Cornwall Guided Walking Tour: 7 nights based at Chy Morvah, St Ives, Cornwall
Blessed with breathtakingly beautiful beaches, Cornwall has more miles of coastline and more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in England. On a Guided Walking holiday at St Ives you’ll discover the fantastic coastal path in all glory, from hidden coves to rugged headlands.
Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.
Highlights:
Chy Morvah, Bishops Road, The Belyars, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2DB (Google Map)
4:00pm – You’re welcome to check into the country house hotel from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward.
Enjoy a full day’s walking with fellow guests and leave all the planning and navigation to us; it’s what we do best. Nobody knows the UK’s best places to walk like us. Our knowledgeable leaders make sure you’re never short of the inside story on local features, viewpoints and places of interest.
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience.
Walking Grades Explained:
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong type of clothing!” goes the adage. Come prepared for all eventualities and you’ll walk in comfort as well as safety. Britain’s famous for its changeable weather, so here’s our advice on what to wear and bring.
Essentials
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You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (D, T)
Option 1 – Carbis Bay
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 950 feet (300m)
In summary: A circular walk taking us from St Ives to Knill’s Monument and the promontory of Carrick Gladden, before following the South West Coast Path to Carbis Bay and back into St Ives.
Highlight: There’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the many delights of St Ives. Enjoy wandering through the narrow streets, perhaps visit the Tate Gallery, or take a boat trip to Seal Island.
Option 2 – Lelant & Carbis Bay
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: Head up to Knill’s Monument, then drop down to join the coast near Lelant church. We follow the coastal path back to St Ives, passing through the dunes beside Porthkidney Sands, Carrick Gladden and Carbis Bay.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious views over St Ives Bay from Knill’s Monument. Look out for the Baulking House, once used by Cornish pilchard fishermen.
Option 3 – Knill’s Monument, Lelant and Carbis Bay
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)
In summary: For guests on a 7 night holiday this walk will be a repeat from earlier in the week, we will walk the route in reverse for alternative views and perspective. Head up to Knill’s Monument, then over fields to Lelant via Trencrom Hill. We follow the coast path beside the Hayle Estuary and through dunes overlooking Porthkidney Sands and Carbis Bay before arriving back at St Ives.
Highlight: Stunning views from the top of the iron-age hill fort of Trencrom Hill, including the south coast and St Michael’s Mount.
To note when choosing your walk: There are steep, rocky sections on the coast path especially around Carrack Gladden.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Around Mount’s Bay
Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: Starting at the beach of Praa Sands on the west side of the Lizard peninsula, we take the undulating Coast Path to Prussia Cove and Perranuthnoe, with stunning views of St Michael’s Mount.
Highlight: We finish at Marazion where, tide permitting, there will be time to walk across the causeway to the Mount to experience this beautiful island.
Option 2 – Rinsey Head to Marazion
Distance: 8.5 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: From the mine buildings of Wheal Prosper at Rinsey Head, we join the Coast Path to the mile long beach of Praa Sands, and then on to the historic town of Marazion via Prussia Cove and Perranuthnoe.
Highlight: St Michael’s Mount is in view for much of the day; hopefully there’ll be time to cross the causeway at the end of the walk.
Option 3 – Porthleven to Marazion
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 2,100 feet (640m)
In summary: From the picturesque fishing and one-time industrial harbour of Porthleven we follow an outstanding coastline to Trewavas Head before walking to Marazion via Praa Sands, Prussia Cove and Perranuthnoe.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious sea views throughout as we walk through the rich flora of the South Cornwall coast.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Porthtowan to St Agnes
Distance: 5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: Walk along the cliffs from Porthtowan to St Agnes. We’ll pass the iconic ruined engine house at Wheal Coates mine which featured in the BBC series of Poldark, and head inland over St Agnes Beacon and into St Agnes village.
Highlight: Seeing a spectacular array of seabirds including Fulmars and Guillemots.
Option 2 – Porthtowan to Perranporth
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)
In summary: A fantastic coastal walk from Porthtowan to St Agnes Head and Perranporth. A day of mining history, superb wildlife, and extensive sea views throughout.
Highlight: Sampling the hedgehog ice cream at Chapel Porth Cove! You’ll also see the much photographed Towanroath engine house of Wheal Coates mine.
Option 3 – Portreath to Perranporth
Distance: 12 miles (19.5km)
Ascent: 2,750 feet (840m)
In summary: A final chance to stride out and enjoy one of the best sections of the North Cornwall Coast Path. We’ll tackle the section from Portreath to Perranporth.
