North Cornwall Coast Path
Guided Trail
Code: SVLNC
Print pageActivity types:
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Central location
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Coastal
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Wildlife
Level
Difficulty indicator
Difficulty is measured on many factors such as distance, ascent/descent, terrain, weather and more. There's no magic formula, but from our experience we use yellow for easy, orange for medium and red for hard. Challenger holidays require a high level of fitness and stamina.
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Holiday overview
A guided walking trail holiday in Cornwall following the most westerly section of the South West Coast Path National Trail over the majestic rugged cliffs of northern Penwith. This trail was made throughout history by the fishermen, farmers, miners, smugglers, coastguards and patient soldiers watching for invasions which never came. With wonderful vistas, magnificent beaches, secret coves and almost forgotten fishing villages, this is a magnificent section encircling the coast of Cornwall.
Holiday Highlights
- Some of England’s most rugged coastal scenery as you follow the North Cornwall coast from Treyarnon Bay to Cape Cornwall
- Imposing cliffs, gnarled headlands and sandy coves all add to the drama of this walk
- Brilliant sandy beaches at Perranporth and Newquay
- Iconic remains of tin mines: remnants of Cornwall’s proud industrial heritage
What’s included
- 7 nights’ Full Board en-suite accommodation with all meals
- The services of an experienced HF Holidays’ guide
- All transport to and from the route is provided on walking days
- Social activities in the evening
Accommodation
Chy Morvah, meaning ‘house by the sea’ in Cornish, is an appropriate name for this characteristic seaside property. Situated within walking distance of the centre of St Ives, it enjoys wonderful views 
along the north Cornwall coast.
Our classic bedrooms offer comfortable accommodation and an en-suite bathroom with bath or shower. They also have TV, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities. Single rooms are available for an extra £8 per night.
You can enjoy extra space or exceptional views plus additional facilities including a towelling robe and complimentary slippers when you upgrade to a premium bedroom. Premium rooms are available at just £5 extra per person per night.
If you are travelling with your family, we have a selection of 3 and 4-bedded family bedrooms. These have all the facilities of our classic rooms plus full sized twin or double beds for adults and bunk beds or occasional beds for children.
All our Country Houses are tailored to walkers and outdoor enthusiasts and have excellent boot and drying rooms and laundry facilities.
Chy Morvah has been designed to make maximum use of its splendid elevated position and sea views. The panoramic main lounges enjoy views across St Ives Bay and form a flexible and sociable open-plan room.
The dining room is particularly light and has a conservatory front overlooking the gardens and the sea. There is also a ballroom which can be used for a variety of evening activities and a comfortable bar. Free WiFi is available in some public rooms. There is also a range of board games and books.
Chy Morvah has attractive gardens with sea views. The heated outdoor pool is always popular with our guests (open April – September, weather permitting). Table football and boules are available in the garden.
All holidays at our Country Houses are Full Board with all meals included, from dinner on arrival to breakfast on the day of your departure.
Start your day with our extensive breakfast. Choose from a wide selection on the cold buffet and/or a full cooked breakfast. Maybe enjoy a lighter option of fruit and yoghurt followed by scrambled egg, go for porridge followed by a full English breakfast, or select something in between.
Choose from our famous self-select picnic lunches - everything you need to keep you going on a day outdoors. Your own choice of sandwiches is prepared to order, and you can add crisps and snacks, fruit, nuts, chocolate bars, sweets and biscuits as you wish.
Our house-based Leisure Activities include an in-house lunch (generally soup, sandwiches etc).
The relaxed dinner is a highlight of any stay at our Country Houses. With tables seating up to 10 and no seating plan, it offers a great opportunity to get to know your fellow guests. There is always a choice of dishes for every course, featuring good British cooking and often local specialities. A vegetarian option is always available.
All our Country Houses have a well-stocked bar serving local beers, wine and spirits.
Guided Walking: enjoy a glass of wine or local beer in the bar before a talk about the next day's walks. After dinner there will be an activity or entertainment which you will be welcome to join. These vary from week to week but a highlight during summer is a performance at the famous open air Minack Theatre (usually every Tuesday). In addition there could be the opportunity to enjoy a talk on local history, a team quiz, or a stroll into St Ives itself. Alternatively if you prefer, feel free to just relax in our lounge or bar.
Leisure Activities: many of our Leisure Activities holidays continue into the evening with programmed sessions. Other holidays will have the evenings free, and you will be welcome to join in other social activities that may be happening in the house.
