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This is a ‘proper job’ of a Cornish country escape

Explore the stunning windswept cliffs and headlands of Cornwall on this four-day Intrepid Retreats experience. Breakaway from the every day on the southwest coast with this unpack-once getaway. You’ll soak up the views of sun, sand and sea both from your comfortable, family-run accommodation, and on memorable walks through the history and nature of this proper ‘ansom section of Cornish countryside. Enjoy the time to slow down and get to know the places you visit, using the insider knowledge of your local host to discover the backstreets of these harbour towns, feasting on fresh seafood – and a Cornish pasty or two – along the way.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Newquay National Park, United Kingdom
Finish
Newquay National Park, United Kingdom
Destination
United Kingdom
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
BMXN
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Take bracing walks through the mining history of Cornwall and along dramatic, rugged clifftops, as you reconnect with nature.

  • Find peace with the relaxing sounds of crashing waves, the smell of salt spray, and a yoga session overlooking the ocean.

  • Taste the true flavour of Cornwall with a traditional pasty picked up from an inviting local bakery – the perfect way to round of a day of walking.

  • On a departure from the coastline, explore the beauty of the Lappa Valley, passing streams, moors and reminders of the region’s industrial heritage.

  • Hike around a headland that lives up to its official designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where marine wildlife, rare plants and headland animals flourish.

Is this trip right for you?

  • There are several walks planned on this trip. A fair level of fitness and appropriate footwear and clothing will allow you to fully enjoy this adventure.

  • This trip begins at 12pm on Day 1 and finishes around lunchtime on Day 4, so please plan travel accordingly.

Cornish coast between Padstow and Newquay, in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom
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Padstow harbour an historic fishing port on the north coast of Cornwall, England, UK
A group hiking and stopping for a photo in a beautiful scenery near Cornwall in the UK
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Newquay Beach on a hot summers day, England, UK
Group doing yoga overlooking the water in Cornwall, UK
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Harlyn Bay Beach, near Padstow Cornwall, England, UK

Itinerary
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Welcome to your seaside escape in Newquay here in the north of Cornwall. Make your own way to your accommodation, a comfortable, centrally located outfit that boasts great views over Newquay Bay. There will be a welcome meeting at 12 pm, when you’ll meet your local host, your group, and get over an overview of your upcoming itinerary. After your meeting, jump on a public bus and get your first taste of the Cornish coast’s incredible walking routes as you follow a path from Holywell Bay back to Newquay, taking in quintessential Cornish scenery and sweeping views across the bay. When you get back into Newquay, join your leader for an orientation walk. You might wander the harbour or hike up to the 14th-century clifftop hut to soak up gull’s-eye views across the headlands. You can follow the path of the Gannel estuary back into town, and drop into the ornamental Trenance Gardens, backed by the train line viaduct that brought Newquay to the attention of seasonal visitors in the Victorian era. This evening is free for you to find a place for dinner – your host will have suggestions on hand.
Included Activities
  • Newquay - Host-lead orientation walk
  • Holywell Bay to Newquay walk (South West Coast Path)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 12 pm today as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time and will head out for a walk straight after. If you are going to be late please let the hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Today’s walking distance is 8 kilometres (5 miles)

Begin the day inspired by the ocean as you undertake a yoga flow this morning. Practice your sun salutation and downward dog and stretch out in preparation for a walk later on. Then, grab your hiking boots and take a transfer to the start of the walk. Head down the coast to a former major centre of Cornish mining, where over 100 mines once dotted the landscape. Take the coastal paths across purple blooming heather and gorse to hilltops that offers panoramic views along the cliffs – on clear days as far as Padstow in the north and St Ives Bay in the south. Pass relics to a mining industry that only ended in the early 20th century, including dilapidated engine houses and chimneys perched on the cliff’s edge. Walk in the footsteps of the miners, all with a backdrop of ocean blues you might more normally associate with the Mediterranean. After the walk, take some time to explore the nearby main village, a jumble of granite cottages and main buildings spread over the surrounding hills and valleys, before returning to Newquay.
Included Activities
  • Newquay - Private Yoga & Wellness Session (2 hours)
  • St Agnes - St Agnes Beacon and Wheal Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 5 kilometres (3 miles) but it can be extended depending on group abilities and willingness.

Start early and fuel up with a hearty breakfast before you get those legs ready for another walk today, this time heading north to the stretch of Trevose headland that juts out into the Atlantic and boasts views far along the horizon. This is a protected section of rugged coastline and is an official 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', where marine wildlife, rare plants and headland animals will be free to flourish. Take a walk across sandy beaches, past collapsed caves and shipwrecks, look out across the ocean from the lighthouse, see sheltered coves and try to spot grey seals lolling and peregrine falcons soaring. You’ll have worked up an appetite, so enjoy lunch at a small, family-run bakery in Padstow that make Cornish pasties the traditional way. Take some time to wander around this pleasant town clustered around the harbour, before taking a public bus to Newquay and celebrating your final night.
Included Activities
  • Trevose Head - Harlyn Bay to Padstow hike
  • Padstow - Cornish Pasty tasting at local bakery
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is approximately 12 kilometres (7.3 miles) but can be extended or shortened depending on group abilities and willingness.

Begin bright and early to get in one last walk before your adventure wraps up. For a change of scenery, your walk today veers inland. Head through the lovely little village of St Newlyn East, passing the charming pub and church before descending into the Lappa Valley. Follow a path along the stream, crossing moors and the track bed of the old Perranporth railway, now reclaimed by nature. Return to Newquay around lunchtime and say your final goodbyes as your Cornish coast adventure comes to an end.
Included Activities
  • Lappa Valley walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Trip finished around lunchtime. Please book your onwards journey accordingly.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

3 breakfasts

Transport

Taxi, Public bus

Accommodation

Original style hotel (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Newquay - Host-lead orientation walk
  • Holywell Bay to Newquay walk (South West Coast Path)
  • Newquay - Private Yoga & Wellness Session (2 hours)
  • St Agnes - St Agnes Beacon and Wheal Walk
  • Trevose Head - Harlyn Bay to Padstow hike
  • Padstow - Cornish Pasty tasting at local bakery
  • Lappa Valley walk

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Walk the Cornish Coast trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This trip starts with a group meeting in Newquay on Day 1 at 12pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Newquay and Holywell Bay. This trip finishes in Newquay on Day 4 around lunchtime.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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