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The South West Coast Path: North Cornwall

The South West Coast Path: North Cornwall

The : North

The South West Coast path is ’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath and National . The area is full of interesting wildlife and birdlife, and you may even spot dolphins and seals. There are lots of historical points you pass along this route and museums highlighting ’s hidden past.

The North Cornwall Coast Path takes in tiny fishing villages, rocky headlands, remote coastal landscapes and golden surf-washed beaches. We offer two sections that cover North Cornwall along the South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail. These sections pass through a mixture of idyllic coastal villages with the most rewarding views over clifftops and beaches. Our holidays along this section of the South West Coast Path include stopover nights in the popular towns of , St Ives, and .

Why do this walk? What’s it like underfoot? Generally essential, but don’t forget your good paths and tracks, although a sunhat, sunblock and shorts! • Walk along one of Britain's most few sections can get muddy after

dramatic coastlines. heavy rain. • Explore the exquisite tastes behind How much up & down? – More than Route Padstow’s delightful seafood you’d think! Although you never Westward Ho! to restaurants. Steep cobbled streets and fishing • Unspoilt countryside with abundant reach more than 400m above sea villages. Westward Ho! is the only wildlife. level (and most of the time not more English place name with an • Discover the . than 200m) there are many short exclamation mark in its title and the • Stay in delightful seaside towns and steep sections. Most days involve name came from the novel of the old fishing villages ascents of 200-400m metres, same name by Charles Kingsley. although no section is very steep for Upon leaving Westward Ho! you are very long. Essential Info treated with glorious views where, on a sunny day, you may spot Length 5 – 10 nights Signposting: Good – the path is well Clovelly in the distance. After Full Route Length 142 miles/ 229 km waymarked. following a disused railway track that used to run inland to , Navigation: Pretty straightforward – Grade the trail then heads south along the good signposting, and generally well coastline where you trek upwards defined tracks. on to the clifftops passing Moderate to Abbottsham and Green Cliff. From Weather: You may be lucky enough Peppercombe the trail changes quite Challenging to encounter warm, dry weather suddenly as the terrain is set in a over the whole route and enjoy dry woodland environment. The trail Grade This is not a technically difficult paths and tremendous views, but then slopes through Sloo and

walk and should be easy to tackle for you must be prepared because the Worthygate woods and then drops most reasonably fit people. weather can change quickly. Good down into Buck’s Mills and into Terrain - The paths are good, and there clothing and waterproofs are cobble-streeted Clovelly. are no major route-finding challenges.

Clovelly to Hartland Quay beaches of the Atlantic, the ‘’. You must stop at the Lighthouses and woodland terrain wildflowers and seabirds also smallest property owned by the Clovelly is one of the loveliest contribute to this secluded and in the UK, which is villages on the South West Coastal rough section on your way down known as Hawkers Hut. This next path with its four-hundred feet of into Hartland Quay. section gives you a real sense of cobbled streets and its narrow cleft isolation here and the views are in the coastline of North Hartland Quay to beautiful – in particular the views . There aren’t many cafés or Striking waterfalls and remote from Higher Sharpnose Point and places to stop on this section so it is coastal landscapes This section Steep Point. The next section is less best to stock up on supplies in starts easier than the previous day, strenuous leading you into the

Clovelly. Leaving the steep, cobbled as it eases you back along the surfer’s paradise of Bude streets of Clovelly behind the trail coastline. But don’t take too much begins with a stroll through the time to begin today’s walk as this Bude to woods of Gallantry Bower and onto part of the trail is arguably one of Surfers paradise and sandy beaches Snaxland. If you’re a keen bird the hardest with its long ascents. After your night in Bude your day’s watcher you’re in for a treat when There are roughly ten ascents and walk begins along an easy grassy cliff you reach Gallantry Bower, with a descents on this section, which can path from the beaches of Bude. You chance of seeing stonechats, linnets be tough at times, so remember to might be lucky enough to spot grey and meadow pipits. Once you leave stock up on supplies to get you seals from the glorious cliffs at the ancient woodland the landscape through as there aren’t many places Phillip’s Point Nature Reserve. This becomes less sheltered and you’re to stop. The trail passes the section provides you with wide and more exposed to its elements. outstanding waterfalls at St open views of the Atlantic from high Following on the clifftops you reach Catherine’s Tor and Speke’s Mill clifftop paths. The trail then takes the lighthouse which marks Hartland Mouth which cannot be missed. you over the top of Widemouth Bay Point. From here the trail takes a With a slow climb up towards (pronounced ‘Widmouth’). The path sudden Southerly turn where the Sandhoe Cliff you are rewarded with then changes and can be rough in trail takes you along the wildest and terrific views of this secluded area. places with a punishing ascent onto remotest part on the whole of the The trail then descends the steps to Penhalt Cliff between Foxhill Point South West Coastal Path. The the floor of the valley and you cross and Point. The path dramatic landscape here is an awe- the border into Cornwall, the exact eventually winds downhill with inspiring experience with its boundary marked by a bridge and a some steep descents into waterfalls cracking into the rocky signpost welcoming you into Crackington Haven.