Family holidays: our activity leaders are on hand to organise children’s activities and games for younger children before dinner. These could include rounders, outdoor games, or crafts. After dinner there are further activities for the whole family.
Self-Guided Walking: there may be evening social activities happening in the house during your holiday, and you will be most welcome to join in. However, not all self-guided holidays will have evening activities available – if these are important to you, please check before booking.
Due to the layout of Chy Morvah, it is not recommended for wheelchair users and guests with restricted mobility.
Arrival & car parking facilities
- There is ample free parking for guests, with 2 spaces for disabled drivers
- The surface of the car park is tarmac and the car park is on level ground
- Assistance can be provided with luggage
Main entrance & reception
- From the main car park to the main house there is a smooth pathway, which has 2 sets of steps to the Reception door (3ft wide)
- The first set has 7 steps (each being 8 inches high, 11 inches deep) and the second set has 2 steps (both are 8 inches high, 24 inches deep). There is a handrail (32 inches high) and the steps are lit at night time
- Entrance from disabled parking is via 2 steps with limited access through the ballroom fire door
- There is level access from the main car park to the Lanyons building, however all bedrooms in Lanyons are on the first and second floor
- Assistance and porterage is available on request
Public areas - hall, stairs, landing, corridors etc
- All public areas are well lit and carpeted, with the exception of Ballroom, Art Studio and games Room which have wooden flooring
- Minimum door width is 2ft 6 inches
Public areas - sitting room, lounges
- The main house has main office / mini-shop, lounge, bar, conservatory, dining room, ballroom and public toilets on the ground floor and bedrooms on various floors, including the ground floor
- Lanyons has the following facilities on the ground floor: Art room, games room, washing and drying facilities, boot room and public toilet
- The door widths to the public rooms are: Ball room 5ft, bar 3ft, ballroom fire door 2ft 6inches, art room 3ft and games room 3ft. The lounge has no door
- The lounge is L shaped, approximately 50ft x 20ft
Public WCs
- Unisex public toilets on the ground floor are accessed via 1 step of 8in high. The door is 2ft 6inches wide
- Toilet seat height 18 inches, hand basin 30 inches high
- The ladies toilet on the ground floor is accessed via 3 steps up (a hand rail, each step is 8 inches high and 11 inches wide), followed by 3 steps down (each step is 8 inches high and 12 inches deep). The entrance door to the ladies toilet is 3ft wide, the cubicle door is 2ft 6 inches
- Toilet seat height 18 inches, hand basin 32 inches
Dining room & bar
- The ground floor dining room seats 60 in circular tables
- The table height is 16 inches, the armless chairs are 18 inches high with the back rest of 40 inches
- The approximate size of the dining room is 50ft x 20ft
- Waitress service, except on buffet nights. Assistance available, if required
- The bar has tub stools that are 18 inches high and the high bar stools are 30 inches high
- Tables in the bar area are 16 inches high. The approximate bar area is 15ft x 10ft
Outdoor facilities
- Outdoor pool, which can be accessed from the Basement level rooms without incurring any steps
- Pool size 20ft x 30ft. Heated between May and September
- Pool surrounded by paving stones
- The pool complied with the relevant Health & Safety standards, but does not have lifting equipment
- Pool alarm situated beside the pool for emergencies
Bedrooms
- Bedrooms are situated on the lower ground, ground, first and second floors of the main house and first and second floor of Lanyons
- The two bedrooms best suited for anyone with restricted mobility are room 24 (single) and room 33 (twin), both are on the ground floor of the main house
- The beds are 2ft 6 inches high and 3ft wide
- Minimum door width 2ft 6 inches
- All bedrooms are en-suite, most rooms are with a shower, but rooms with bath are also available
- All rooms are carpeted and well lit
- All furniture, including beds is movable
Bathrooms
- All en-suite, most with a shower, but rooms with bath are also available
- Bathrooms for rooms 24 and 33 have a shower. Bathroom door width 2ft 6 inches, toilet height 16 inches, hand basin 30 inches, shower step 10 inches high. No hand rail
- Lino flooring
Additional information
- Fire procedure is displayed in each room and explained to guests on arrival. Guests requiring assistance at an evacuation are identified at this time and door hanger cards are issued
- Mobile phone reception is generally good from the main building
- Assistance dogs accompanying visually or hearing impaired guests are welcome; dogs must be kept on a lead or harness at all times
- Information can be provided in large print
- Staff have received disability awareness training
- Special diets can be catered for. Specialist food can be obtained with prior notice
- Fridge for medication can be supplied
Itinerary
Planned Itinerary
Treyarnon Bay to Porth
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 (17.5km), with 2250 feet (685m) of ascent – mostly fairly easy but the path may be steep and narrow at times.
