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map showing location of tourFar West of Cornwall guided walking holidays

West Penwith, the far western tip of Cornwall, provides a dramatic landscape where rugged, granite-studded moorlands reach down to a spectacular Atlantic coastline and the sea surges into picturesque, lonely coves. Throughout spring and summer this rugged splendour is beautifully balanced by a colourful abundance of wild flowers on the cliff tops, and in high summer the moorland is ablaze with the rich purple and gold of heather and gorse.

Cliff scenery near Land's End

Picture: Cliff scenery near Land's End - South West Tourism

The granite tors which overlook the coastline are dotted with stone circles, stone rows, ancient cromlechs and mysterious standing stones such as the Mên-an-tol. Many of these stones predate Stonehenge by several thousand years and contribute greatly to the mystique of the area. It is no coincidence that the vast majority of Cornwall’s fascinating folklore and mythology has its origins on this small, isolated peninsula.

The itinerary will vary depending upon the grade and duration of the guided walking Holiday, but most will include a visit to the pretty village of Zennor, with its touching mermaid legend, and the tiny church where the ‘mermaid’s seat’ is on show, before walking to historic St Ives. We walk from Cape Cornwall, around Land’s End, to savour the magnificent views from England’s most westerly point. On the south side of the peninsula we walk from Porthcurno to the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole, passing the Minack Theatre, Penberth and the beautiful Lamorna Valley on the way. We also walk from Marazion through Prussia Cove and along Praa Sands to reach Porthleven - an attractive fishing harbour at the point where Mount’s Bay meets the Lizard peninsula.

We stay at Hotel Penzance [AA***] on the outskirts of the historic town of Penzance. The hotel occupies a prime position overlooking St Michael's Mount. Hotel Penzance was named 'Hotel of the Year, 2006' by Cornwall Tourism, whilst their Bay Restaurant, which holds two coveted AA rosettes for the standard of its service and cuisine, was named 'Restaurant of the Year 2006'. All of the attractive and well-appointed bedrooms have ensuite facilities.