Crackington Haven to Tintagel before , which has a narrow town of you leave the High Cliff, buzzards and the myth of gorge for some much needed clifftops behind and follow an easy . From the sheltered sheltered on a sunny or windy day. footpath to and then village of Crackington Haven you You then reach the end of this onto the village of Rock. From Rock begin this section with some steep section in the legendary village of you can take the passenger ferry climbs, including the aptly named Tintagel. Look out for the ruins of across to Padstow which runs very High Cliff (731ft) at the highest point – famous for being regularly. Padstow has a lot to offer and the cliff of Buckator towering the mythical birthplace for King the hungry walker and you’re spoilt over Gull Rock. After a long descent Arthur. from the clifftops you arrive at the for choice for eateries. You’re in for famous Pentargon high waterfall, Tintagel to Padstow a treat after completing this wild and rugged part of the South West made famous by the English author Tin mines, seafood restaurants and Thomas Hardy who wrote a poem sandy beaches. Upon leaving the Coast Path from his time here called ‘Under the fascinating village of Tintagel the

Waterfall’. You can usually spot path begins with an easy stroll past some impressive birdlife on this part an old slate quarry and tin mine Additional Days of the trail so look out for peregrine workings. Once you pass the We can arrange extra nights at any falcons, buzzards and kestrels. There attractive hamlet of Trebarwith of the overnight stops, allowing for are some beautiful rugged coves and Strand the path becomes more rest days, or giving you more time to clefts on your approach to challenging with several ascents and explore the locality. We recommend – a stunning filled with descents along the coastline. After Cornish charm and great place to Westward Ho!, Bude and Padstow. reaching the idyllic village of Port stop for a cup of tea and a Cornish Gavern and its neighbouring village scone! Over the next 5 miles you’ll of Port Isaac the path becomes a lot Westward Ho! leave the high cliffs behind as you less demanding. Port Isaac has Westward Ho! is famed for its are eased back along the trail, sprung to fame in recent years as a surfing beaches and the long passing by the Willapark Iron Age filming location for the English expanse of clean sand backed by a fort which is now a National television drama ‘’. From pebble ridge and grasslands. The Coastwatch tower. The walking from here the next 3 miles take you on a village was developed by Victorian here is not too taxing and there are winding trail up and down the entrepreneurs in response to the plenty of places for a break, not clifftops with views of Padstow in bestselling novel 'Westward Ho!' by least the sheltered just sight. Once you reach the holiday Charles Kingsley.

Bude To view train times please visit qjump Arrivals (journey time approx. 1 ½ Bude is a compact seaside town with where you can also purchase tickets in hours). plenty of character and a fine beach. advance. For information on bus By Public Transport: The nearest There's a small castle and heritage timetables please visit traveline. railway station to Westward Ho! is centre and enough local places of . Stagecoach South West bus interest to keep you busy. If you require secure car parking whilst service 21 runs between Barnstaple walking this route, please contact us Railway Station and Westward Ho half Padstow for information. hourly (hourly on Sundays), journey Padstow is famous for its time approx. 50 minutes. scrumptious seafood restaurants Getting to Westward Ho!: By Road: Westward Ho! is located on and its bustling harbour. One of By Air: The nearest and most the B3236 just off the A39. Leave the Padstow’s highlights is the great convenient International Airports to M5 motorway just before at variety of dining options which the trail are any of the London Junction 27 and join the A361 (signed include a selection of the famous TV Airports. Trains run hourly from Tiverton & Barnstaple). Stay on the chef ’s Seafood London Paddington station to A361 for approx. 35 miles through restaurants. Padstow has a lot to Barnstaple for Westward Ho changing Tiverton to Barnstaple then follow offer so it is best to book an extra at Exeter St Davids (journey time signs for A39 Bideford. After crossing night here to make the most of the approx. 4 hours). the bridge over the on town Alternatively, you may wish to travel the outskirts of Bideford, follow signs Getting There and Away via (direct flights from for the B3236 Westward Ho! Europe and connecting flights from General Travel information for the several UK airports including London Returning from Padstow: South West Coastal path area will be City, Edinburgh, Belfast and By Public Transport: The nearest in your holiday pack including train Manchester). There is an hourly railway stations to Padstow are and bus timetables where available. shuttlebus Mon to Sat from Exeter Parkway and .

