• Overview
• Itinerary
• Accommodation
• Dates & Prices
• FAQs

Overview

 

Our guided holidays run once a month from May to October and involve 6 days exploring the richest scenery and fascinating history of West Cornwall.

• Everyone is welcome but our maximum group size of 8 people mean that places go very quickly. So if the idea of great company, dramatic coast line, rugged moors and plenty of fresh Cornish air sound appealing, reserve your place as soon as possible.
• We follow the coast path from St Ives to Mousehole exploring the cliffs, beaches and bays that make West Cornwall a world apart and spend a day on the moors exploring the stone monuments and mining remains that form a grand part of the region's 4000 year history.
  
• The walking pace is relaxed, covering 7-10 miles a day over 5-6 hours. If this sounds too easy please bear in mind that coast path can be deceiving and where it dips down to sea level, it very soon rises back up to the top of high cliffs. We find that these distances are generally enough for everyone.
• Penzance is our base for the holiday, with transfers provided to and from the trail every morning and afternoon.
• The full holiday is 6 days and 7 nights.
• Bed and breakfast, transfers to and from the trail and guide services are included.
• Optional extras include initial pick ups from to your arrival/departure point in Penzance.

  Extended stays (continue down the coast to the Lizard Peninsula).

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Itinerary

 

2010 Guided Walking Holiday

 

A superb six days exploring the magic and beauty of the Lands End Peninsula.

Covering almost all of the Penwith coast path, this walk takes you around mainland Britain’s most south westerly cliff tops and beaches. From the wild and rugged north coast where moorland backs high cliffs, rocky headlands and narrow ravines to the majestic western cliffs and the open bays of the south west, and the ports and harbours of the south coast.

The route takes you past such well known land marks as Cape Cornwall, Sennen Cove, Lands End, the Minack Theatre. An inland trek across the moors, investigating a wealth of stone monuments adds yet another side to this splendid walk.

Days: 6
Nights: 7
Distance:  50 miles
Average distance: 8.5 miles

Difficulty: On average moderate. Much of the walk passes along well maintained coast path although there are several difficult sections. This means steep hills, uneven terrain or obstacles that need just a little bit of agility to pass. However the relatively short distances covered each day mean that we have plenty of time to recover from the climbs and when passing uneven ground we take as long as we need - there's no rush.

Day	Start	Finish	Miles	Overnight	Notes
	-	-	-	Penzance	Arrive at Penzance by car or by train and make your way to your B&B/hotel. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore the town/relax.
1	St Ives	Zennor	7.5	Penzance	A 9 am start to meet your guide and other walkers in the group. Then we transfer to St Ives, where you have two hours to explore the town, gallery and beaches before we hit the coast path. Along the wild and isolated north coast, this is a superb introduction to West Cornwall. A short but intense walk ending in magical Zennor.
2	Zennor	Pendeen	7.5	Penzance	Returning to Zennor we walk along the edge of moorland under the shadow of granite carns set just a stone’s throw inland. We end in the old mining town of Pendeen.
3	Pendeen	Sennen	9	Penzance	Incredible views, abandoned mine works and lovely beaches. From the industrial acropolis of Geevor and the beautifully positioned Botallack mines, we head through the heartland of West Cornwall’s mining heritage and onto the West coast cliffs.
4	Pendeen	Madron	8	Penzance	An inland trek across West Penwith’s best and most interesting moorland. This is a history and mystery tour of the region’s famous stone monuments and fantastic rugged Cornish scenery.
5	Sennen	Penberth	7.5	Penzance	Back on to the coast path awaits another wild section with superb views. Dramatic cliffs, sweeping bays and crashing seas make this the favourite of many walkers. The corrugated cliffs of Lands End and the turquoise waters of Porthcurno are very special indeed.
6	Penberth	Mousehole	7	Penzance	Round the wooded valleys of Lamorna, this a difficult start but gets easier as we progress. We stop at the first of the south coast towns, Mousehole to avoid the trek along pavements and promenades into Penzance.

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Accommodation

 

The guided walking holidays are centre based. This means that you stay in the same place for the full duration, with transfers provided to and from the trail daily (so you still get to walk the coast path without missing out sections). We choose to use Penzance as our base. Not only only does it offer easy access to all three coasts, but has national public transport terminals and a variety of places to eat and drink in the evening.

We offer two types of accommodation for the walking holidays. Standard accommodation is in a clean, comfortable and friendly Bed and Breakfast. Rooms are en suite (unless otherwise specified) and the B&B is conveniently situated just 10 minutes from the town centre.

