Walking Around the Lizard and Roseland Peninsula

The 613 mile long South West Peninsula Coastal Path from Poole to Minehead is England’s longest trail, of which almost half is in Cornwall. This week long walk explores the most scenic and varied part of the Cornish coast, on either side of Lizard Head, Cornwall’s wild and imposing outpost and the southern most tip of mainland Britain. Here you can enjoy a most dramatic landscape that provides some of the best walking and coastal views, as well as the rarest flora and geology to be found in Cornwall and the South West.

Cornwall has the mildest climate in Britain and one can enjoy walking there both early and late in the year, when other parts of the country are still in the midst of winter weather. On the west coast, constantly battered by the Atlantic waves, are the precipitous coves of Kynance and Mullion, cut deeply and jaggedly into the dark serpentine rock. Here some of the Lizard’s most spectacular cliff top scenery can be seen. From Mullion Cove you can see Mullion Island which is famous for its sea birds. As you reach the eastern side, which is still rugged but more sheltered, the coastal path enters stunning valleys with wooded mysterious creeks hiding lush sub-tropical gar dens. As you walk you will be wandering through a rich history of lives shaped by the ocean – lives of fishermen and lifeboat men risking all for others, and lives of infamous smugglers and pirates.

Accommodation

There are picturesque fishing villages such as Cadgwith and Portloe. Between the Lizard and Portloe, the coast is deeply indented by the valleys of the Helford and Fal Rivers, whose steep slopes are clad with dense forest. Helford River was the romantic setting for Daphne du Maurier’s novel ‘Frenchman’s Creek’. You may well find yourself as inspired by Cornwall as was Daphne du Maurier.

Inn to Inn 8 Days

Duration: 7 nights/8 days
Tour Code: WTR
Grade: Moderate
Day Stages: Minimum 11 miles, max 16 miles

7 nights/8 days

Cornwall has long been a favourite holiday destination. Among the old fishing villages of south coast we have found some pleasant accommodation. The sea is never far away, a highlight is the fine fresh seafood at the restaurants and bars of our waterside inns and hotels. Our first nights stop is at a quiet guesthouse at Mevagissey. Our preferred place is an elevated modern house that overlooks the sea and harbour. This is however a busy fishing village and alternatives may have to be used. At Portloe, a fishing village sandwiched in a cleft in the cliffs, a homely bed and breakfast awaits.

Notes
Waymarks – The route is along the coastal path, it is well signposted and easy to follow:

Accommodation and Meals
On a bed and breakfast basis in comfortable country inns and guesthouses.

Start and End of Tour
The tour starts at Mevagissey reached by taxi from the mainline rail station at St. Austell (not included, approx £25). Alternatively there is a regular bus service. The journey is approx 6 miles. Most convenient major city and airport is London. By train from London Paddington or Reading to St. Austell.

After breakfast on day 8. Taxi or bus from Marazion to Penzance for the rail connections back to London. (Not included). There are regular departures throughout the day.

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