Cornwall In Style
- Treat yourself to the best 4* and 5* hotels in the Cornwall region
- Explore picturesque harbour villages and indulge in freshly caught seafood
- Classic coastal walking with dramatic headlands, secluded coves and vast golden beaches
- Stand at the tip of the dramatic Trevose Head, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Opportunity to visit one of England's top visitor attractions, the Eden Project
- Charlestown Harbour, where the popular TV drama Poldark was filmed.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Padstow and overnightPadstow is a charming and bustling harbour town and is your base for the next three nights. The town has a dramatic setting at the head of the Camel River Estuary and is surrounded by natural beauty. It is also famous for its association with Rick Stein, the celebrity chef!
After checking into your centrally located B&B, why not try one of the local pubs for some traditional food and beer, which will give you sustenance for your first day of walking tomorrow? Or it is also possible to eat at one of Rick Stein’s four acclaimed restaurants, The Seafood Restaurant, St Petroc's Bistro, Rick Stein’s Café or Steins Fish & Chips. Gourmet heaven!
You will be staying in one of their 16 rooms at their flagship seafood restaurant and you will enjoy picturesque views over the harbour and camel estuary. You will find complimentary Molton Brown toiletries, bathrooms, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar and hair dryer in your room, there is also a laundry and dry-cleaning service.
Situated behind the Seafood Restaurant St Edmund’s House has six guest rooms set in private gardens all with lovely views across the Camel Estuary to Rock and Daymer Bay.
The Padstow Harbour Hotel in Padstow with its superb views, striking architecture and award-winning restaurant continues to hold pride of place in Padstow. Recently renovated, this Victorian boutique property has everything that you would require for a most comfortable stay. Their newly refurbished guest rooms are styled individually and comfortably furnished. They come complete with flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi.
Today’s trail teeters along the cliff-tops towards Pentire Head and "The Rumps", Looping back round to Polzeath and following your footsteps back to Padstow. The walk starts with a short ferry ride across the estuary to Rock, which takes its name from the Blue Elvan rock, which is quarried nearby. Whilst perhaps no longer in its glory days, the village was named “Britain’s Saint Tropez” many years ago due to its popularity as a holiday destination for the rich and famous, including Prince Harry, the Rothschilds and the actor Hugh Grant.
However, it is the cliff-top sections at Pentire Head and "The Rumps" that really make this hike special; the path traces the jagged outline of the coast, with every twist and turn to reveal yet another picturesque Cornish view. Islands protrude from the sea, swallowed by a vast expanse of blue. Secluded bays and inlets of sapphire-clear water lay hidden below the cliffs from all but the most observant. Rock columns and cliff arches lay a testament to the power of the sea.
Ascent: +200m / Descent: -200m
Alternatively, you can opt to skip the section around Pentire Head and simply just spend the day at Polzeath beach and head back to explore the town of Rock.
You will be staying in one of their 16 rooms at their flagship seafood restaurant and you will enjoy picturesque views over the harbour and camel estuary. You will find complimentary Molton Brown toiletries, bathrooms, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar and hair dryer in your room, there is also a laundry and dry-cleaning service.
Situated behind the Seafood Restaurant St Edmund’s House has six guest rooms set in private gardens all with lovely views across the Camel Estuary to Rock and Daymer Bay.
The Padstow Harbour Hotel in Padstow with its superb views, striking architecture and award-winning restaurant continues to hold pride of place in Padstow. Recently renovated, this Victorian boutique property has everything that you would require for a most comfortable stay. Their newly refurbished guest rooms are styled individually and comfortably furnished. They come complete with flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi.
Today’s walk takes you along the South West Coast Path to Constantine Bay. Begin by walking alongside the Camel Estuary before coming out onto the coast. Pass the sweeping golden beaches of Trevone, Harlyn Bay and Mother Ivey’s before rounding Trevose Head. This area has been designated “An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Newquay. An included transfer from Trevose Head car park will take you back to your accommodation in the afternoon.
Enjoy another fabulous evening in the quaint seaside town of Padstow, where you might try another of the many great restaurants or local pubs.
