Hiking in Cornwall

Summer 2025

Number of Travellers: 14
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

Boasting more than 400 miles of captivating coastline adorned with soaring cliffs, pristine crescents of white sand, and vibrant fishing villages, the enchanting Cornish peninsula is a landscape sculpted by the ever-present sea.

Amidst the rhythmic waves of the Atlantic, embark on invigorating hikes through areas of unparalleled natural beauty. Explore medieval castles, encounter azure blue lagoons, and marvel at salty sea arches.

Wind your way through quaint cobbled streets, pausing at charming cafes, local galleries, and independent artisan shops that dot the coastal villages. This curated journey not only showcases the county’s crown jewels but also offers a profound immersion into the diverse beauty of the Cornish coast, where land and sea coalesce to create a tapestry of unparalleled allure.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Welcome to Devon | Overnight: Plymouth

Day 2 | Crossing the Border | Overnight: Boscastle

Day 3 | Padstow and Trevone Head | Overnight: St Ives

Day 4 | Exploring St Ives | Overnight: St Ives

Day 5 | St Michaels Mount and Kynance Cove | Overnight: Lizard

Day 6 | Hiking the Lizard Point | Overnight: Lizard

Day 7 | Falmouth and Departure

Highlights

  • Hike along the rugged Cornish coastline
  • Explore sandy bays and hidden coves
  • Stroll through pretty coastal villages full of history and charm

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to Devon

Arrive in Plymouth by train, a historic port city nestled on the southern coast of Devon. Revered for its maritime heritage, Plymouth holds a significant place in history as the departure point for the Mayflower in 1620, embarking on its iconic journey carrying Pilgrims to the New World. Your hotel, nestled near Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican. Arrive around 3 p.m. today to meet for a welcome chat at around 3:30 p.m. before embarking on stroll to the cobbled streets of the Barbican. Here you’ll visit the oldest operating distillery in Britain and the home of Plymouth Gin and learn about distillation process and the botanicals which are used, and of course a tasting. En-route back to our hotel we’ll take a stroll along Plymouth Hoe taking in the views of Plymouth Sound as we pass Smeatons Tower. We’ll end with an early evening welcome dinner. Those of us who just arrived will undoubtedly be jetlagged, so we’ll make sure we get to bed early.

Overnight: Plymouth | Crowne Plaza or Similar
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Crossing the Border

Our Cornish coastal adventure starts with a visit to Tintagel Castle, a site that dates back to the Roman period however, the castle ruins that stand today are from the medieval period, built in the 13th century by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. The castle is associated with the legendary King Arthur, and it is believed by some to be the place where he was conceived. After lunch we’ll embark on our first hike of the trip which takes us from to Boscastle, a natural harbour which is sheltered by the surrounding cliffs. The harbour has been in use since medieval times and was historically important for the export of local produce such as slate, grain, and timber many of its buildings reflect traditional Cornish architecture.

Overnight: Boscastle | The Wellington Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles

Day 3 - Padstow and Trevone Head

After breakfast we transfer to the Picturesque harbour, quaint streets, and a vibrant atmosphere of Padstow, a well-loved spot on the Cornish coastline. We’ll take some time to have a wander around the harbour front before setting out to hike on the South West Coast Path. The hike takes us around Stepper Point, Gunver Head and Roundhole Point on our way to Trevone Bay. Along the way, you’ll experience rugged cliffs and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars at the ready as there are often sitings of seabirds, seals and other marine life to be spotted from the clifftops. Afterwards we’ll transfer further down the west coast to the picturesque town of St Ives.

Overnight: St Ives | St Ives Harbour Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles

Day 4 - Exploring St Ives

We’ll spend this morning exploring the picturesque town of St. Ives, a haven for artists, with its charming blend of cobbled streets, historic structures, and independent boutiques, we’ll explore the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. An English artist and sculptor, who found solace in St Ives during the Second World War, making it her lifelong home. After lunch, we’ll set out on a hike from St. Ives along a rugged stretch of coastline. As you traverse this untamed landscape, be greeted by panoramic vistas that extend over the expanse of the ocean. This evening, consider a post-dinner stroll, embracing the soft hues of dusk that grace this coastal haven.

Overnight: St Ives | St Ives Harbour Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 5 - St Michaels Mount and Kynance Cove

This morning head out to visit St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island home to an ancient castle, chapel and local community. Immerse yourself in stories of deception and disguise while you explore. Return to the mainland where you’ll have lunch. Afterwards we’ll take a short drive to Mullion Cove, a picturesque harbour and cove situated on the Lizard Peninsula, we’ll hike along the South West Coast Path toward the white sands, turquoise water and serpentine rocks of Kynance Bay, one of the most photographed, filmed and painted beaches in Cornwall. The final stretch of our hike takes us to our hotel where we’ll settle in for the evening after dinner.

Overnight: Lizard | The Top House Inn or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 6 - Hiking the Lizard Point

This morning after breakfast, we’ll set out on our final hike on the South West Coast Path. Today we’ll continue to the east towards Coverack a village once famous for smuggling but now peaceful, quiet, and home to a handful of fishing boats. Hike along the coast, passing the arched rock of the Devil’s Frying Pan and the sweeping sandy shores of Kennack Sands. Perhaps roll up your trousers and walk through the surf and with colourful wildflowers speckling the coastline, take in the beautiful views all around. Later in the afternoon we’ll transfer back to our hotel where we shall celebrate a week of hiking on the Cornish Coast over dinner.

Overnight: Lizard | The Top House Inn or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles

Day 7 - Falmouth and Departure

After a leisurely breakfast on our final morning on the Lizard, we’ll transfer the short distance to the historic maritime town of Falmouth which played a significant role in the age of sail and was a key strategic port during various periods in history. We’ll visit Pendennis Castle, an artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII between 1540 and 1542. It formed part of the King’s Device programme to protect against invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire, and defended the Carrick Roads waterway at the mouth of the River Fal. After a cultural Cornish morning we’ll have lunch in the town before transferring to Plymouth by mid afternoon where you’ll be able to continue with your onward travel.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More

A free place for the AGC leader in a single occupancy room

6 nights accommodation in 3* and 4* small hotels and inns, on a twin share basis.

All meals from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 7

Welcome and Departure drink on Day 1 and 6

Drinks and snacks while hiking

The services of a qualified and experienced guide(s) throughout (2nd guide for groups 8-14 travellers, Not including AGC leader)

All transfers from starting at Plymouth Hotel on day 2 and finishing at Plymouth Train Station on day 7.

Guided hikes per the itinerary, plus the following visits and activities:

  • Day 1 – Plymouth Distillery Tour and Tasting
  • Day 2 – Entry to Tintagel Castle
  • Day 4 – Entry to Barbara Hepworth Museum and Gardens
  • Day 5 – Afternoon tea and entry to St Michaels Mount Castle.
  • Day 7 – Entry to Pendennis Castle

All gratuities except for the lead guide(s)

Trip design and delivery

24/7 in-country support

Pricing Read More

3 travellers – £4,900

4 travellers – £4,400

5 travellers – £3,900

6 travellers – £3,600

7 travellers – £3,300

Single supplement – £650 (max 2 available; double room for single occupancy)

Get in Touch

Email James

Hiking in Cornwall

Summer 2025

Last updated: Friday 5th January - 14:33