Active Coastal Adventures in North & West Cornwall: Bude to Penzance via Padstow - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Exeter, Tour the City's Underground Passages

Welcome to the UK! You'll arrive in Exeter, a beguiling city in southwest England with excellent access and transport links to South Devon and Cornwall. With over 2,000 years of history and a Gothic cathedral thought to be one of the finest examples of its kind, the city's university is regularly ranked within the top 10 in Europe, giving the town a refreshing and independent vibe alongside its historic charms. 

Speaking of which, Exeter's ancient medieval Underground Passages are one of the city's foremost attractions and the only ones of their kind open to the public. Today, you'll get to weave through these narrow passageways on a guided tour filled with interactive exhibits that show how clean drinking water was transferred into the medieval city via the passageways from springs outside the city walls.

Afterward, don't miss a trip to the Cathedral, built partially on the site of an ancient Roman bathhouse. Its exterior is stunning, and when you step inside, you'll find a 60-foot (18 m) high bishop's throne and sculptures of Alfred the Great, William the Conqueror, and King Canute. Later on, refuel after a day's sightseeing at one of the city's restaurants. Head to the waterfront for al fresco dining with quayside views, or try Eat on the Green, where you can dine in 16th-century surroundings with views over the Cathedral Green.

Day 3: South West Coast Path (Day 1): Bude to Crackington Haven

Wake early this morning and fuel up on a typical English breakfast in readiness for today's hike. Your destination is Crackington Haven, and the 10-mile (16 km) walk along the South West Coast Path is filled with sweeping panoramas of the rocky coastline dotted with fishing villages. You'll be free to enjoy the scenery without worrying about your bags, as your luggage will arrive at your hotel ahead of you each day.

The first leg of your walk follows the grassy cliff path behind the beaches and along the historic Bude Canal to Widemouth Bay, a wild and windy spot (making it popular with surfers) with several excellent local pubs, where you can grab a bite to eat and try one of the local ales. Refreshed and ready to continue, make your way along the path across several sheer clifftops, pausing at Philip's Point Nature Reserve to see if you can spot the grey seals that frequent the bay below.

You'll walk across the cliffs and alongside the Dizzard Forest (the remnants from a prehistoric wood that once covered the entire country) for a stretch and pass a series of gentle waterfalls and hilltops before the path descends into the enclosed bay of Crackington Haven. Here, you can make a beeline for your accommodation and enjoy a warm Cornish welcome before another restful evening at a local pub.

Day 4: South West Coast Path (Day 2): Crackington Haven to Tintagel

Lace up your hiking boots for another windswept day of walking Cornwall's famous coastal path. You'll find some of the 11-mile (18 km) route to Tintagel moderate to challenging but worth it for the incredible clifftop views. Walk above the isolated beaches of the nearby Strangles and past rocky shelves and headlands, mindful of the sheer drops that give way to the Atlantic. It's a beautiful stretch for bird watchers, with colonies of puffins, razorbills, and guillemots dotting the cliffsides.

It's also an area steeped in the mysterious legend of King Arthur, whose reputed birthplace is Tintagel, your overnight destination. It's not hard to imagine Arthurian tales as you pass sights such as the Pentargon inlet, where a waterfall plummets 130 feet (39 m) into the sea below. Eventually, you'll arrive in the storied town, whose rocky promontory was the site of a Roman settlement and Celtic fortress. Once you reach your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax and take it easy in one of the village's excellent pubs.

Day 5: Explore Tintagel Town & Castle

Today is yours to explore Tintagel at your own pace, and there's one sight you can't miss—Tintagel Castle. Perched on cliffs overlooking the sea on the peninsula of Tintagel Island, the castle is accessed via a recently built footbridge from the mainland. The views from the bridge are remarkable, and you'll first experience the castle the way its medieval residents did before the old crossing disappeared between the 14th and 17th centuries. 

Arrive at the 13th-century castle ruins, and you'll discover why myths and legends abound at Tintagel. It's been rumored since the 12th century to be the birthplace of King Arthur, and stories of the fortress as a stronghold for medieval Cornish kings are said to have inspired Richard, Earl of Cornwall, to build his clifftop home here. See the walled garden where Earl Richard installed stepping stones to retell the tragic love story of Tristan and Iseult, and cast your eyes down to the sea, where seals can often be spotted playing in the waters below. 

If you can drag yourself away from the wonders of the castle, don't miss Merlin's Cave on the shore below. At low tide, it's an atmospheric spot to visit and adds to the air of Arthurian mystery that shrouds the area. To better understand rural life in centuries past, visit the Tintagel Old Post Office, a 14th-century building and a well-preserved example of a medieval manor house. After a day of exploring, the Camelot Castle Hotel is a great spot for afternoon tea, with grand architecture and sweeping views from its terrace.

Day 6: South West Coast Path (Day 3): Tintagel to Port Isaac

You'll pick up the coastal path from Tintagel this morning and hike along a section of the coast once vital to the Cornish fishing and slate trades. See glimpses of this history as you pass donkey tracks around Backway's Cove and the rocky pinnacles of Hole Beach. Enjoy the easy walk out of Tintagel and follow the coastal path signs to Port Isaac.

The village is a 9-mile (15 km) walk, and you'll need to dig particularly deep on the final stretch from Trebarwith Sand. You'll navigate several steep valley descents and clifftop climbs before reaching the sleepy harbor of Port Gaverne, a 10-minute walk from the welcome sight of Port Isaac.

