Walking Retreat in Cornwall for Family and Friends

Highlights

  • Stay in a beautiful rural cottage, far from modern day life and at one with nature
  • Explore the stunning Cornish countryside on trails known only by the locals
  • Discover hidden gems and fascinating stories that bring your break to life

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Give us a call or email to request your preferred dates and we’ll get in touch with our host to see what’s available.

What you'll do

Overview

By day, experience one of England’s most spectacular and thrilling walking areas with an expert local guide, with the duration that works best for you; by night, sit under the stars at your secluded rural accommodation and take in the clean country air.

Once you arrive at your beautiful  accommodation, it’s time to head out along the rugged coast, discovering dramatic sea cliffs, hidden misty coves, and quirky local surprises.

Learn about the fascinating local history of piracy, shipwrecks and smuggling, and the eccentric characters who inhabited this land.

The phrases ‘off the beaten track’ and ‘unexplored’ are often overused, but in UK terms this stretch of the Cornwall / Devon coast (right on the border) is still very much unknown. If you make the effort to get to this isolated part of the country you will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery, well away from the chaos of the tourist hot-spots.

You’ll enjoy either two or three nights in rustic, cosy, self-catered rural accommodation, and have two full day of hiking (trails and durations of your choice) and drinking in the stunning scenery. After a full day of walking, kick back in the great outdoors and enjoy dinner under the open sky, or cosy up to the fireplace inside, with a well-earned glass of wine.

Arrival and settle in

Check-in any time after 3pm, and make yourself at home! There will be a hamper of locally sourced breakfast goodies and a bottle of chilled wine waiting for you. You’ll be welcomed by your host and hiking expert, Dave, who will introduce you to the local area, take you on a short introductory walk if time permits and have chance to plan your routes for the next two days.  Then heat up the BBQ, or head off to the local for a welcoming meal.

 

 

 

 

Accommodation

The Cottage

View from the Knapp Cottage

A day of exploring

Get ready to join up with your guide for a day of taking in this stunning area! A full day is recommended to get the most out of the area, but of course you can go for a hike of your choice and make sure you get in everything you want to see. Your local guide and host, Dave, will supply a packed lunch including a local Cornish pasty and will escort you and share his insights of the local area, the wildlife and scenery throughout the day.

 

 

Accommodation

The  Cottage

Interior of the  Cottage

Another day of stunning walks

Lace up your boots again for another incredible walk on the beautiful Cornish coast. Whether it’s discovering old coves used for smuggling, stumbling across cosy local pubs, or simply drinking in the dramatic sea cliffs and lush meadows – you are sure to be revelling in the freedom of all this outdoor space.

Enjoy another night in total seclusion, where the only sounds are the breeze whispering through the surrounding fields and the local animal nightlife.

 

Accommodation

Knapp Cottage

Exterior of the Cottage

Departure day

After a night in the countryside, get ready to check out by 11am on your final morning in this rural paradise.

 

 

 

 

 

Interior of the Tiny House

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation for 2 or 3 nights in a house that sleeps 6
  • Two full days of guided hiking in the stunning area with your knowledgeable local guide
  • Breakfast hamper and wine upon arrival
  • Cornish pasty whilst on day 2 of your walk
  • First aid kit
  • Rain jacket and walking poles upon request
Your local host

David Myers

I grew up exploring this wild and remote stretch of the Cornish coast, often hunting for remains of old shipwrecks with my father. This got me hooked on the great outdoors, and led me to training as a wilderness guide deep in the forests of Finland. I have led guided walks all over Europe and the US, and hiked many of the world’s great wilderness trails including the 4,400km Pacific Crest Trail. Having spent over ten years hiking and guiding abroad I can safely say that my local area is one of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen. I am really excited to share my knowledge of this area with anyone who wants a walking adventure off the beaten track!

I grew up exploring this wild and remote stretch of the Cornish coast, often hunting for remains of old shipwrecks with my father. This got me hooked on the great outdoors, and led me to training as a wilderness guide deep in the forests of Finland. I have led guided walks all over Europe and the US, and hiked many of the world’s great wilderness trails including the 4,400km Pacific Crest Trail. Having spent over ten years hiking and guiding abroad I can safely say that my local area is one of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen. I am really excited to share my knowledge of this area with anyone who wants a walking adventure off the beaten track!

