Guided Trail on the North Cornwall Coast Path

64 miles. 9-13 miles and up to 1,820 feet of ascent in a day

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Treyarnon Bay to Porth - Starting from the simple sandy beach of Treyarnon Bay way up on the North Cornwall coast, we walk through Porthcothan and around Park Head to the spectacular Bedruthan Steps where the beach is studded with highly individual rocky stacks. Then it’s on to Mawgan Porth and Watergate Bay, to finish the day at Porth on the eastern outskirts of Newquay. 11 miles with 1,345 feet of ascent

Day 3: Newquay to Perranporth - The day starts on the south side of Newquay with the crossing of the River Gannel, the choice of route (tidal footbridge, ferry or road detour) depending entirely on the tide. The path then winds around the National Trust cliffs of Pentire Point West and Kelsey Head, before dropping to Holywell Bay en route to Penhale and Ligger Points, where the path goes round an army camp. The last couple of miles into the seaside town of Perranporth are along Perran Sands. Distance: 10½-12 miles with 1,065 feet of ascent

Day 4: Perranporth to Portreath - We leave Perranporth around Cligga Head with its spectacular views, aiming for Trevellas Porth and Trevaunance Cove, along a cliff top path with terrain like the surface of the moon at times because of old mine workings – Trevaunance was once a harbour, shipping ore from the mines of nearby St Agnes. After the superb high level route around St Agnes Head, the route passes the restored Towanroath Engine House, part of the old Wheal Coates mine, before dropping into Chapel Porth, a secluded cove managed by the National Trust. After that, it’s along the cliffs (with two unexpectedly steep descents and ascents) to finish the day at the one-time industrial harbour of Portreath. Distance: 12½ miles with 1,560 feet of ascent

Day 5: Portreath to St Ives - Leaving Portreath, the route lies along Caravannel and Reskajeage Downs to the spectacular setting of Hell’s Mouth.  We then track around Godrevy Head with its views of Godrevy Island and lighthouse (a good place for seal spotting), and the panorama of St Ives Bay. A short coach transfer from the Red River at Gwithian to Lelant Church avoids the built-up areas around the Hayle Estuary. The route back to Chy Morvah leads past Porth Kidney Sands, over Carrack Gladden and around Carbis Bay. Distance: 10½ miles with 1,050 feet of ascent

Day 6: St Ives to Gurnard’s Head - Today’s route leaves St Ives around Clodgy Point (“clodgy” is Cornish for leper).  Then it’s undulating cliff walking all the way to the distinctive Gurnard’s Head, passing River Cove (good for seal spotting both in the cove and on the Carracks, two rocky islands a short distance from the shore), Mussel Point and Zennor Head along the way. Distance: 9½ miles with 1,820 feet of ascent

Day 7: Gurnard’s Head to Cape Cornwall - From Gurnard’s Head, the coast path leads past the Iron Age cliff castle at Bosigran and on to Pendeen Watch lighthouse before re-entering tin mine country. We pass the Levant Mine buildings – now owned by the National Trust and with a restored beam engine (one of only two working beam engines in the county and the sole steam-driven example) – and then Geevor with its arsenic condenser and the spectacular Crown Mines buildings low down on the cliff just above the sea: the whole Geevor site is a Scheduled Monument.  The Kenidjack Valley with more scenes of tin mining dereliction soon follows, before the week finishes at Cape Cornwall, once thought to be the most westerly point in England and the original “Land’s End”. Distance: 9 miles with 1,700 feet of ascent

Day 8: Departure day