Luxury accommodation is available in one of Penzance's most upmarket hotels and again bed and breakfast is included in the price.

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Dates and Prices

 

Standard Accommodation:

• £500 per person based on two people sharing a room (twin or double)
• £560 per person based on one person per room

Luxury Accommodation: Please contact us for details.

Prices include bed and breakfast as stated, transfers to and from daily walk start and finish, knowledgeable local guide.

Prices do not include lunch and evening meals, transfers to and from accommodation on arrival and departure.

 

Dates (travel days included):

Saturday 22nd to Saturday 29th May 2010 - no availability

Saturday 19th to Saturday 26th June 2010 - no availability

Saturday 24th to Saturday 31st July 2010 - no availability

Saturday 21st to Saturday 28th August 2010 - no availability

Saturday 11th to Saturday 18th September 2010 - no availability

Saturday 2nd to Saturday 9th October 2010 - no availability

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

How fit do I need to be?

What equipment do I need to bring?

How do I get to my accommodation?

What happens in the evenings?

Who are the guides?

What meals are included?

What if I'm tired/unable to complete the walk?

 

How fit do I need to be?

You need to be a competent walker to complete the daily walks but that's all. The pace is easy going, we take most of the day to cover 7-10 miles and walk at the pace of the slowest walker. With plenty of stop-offs, breaks and breathers, we find that most people have no problems. Please bear in mind that the terrain can be unven at points and a certain agility is required. If you are unsure, please mention this before booking.

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What equipment do I need to bring?

The most essential item for any walking holiday is a good pair of walking boots. These should be well broken in (to avoid any unpleasant surprises) with a good sole (deep tread) and be in good condition. Remember that the coast path can get muddy and boots should be appropriately water proofed.

Many walkers also use two pairs of socks for comfort. Covering long distances every day often leads to blisters and an extra pair of socks is an added precaution against this.

Unfortunately we have no control over the weather and this being Cornwall, it does occasionally rain. To keep dry we recommend a light water proof jacket and water proof over trousers to keep in your day pack. Its better to be safe and dry than wet and sorry.

You need to carry a light weight day pack (rucksack) to carry your water proofs, a spare jumper (as it can get cold), a packed lunch, a water bottle, information pack and a small first aid kit. Walking sticks are also very handy and can save a lot of fatigue whilst offering additional support on uneven terrain.

Other considerations are a thermos flask and lunch box.

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How do I get to my accommodation?

Penzance is served by national rail (First Great Western) and bus (National Express)services that run from most major towns and cities so getting there is easy and we are happy to help with this if you get stuck.

Before you travel we will provide you with directions to your accommodation in Penzance, You can then either walk (15 minutes) or take a taxi from the bus/train station (generally under £5).

If you are coming by car, we can organize secure parking for the duration of your stay.

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What happens in the evenings?

After a day's walking we generally arrive back in Penzance between 4.30 and 6pm. The rest of the day is then yours to do as you please. Unfortunatley your guide will not be able to spend the evening with you,but there is nothing to prevent you going out for a meal/drink with the other members of your group. Penzance has plenty of restaurants and pubs to keep you entertained.

If you feel like exploring a little more, St Michael's Mount is close by, as is the Newlyn Art Gallery, the Jubilee Open Air Pool and we can even help plan an evening at the spectacular Minack Theatre.

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Who are the guides?

Russ Peake is the founder of Western Discoveries and often leads the tours personally. He grew up in the very heart of West Cornwall, and explored the coast and moors from an early age, developing a deep understanding and intimacy with the region that now forms the basis and inspiration of Western Discoveries. From the geology that underpins granite hills to legends of the giants that sleep beneath them, he has the local knowledge to make a Guided Walking Holiday special.

Tim Hannigan grew up in a village just half a mile from one of the wildest stretches of the West Cornwall coast path.  Steeped in local history and folklore since childhood he has an extensive and authentic knowledge of the region, its culture, its wildlife and its hidden corners.  When not guiding walking holidays he is a professional travel journalist working in Asia, but the stories he loves to tell most are those of the cliffs and hills of his Cornish homeland.

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What meals are included?

The walking holiday prices are based on bed and breakfast only. For lunch most people take some form of packed lunch or pick snacks up along the way. We can provide packed lunches if necessary. Please mention this when booking if you are interested.

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What if I am too tired/unable to continue?

If you absolutely can't go on, we will organize a lift back to your B&B. This may involve continuing to a point accessible from the road and with mobile phone signal. Although we make sure you are safe until a lift arrives, you will have to cover any costs involved (taxi costs for example).

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