A self-guided walking holiday comprising a circuit of West Penwith, from St Ives to St Michael's Mount and thence around the coast via Land's End.
The ancient Greeks knew this part of Cornwall as Belerion, which translates as ‘Shining Land’, or a little less romantically as ‘Seat of Storms’, and it’s not hard to see why, on both counts. Of course, we like Shining Land best and although those ancient visitors were probably less-impressed by the clear blue skies, glistening azure seas and special artists’ light than by the tin mining industry that has shaped the landscape over the last millenia, there’s no doubting that this has always been a very special place indeed.
Our route is, we think, a perfectly formed circuit, offering a taste of everything a walker could wish for. Starting with a micro-pilgrimage from St Ives across the rural peninsula to St Michael’s Mount, we then spend three days exploring some of the best of the South West Coastal Path. Pass through Marazion, Mousehole and Porthgwarra – all names made famous in fiction and art but as beautiful in reality as in the mind’s eye and then explore the picturesque remains of the mining industry. Wildlife lovers will be spoilt too – watch seals as they chase fish across the bay in Lamorna and spot now rare Cornish choughs with their red feet and bills, signifying King Arthur’s violent and bloody end.
For your final walk back to St Ives, we loved the Tinner’s Way across Woon Gumpus common, with its mining heritage, stone circles, castles and quoits, leading directly to St Ives. If you prefer, you can stay on the coastal path all the way to St Ives, feeling supremely satisfied and with a smile etched from ear to ear.
A five night version of this holiday is also available. See the On Foot Holidays website for details of prices and dates.