A gloriously picturesque fishing village amid rugged coastal landscapes, the town is characterized by narrow, winding alleyways (Squeezy Belly Alley is only 18 inches wide) and whitewashed cottages that overlook the bay. If ever a village could tempt a few more steps from the weariest of feet, it's Port Isaac. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the quaint harborside cafés and pubs, then treat yourself to dinner at Outlaw's Fish Kitchen. The restaurant, owned by renowned Cornish chef Nathan Outlaw, has a far-reaching reputation and is home to some of the best cooking in the region.

Day 7: South West Coast Path (Day 4): Port Isaac to Padstow

While you might have a hard job tearing yourself away from beautiful Port Isaac this morning, know that today's hike contains some of the most dramatic views so far, with the bonus of an overnight stay in Padstow, a chic, bustling fishing village that's home to some of Cornwall's finest restaurants. Your last stretch is 12 miles (19 km), and after leaving your accommodation and following the coastal path out of town, you'll pass the remote inlet of Pine Haven and the Iron Age fort of The Rumps, a rocky promontory in an area dotted with sandy coves and surrounded by gorse and woodland.

You'll want to keep your camera close at hand as the path winds its way around several steep headlands and gentle valleys, culminating in views from Pentire Point across the Camel Estuary. Soon, you'll reach Polzeath, another idyllic Cornish village and one-time favorite haunt of the poet laureate Sir John Betjeman. Stop here for lunch on the go (a filling Cornish pasty is a must if you haven't tried one already), and as you head out of town, the path becomes significantly easier as you walk down to the sandy beaches of Daymer Bay, where you'll catch a ferry to Padstow. 

Upon arrival in the harbor, you'll be transferred to your hotel and reunited with your luggage. While your epic walk along the South West Coast Path has come to an end, there's still much to explore, and Padstow has no shortage of attractions. Head back to the harbor for a cool drink and watch the fishermen at work, or seek out local artwork at the galleries that dot the medieval streets that wind back from the port. Afterward, go for a predinner stroll along St George's Cove and return to Padstow for dinner, where you'll be spoiled for choice with excellent eateries.

Day 9: Guided Day Tour of Bodmin Moor

Wake to the sound of gulls as Padstow gently comes to life, with the fishing boats making their way out of the harbor to bring back another day's catch. There's no rush this morning, so enjoy a leisurely breakfast before meeting your guide and driver for a full day exploring Bodmin Moor. Fans of author Daphne du Maurier will recognize the location as the backdrop to her eerie novel "Jamaica Inn." It's these moors that you'll spend the day exploring with your guide.

Depending on your interests and how much walking you'd like to do, your guide will tailor your trip to your preferences. The moors are rich in folklore, and some famous highlights you can visit include Dozmary Pool, the lake where, according to legend, King Arthur received the sword Excalibur. Legends aside, your day of sightseeing will include several granite tors that rise up from the rolling moorland, as well as evocative stone circles and ancient monuments.

Part ways with your guide in the afternoon and cap your day with a traditional Cornish cream tea. A light afternoon meal, a cream tea consists of freshly baked scones, strawberry jam, and clotted cream. Whether the jam or the cream is spread first is fiercely debated throughout the UK, but since you're in Cornwall, know that the tradition here is to spread the jam first (whereas in Devon, it's the other way around!).

Cornwall's microclimate lends itself particularly well to viticulture, so consider spending some time at one of the area's renowned wineries. Nestled on sheltered slopes overlooking Mount's Bay, Polgoon Vineyard is a thriving vineyard and orchard that produces award-winning artisan Cornish wines and ciders. Meet your guide for the 20-minute drive and spend the morning learning how the vines and fruit are meticulously cared for. You'll follow the tour with lunch in the Vine House Kitchen and a tasting of five award-winning wines.

Return to St Ives, and the afternoon is dedicated to the town's world-famous art scene. The Tate Modern St Ives officially opened in 1993 and is one of only two Tate galleries (the other is in Liverpool) outside London. Spend a couple of hours absorbing the works of Cornish artists such as Alfred Wallis, then continue to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. If you're keen to pick up an original piece to take home, you'll find plenty of local galleries filled with artwork from both established and emerging local artists.

Day 11: Guided Driving Tour Around St Ives' Scenic Highlights

Day 12: Transfer to Penzance, Lost Gardens of Heligan

Day 13: Hike & Explore St Michael's Mount or Scilly Islands Day Trip

It's your last day in Cornwall, and you have two great options for a memorable finale. If you're keen for one final hike, embark on a scenic 3-mile (5 km) walk to St Michael's Mount. This tidal island, reminiscent of Mont St Michel in Normandy (the history of the two was entwined until the dissolution of the monasteries), is crowned by a towering castle and lush, subtropical gardens. If the tide is in and you can't cross the walkway, don't worry; the island is serviced several times a day by boats that leave from the mainland.

Speaking of boats, another option is a sailing excursion to the Scilly Isles, an archipelago that lies just 28 miles (45 km) off the Cornish coast. Your cruise starts with a relaxed sail from Penzance to Land's End along the coastline, reaching the islands just in time for lunch. With miles of hiking trails and secluded sandy beaches to relax on (only five of the islands are inhabited, while others are havens for rare birdlife and flora), it's the perfect way to spend your final day before returning to Penzance in time for dinner.

Day 14: Transfer to Exeter, Depart

Your tour of Cornwall has come to an end, and after one final stroll along the harbor, you'll transfer to Exeter, where you'll continue to your next destination. Safe travels!

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