Highlight: With glorious sandy beaches and rugged headlands, this is the Cornish Coast at its very best.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Rosewall Hill
Distance: 5½ miles (9km)
Ascent: 700 feet (220m)
In Summary: We head up through the site of an old uranium mine before ascending Rosewall Hill, passing the
remnants of an old tin mine on the way to the tor-like summit. We descend via Trevalgan Hill and return
through fields and farms.
Highlight: Unmissable views of Hayle Estuary, Carbis Bay and the brooding moors further west.
Option 2 – Rosewall Hill & Towednack
Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In Summary: Our route takes us along quiet lanes and fields to Towednack before ascending Rosewall Hill. We
walk along the tor-like rocky summit before descending over Trevalgan Hill and return through fields and farms.
Highlight: A taste of the moors plus the charming 13th century church at Towednack make this a walk to remember
Option 3 – Rosewall Hill & Zennor Hill
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Ascent: 1,400 feet (440m)
In Summary: We take a scenic route around Rosewall Hill then head further west passing Towednack church to
reach more remote moorland. We pass Zennor Quoit before gaining the impressive rocky summit of Zennor Hill.
We descend to Zennor village before following the field path back to St Ives.
Highlight: Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in atmospheric moorland with its intriguing Neolithic
monuments a mere stone’s throw from the coast.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Kynance Cove
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In summary: A stunning circuit around the southern tip of England. We’ll head to Church Cove, then continue around the headlands passing Bass Point, the Lizard Point lighthouse and on to Kynance Cove.
Highlight: Kynance Cove is a real gem with its serpentine rock formations. Soak up the views from the beach cafe, watching out for beautiful, rare chough wheeling around the cliffs.
Option 2 – Mullion to the Lizard
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,390 feet (420m)
In summary: Follow the coastal path from Mullion Cove to the Lizard; a fantastic section of coastline with gnarled cliffs and hidden coves, with the option of continuing to Lizard Point itself.
Highlight: Keep your eyes peeled for seals at Mullion harbour, then enjoy refreshments at Kynance Cove, before the final leg to Lizard village.
Option 3 – Lizard Point circuit
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
In summary: A stunning coastal circuit around the southern tip of England. We’ll head first to the quaint fishing village of Cadgwith, then enjoy the glorious coastal path passing the collapsed caves of the Devil’s Frying Pan, Lizard Point and Kynance Cove.
Highlight: The sense of achievement as you arrive at the Lizard Point lighthouse and become the southern-most person in Britain!
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (D)
Please be aware that some sections of the coastal path can be rough and rocky so care is needed.
Option 1 – Clodgy Point
Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In summary: From St Ives we walk out along the 18th century packhorse route of the Tinner’s Way through a prehistoric field system to reach Pen Enys Point. We then return along the superb coast path.
Highlight: There’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the many delights of St Ives at the end of this walk. Enjoy wandering through the narrow streets, perhaps visit the Tate Gallery, or take a boat trip to Seal Island.
To note when choosing your walk: The coastal path we follow on our return to St Ives can be rough and rocky.
Option 2 – Mussel Point & River Cove
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
In summary: The inland section of the walk crosses prehistoric fields, passing the hamlets of Trevega, Boscubben and Treveal. We reach the coast at Mussel Point then follow the undulating rugged path over the cliffs and headlands back to St Ives.
Highlight: Look out for seals at River Cove, and later enjoy a well-deserved ice cream by Porthmeor beach when you arrive back in St Ives.
Option 3 – Zennor to St Ives
Distance: 11.5 miles (18km)
Ascent: 1,800 feet (560m)
In summary: Follow the Tinners’ Way from St Ives, heading through the fields to the picturesque village of Zennor with its medieval church and Tinners Arms pub. We return along the rugged coastal path to St Ives past dramatic rocky headlands, hidden coves, and sweeping sea views.
Highlight: With luck you’ll see seals, plenty of seabirds, and maybe even dolphins and basking sharks.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Across Loe Bar
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 800 feet (260m)
In summary: Follow the South Cornwall Coast Path from Poldhu Cove over Halzephron Cliffs then across the sands of Loe Bar to finish at the fishing harbour of Porthleven.
Highlight: Stop at Church Cove with its tiny church surrounded by sand.
Option 2 – Mullion to Helston
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: Walk from Mullion past the Marconi Monument above Poldhu Cove, then on along the cliffs to the sands of Loe Bar. Here we head inland around the freshwater lake of Loe Pool, through the Penrose Estate to the market town of Helston.