Airport to Exeter St Davids Railway Citybus service 11A runs hourly (every Detailed instructions on getting to Station from where trains run regularly 2 hours on Sundays) between Padstow direct to Barnstaple for Westward your first night’s accommodation by and Bodmin Parkway Station, journey Ho! On Sundays buses are more car, or on foot from the nearest train time approx. 1 hour. First Kernow bus or bus station, will also be included infrequent so you may prefer to take a service A5 runs regularly between in the holiday pack on individual taxi direct to your accommodation – Padstow and the Great Western Hotel, accommodation maps. the taxi desk can be found inside

Newquay (2 min walk from Newquay Inbuilt Flexibility Railway Station), journey time approx. Our holidays are designed to be Accommodation 1 ½ hours. flexible and can therefore be tailored Good accommodation and friendly By Road: Padstow is located at the end to suit your requirements. If you’re hosts are an essential part of any of the A389. Leave the M5 motorway looking for something different, or holiday. We understand this and go just after Exeter at Junction 31 and join extra, from the holidays described out of our way to find the best. We the A30. Continue on the A30 until you here, give us a ring and we’ll do our put a great deal of effort into hand reach Bodmin then follow signs for the best to please. picking our accommodation and A389. Stay on the A389 as it passes You can start on any day you like and matching it to individual through Bodmin then we can arrange extra nights at any of requirements. As well as visiting the (where the A389 merges with the A39 the overnight stops allowing for rest accommodation ourselves, we ask all for a short distance). At Wadebridge, days, or giving you more time to our customers to complete a short follow signs for Padstow. explore the locality. You can book evaluation on each night’s part of a walk if you don’t have the accommodation, which then gives us

time to complete the entire distance. an insight in to the day-to-day operation, and lets us spot any How our holidays work potential issues before they become a We specialise in self-guided walks problem. How to Book because we think it’s the best way to We use a variety of accommodation, really experience local landscapes, Once you have decided which holiday including small country house hotels, cultures and history. You walk under you wish to book, please fill in the form at the back of this brochure guest houses in market towns, bed your own steam, at your own pace, which can then be emailed, posted or and breakfasts in farm houses, safe in the knowledge that we have faxed to us. We will get in touch with country cottages and Victorian town organised everything, and help is only you once we have received your houses. In selecting the a phone call away. We book all your booking to confirm your holiday accommodation, we look for helpful, accommodation, move your luggage details. friendly hosts with good quality, between overnight stops, provide you characterful accommodation close to with maps and guidebooks and all the Alternatively, you can either book the trail. For example, over the course details you need for a successful online using our website at of your trip you might stay in a village holiday. You just turn up and walk! www.mickledore.co.uk or telephone inn, a bed and breakfast in a us during office hours.

converted barn, a Victorian guest Guidebook A guidebook with route accommodation when you set off in house, on a working farm, and in a information, maps, photos and the morning, it will be moved on to Georgian hotel. background information. your next B&B. You only need to carry Information of Services Along the a small day sack with the clothes and We always try to arrange en suite Route A comprehensive service Info provisions you require during the accommodation, i.e. rooms with their sheet, including services such as cash day’s walk. We ask you to limit your own bathrooms for each night of your points, banks, post offices, village luggage to one bag per person, up to stay. However, in some of the more shops, inns, cafés and taxis. 18kg. remote locations accommodation is Packed Lunches Provided for each Maps 1 waterproof 1:40000 Harvey limited and occasionally we may have day’s walking and recommended on map covering the whole route. to book rooms with shared this holiday as there will not always bathrooms for one or two nights of Personal Itinerary A personal be a handy shop or café on the route. your holiday, (especially if the itinerary setting out each overnight Off Road Parking If you are travelling booking is made at short notice), but stop, including large scale maps of by car we can usually arrange off road we will always let you know if this is each accommodation, to ensure you parking for the duration of your trip. likely to be the case. find it easily. (There may be a small charge for Emergency Telephone Support If you this). Single Rooms We are happy to book get in to difficulties during your Arrangement of return transport We single rooms on this walk but cannot holiday, we are always available to can also arrange your transfer back to normally book more than two for any help, even out of office hours. your car, (or advise you when public one group. Single room bookings 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors transport is a better option!) include a supplement We will issue you with a 15% Discount Card valid at all Cotswold Outdoor What’s not included stores, and online, for the whole year What We Provide Evening Meals Your evening meal on confirmation of your booking. isn’t included in the package, but we All Holidays Accommodation Overnight Bed and Options include full details and Breakfast accommodation in selected Luggage Transport We will transfer recommendations for each evening

hotels, farmhouses, village inns, guest your luggage between each overnight meal in your itinerary. You will

