Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow

Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow

Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow

8 Nights

Average

79 miles / 127 km

total

10 miles / 16km

Average

3513m / 11526ft

elevation

Mixed

accomodation

3513m / 11526ft

elevation

Mixed

accomodation

Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow

Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow

Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow

difficulty Grade

difficulty Grade

difficulty Grade

Star 1Star 2

Accomodation Type

Accomodation Type

Accomodation Type

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Activity

Activity

Activity

Mixed Activity

Mixed Activity

Mixed Activity

Start/Finish

Start/Finish

Start/Finish

Devon/Cornwall

Devon/Cornwall

Average Daily cost

COST

COST

Best Months

Best Months

Best Months

May-Sept

costs based on two people sharing

Overview

Overview

From the remote and windswept border of the ancient Cornish kingdom to the cosmopolitan bustle of Padstow's fishing harbour lies a magnificent section of dramatic, inspiring and unspoilt coastal trail. Lose yourself in isolation on this continuous panorama of stunning cliffs, hidden coves and remote golden beaches whilst passing through an historical tapestry of shipwrecks, frontier mining, literature and a Cornish people's struggle against the rugged Atlantic coastline. ​ Seals, kestrels, puffins and peregrines still occupy this dramatic and inspiring coastline and if you are here is both challenging and rewarding without exception on what is the toughest section of the South West Coast Path a seemingly endless rollercoaster of climbs and descents along the coastline. Recover with cosy and welcoming overnight stays in idyllic fishing villages prepare you well for days gazing out in peaceful isolation over saw toothed cliffs and rocks, passing waterfalls that tumble over precipitous crags. ​ A trail full of variety and surprises including King Arthur's stark and imposing Tintagel Castle Bronze Age rock carvings, the driftwood cliff huts of poets, the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle and mysteriously abandoned villages. At the tail end of Devon overnight at Clovelly the most stunning fishing harbour in the region where the car is banned and your bags are moved up and down almost sheer cobbled alleys by sledge. ​ With history & legend abounding there is something fascinating, unusual and surreal to encounter on every leg along with the ever rising anticipation of whether the next cove will be more beautiful and unspoilt than the last. ​ Ultimately this is shipwreck and smuggling country and as you traverse Hells Mouth, The Strangles, The Rumps, several Devil's Holes and the Doom Bar it only adds to the atmosphere en route to Padstow. This walking holiday is truly the most inspiring way to enter and immerse yourselves in the stunning lands of Cornwall past and present. With its scenery and history preserved and unique take your personal pilgrimage into the heart of Cornwall in the footsteps of Hardy, King Arthur, Betjemen and the Celtic peoples of many centuries past and present.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Section 3 of the North Cornwall Coast Path runs 15 miles from Hartland Quay to Bude (or Morwenstow) and is graded severe with a moderate ending. This demanding section leaves Devon behind at Hartland Quay, tackling relentless climbs and descents through wild ravines, dramatic cliffs, and plunging waterfalls like Spekes Mill and Litter Mouth. Crossing into Cornwall at Marsland Mouth, walkers may overnight in atmospheric Morwenstow, home of wreckers and Parson Hawker. Beyond, follow remote clifftops with sweeping views, passing shipwreck lookouts and peregrine falcon territory. Modernity briefly returns at GCHQ’s Cleave Camp before a gentler path rolls past golden beaches to Bude. Many split this strenuous 15-mile day into two easier 8-mile walks, with Morwenstow as a mid-point. Bude offers a welcome rest before the long Cornish coast ahead.+
Estimated Cost Calculator
Itinerary:
68 days – 69 nights / 9 miles daily
Number in group:
Preferred units:
Accommodation Quality
What's Included
Luggage Transfer
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Itinerary
68 Days / 69 Nights9 miles daily avgStandard
Cost £ per person
£10,643Auto-calculated
Based on two people sharing a Double or Twin Room
Total Cost
£21,286

Gallery

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

This is our third walking holiday now with Encounter.

Kitchen

2 - 3 months

Once again a wonderful time was had and everyone at Encounter were brilliant with their organisation.

Anne and Tom

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

This is our third walking holiday now with Encounter.

Kitchen

2 - 3 months

Once again a wonderful time was had and everyone at Encounter were brilliant with their organisation.

Anne and Tom

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

This is our third walking holiday now with Encounter.

Kitchen

2 - 3 months

Once again a wonderful time was had and everyone at Encounter were brilliant with their organisation.

Anne and Tom

Everything You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know

What is a self guided walking holiday?

What is a self guided walking holiday?

What is a self guided walking holiday?

How do I choose a route

How do I choose a route

How do I choose a route

How hard are the walks?

How hard are the walks?

How hard are the walks?

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

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