Poldark and Pasties (Penzance trip)

Join us for a weekend of walking and pasties in West Cornwall. Using Penzance as a base we will have three (maybe four) walks over a long weekend. This will be a relaxed trip. Members are welcome to pick and choose which walks they attend. You must be a member of the Ramblers to join us on this trip.

All walks are accessible by public transport. In the unlikely event we are let down at the end of a walk, we may need to phone a friend or share taxies back.

Places will initially be limited to 16, to secure your place please complete the linked form.

Itinerary

Thursday 11th: Travel day. If people travel early and would like an afternoon walk this can be arranged.

Friday 12th: St Michael's Way, 12.5 miles. A coast to coast walk following in the footsteps of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. Starting in Lelant we will follow the coast line of St Ives Bay before heading inland to Penzance. From Penzance we will follow the south coast to Marazion finishing near the causeway at St Michael’s Mount. Getting to the start: train (or bus) to Lelant. Getting back: walk (or short bus ride) to Penzance. 1330ft ascent, 1393ft descent.

Friday Evening: Potential for evening meal tbc.

Saturday 13th: Botallack to Porthcurno, 14 miles (with 8 mile drop out option). Taking a bus from Penzance to Botallack we will walk 14 miles of the south west coast path. Starting on the Tin Coast in the north we will pass through Poldark country on our way to the most westerly point in mainland England (Lands End). At this point there will be an opportunity to drop out and head back to Penzance via bus. From Lands End we will continue along the SW coast path to Porthcurno. Getting to the start: bus to Botallack. Getting back: bus to Penzance. 2910ft ascent, 2976ft descent.

Sunday 14th: Penzance to Mousehole Circular, 7 miles. A short, relatively flat walk to finish the weekend heading out of Penzance to the scenic village of Mousehole and back. Back at Penzance station by 2:30pm to allow time for traveling home. If anyone needs to get back quicker there is a bus from Mousehole to Penzance. 689ft ascent, 655ft descent.

Accommodation

This is a book your own accommodation trip. Please book early to avoid disappointment as places go fast. 

There are many places that offer accommodation depending on length of stay and budget. A couple to look at:

• The Fountain Tavern
• Chiverton Guest house
• Rosalie House

Alternatively

• Booking.com
• Airbnb
• Campsites - suitable for people happy to drive
• Hayle - Premier Inn or Travelodge (Hayle is 7 miles out from Penzance meaning you can get good deals on twin rooms. There are buses and trains from Hayle to Penzance. A direct bus may be available to Lelant for the day one walk.)

YHA Penzance only have availability Friday and Saturday nights (may be suitable for people considering the night train see note below)

Travel

Direct trains from Reading to Penzance. Approximately £120 return, though cheaper tickets may be available with railcards and ticket splitting via other stations.

Alternatively it’s a 4.5 hour drive from Reading.

For the adventurous and those who don’t want to book Thursday off work there is the Night Riviera Sleeper service that departs Reading Station at 0:40am Friday and arrives in Penzance 7am (ish) this will also save a nights accommodation. This train must be booked early as it fills up fast.

Other activities

If you don’t fancy walking every day or wish to extend your stay there are many activities to do in Cornwall: surfing, kayaking, standup paddle boarding, mines, cafés, art galleries, boat trips, etc.