North Cornwall Coast Path Guided Trail
Discover some stunning sections of the South West Coast Path National Trail as you traverse the rugged cliffs of the Penwith Peninsula from Treyarnon Bay to Cape Cornwall. Explore miles of stunning sea views and visit places awash with centuries-old stories of smugglers, piracy, and plunder as you walk the best of the North Cornwall Coast Path. You’ll cross the heather-clad uplands of St Agnes Head, learn about the region’s tin mining past at Geevor and Botallack, and discover the remains of WWII defences.
What you’ll love
- Walking coastal paths from Treyarnon Bay to Cape Cornwall
- Soaking up views of imposing cliffs, headlands, and sandy coves
- Learning more about the region’s tin mining heritage
- Passing the Levant Mine buildings, now owned by the National Trust
- Soaking up panoramic views both inland and out to sea
- Staying at Chy Morvah, our charming country house in St Ives
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite rooms in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Starting at the sandy beach of Treyarnon Bay 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 on to Mawgan Porth and Watergate Bay, to finish the day at Porth on the eastern outskirts of Newquay.
11 miles (18 km), with 2,250 feet (680m) of ascent – mostly fairly easy but the path may be steep and narrow at times.
We cross the River Gannel at Newquay, the choice of route (tidal footbridge, ferry or road detour) depending entirely on the tide. The path 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. The last couple of miles into the seaside town of Perranporth are along Perran Sands.
11½ - 14½ miles (18.5 - 23.5km), with up to 1,600 feet (480m) of ascent – a comparatively easy day of headlands and sandy beaches, complicated initially by a tidal inlet.
We leave Perranporth around Cligga Head with 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 sharp steep descents and ascents) to finish the day at the one-time industrial harbour of Portreath.
12 miles (19.5km), with 2,800 feet (850m) of ascent – rugged cliffs often featuring narrow stony paths with some short steep ascents and descents.
Leaving Portreath, the route lies along Caravannel and Reskajeage Downs to the spectacular setting of Hell’s Mouth. We track around Godrevy Head with 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 leads past Porth Kidney Sands, over Carrack Gladden and around Carbis Bay.
10½ miles (17km), with 2,150 feet (650m) of ascent – easy cliff and headland walking with a couple of steep sided little valleys.
From St Ives we go 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.
9½ miles (15.5 km), with 2400 feet (740m) of ascent – rough and remote with short, steep ascents and descents, one of the more difficult stretches.
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 at Botallack 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”.
9 miles (14.5 km), with 1,800 feet (540m) of ascent – rough and remote with short, steep ascents and descents, another of the more difficult stretches.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Chy Morvah
The Penwith peninsula takes centre stage at this beautiful property in St Ives – the seaside hub that has inspired generations of artists for its working harbour, historic fishing communities, white-sand beaches, and surrounding Cornish landscape. The setting couldn’t be more idyllic; just a skip away from the town’s cobbled streets and within walking distance of four great beaches: Porthmeor, Porthminster, Harbour, and Porthgwidden. It’s also a short drive to St Michael’s Mount – the tidal island crowned by a medieval church and castle. The National Trust has owned most of the island since 1954 and while they ensure its preservation and conservation, it’s been the cherished home of the St Aubyn family since the 17th century.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Chy Morvah has 39 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The guest rooms that make the most of the sea views are easily the best.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Chy Morvah
Getting to Chy Morvah
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Chy Morvah
Bishops Road
St. Ives
Cornwall TR26 2DB
What3words reference: flipper.pulled.shepherdess
Tel: +44 (0)1736 796314
By train
The nearest station is St. Ives.
St. Erth might be more convenient as it’s on the main line.
Check National Rail for train times and route planning.
By taxi
St. Ives station is only half a mile away, but it’s a steep uphill walk.
St. Erth is four miles away and the journey takes just over 10 minutes.
For pricing, please contact Ace Cars directly.
Ace Cars
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Ace Cars*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1736 797799
Email: acecars2@aol.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Chy Morvah.
*Ace Cars is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By car
Head to Cornwall via the A30 then take the A3074 signposted to St. Ives. At the next two small roundabouts, go straight across the first and take a right at the second towards Lelant. Pass through Lelant and Carbis Bay on the same road.
As you approach St. Ives keep left at the fork, which heads slightly uphill, following signs to visitor parking and the leisure centre. Follow the road and turn left up the steep hill. Almost immediately the road turns left again, but instead of following the road, turn off and head directly up the hill on Porthminster Terrace.
Chy Morvah is at the top of the hill. To reach the car park you’ll need to drive left past the front of Chy Morvah and turn immediately right behind the back of the building. The car park is on the right 15 yards along Bishop's Road.
By air
The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport.
First take the train to London Paddington station from where you’ll find direct trains to St. Erth, and a short train journey to St. Ives.
A morning arrival into Heathrow would be best as you’ll need around 6.5 hours to complete the journey.
The airports at Bristol and Newquay are also nearby, but there aren’t as many flight options.
Check National Rail for routes and train times.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- First-aid kit
Chy Morvah Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
19 Apr - 26 Apr 2025 7 nights |
Guided Trail
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,099 £1,029 pp |
from £1,099 £1,029 pp |
Call to Enquire | Early Booking Offer Save £70 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
14 Jun - 21 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Guided Trail
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,259 pp |
from £1,259 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
06 Sep - 13 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Guided Trail Single from £1,259 Double from £1,259 pp |
from £1,259 pp |
from £1,259 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
27 Sep - 04 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Guided Trail Single from £1,259 Double from £1,259 pp |
from £1,259 pp |
from £1,259 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
7 nights
from
£1,099pp
£1,029pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
168Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