Ascent: +235m / Descent: -155m
You will be staying in one of their 16 rooms at their flagship seafood restaurant and you will enjoy picturesque views over the harbour and camel estuary. You will find complimentary Molton Brown toiletries, bathrooms, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar and hair dryer in your room, there is also a laundry and dry-cleaning service.
Situated behind the Seafood Restaurant St Edmund’s House has six guest rooms set in private gardens all with lovely views across the Camel Estuary to Rock and Daymer Bay.
The Padstow Harbour Hotel in Padstow with its superb views, striking architecture and award-winning restaurant continues to hold pride of place in Padstow. Recently renovated, this Victorian boutique property has everything that you would require for a most comfortable stay. Their newly refurbished guest rooms are styled individually and comfortably furnished. They come complete with flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi.
A transfer starts the day, bringing you to the lovely fishing village of Portloe. where you will really start to feel your off-the-beaten-path in the remote areas of the South West Coast Path. Walk along craggy cliff-tops with endless views of the open sea and through native woodland where wildflowers grow, and birds sing uninterrupted. You will pass small villages such as Veryan, whose isolation has ensured they develop slowly and have retained a slow and tranquil nature lost elsewhere in England.
In St Mawes, you will see a stark contrast as you are plunged into a small hip village that is littered with cafes and pubs and people, seemingly a world away from where you have walked.
Whilst completely safe, this walk does require a head for heights as there are sections along the cliff line that is unfenced. If you are not keen on walking this section you can get a taxi transfer directly to St Mawes and enjoy a free day exploring this wonderful little village.
Ascent: +300m / Descent: -300m
Set in the South Cornish village of St Mawes, Tresanton is a collection of whitewashed buildings of a former yacht club. This Chic and stylish hotel owned by the renowned Polizzi family has the feeling of a Mediterranean getaway in the heart of Cornwall. Expect nothing but the highest of standards.
The Idle Rocks is situated idyllically on the harbourside of St Mawes. Perched perfectly on the rocks, it’s the home from home where you can make yourself comfortable in one of 19 individually designed bedrooms, each with its own, unique style and charm. The restaurant and South facing Terrace offer an ideal location to appreciate the view across the water, whilst enjoying fabulous food, centred on fresh Cornish ingredients. The Idle Rocks is the place to re-engage with the simpler pleasures in life.
Board a local ferry from St Mawes up the beautiful Fal Estuary to Trelissick Gardens. Explore this wonderful estate run by the National Trust, which has tranquil and varied flowers and an outstanding collection of tender and exotic plants. Afterwards, board another ferry for a very short journey across the estuary to Philleigh and begin your walk down the Roseland Peninsula, at times inland and at times alongside the estuary. Walk via the lovely village of St Just-in-Roseland, where there is an exquisite 13th-century church with its famed gardens. Paths lead you past flower beds of rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias, azaleas, bamboos, wild garlic and bluebells.
There is no escaping Cornwall’s coastline, which is beautiful and dramatic, and a whole host of other adjectives, but the interior countryside is often overlooked; today’s walk remedies that, starting in the wooded grounds of an old country estate where grand, gnarled trees grow beside dainty and colourful wildflowers.
Ascent: +175m / Descent: -205m
Set in the South Cornish village of St Mawes, Tresanton is a collection of whitewashed buildings of a former yacht club. This Chic and stylish hotel owned by the renowned Polizzi family has the feeling of a Mediterranean getaway in the heart of Cornwall. Expect nothing but the highest of standards.
The Idle Rocks is situated idyllically on the harbourside of St Mawes. Perched perfectly on the rocks, it’s the home from home where you can make yourself comfortable in one of 19 individually designed bedrooms, each with its own, unique style and charm. The restaurant and South facing Terrace offer an ideal location to appreciate the view across the water, whilst enjoying fabulous food, centred on fresh Cornish ingredients. The Idle Rocks is the place to re-engage with the simpler pleasures in life.
After a transfer in the morning, you will be dropped off at Charlestown Harbour, the backdrop of the popular Poldark television drama. The historic tall boats, cannons, rowing boats, and chutes extending from the wall poised to load waiting for ships all paint an image of how the harbour may have looked in a bygone era. The nearby Shipwreck Centre builds on this by telling stories of triumph and tragedy on the high seas.
