbour of Charlestown. With ample opportunities to comb the north and south coast, this route begins by crossing the Camel Estuary by ferry and walking towards the spectacular beaches of Polzeath and Daymer Bay, with the opportunity to dine on chef Rick Stein’s celebrated fish and chips. Next, head towards the cliffs at Stepper Point, where peregrine falcons are known to nest, for panoramic ocean views. After visiting the Lanhydrock, the Fowey Estuary and Restormel Castle, we join the South West Coast Path and wander around the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Enjoy lunch in the harbourside village of Mevagissey with a host of wonderful dining options and fish straight from the day's catch.
Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
Day 1: Start PadstowOur adventure begins in Padstow, a working harbour town in north Cornwall that's seen a popularity surge among walkers and foodies in recent years. Settle into the hotel and join the welcome briefing, in which your leader will go over the adventures ahead and answer any questions you might have.
Day 2: Camel Estuary, Rock, beautiful beaches of Polzeath and Daymer BayWe set out from Padstow by catching the foot ferry across the Camel Estuary to the small seaside village of Rock. Our route takes us slightly inland to the idyllic beaches of Polzeath and Daymer Bay and then up to Pentire Head. After lunch, we walk past St Enodoc Church and along the dunes, returning to Padstow by foot ferry in the late afternoon. Dinner offers a chance to try chef Rick Stein’s much-acclaimed fish and chips – though you may want to visit one of the many other restaurants here – before returning to our townhouse hotel for the evening.
Day 3: North Cornish coastHeading out of town from the hotel and along the coastal path, our route follows the cliffs at Stepper Point, past the observatory with panoramic views of ocean, town and estuary. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, the fastest birds in the world, known to fly and nest in this area, as you traverse the coast and beaches towards lunch in Trevone or Harlyn Bay or even Constantine Bay depending on our progress. Catching the bus back across the headland in the afternoon provides a leisurely end to the day.
Day 4: Fowey Estuary, Restormel Castle, Saint's WayWe transfer to Lanhydrock Gardens to start walking down the Fowey Estuary. From the gardens, which are well worth an explore, we walk towards the coast passing the picture-perfect Restormel Castle and onto the lovely town of Lostwithiel for lunch. In the afternoon, we join the Saint’s Way through the lovely village of Golant and onto Fowey and the south Cornish coast. At the end of the walk, we transfer to our new hotel in Charlestown.
Day 5: South West Coastal Path to MevagisseyIn the morning, we walk directly from our hotel southwards along the South West Coast Path towards the wonderful town of Mevagissey. On the way, we veer from the path to visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan (revived in 1991 after 70 years of neglect and restored to former glory - see 'Money' section for entrance fee) and then into Mevagissey for a lunch of seafood caught that morning.
Day 6: Carlyon Bay, Polkerris beach and FoweyAfter breakfast, we jump on a public bus, which will drop us just above the village and beach at Polkerris. We begin walking along the coast towards Gribben Head, before dropping down to Polridmouth Cove, where Daphne Du Maurier based her 1938 gothic novel, Rebecca. Arriving in Fowey, we stop for lunch and in the afternoon there is the opportunity to cross the harbour by ferry into Polruan and walk the other side of the estuary. Afterwards, we catch another ferry back into Fowey and enjoy our last night together.
Day 7: End CharlestownOur exploration of Cornwall ends in Charlestown. You can make your way home, but if you'd like to explore Cornwall a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
