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12th September 2023- We are sorry but we are now fully booked until October on all our routes - please contact us for Autumn and 2024 dates

Walking Feedback and Reviews -

St Ives to Penzance Lands End Trail

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Walk Reviews and Customer Feedback

Route: St Ives to Penzance (St Michael's Mount) Name: Mark Beduz Walked on: 13th June 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"When we indicated we were leaving Canada several weeks before the start of our hike, they made sure we had all our material in time."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

"The stretch from Porthcurno to Mousehole was badly over grown and so not nearly as pleasant as earlier days. We had no problem walking from Mousehold around to St Michael's Mount, spent a great day there, and back to Penzance for our final day. This was our first hike of this type and we found it took longer to cover the days distance than we were expecting. But there was nothing that was too strenuous to manage."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"The guide book spent too much time on accommodation and not enough on the actual walk. It took us a couple of days to learn how it was structured, what it included, and what the symbols meant on the ground. We did the Standing Stones optional hike from Zennor and by working with the map before hand, found the notes very good and no problem navigating to the various sites. Well worth the time."

Luggage transfers

"No issues. Our luggage was always waiting for us."

Accommodation

"Our only complaint with the accommodation was they often did not serve breakfast early (8am was normal, in one case it did not start until 9), which made it difficult to get an early start to the days hike."

Overall experience

"Encounter delivered what they promised. We had a lovely time and the scenery was worth the effort."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Land´s End Name: Andrea Holper Walked on: 5th June 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"It was perfectly organized, everything worked wonderfully. "

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Very clear, we were able to choose our route well."

Your Walking Routes

"The routes were more challenging than expected, but still easily manageable and well planned."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"e were well informed in advance and could prepare well."

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

Overall experience

"It was a great vacation with incredible impressions. Thank you!"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: St Ives to Marazion and St Michael's Way back to St Ives Name: Joe Carper Walked on: 11th September 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Easy to get a quote...very responsive to all my questions. I like that Encounter offers options for room upgrades and more budget options."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Great descriptions of each day and relative level of difficulty."

Your Walking Routes

"St Ives to Marazion was spectacular, particular the St Ives to Pendeen segment. After rushing through the Jurassic Coast a few years ago, we built in extra days in St Ives, Pendeen, and Porthcurno...which gave us time to explore these interesting towns, visit the local museums and galleries, and learn more about Cornish history. The Geevor Mine museum in Pendeen and the Telegraph Museum (now Global Communications Museum) in Porthcurno are must sees. Disappointed that we were unable to see a show at the Minnack Theater but all shows sold out when I tried booking 3 months out. Some terrific countryside walking with beautiful views on the St Michael's Way."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Excellent and very helpful"

Luggage transfers

"No problems at all"

Accommodation

"Each hotel or B&B was perfectly adequate for us, and a few were exceptional. While each had its own quirks, we were happy to have a comfortable bed and hot shower each night. Breakfast quality varied from place to place, but we never went hungry."

Overall experience

"A challenge at times when raining and with muddy trails, but we loved every day! Great coastal hiking and the St Michael's Way overland back to St Ives was a great ending. Looking forward to next year!"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: St Ives to Penzance Name: Joanne Walked on: 25th August 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Really helpful in all aspects of planning and fabulous local knowledge. Chose somelovely accomodation for us."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"All good and all clear but also once you've seen something they will adapt it so it totally fits your needs, locations, pace etc."

Your Walking Routes

"Gorgeous scenery! Absolutely beautiful."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"really comprehensive: notes, maps, guidebooks and tide tables..."

Luggage transfers

"Very well organised. No hitches at all.Met the transfer man by chance as he delivered our luggage and he was really cheerful and friendly."

Accommodation

"Super locations, friendly hosts"

Overall experience

"We had an absolutely great time. Beautiful places. We asked for a really easy pace and we loved it. (Gorgeous weather too!)"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Newquay to Lizard Name: Johanna Bruckmeir Walked on: 18th June 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Very kind, inidividual, always helpful and interested in all our wishes"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"We didn´t use it"

Your Walking Routes

"Very nice, 10 to 15 km per day were enough for us to enjoy"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"The walking notes were very helpful and we read it every morning at breakfast. The map was necessary, not the guidebook. It´s mostly possible to connect with internet, therefore it was easy to find all accomodations. 2 or 3 times we got a little bit lost because we followed the yellow sign "public footpath" - it´s not really a problem, but don´t do that!"

