St Ives Short Walking Break

Holiday Summary

Take the opportunity to explore the delights of St Ives and the stunning coastline of West Cornwall This beautiful Cornish seaside town has plenty to offer those of you who want to cram a lot in a short space of time. For our St Ives Centred Breaks, we will arrange transport to take you to and from the South West Coast Path, giving you more time to explore the town, in between walks. The walking north of the town, takes you along some of the most beautiful stretches of sandy beaches and a river estuary that is teeming with wildlife. South of St Ives, on the other hand, offers some of the most challenging but spectacular walks, with boulders in your path! In between walks, you can explore St Ives's winding cobbled streets, relax on the harbour front, visit Tate St Ives with its wonderful collection of international modern and contemporary art, enjoy a fine meal of local seafood and produce in its many restaurants and cafes, sample, intoxicating Cornish beer and cider... and so. The choice is yours. St Ives has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

Option 1 - Moderate/Strenuous Walking

Day 1: Gwithians to St Ives (9.25 miles/14.8 km moderate)

After leaving Gwithians, the Path crosses a long stretch of sand dune before reaching the narrow mouth of the River Hayle. The estuary here is a birdwatchers' delight, being a popular destination for migrating birds in Spring and Autumn. The Path swings inwards and takes on a suburban air as it follows a road round the inlet before emerging on the other side of the estuary. It passes the beautiful beaches of Porthkidney Sands and Carbis Bay before reaching the outskirt of St Ives.

Day 2: St Ives to Zennor (7.4 miles/11.8 km severe)

A packed lunch is advisable today. St Ives is a magnetic hub for artists, who attribute the attraction to the quality of its light. Passing the headland, which struts proudly into the sea, the Path skirts the other side of the town before climbing out along the cliffs onto often narrow and uneven tracks. The Path swings inwards and takes on a suburban air as it follows a road round the inlet along the cliffs onto often narrow and uneven tracks. It weaves in and out of small headlands and coves, over waterfalls, rugged rocks and bouldery slopes. The terrain is tough, isolated and rugged but spectacular all at the same time with little habitation in sight. Occasionally, seals may be spotted, frolicking in the sea. At Pendour Cove we leave the coast path and head inland to the hamlet of Zennor, our destination for the day, for the return trip to St Ives.

Option 2 - Strenuous Walking

Day 1: Portreath to St Ives (16.5 miles/26.5 km moderate)

From Portreath, the Path weaves in and out of small headlands, with a couple of steep climbs and descents. Note coves with evocative names like Ralph's Cupboard, Deadman's Cove and Hell's Mouth. Round and pass the lighthouse at Godrevy Point and as you follow the sheer cliffs, look down to the contrastingly raw, jagged reefs below and see if you can spot seals - a common sight around the waters of Godrevy and Gwithian. After leaving Gwithians, the Path crosses a long stretch of sand dune before reaching the narrow mouth of the River Hayle. The estuary here is a birdwatchers' delight, being a popular destination for migrating birds in Spring and Autumn. The Path swings inwards and takes on a suburban air as it follows a road round the inlet before emerging on the other side of the estuary. It passes the beautiful beaches of Porthkidney Sands and Carbis Bay before reaching the outskirt of St Ives.

Day 2: St Ives to Pendeen (13.5 miles/21.6 km severe)

A packed lunch is advisable today.

St Ives is a magnetic hub for artists, who attribute the attraction to the quality of its light. Passing the headland, which struts proudly into the sea, the Path skirts the other side of the town before climbing out along the cliffs onto often narrow and uneven tracks. It weaves in and out of small headlands and coves, over waterfalls, rugged rocks and bouldery slopes. The terrain is tough, isolated and rugged but spectacular all at the same time with little habitation in sight. Occasionally, seals may be spotted, frolicking in the sea. From Pendour Cove, the same dramatic and unrelenting landscape continues to the lighthouse at Pendeen Watch, the destination for the day and a welcome sight after 13.5 challenging miles!