Highlight: Look out for a wide range of birdlife as you walk atop the cliffs, then explore Loe Pool.
Option 3 – Mullion Cove to Helston
Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In summary: Take in the scenery as you walk from Mullion Cove to the market town of Helston.
Highlight: Head towards Gunwalloe Fishing Cove where the beach is usually covered in pebbles from off-shore chalk deposits.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
Option 1 – St Just, Whitesand Bay to Land’s End
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: Walk from the mining village of St Just across the fields and lanes of the Cot Valley, before joining the Coast Path to reach the old fishing village of Sennen Cove. The final section leads us over the granite cliffs to Land’s End.
Highlight: The cliff-top walk from Sennen Cove to Land’s End is particularly impressive, with a real sense of achievement as you reach this iconic spot.
Option 2 – Botallack, Cape Cornwall and Land’s End
Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (500m)
In summary: Follow the South West Coast Path from the famous Crown Mines at Botallack to Cape Cornwall. Then on past Ballowall Barrow, a Bronze Age burial chamber, to Sennen Cove and Land’s End.
Highlight: Discover Cornwall’s rich history of tin mining, now recognised as a World Heritage Site. Look out for the abandoned engine houses perched just above the sea at Botallack.
Option 3 – Geevor Mine to Land’s End
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,900 feet (580m)
In summary: Walk from Geevor to Levant Mine and Botallack, with lots of historical interest. We then follow a stunning section of the South West Coast Path, all the way to Land’s End.
Highlight: This is coastal walking at its best; an opportunity to stride out and soak up the sea views. A celebratory pint at Land’s End is well deserved after a great day with many ups and downs.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Carbis Bay
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 950 feet (300m)
In summary: A circular walk taking us from St Ives to Knill’s Monument and the promontory of Carrick Gladden, before following the coast path to Carbis Bay and back into St Ives.
Highlight: There’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the many delights of St Ives. Enjoy wandering through the narrow streets, exploring the harbour, or relaxing with a mug of hot coffee.
Option 2 – Lelant & Carbis Bay
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: Head up to Knill’s Monument, then drop down to join the coast near Lelant church. We follow the coastal path back to St Ives, passing through the dunes beside Porthkidney Sands, Carrick Gladden and Carbis Bay.
Highlight: Enjoy glorious views over St Ives Bay from Knill’s Monument. Look out for the Balking House, once used by Cornish pilchard fishermen.
Option 3 – Knill’s Monument, Lelant and Carbis Bay
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)
In summary: For guests on a 7 night holiday this walk will be a repeat from earlier in the week, we will walk the route in reverse for alternative views and perspective. Head up to Knill’s Monument, then over fields to Lelant via Trencrom Hill. We follow the coast path beside the Hayle Estuary and through dunes overlooking Porthkidney Sands and Carbis Bay before arriving back at St Ives.
Highlight: Stunning views from the top of the iron-age hill fort of Trencrom Hill, including the south coast and St Michael’s Mount.
To note when choosing your walk: There are steep, rocky sections on the coast path especially around Carrack Gladden.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Marazion
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: Head out over the RSPB marshes on St. Michael’s Way, pausing at the sculpture gardens at Tremenheere, then return to Marazion on the coast path with views towards St Michael’s Mount.
Highlight: A visit to the cafe in the sculpture gardens for coffee and cake.
Option 2 – Treen to Mousehole
Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)
In summary: View the Merry Maidens, then walk along the coast from Treen to Mousehole. On a day of rugged coastal walking we’ll pass Logan Rock, the National Trust’s Penberth Cove and the small harbour at Lamorna.
Highlight: The pretty fishing village of Mousehole (pronounced Mauzel) is a charming place to end the walk.
Option 3 – Porthcurno to Mousehole
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)
In summary: Challenge yourself to this longer, rough coastal walk. We start at the beautiful white sands at Porthcurno with its backdrop of the Minack Theatre, before continuing on past Lamorna Cove to Mousehole.
Highlight: With plenty of ups and downs this isn’t for the faint hearted; but the rewards are the great sea views and sense of achievement when you reach Mousehole.
Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
| Version 1 Departure Dates |
Per person (single or twin) | Single in a double room |
|---|---|---|
| 2023: April 1, 22 | $2,100 | $2,380 |
| 2023: May 27 | $2,370 | $2,650 |
| 2023: June 17 | $2,370 | $2,650 |
| 2023: July 1, 22 | $2,370 | $2,650 |
| 2023: August 19 | $2,370 | $2,650 |
| 2023: September 9, 23 | $2,370 | $2,650 |
| 2023: October 14 | $2,100 | $2,380 |
| 2023: December 2 | $1,890 | $2,170 |
| Version 2 Departure Dates |
Per person (single or twin) | Single in a double room |
|---|---|---|
| 2023: April 8, 15 | $2,100 | $2,380 |
| 2023: April 29 | $2,370 | $2,650 |
| 2023: May 20 | $2,370 | $2,650 |
| 2023: June 3, 24 | $2,370 | $2,650 |
| 2023: July 8 | $2,370 | $2,650 |
| 2023: August 12, 26 | $2,370 | $2,650 |
| 2023: September 16, 30 | $2,370 | $2,650 |
Pricing
Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.
Supplement applied for single in a double room.
Rates are in $ CAD. Rates include room upgrade (better) and membership fees.
Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.
Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist in your travel to/from the Country House.
This tour is also available in 3 or 4 night duration.
This holiday includes active sightseeing and you should expect to spend lots of time on your feet.
While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice. Sometimes things happen beyond our control – the weather, traffic jams or changes at the places we visit. If we need to adjust your holiday programme, for whatever reason, your leader will help smooth the way.
Travel Details:
Address is: Chy Morvah, Bishops Road, The Belyars, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2DB
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is St Ives, however you may find the journey to St Erth on the main line more convenient.
By Taxi:
St Ives station is only ½ mile from Chy Morvah, but it is rather a steep uphill walk. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Ace Cars. As a guide price, it cost £4 per 4-seat taxi in 2019. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. Please pre-book your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:
Ace Cars*
Tel: +44 (0) 1736 797799
Email: acecars2@aol.com
The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Chy Morvah Manager.
*Ace Cars is not owned or managed by us.
By Car:
Head to Cornwall via the A30. At a large roundabout take the A3074 signposted to St Ives (2nd Exit). You will now come to 2 small roundabouts, go straight across the first and take a right at the second heading towards the village of Lelant. Pass through Lelant and Carbis Bay on the same road.
Pass Tescos and the Treganna Castle hotel on your left hand side, then as you approach St Ives take the left fork which heads slightly up hill, following signs to visitor parking and the leisure centre. Follow the road and turn left up the steep hill. Almost immediately the road turns left again but instead of following the road around to the left you need to turn off the road and head directly up the hill on Porthminster Terrace.
Chy Morvah is right in front of you at the top of the hill. To reach the car park drive left past the front of Chy Morvah and turn immediately right behind the back of the building. The car park is on the right 15 yards along the lane called Bishops road.
Sea, sand and (hopefully) sun await at Cornwall’s Chy Morvah. This coastal bolthole, whose name means ‘House by the Sea’ in Cornish, basks in the famously lovely light of this artist-retreat town on the north coast of one of England’s most desirable holiday destinations. Those artists may have come to paint the sea and sky but you can simply admire it from the house’s privileged position. The building has been designed to maximise the effect of its elevated location, with stunning sea views and vistas of sandy beaches, while the bustling harbour and array of cafés and artists galleries are just a short cobbled street walk away. As well as 38 bedrooms, there is a large main lounge with panoramic views across St Ives Bay and a dining room that boasts similar mouth-watering views. To keep you entertained there’s a garden in which to enjoy the hazy pinky glow that falls on this seaside sanctuary every evening. Beyond the house, the Cornish Coast is the gateway to exploring the area, with easy access to St Michael’s Mount, the pretty fishing village of Mousehole, the beaches and cliffs of north Cornwall and the rugged cliffs of Land’s End. There’s even the option of an evening adventure to the Minack Theatre.
Address: Chy Morvah, Bishops Road, The Belyars, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2DB
Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in one of the main building’s beautifully presented rooms or in the adjacent Lanyons House. With 38 bright and airy bedrooms, Chy Morvah has plenty of space and there’s a range of ‘Classic’ and ‘Premium’ Rooms to choose from. Simply but smartly furnished they let the view through the window do the talking.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, attractive gardens with sea views, heated outdoor swimming pool, multi-purpose activity room, ballroom, library and board games to borrow
After a day strolling the coast, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. Relax by sitting in the pretty gardens beneath the large mature trees and looking out over the sea. Take a turn in the heated outdoor pool if you still have the energy, or simply relax on the sundeck adjacent to it. Indoors, kick back in one of the lounges. The small bar with its seaside paraphernalia is well-stocked and welcoming while light floods the dining room through panoramic windows.