This is the most challenging walk of the tour, but you are rewarded with vast sandy beaches, dramatic clifftops, secluded coves and castle ruins as you walk along this section of the South West Coast Path to Fowey itself. Many of the locations between Polkerris and Fowey were well-loved by English author Daphne Du Maurier and provided inspiration for many of her novels. Whilst completely safe, this walk does require a head for heights as there are sections along the cliff line that is unfenced.
Ascent: +515m / Descent: -525m
Alternatively, if the walk today seems a bit too challenging for you, your taxi transfer in the morning can drop you off at the popular visitor attraction, "The Eden Project" based in St Austell. The Eden Project is home to one of England's top things to see and do, consisting of huge botanical biome domes that simulate a rainforest, housing thousands of rare plants and species. Please note the price of the entry is not included in your trip cost - you must book this independently. Also if you choose to visit the Eden Project, you will have to make your own way back to your accommodation in Fowey via taxi (paid locally) or public transport (Around a 20-30 minute drive).
Tucked away on the picturesque south coast of Cornwall you will find the elegant 37 bedroom Fowey Hotel, Cornwall’s hidden treasure. Offering breath taking views, exquisite service and fine dining in the 2 AA rosette Spinnakers restaurant, this 4 star boutique hotel is one of Cornwall’s finest. The rooms are styled individually and comfortably furnished.
With 11 luxurious bedrooms, a renowed restaurants and the best estuary views in town, this hotel is the perfect sea front hideaway. Each room has cool, calm décor and large comfy beds. Free WiFi access, TV and DVD, telephone, tea & coffee making facilities, complimentary still and sparkling water, bathrobes and hair dryers. The stylish bathrooms also all have proper power showers and luxury toiletries from The White Company. Several of the rooms have small balconies and most look out over the estuary so you can even lie in bed and sip your first coffee of the day watching the boats drift by. You'll also be able to look across to the village of Polruan, on the opposite side of the river.
Today you have a choice of two walks. If you did the Charlestown to Fowey walk the previous day, we recommend doing the slightly shorter walk that goes east of Fowey around the wooded creeks and coves of Bodinnick. This walk has some inspiring sights all year round, but especially in the spring when the heathland above the turquoise waters is bright with gorse and wildflowers and the hedges are decked in primroses and violets. Great in the autumn too, when the leaves start to turn, and heather adds its colour to the heathland.
Alternatively, If you opted to visit the Eden Project on the previous day, we recommend the loop walk that takes you south along the coast towards Gribben Head and past Readymoney Cove and Polridmouth, where Daphne du Maurier lived in Point Neptune and Menabilly, respectively. Then make your way back to Fowey along The Saint’s Way, way-marked with Celtic crosses. Whilst completely safe, this walk does require a head for heights as there are sections along the cliff line that is unfenced.
In the afternoon on your penultimate day, why not indulge in a cream tea at the Fowey Hotel just as Daphne du Maurier did when she lived here?
- Bodinnick Creeks and Coves Loop Walk (8.5km / 5.5 miles) - Ascent: +250 / Descent: -250m
- Walk in the footsteps of Daphne du Maurier (15.5km / 9.5 miles) - Ascent: +285 / Descent: -285m
Tucked away on the picturesque south coast of Cornwall you will find the elegant 37 bedroom Fowey Hotel, Cornwall’s hidden treasure. Offering breath taking views, exquisite service and fine dining in the 2 AA rosette Spinnakers restaurant, this 4 star boutique hotel is one of Cornwall’s finest. The rooms are styled individually and comfortably furnished.
With 11 luxurious bedrooms, a renowed restaurants and the best estuary views in town, this hotel is the perfect sea front hideaway. Each room has cool, calm décor and large comfy beds. Free WiFi access, TV and DVD, telephone, tea & coffee making facilities, complimentary still and sparkling water, bathrobes and hair dryers. The stylish bathrooms also all have proper power showers and luxury toiletries from The White Company. Several of the rooms have small balconies and most look out over the estuary so you can even lie in bed and sip your first coffee of the day watching the boats drift by. You'll also be able to look across to the village of Polruan, on the opposite side of the river.
An included transfer brings you to Par train station (the primary connecting station to London), from where you can catch a train to London.