Luggage transfers

"Perfect"

Accommodation

"Very different, but thats what we love. Highlights were TheTregeraint House in Zennor with the best host ever (Sue) and the luxurious Pollurian Bay Hotel in Mullion Cove because of the stunning location"

Overall experience

"Our best holiday ever. We hope we will walk another part of the SW Coastpath with your help next year "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: St Ives/Penzance/St Ives Name: Senior Sloggers Walked on: 14th June 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Great service, suggestions and bookings with Encounter"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

"We had maps and book and path is well marked. We do highly recommend having a GPS hiking app as it instantly alerts you to a wrong turn. There are a multitude of public footpaths that come off the SWCP, most are marked but occasionally they are not and it can be easy to take the wrong one. "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Good particularly the extra notes for the St Michaels Way"

Luggage transfers

"Went flawlessly"

Accommodation

"Generally good. Some nice surprises as well as some disappointments. Pedn Olva views are stunning. Gurnards Head food is fantastic having expected ordinary pub food. Field House great host and property. Old Success Inn great location and comfortable. Porthcurno accommodation not nearly up to standard but limited options in the location perhaps? Hotel Penzance very good, really nice hotel and food. St Ives hotel was pretentious and not worth the upcharge."

Overall experience

"This section of the coastline is just so amazing with the right weather it is a great experience. Finishing with St Michaels Way was a big bonus as it allowed us to do a complete loop. It is different hiking to the coastal path but that in itself was enjoyable to be walking inland and such history. "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: St Ives to Penzance (Mousehole) Name: Julia Bell Walked on: 7th June 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"The staff were always very helpful and polite with any queries that we might have had."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Didn't really use it."

Your Walking Routes

"A glorious stretch of coast, more wild and remote with fewer villages. Definitely tougher on some days than many other stretches of the coastal path but well worth the effort. "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Encounter provide excellent notes and accompanying OS maps. "

Luggage transfers

"Perfect."

Accommodation

"Mostly excellent, especially the places with sea views. "

Overall experience

"Terrific. Hope to do another section next year. "

Route: SWCP: Landsend Name: Savi Alex Walked on: 19th May 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Damon and team were so very helpful in customizing our trip so that we could have some extra days to sight see and enjoy . They are very professional and found ways to accommodate our requests or made suggestions so that we cud modify our plans."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"The website was very helpful to see the elevation of the hikes and to determine what we were capable of given our age and fitness level. We are so happy that we chose the route that we did."

Your Walking Routes

"We walked from St. Ives to Penzance. We are two seniors i.e. in our 60's. This is a tough route with a lot of ups and downs; walking over loose rocks; scrambling over boulders and navigating over streams in mud and some cases unsteady footing. A good pair of knees are essential. We were lucky with the weather and were able to hike as we had planned and did not miss a single day of walking. But, we had to contend with very high winds on two days; rain and fog one day. We were fully prepared with raingear. However, we did not have to use our rain pants."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"We did get lost twice, which added to our mileage. The second time we got lost, we wandered through some beautiful natural woods. We had to retrace our steps which added 2 miles to the walk. Luckily for us we met a gentleman who was planning on doing the same hike and hiked with us part way. This was an added bonus!"

Luggage transfers

"I can't say enough good thing about the luggage transfers. Our luggage was always there when we arrived. Sometimes in our rooms; sometimes in the hallway. Thank you to luggage transfers."

Accommodation

"Most of the accommodation was good. We enjoyed the Tregenna Castle location and setting. We loved the location and exceptional food at Gurnard's Head. The proprietors were very accommodating. The Field House went out of their way to make sure our stay was comfortable and we had the best room at the Ship Inn. They were also very helpful. Nearly all the proprietors and staff were so very friendly and helpful."

Overall experience

"Fantastic. We will never forget the wild beauty of the Cornish coast and the friendliness of the people. I am really glad that we chose this segment as our first experience of the SWCP. We also included St Michael's Mount, which was another highlight of the trip. The fact that we did not have to reach out to encounter walking during our trip, tells you how well the whole trip was organized! "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: St Ives to Penzance Name: Hans Hedman Walked on: 21st September 2021

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

Overall experience

"We had a wonderful time. Encounter delivered above and beyond our expectations. Everything went really well. Even the weather was good :-)"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: St Ives to Penzance Name: THERESE DONOVAN Walked on: 17th May 2021

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Hayle to Pendeen Name: Amelia Walked on: 1st October 2020

We had a really good time. It was a little windy but added a bit more interest to the walk. Cornwall at it bleakest but still beautiful. Accomo was very good and we had good breakfasts and meals out. Our hosts were very welcoming.

