The Cornwall area is reminiscent of the Mediterranean with it's turquoise waters, but the steep sided harbors, fishing villages, flocks of sea birds, purple heather and yellow gorse make it more interesting and even more dramatic. You will explore all of these areas and more on this never-to-be-forgotten area full of history and exploding with marvelous scenery. Perhaps this is why Daphne du Maurier chose this area for the famous Manderley Estate in the spellbinding book "Rebecca." Alfred Hitchcock later made the book into a wonderful movie.
Cornwall's spectacular coastal footpaths allow easy access to isolated villages, sandy beaches, colorful estuaries and secret coves-home to many smugglers and shipwrecks. You will see the famed Frenchman's creek, a hideout for 17th century pirates.
Cornwall's Lizard Point is the southern most point of all Great Britain. The Lizard Peninsula and land's end is not only known for it's unique geographically and dramatic sea views: Cornwall has launched centuries of ships carrying pilgrims, explorers, pirates and loved ones to far away places.
The mild weather from the English Channel allows for comfortable walking. The weather allows for a surprising number of tropical plants and trees to grow; palm trees, rhododendrons, fuchsia, azaleas and other exotic vegetation are plentiful, not to mention the bounty of colorful window boxes that flourish year round. The extraordinary light makes this artist's paradise; painting and photography abound. The village of St. Ives is a delight with galleries and museums lining the tiny streets. You will be able to see them all at a leisurely pace.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at the hotel set in the Fowey Valley. Overnight Fowey.
Day 2: Start by the River Fowey and Bodinnick - once home to Daphne Du Maurier. Walk around the wooded creek of Pont Pill to the village of Polruan. Cross the River Fowey and walk a lovely coastal stretch to the Menabilly estate, the setting for the famous Manderley in Daphne Du Maurier's "Rebecca". 6 miles - 4 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight Fowey.
Day 3: From the village of Lansallos walk down a sunken smugglers path - probably the most picturesque approach to the coast of any in Cornwall. Follow the coast to Polperro - a picture book Cornish fishing village. Continue walking this superb coastal section to the fishing harbor of Looe. 10 miles - 6 hours plus stops and visits. (alternative offered instead of strenuous but spectacular morning coastal walk) Overnight Fowey.
Day 4: Enjoy a spectacular circular walk of great scenic variety on the lovely Roseland peninsula. From Portscatho village walk past delightful sandy beaches to St. Anthony's head with its outstanding view across Falmouth Bay. Continue then via river bank, wooded creek and fields back to Portscatho. 9 miles - 5 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight Lizard Peninsula.
Day 5: Spend the day by the Helford River. The walk begins at Rosemullion head and follows the coast around to the pretty harbor at Durgan. Cross the river by Ferry to Helford with its charming thatched cottages and pub. After lunch discover the secretive and famous Frenchman's Creek immortalized by Daphne Du Maurier. A memorable day in this special area. 6.5 miles - 3.5 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight Lizard Peninsula.
Day 6: For the final day of the walk explore the Lizard Peninsular, an area unique in its geology and botany. Start at the fishing village of Mullion and progress via the spectacular Kynance Cove to the most southerly point on the British mainland - the Lizard Point. Celebrate with a Cornish Cream Tea! 7 miles - 4 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight Lizard Peninsula.
Day 7: Depart after a leisurely breakfast.
Please note that non walking alternatives are offered to those who wish to take a break from walking. (Entrance fees not included unless in the itinerary). These are:
Monday: Fowey sightseeing, boat to Mevagissey, ferry to Polruan (Eden Project by taxi - taxi at extra cost).
Tuesday: Polperro sightseeing: smugglers museum, shopping and galleries. Looe sightseeing and shopping.
Wednesday: St. Mawes, castle, sightseeing, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Trelissick garden.
Thursday: Trebah Garden/Glendurgan Garden, Falmouth.
Friday: Fishing villages of Cadgwith and Coverack, St. Michael's Mount.
2008 Dates: May 18-24, June 15-21, October 12-18.
Meeting Point: Hotel in Fowey. Transfers are not included.
Difficulty of Walk: Walking along footpaths and narrow earthen tracks which can sometimes be uneven and a little rocky in places. Occasionally they will be farm tracks and paved minor roads. The coastal paths are hilly at times.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$3,500 per person, shared.
$275 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights B&B accommodation
- 5 days of guided walking
- Breakfast each day
- 5 picnic or pub lunches
- Fruit and juice breaks
- 4 dinners
- All entrance fees in the itinerary
- Blue Badge Tourist Guide
- Back-up transport during walk
- Luggage transfer
- Tax.
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