houses and family B&Bs. stop – leave your luggage at the normally be within walking distance Full English or Continental breakfast. of a pub and/or restaurant, or where

there is good food available at the for the outdoors. If you’ve got any Financial Protection accommodation, we’ll book that for queries, we’re always happy to help, Your payments are fully protected you. Allow about £20.00 per night. so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone against our financial failure. We are Transport to the start & away from or drop us an email, or call in and see members of the Association of the finish Taxi or bus transport if you us if you’re in Keswick. Independent Tour Operators (AITO), and

need to miss a stage (but we’ll help We specialise in UK holidays, and by the Association of British Travel Agents you organise it if you need help) concentrating on what we consider (ABTA). We have arranged bonding Travel Insurance Even if you are the best routes, we get to know the through ABTA. This means that in the

based in the UK travel insurance is , accommodation, and local area unlikely event of our financial failure, intimately. worth having. any monies you have paid to us will be - All your accommodation has been refunded. This bonding is fully compliant

Prices carefully selected and is regularly with the Package Travel Regulations and Detailed prices for all our holidays are monitored. provides 100% financial protection. available on the website. - We listen to you and tailor each www.mickledore.co.uk . holiday to meet your requirements. AITO Quality Statement - We have an excellent level of Mickledore Travel is a member of the customer service. Association of Independent Tour - We have 15 years’ experience, and Operators. The Association represents About Mickledore very high levels of customer Britain’s leading independent tour satisfaction. Mickledore Travel is based in Keswick operators. It promotes high levels of - Peace of mind – help is only ever a at the heart of the English Lake telephone call away. professionalism and a shared concern District. We are one of the leading - We’re all outdoor enthusiasts – we for quality and personal service. The specialists in self-guided walking and Association encourages the highest know what makes a good holiday, and cycling holidays in the UK, and we want you to have one! standards in all aspects of tour provide a friendly, professional and - 15% discount card for all your outdoor operating. flexible service. equipment purchases from Cotswold Mickledore Travel abides by AITO’s Code We are walkers and cyclists ourselves, Outdoors. of Conduct and adheres to the Quality so it really matters to us that you - 100% financial protection – in the very Charter which can be viewed at

unlikely event of Mickledore’s www.aito.com. Visit the website to find have a good holiday. We are still a financial failure, you receive a full out more about the Association or call small business, with a lot of local refund. knowledge, and personal enthusiasm 020 8744 9280.

Our Itineraries

The North Cornwall Coast Path: Westward Ho! to Padstow – 80 miles/ 128 km Westward Ho! to Padstow in 7 walking days Westward Ho! to Padstow in 9 walking days Walking Code: CNE8 Walking Code: CNE10

Mile km Mile km Day 1 Travel to Westward Ho! for your first nights accommodation Travel to Westward Ho! for your first nights accommodation

Day 2 Westward Ho! to Clovelly 11 18 Westward Ho! to Clovelly 11 18

Day 3 Clovelly to Hartland Quay 10 17 Clovelly to Hartland Quay 10 17

Day 4 Hartland Quay to Bude 15 24 Hartland Quay to 8 12

Day 5 Bude to Crackington Haven 10 16 Morwenstow to Bude 7 11

Day 6 Crackington Haven to Tintagel 12 19 Bude to Crackington Haven 10 16

Day 7 Tintagel to Port Isaac 9 14 Crackington Haven to Boscastle 7 11

Day 8 Port Isaac to Padstow 12 19 Boscastle to Tintagel 5 8

Day 9 Depart from Padstow after breakfast Tintagel to Port Isaac 9 14

Day 10 Port Isaac to Padstow 12 19

Day 11 Depart from Padstow after breakfast

The North Cornwall Coast Path: Padstow to St Ives – 64 miles/ 102 km Padstow to St Ives in 4 walking days Padstow to St Ives in 6 walking days Walking Code: CNW5 Walking Code: CNW7

Mile km Mile km Day 1 Travel to Padstow for your first nights accommodation Travel to Padstow for your first nights accommodation

Day 2 Padstow to , transfer back to Padstow 12 19 Padstow to Porthcothan, transfer back to Padstow 12 19

Day 3 Transfer to Porthcothan, walk to 22 36 Transfer back to Porthcothan and walk to Newquay 12 20

Day 4 Perranporth to 11 18 Newquay to Perranporth 10 16

Day 5 Portreath to St Ives 18 29 Perranporth to Portreath 11 18

Day 6 Depart from St Ives after breakfast Portreath to and catch the train to St Ives 12 19

Day 7 Train from St Ives back to Hayle and walk to St Ives 6 10

Day 8 Depart from St Ives after breakfast

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