Hiking holidays Cornwall Centre tour

The wild and colourful Cornish coast has inspired creative minds throughout the years. Proof of this can be found in the many museums and galleries in the small town of St. Ives. Wave riders dance off the coast, while those who prefer a more leisurely pace can stroll along the long sandy beaches. The many pubs and excellent restaurants are "very British". 

A scenic train ride takes you to Leland in a few minutes. The church of St Uny is well worth a visit. From here, you walk back to St Ives via beaches, dunes and coastal paths. Part of the way leads along the pilgrimage path "St Michaels Way" to Carbis Bay. Then pass manicured front gardens with palms and flowers to Porthminster Beach. Walk around the small peninsula "The Island" with the chapel on top. A perfect start to your walking tour.

In the morning transfer to the coast of the North Cliffs. A wonderful hiking trail leads above rugged, steep cliffs. With a bit of luck, you might spot seals far down in the bay. With a view of the lighthouse on the offshore islet, you circle the headland of Godrevy and cross a nature reserve with numerous water birds. You reach the harbour of Hayle via beautiful dune paths and walk along the river to the centre. From here by bus back to St. Ives.

After discovering the coast east of St. Ives on the first few days, you will follow the Coastal Path westwards from today on. Steady ups and downs along bizarre rock formations high above the sea characterise today's stage, some sections are rocky and steep. But your efforts are rewarded with fantastic views of the sea and the high plains. At the end of the stage, you reach the small village of Zennor, where a visit to the church and the pub is worthwhile. From here, take the double-decker panoramic bus back to St. Ives.

In the morning, the bus takes you back to Zennor, where you continue the hike along the coastal path. Rocky cliffs and many ascents and descents again make for a challenging hike. A colourful carpet of gorse and orchids blooms in the meadows and provides the appropriate splashes of colour set against the blue sea. A stop at the sandy beach of Portheras is tempting, as are the resting benches at the panoramic spot by the lighthouse. In the afternoon, explore the historic tin mines of Geevor with their characteristic chimneys. Visit the museum site before catching the bus to St Ives.

The highlight of your journey awaits you. In the morning you will be taken to the starting point on the coast. Todays trail offers panoramic views of rugged islands and lighthouses and shipwrecks. The Scilly Isles loom on the horizon. You reach Lands End - the westernmost point of Great Britain and encounter - what else could it be in England? - a pub and an ice cream shop.  

The route continues past a variety of cliffs, rocks, bays and flowery plains. In the solitude of the plateau stands the Coastal Surveillance Station. If you have time, you can learn many things about shoals, storms, orientation with landmarks and local wildlife. The Caribbean bay of Porthcurno welcomes you with white sandy beaches and turquoise green water. The bus takes you back to St. Ives.