Alternatively, if you would like to book an extra night, the Eden Project is only a 30-minute car/bus journey away from Fowey and is accessible by Taxi or public transport. We also have many fantastic tours that let you see the popular southern tip of Cornwall. Talk to our Adventure specialists if you'd like to know more!
This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 9kg is equivalent to 5.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?Perfect for those looking for a self-guided walk on the Cornwall Coast In Style. Expect all taxi and luggage transfers to be included and walks to be around 5 to 13 miles a day through stunning bays, golden beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Learn about the incredible history of the Cornish people, taste delicious locally caught seafood in Rick Stein's restaurants or simply just enjoy the sense of happiness that comes from having fish and chips by the sea after a good day's walking!
In Style | After a day of exciting adventures and soaking up unbeatable scenery, retreat to stylish accommodations and unwind with fine food and wine. This trip type is for those who like sophisticated places to stay and are looking for active routes but still want the holiday to feel special.
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Coastal Walking
Most of the Walks on this tour are graded Moderate (therefore, the tour collectively is graded as Moderate); however, expect some days that are considered easy-to-moderate and one (Charlestown to Fowey) verging on moderate-to-strenuous. If this is too hard for you, then you can opt to visit the Eden Project instead.
IMPORTANT: Be aware that this tour is classic coastal walking, and paths generally follow the cliff line, meaning it can be unfenced at sections. Whilst the paths are completely safe, being comfortable with walking at heights is recommended. If you have any serious issues with vertigo, we wouldn't recommend doing this tour.
Expect a mixture of coastal trails (rocky/gravel and craggy underfoot), soft sandy beaches, woodland tracks, and at times minor paved roads. Some of the paths can become very muddy and boggy when rain falls, often making progress slower than normal. There are some elevation gains and losses, especially when walking on the coastal paths, as the trails follow cliffs and may go up and down to walk along beaches in between. Be sure to keep away from the edge when walking along cliff-side trails and stay out of fenced-off areas. You should also take extra caution when there is a steep slope beside the path. It is also not uncommon for sections of Cornwall to be prone to storms and partial flooding - should you be due to walk a day when a storm is forecast, we would advise against it. As this is a multi-centred trip, walks can be skipped and instead, you can choose to just simply have a free day to explore the iconic Cornwall fishing villages you are overnighting in.
It should also be noted that sea fog and sea mist in coastal areas is a thing and can make visibility difficult at times. If you happen to be walking and fog descends on you, ensure you pay close attention to the Macs Adventure app and always be vigilant of the immediate step ahead of you.
You should have a good level of walking fitness, be surefooted and be comfortable walking at height.
On your 6 night, 7 day Cornwall self-guided walk you will stay in luxury and boutique-style hotels.
Alternate accommodation
During the high season you might be booked into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. If those listed are unavailable the alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard than those described.
Twin rooms
PLEASE NOTE: It can be challenging to book twin rooms in specific accommodations in Cornwall (in some cases, there may only be one room in a property that caters to two single beds or a ziplock mattress). For example, a lot of luxury accommodations use four poster beds in their deluxe/suites; therefore cannot physically switch the room type to twins. For twins, you will be booked into the best available rooms where a twin setup is available.
In Padstow specifically, Rick Stein's Master Rooms do not offer a twin room setup; you will therefore be booked into the Padstow Harbour Hotel as standard.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
We do not recommend solo walkers on this trip, due to the substantial solo supplements required of single rooms in luxury hotels and the included taxi transfers. Single rooms are possible but again will likely require a substantial supplement. Please get in touch with the team directly, and we can arrange a quote.
Meals
6 Breakfasts are included. You can either eat dinner in local restaurants or at the hotels, both of which have a restaurant. For lunches you can ask the hotels to make you a packed lunch or you can buy sandwiches or local cheeses, meats and breads in local shops or markets.
As this is a self-guided walking tour, you will be responsible for navigation, decision making and safety during your trip. The Cornwall In Style tour is not specifically way marked but you are walking through sections of England’s national trail networks including the South West Coast path, so you won't get lost. The paths while remote in sections are walked by other walkers and locals, with a few short sections being on indistinct paths. On this tour it is essential you use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App. The app allows you to easily locate yourself on the trail using offline mapping and follow it as you walk. You should not have any issues finding the way.
