Moderate
Penzance To The Lizard Peninsula Walk
The Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall lies at the southernmost part of Britain and is an area of astounding beauty. From the start of the walk 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 off the coast. There are endless views of romantic creeks and breathtaking cliffs. This is a rewarding, easy going, self-guided walking holiday suitable for all levels of walkers looking for a beautiful, scenic walk in one of the most idyllic parts of England.
The Penzance to Lizard Walking Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival Penzance
Enjoy the small, busy town of Penzance with its 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 in 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 your 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.
Price:
£660 per person based on two sharing a room
£355 single supplement
£120 solo walker supplement
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation in Bed and Breakfasts, small hotels and country inns, all rooms with private bathrooms.
WHAT TO TAKE
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit
WHEN TO GO
April to October. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).
GETTING THERE:
Getting there: Regular bus and trains to Penzance (from London 6 hours by train). Nearest Airport – Newquay (flights from Gatwick and Stansted), Exeter, Bristol. Please ask us and we will let you know about onward connections from the airports.
Return: Lizard, either taxi or bus to Truro for onward rail connections
INCLUDED:
6 nights accommodation in a mixtures of hotels, inns and B&B’s.
Breakfast provided on each morning.
Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation, Maps and route notes, Emergency back up.
NOT INCLUDED:
Lunches, dinners, drinks, insurance, anything not mentioned in programme.
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.