Included Services

Day 1 – Arrival in St. Ives

Arrive in St. Ives, check into your accommodation, and explore the pretty town and its coastline. Time permitting, you can visit a gallery and enjoy a good meal this evening.

Day 2 – St. Ives to Marazion and St. Michael's Mount

The St. Michael's Way The St. Michael's Way is part of a network of trails leading to Santiago de Compostela. Therefore, today's walk is a mini-pilgrimage in itself. Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who came from Ireland and Wales, abandoning their ships to cross the peninsula on foot rather than navigating the dangerous waters around Land's End, converting the locals along the way. From St. Ives, you'll walk to the impressive Carbis Bay before heading inland to Knill's Monument, which offers stunning views of St. Ives Bay. Next comes Bowl Rock, said to have been created by a giant (he features frequently in Cornish folklore and is credited with creating the rocky landscape you'll pass through). This is followed by a short climb up and over Trencom Hill, a Neolithic hill fort. Ludgvan is the next attraction – the church served as a meeting place for pilgrims and is well worth a visit. The route then descends through the bird-rich Marazion Marshes to the village of Marazion and St. Michael's Mount at the end of the causeway. (Moderate: 4.5 hours walking time (allow 5.5 hours), 14.5 km (9 miles), elevation gain 530 m). Alternatives: No shortcuts.

VISITING ST. MICHAEL'S MOUNT: At low tide, you can walk to St. Michael's Mount. Small ferries operate when the causeway is impassable. A visit to the castle and island (and the ferry, if necessary) must be booked in advance at www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk. Closed Saturdays. National Trust property – free entry for members.
 

Day 3 – Mousehole to Porthcurno

A fantastic, but strenuous and long day of hiking with something for everyone. Mousehole (pronounced "mousehole") is the starting point of this exciting coastal walk. Named after the small harbor entrance, Mousehole is a pretty village whose charm easily captivates you. But don't linger too long, because Lamorna has its own charm: the harbor is home to seals, which you can watch hunting for breakfast and leisurely feeding while floating on their backs. From here, the path winds undulatingly along the coast, with dramatic views around every headland: lighthouses, smugglers' coves, and even an Iron Age hill fort to explore. Today's journey ends in pretty Porthcurno. Spend the night there or take a transfer to Sennen Cove. (Moderate: 6 hours walk from Mousehole (allow 8 hours), 13.5 km (8.5 miles), CUSs 530 m. Add 1.5 hours/5.5 km if starting in Penzance.)

Day 4 – Porthcurno to Sennen Cove

Another beautiful day with a spectacular coastal walk begins in pretty Porthcurno, perhaps best known for its internationally renowned Minack Theatre, the fascinating Telegraph Museum, and its breathtaking natural beauty. Plan to spend some time here (Minack and the museum must be booked in advance) before hiking along the cliffs, with views from every corner, some stretching as far as the Isles of Scilly. Today we'll head to the Gwennap Head lookout point and then enjoy the long, relatively undisturbed walk around Land's End, a landmark in its own right. After posing for the ubiquitous selfies next to the signpost, leave the crowds behind and enjoy a leisurely stroll down to Sennen Cove, where you'll find your accommodation right on the coastal path. (Moderate: 4.5 hours walking (allow 6 hours), 11 km (7 miles), elevation gain 650 m)

Day 5 – Sennen Cove to Pendeen

Today's walk begins with a circuit of the vast, golden Whitesand Bay, popular with surfers enjoying the Atlantic waves. Passing mine shafts (make sure to follow the waymarked path), pretty coves, fantastic headlands, and ancient burial grounds, the walk continues to Cape Cornwall, originally considered England's westernmost point and certainly more charming than its successor. After climbing to the lookout station at the cape, the walk now leads through the Kenidjack Valley and past the remnants of a long-gone mining industry. Chimneys and old mine buildings leave an indelible mark on this industrial landscape, culminating just beyond the Botallack Mines. The walk continues inland to tranquil Pendeen, where you'll spend the night and enjoy a well-deserved home-cooked dinner. (Moderate: 5.5 hours walking time (allow 7.5 hours), 13.5 km (8.5 miles), CUSs 800 m).

Day 6 – Pendeen to St. Ives

A day full of possibilities. Those who want to see more of the interior of West Penwith can follow the ancient Tinner's Way to St. Ives, passing stone circles, quoits, and standing stones. Woon Gumpus Common, Men-An-Tol, the Ding Dong Mine, and the Nine Maidens act like sirens, luring unwary hikers onto the path. The Tinner's Way likely dates back to the Bronze Age and the introduction of metalworking, offering a sense of isolation that is lacking on the busier coastal path. As you descend back to the sea, you'll glimpse both the north and south coasts and get a sense of the journey's end. (Tinner's Way: Moderate: 6.5 hours walking time (allow 8.5 hours), 20 km (12.5 miles), elevation gain 790 m)