- Overnights in 4* & 5* Boutique hotels
- Breakfasts
- Baggage transfers
- Taxi transfer from Bodmin Train Station to your hotel in Padstow (Day 1)
- Taxi transfer from your hotel in Fowey to Par Train Station (Day 8)
- Taxi transfers as per your itinerary (Day 3, 4 & 6)
- Detailed maps, information pack, and route notes via the Macs App
- 24/7 telephone support
- Travel to Bodmin Parkway Train Station
- Travel from Par Train Station
- Local ferry crossings
- Entry into the Eden Project
- Travel from Eden Project to your accommodation in Fowey
- Dinners, lunches, snacks and drinks
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance
- Additional nights before or after the holiday
This Cornwall itinerary is very enjoyable at any time between the beginning of April and the end of October although it is particularly lovely in late spring and early Autumn.
NOTE: From 1 April to 28 May and 16 September to late October 2023 you cannot book this tour starting on Wednesday as the Ferry to Falmouth/Tresslick Gardens does not run on a Sunday. The Ferry runs on a Sunday during the summer (29 May to 15 September).
By nature, the South West Coast of England is prone to the different extremes of weather year on year. Always be prepared for changeable conditions when walking on the coast and expect anything from soring heat to stormy weather, including strong winds and/or prolonged rainfall. The paths can be rocky in places; so take extra care as these may be slippery when wet. Before you set off each day, it is also important that you pay attention to any weather, wind, or gale warnings in the area (we recommend: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/).
It should also be noted that sea fog and sea mist in coastal areas is a thing and can make visibility difficult at times. If you happen to be walking and fog descends on you, ensure you pay close attention to the Macs Adventure app and always be vigilant of the immediate step ahead of you.
Padstow is accessible from Bodmin Parkway Railway Station. From here a taxi transfer to your hotel in Padstow is included. There are direct trains to Bodmin Parkway from London Paddington. More information on train times and schedules can be found on the National Rail website. Padstow is also accessible from Newquay Airport. Flights arrive here from all over the UK and there is a bus (Western Greyhound 556) to Padstow that takes about one hour.
A taxi transfer to Penzance Train Station from your hotel in Marazion is included. From here take a train to Bodmin where you can make a change of train and board a train to London.
It is possible to drive to Padstow and park your car here for the duration of the tour. Then make your way back to Padstow via bus and train on the last day. More information regarding parking in Padstow can be found on Padstow's website.
All baggage transfers are included. We request that you have only one piece of luggage per person and it should weigh only 20kg.
IMPORTANT: Be aware that this tour is classic coastal walking and paths generally follow the cliff line, meaning it can be unfenced at sections. Whilst the paths are completely safe, being comfortable with walking at heights is recommended. If you have any serious issues with vertigo, we wouldn't recommend doing this tour.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear such as good boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your overnight stop.
As far in advance as possible! We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as Cornwall is extremely popular. If booking at short notice we will always try and accommodate your plans.
This tour is suitable for most people that are in good physical condition. It is rated easy to moderate but the terrain maybe a bit rugged and tricky at times, with rocks and roots underfoot. There are some elevation gains and losses, especially when walking on the coastal paths as the trails follow cliffs and may go up and down to walk along beaches in between. On the St Michael’s Way route there also a number of elevation gains and losses, but nothing too significant.
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.
This Cornwall itinerary is very enjoyable at any time between the beginning of April and the end of October although it is particularly lovely in late spring and early Autumn.
All baggage transfers are included. We request that you have only one piece of luggage per person and it should weigh only 20kg.
The transfers to and from the local train stations and are included in this tour. A taxi transfer upon arrival at Bodmin Parkway Train Station to the hotel in Padstow is included, plus a taxi transfer on the final day from Marazion to Penzance Train Station. A transfer from Padstow to Carbis Bay and the beginning of the walk on Day 4 is also included.
This tour is suitable for most people that are in good physical condition. It is rated easy to moderate but the terrain maybe a bit rugged and tricky at times, with rocks and roots underfoot. There are some elevation gains and losses, especially when walking on the coastal paths as the trails follow cliffs and may go up and down to walk along beaches in between. On the St Michael’s Way route there also a number of elevation gains and losses, but nothing too significant.
Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pet.
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