The Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall is the southernmost part of Britain and an area of astounding beauty. From the start you enjoy views of the well-known silhouette of St. Michael’s Mount, and go on to see marvellous wild flowers and birds, perhaps even catching a glimpse of a Basking Shark. There are also endless views of romantic creeks and breathtaking cliffs. This is a rewarding, easygoing, self-guided walking holiday.
The Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall is the southernmost part of Britain and an area of astounding beauty. From the start you enjoy views of the well-known silhouette of St. Michael’s Mount, and go on to see marvellous wild flowers and birds, perhaps catching a glimpse of a Basking Shark. There are also endless views of romantic creeks and breathtaking cliffs. This is a rewarding, easygoing, self-guided walking holiday.
Total Distance:
40 miles / 64 kilometres
Price:
£575 per person sharing a room
A single-room supplement is £250.
Included:
Not Included:
Departure Dates:
Any day March-October subject to accommodation availability.
Day 1: Arrival Penzance
Enjoy this small, busy town with long promenade and views to St. Michael’s Mount.
Day 2: Penzance to Marazion. (6 km)
The first day’s walk is a leisurely walk from Penzance to Marazion. St. Michael’s Mount dominates as you walk to the ancient town of Marazion – the oldest town in Cornwall – founded 1257. In the afternoon, there is time to visit St. Michael’s Mount – you can walk across or take the boat, depending on the tides. Allow 2-3 hours and be aware that the Mount is closed on Saturdays. Return to Penzance by local bus for second overnight. Alternatively you may choose to take the bus to Marazion and walk back to Penzance.
Day 3: Marazion to Porthleven. (16 km)
Return to Marazion with a short bus journey or walk the 3.5 miles from you accomodation. After Marazion, the path begins to narrow and rollercoaster over the cliffs up to and beyond Praa Sands, passing Marazion Marsh with its rich wildlife. Once a Benedictine priory, a fortress and tin mining port, the Mount can be accessed by a causeway at low tide or by ferry. The path continues through a landscape with obvious evidence of a mining history, passing sandy beaches followed by a more rugged landscape – the granite cliffs turn to slate where you will find some dramatic vertical cliffs before walking down to the pretty fishing village of Porthleven for overnight. 10 miles/ +155metres /6 hours walking
Day 4: Porthleven to to Mullion. (13 km)
The path is fairly level beyond Porthleven, but then becomes narrow in places with some steep ascents and descents. There is a sense of remoteness and wildness on the Peninsula. Overnight in Mullion. +145m/4.5 hours walking
Day 5: Mullion to the Lizard. (14 km)
Continue the walk past the Predannack Cliffs, which are part of the Lizard National Nature Reserve where the colour of the rare heathers and wildflowers make for spectacular views. Pass the Loe, the largest body of fresh water in Cornwall and separated from the salty sea by the mixture of the fine gravel and sand called the Loe Bar.
Continue past coves and steep cliffs to the white sand and turquoise sea of Kynance Cove – an area of outstanding natural beauty – onto Lizard Point with its beautiful lighthouse and wildflowers. Overnight at The Lizard. +160m/5.5 hours
Day 6: Lizard to Coverack. (17.5 km)
A circular walk from Lizard Point with stops in picturesque fishing villages – the walk today is through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will come across different types of rock from Serpentine (dark green rock with red and white veins) to granite and schist. Overnight at The Lizard.
Day 7: Depart from The Lizard after breakfast.
Accommodation:
A mixture of B&Bs, inns and hotels are available along this route.
Getting there:
Penzance Train station has a good connection to Exeter, Bristol, London and the rest of England.
At the end of the holiday, take a bus from the Lizard to Penzance train station.