Newquay to Perranporth
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. 9½-11½ miles (15.5-18.5km), with up to 1620 feet (495m) of ascent – a comparatively easy day of headlands and sandy beaches, complicated initially by a tidal inlet.
Perranporth to Portreath
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 2790 feet (850m) of ascent – rugged cliffs often featuring narrow stony paths with some short steep ascents and descents.
Portreath to St Ives
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 2150 feet (655m) of ascent – easy cliff and headland walking with a couple of steep sided little valleys.
St Ives to Gurnard’s Head
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 (15.5km), with 2410 feet (735m) of ascent – rough and remote with short, steep ascents and descents, one of the more difficult stretches.
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 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 (14.5km), with 1,790 feet (545m) of ascent – rough and remote with short, steep ascents and descents, another of the more difficult stretches.
The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the leader with regard to the weather and other external factors
Local area
Chy Morvah is situated in the attractive seaside town of St Ives. A 10 minute downhill walk will take you to the harbour and old town; a maze of narrow streets and shops. The harbour front is always bustling with activity, and there are numerous artists’ galleries to enjoy. There are also two excellent sandy beaches. Nearby Porthminster Beach (5 to 10 minutes' walk) is very sheltered and very popular with families. Porthmeor Beach on the far side of town (15 to 20 minutes' walk) is more exposed and excellent for surfing. There are several surf schools if you want to give this a go – a popular option for all ages! St Ives has a full range of facilities including shops, banks, chemists, pubs and cafés.
During your stay at Chy Morvah you may enjoy visiting the following places of interest:
Tate Gallery & Barbara Hepworth Gallery
Opened in 1993, this branch of the Tate Gallery celebrates Cornwall’s rich artistic legacy. Tate St Ives also manages the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, which gives a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of Britain's most important 20th century artists. Both galleries are within easy walking distance of Chy Morvah. www.tate.org.uk
Eden Project
Justifiably popular with visitors, the fascinating ‘Biomes’ of the Eden Project house a flamboyant collection of plants from around the world. Explore the two gigantic geodesic conservatories – one a majestic rainforest, the other is host to the fruits and flowers of the Mediterranean, South Africa and California. Outside the extensive grounds are landscaped and produce tea, lavender, sunflowers and hemp. The Eden Project is just over an hour's drive from St Ives. Between May and September guests staying at Chy Morvah are able to book a coach excursion each Wedneday, organised by Oates Travel. www.edenproject.com
St Michael’s Mount
The jewel in Cornwall's crown, a fairytale island with an exotic garden, ancient harbour, a church and a medieval castle. Access from Marazion is by foot along the causeway, or by ferry at high water. Marazion is about 20 minutes' drive from St Ives, and can also be reached by regular local buses. www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk
Minack Theatre
This uniquely situated open-air theatre is cut into the cliffs at Porthcurno, near Lands End. Performances take place most evenings with some afternoon matinees. The Rowena Cade Exhibition Centre tells the story of its creation. An evening theatre visit is offered on most weeks to guests staying at Chy Morvah (May to September). www.minack.com
National Maritime Museum
Cornwall's £21 million attraction in Falmouth is housed in an award winning building on the harbour-side. The museum transports you into the world of small boats and Cornish maritime history. Falmouth is about 50 minutes' drive from St Ives, and a day here could include visits to Pendennis Castle, or a delightful boat trip up the River Fal to Truro. www.nmmc.co.uk
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Created in the mid 18th century, the gardens at Heligan are one of the best examples in Britain, famed for displays of rhododendrons and camellias. Following years of neglect they have been subject to extensive restoration work over the last 20 years. The gardens, located near Mevagissey are just over an hour's drive from St Ives. www.heligan.com
National Seal Sanctuary
Situated at Gweek beside the Helford estuary, the seal sanctuary cares for injured or abandoned seals, before returning them to the wild. The seal sanctuary is about 40 minutes' drive from St Ives. www.sealsanctuary.co.uk
Geevor Tin Min
Discover Cornwall's mining heritage at this excellent museum. Guided underground trips as well as surface tours are available. The musem is about 30 minutes' drive from St Ives, and can also be reached using the 300 open-top bus. www.geevor.com
Travel
Chy Morvah, Bishops Road, The Belyars, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2DB
By train: The nearest railway station is St Ives, however you may find the journey to St Erth on the main line more convenient. Please note that St Erth has a very steep bridge. For train times and general rail enquiries visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950 (from outside the UK call +44 20 7278 5240).
