Walking in Cornwall

Begin your adventure in Padstow, a working harbour town in north Cornwall that's seen a popularity surge among walkers and foodies in recent years. Around 6pm, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers in the hotel reception, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Cornwall? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Stay: Old Custom House (or similar) (D).

We set out from Padstow by catching the foot ferry across the Camel Estuary to the small seaside village of Rock. Our route takes us slightly inland to the idyllic beaches of Polzeath and Daymer Bay and then up to Pentire Head. After lunch, we walk past St Enodoc Church and along the dunes, returning to Padstow by foot ferry in the late afternoon. Dinner offers a chance to try chef Rick Stein's much-acclaimed fish and chips – though you may want to visit one of the many other restaurants here – before returning to our townhouse hotel for the evening (B). Stay: Old Custom House (or similar).

Heading out of town from the hotel and along the coastal path, our route follows the cliffs at Stepper Point, past the observatory with panoramic views of ocean, town and estuary. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, the fastest birds in the world, known to fly and nest in this area, as you traverse the coast and beaches towards lunch in Trevone or Harlyn Bay or even Constantine Bay depending on our progress. Catching the bus back across the headland in the afternoon provides a leisurely end to the day (B).

We transfer to Lanhydrock Gardens to start walking down the Fowey Estuary. From the gardens, which are well worth an explore, we walk towards the coast passing the picture-perfect Restormel Castle and onto the lovely town of Lostwithiel for lunch.

In the afternoon, we join the Saint's Way through the lovely village of Golant and onto Fowey and the south Cornish coast. At the end of the walk, we transfer to our new hotel in Charlestown (B).

In the morning, we walk directly from our hotel southwards along the South West Coast Path towards the wonderful town of Mevagissey. On the way, we veer from the path to visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan (revived in 1991 after 70 years of neglect and restored to former glory - see 'Money' section for entrance fee) and then into Mevagissey for a lunch of seafood caught that morning (B).

After breakfast, we jump on a public bus, which will drop us just above the village and beach at Polkerris. We begin walking along the coast towards Gribben Head, before dropping down to Polridmouth Cove, where Daphne Du Maurier based her 1938 gothic novel, Rebecca. Arriving in Fowey, we stop for lunch and in the afternoon there is the opportunity to cross the harbour by ferry into Polruan and walk the other side of the estuary.

Afterwards, we catch another ferry back into Fowey and enjoy our last night together (B).

Our exploration of Cornwall ends in Charlestown. You can make your way home, but if you'd like to explore Cornwall a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).