England's Cornwall Hiking & Walking Tour
White-Sand Beaches & Charming Coastal Villages in the Footsteps of King Arthur
A glorious seaside escape for busy souls. That’s Cornwall. A land of Celtic heritage, Arthurian legend and seductive ocean breezes draw you to turquoise waters, wild headlands and stunning white-sand beaches.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $5,999 - $6,199/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Explore the South West Coast Path, the United Kingdom’s longest and much-loved National Trail, which traces the English shoreline for hundreds of miles
- Wander down narrow lanes of whitewashed fishing villages, along rocky Cornish headlands and on white-sand beaches beside turquoise waters
- Marvel at vast ocean views and crumbling medieval castles from the original legends of King Arthur
- Enjoy some of the sunniest weather of England and be immersed in Cornwall’s Celtic heritage, seafaring traditions and centuries of history
- Rest your head in charming boutique hotels perched on dramatic clifftops and along picturesque harbors
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Exeter Airport & Travel Details
- Walk next to an azure sea, passing historic churches and watching for seabirds such as razorbills, guillemots and puffins
- Gaze across the water at Tintagel Island, where the wizard Merlin is rumored to haunt the sea caves to this day
- The site of a former medieval drawbridge is still our only access point to the ruins of Tintagel Castle, legendary birthplace of King Arthur.
Night 1
Luxury Hotel
Light, bright and recently remodeled Victorian boutique hotel that fuses coastal charm with a little luxury and a commanding view over the sandbars and sapphire shallows of the Camel River estuary.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- A rugged coastal walk takes you from World War II forts to defenses as old as the Spanish Armada
- Check out a still-active lifeboat station, poised to aid in the case of all-too-common shipwrecks
- Taste fresh, fantastic English cuisine at a local pub
- Take in commanding views of shimmering coves as you hike through the South Coast Central Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Pop down to the gorgeous beaches of Porthcurnick or Porthbean or shift gears sunning in the subtropical gardens of our chic hotel.
Nights 2-3
Luxury Hotel
This cluster of cottages, nestled on a hillside with splendid sea views, adjoins a yacht club and beach club to create an Italian-inspired oasis.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Hike to a fish and chips lunch at Gorran Haven, where a cluster of fishermen’s cottages remains the same as in years gone by
- Climb rocky points and trek along windswept headlands as you continue to trace the South West Coast Path
- Our route along the tranquil Fowey estuary alternates from waterside to woodland paths
- Cross an estuary on a local ferry and walk a medieval footpath through woodland and creek with striking views of Fowey Harbour
- Traverse a rugged coastline with vistas of the brilliant white sands of Lantic Bay and the quaint village of Lansallos
- Your week in Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without a boat ride and a last walk to a castle ruin and a shimmering beach.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
This Victorian grande dame dominates the hillside village of Fowey, offering a sweeping view over the estuary and a winning mix of chic and rustic touches.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Exeter Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