By taxi: St Ives station is only ½ mile from Chy Morvah, but it is rather a steep uphill walk. Taxis cost approx £3.50 per taxi for this short transfer. Every year we negotiate a pre-booked rate for these journeys. Details of our current recommended taxi company and rates will be sent to you with your booking. We recommend pre-booking your taxi and the taxi company will arrange shared taxis wherever possible. The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Chy Morvah Manager.
By car: Head to Cornwall via the A30. At a large roundabout take the A3074 signposted to St Ives. Pass through Lelant and Carbis Bay. Pass the Treganna Castle on the left, then as you approach St Ives take the left fork, following signs to visitor parking and leisure centre. Follow the road and turn left up the steep hill. Almost immediately the road turns left again by the Longships Hotel, but at this junction turn right and go up the hill. Chy Morvah is in front of you. To reach the car park 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 the lane. Free parking is available.
To help you plan your journey, use www.traveline.info
Reviews
| Date & Rating | Customer Review | HF Holidays says |
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29 Sep 2016, 11:32 a.m.
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Service review:No review provided
Product review:Booking the holiday went smoothly and efficiently.
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27 Sep 2016, 10:28 a.m.
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Service review:HF consistently delivers well organised holidays. St Ives is a well managed house, my room was comfortable, the food was excellent and the atmosphere was relaxing.
Product review:The North Cornwall Coastal Path is a stunning walk with a dramatic coastline and lots of interesting local history. We had a brilliant local leader and a great group of walkers who were up to the demands of the trail.
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16 Jun 2016, 4:11 p.m.
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Service review:accommodation very good, clean and well serviced. food good with friendly efficient staff. walks well lead and leaders very helpful. relaxing atmosphere in hotel.
Product review:Comments as above
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16 Jun 2016, 7:04 a.m.
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Service review:The standard of food, attentiveness of staff, and service of the bedrooms at Chy Morvah is ten/ten.
Product review:North Cornwall Coastal path is beautiful. As a coastal pather, a bit frustrated that the two mile section around Newquay is left out. We did that on our own and were pleasantly surprised. Small gripe in otherwise excellently planned and led week of walking.
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25 Sep 2015, 12:15 p.m.
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Service review:No review provided
Product review:I arrived with an upset stomach, I did not get this at the HF hotel but neither did I get any care. I was left entirely to my own devices. Fortunately I did manage to walk on two days
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I am sorry to hear you were unwell before you arrived on holiday. Trust you are better now and on the mend. I am pleased you were able to walk. Toni McNulty Customer Relations Manager HF Holidays |
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4 Jun 2015, 12:49 p.m.
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Service review:Good reliable product
Product review:A most enjoyable relaxing holiday
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4 Jun 2015, 5:42 a.m.
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Service review:Organisation/logistics good.. and good range of holidays in the UK (I particularly like toe guided trails)
More two week holidays overseas would be good: hassles of airline /airports make teo weeks more wothwhile week Product review:House: good. walk good transport good, leader excellent
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27 Apr 2015, 4:26 p.m.
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Service review:Provides most enjoyable holidays, sometimes they seem expensive and I still feel niggled about the single room supplement.
Product review:A wonderful week with an expert leader who effortlessly blended authority with humour, and added greatly to the overall experience.
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24 Apr 2015, 2:44 p.m.
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Service review:Great house, great food, great company!
Product review:Excellent leader and a great week - good weather helped!
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29 Sep 2014, 3:55 p.m.
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Service review:The staff at ST IVES house were very well organised and the amenities excellent
Product review:We enjoyed the coastal path walking - but there were others who found the 'pace' hard - it may be worth stressing the trial is like 6 hard walks stringed together.
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Read more reviews from feefo
Dates & Prices
| Date | Description | Nights | Brochure price | Buy today for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 May 2017 | SVLNC - North Cornwall Coast Path - St Ives | 7 | £849.00 | £839.00 | Book Now |
| 8 Jul 2017 | SVLNC - North Cornwall Coast Path - St Ives | 7 | £849.00 | £769.00 | Book Now |
| 7 Oct 2017 | SVLNC - North Cornwall Coast Path - St Ives | 7 | £779.00 | £769.00 | Book Now |
Prices are per person
Information
- Standard single room: (2016) £8 per night; (2017) no supplement
- Premium single room: £15 per night (2017 only)
- Premium twin/double room: (2016) £5 per person per night; (2017) £10 per person per night
- Non-member associate fee: (2016) £5 per person; (2017) £10 per person