Location

Your accommodation is a lovely, rustic cottage on the coast, tucked away on a hillside, in beautiful isolation. Situated in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, it’s moments away from both the beach and the coast path and is complete with panoramic views of three valleys. The cottage sleeps up to 6 people.

The cottage is just moments from the coast path and a 8-10 minute walk down the cliff path to Welcombe Mouth Beach. It is extremely secluded, and accessible from a 2 mile farm track, so arrival during daylight hours is essential. During winter access to the cottage is by our 4×4, aka mud shuttle, or foot only. Exact directions will be provided on your booking voucher.

It is a magical spot, with immediate access to some of the most beautiful walks in the country, and is sure to be a base for your stay that you will never forget.

What our travellers are saying...

David takes you on an absolutely picturesque walk along the northern Cornish coast that would have been difficult for a newcomer to the area to discover. The coastal views will forever be embedded in my memory.

Barbara

David is a friendly person with a huge knowledge about the region! He showed us places that we wouldn’t be able to find ourselves!

Dominika

FAQs

What is the secluded cottage like?

The cottage is just moments from the coast path and a 8-10 minute walk down the cliff path to Welcombe Mouth Beach.

The cottage has 3 bedrooms and one bathroom, consisting of a queen bed, double bed, and bunk beds. You’ll also find a fireplace, television and cozy interior - but you’ll find it close to heaven in the garden. This is the perfect cottage for family or friends who love the outdoor and the perfect base for exploring.You’ll also find a warm welcome at the Old Smithy pub (a 40 minute walk), and some great food.

It's EXTREMELY secluded but magical, and has a fire pit and picnic table to light up your evenings.

Accessed via a 2-mile track over farmland, arrival during daylight hours is essential. During winter access to the cottage is by our 4x4, aka mud shuttle, or foot only.

Are meals included?

A breakfast hamper is there upon arrival, and a local Cornish pasty will be provided on your hike.

Is there an extra charge for dogs?

No. This is a rustic country escape and dogs are expected!

Can we plan a longer holiday with this host?

Absolutely. Email us with specific enquiries and we can get you a quote.

What walks can I go on?

There are several amazing walks to choose from, and your host will be happy to run you through them with you when you meet up, but here are a few examples which may take your fancy!

Shipwreck Walk – Medium / 4-6 miles / 3-5 hours

A walk on the rugged Hartland Peninsula, with a focus on the history and shipwrecks that dot the coastline. Includes a visit to the Shipwreck Museum (created by the host’s father) at Hartland Quay, miles of spectacular coast views, and a beautiful waterfall.

Valley to Valley Walk – Challenging / 5.5 - 8.5 miles / 4-6 hours

Can be taken as a one-way route or loop back along seldom-used footpaths. This route joins two of the most spectacular coastal valleys in the South West, via the Coast Path. Walk through ancient woodland in the Marsland Nature Reserve, then walk on the challenging and steep coastal terrain to Tidna Valley. This route is not for the faint-hearted, and while it is physically demanding with numerous steep ascents and descents, for those who are able it is rewarded by some of the most exhilarating and remote scenery the area has to offer.

Half-day on the Coast Path – Medium / 5.5 - 7 miles / 4-6 hours

This route follows the South West Coast Path all the way, between Hartland Quay to the Cornwall / Devon border. This is a great chance to spend a lot of time on the coast and enjoy high clifftop panoramas while the terrain is still relatively easygoing. Can include a visit to the Shipwreck museum and a detour into Marsland Valley nature reserve.

Full-day on the Coast Path – Challenging / 8 - 15 miles / 6-10 hours

A full day walk on one of the South West coast paths' most wild and spectacular sections. This is a one-way route with transport arranged for the return. This route can be modified as we walk so we can lengthen or shorten the route as required. A great route for those wanting a challenge and to experience everything this part of the coast has to offer.

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