The distances were just right for us, as the wind slowed us up a bit and the terrain more demanding than previously but we were still able to arrive in our destinations in good time,early enough and importantly fit enough to enjoy a look around and our evening meal.

All in all another good do organised by you.

Route: South West Coast Path Name: Andrew Newsham Walked on: 30th August 2020

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

Overall experience

"My wife and I had two fantastic weeks hiking the South West Coast Path. We started from St Ives, headed west around Land's End and walked back east as far as Mevagissey. The trail is magnificent, beautiful, wild, challenging, rewarding. And I can't recommend Encounter Walking Holidays too highly. From our initial contact with the team, to their clear explanation of what was possible during the coronavirus crisis, the planning and then arranging the details of our holiday, and the support we received while we were in Cornwall, the service was faultless. I'm very impressed and will book with Encounter Walking again without hesitation."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: St Ives to Mevagissey Name: Andrew N Walked on: 28th August 2020

Hi Damon,

Much as I'd love to wax lyrical about two great weeks in Cornwall, I'll spare you! Suffice to say we had a really fantastic holiday. The South West Coast Path is very special, isn't it? We were blessed by the weather (basically two sunny weeks with no rain!) and the experience of those 11 days on the trail will live long in the memory.

Thanks to you and all your colleagues for putting it together for us...we couldn't be more grateful. Once again, many thanks.  Andrew

Route: St Ives to Penzance Name: Bill McCreadie Walked on: 29th July 2020

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Could not have been better or more helpful"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

"Very attractive section of the path but allow plenty of time as it is difficult in parts and you need to allow time to take in the scenery."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"All excellent"

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

"Commercial Inn St Just Do not book room 11, a family room, it is not fit for purpose and should not be used for guests. It looks on to a wall, has no outlook, has a window that only opens a couple of inches, requires a mobile air conditioning unit to keep the temperature down plus, we had to leave the door on to the corridor open all night."

Overall experience

"Fantastic few days"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Lands End Circle Name: Anne W Walked on: 3rd September 2019

Dear Damon - Tom and I just returned home from our spectacular walking holiday around Land’s End. It was way more wonderful than we ever dreamed it would be, in that we were fit enough for the “strenuous” bits and navigated the tricky intersections with the OS map that we downloaded on our phones at your recommendation. We followed the plan except that the final day we walked to the Mount back from St Ives rather than the reverse, because it was raining on the planned for day. The OS map came in especially handy for that, as we made our way from The Queens Hotel in St Ives thru the streets and paths to find St Michael’s Way. Although the scenery wasn’t as dramatic as the coastal routes, we loved traversing the farmer’s fields and cow pies, and catching glimpses of the Mount as we got nearer. We don’t live near the country so it was a treat to enjoy the green hills and smells. 

Another thing we did was take photos on our phones of our paper itinerary and guide book for easy access along the way.

Over the fortnight we loved meeting up at various points with the same walkers as we progressed along the route. No other Americans but Canadians, Germans and one Flemish woman with her dog Billie. She was camping along the way and we were so pleased that we were staying at the B&Bs and hotels you arranged for us. My favorite was the Gurnard Head Inn, but they were all great in special ways. It was fun to talk with Vivian, Tim, Shelley, Pauline and Pippa. My husband loved their Coca-cola breakfast room. We got upgraded at two places: the Old Success Inn, and the room that fronted on the sea, and at the Beachfield, where we got the penthouse suite. Three times we rode part way on the bus when it rained. And due to rain, we spent a morning touring the Telegraph Museum, which is excellent. Although disappointed that the Minnack had no production the night we were in Porthcurno, that afternoon we happened on a full dress-rehearsal for Orpheo; this was perfect because I doubt that we would have had the energy to attend an evening performance and hike on the next day. 

I could go on, but just wanted to tell you what a grand trip it was when it so fresh in my mind. We had many opportunities along the way to recommend Encounter Walking to others we talked to.

Many Thank Yous to you and your team!

Route: St. Ives Circle via Penzance Name: Ellen Berman Walked on: 18th August 2019

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Considering mine was a last-minute booking, the staff was great about making the trip work"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

"All really lovely and the difficulty about what I expected. I would make a couple of adjustments to the St Michael's way notes."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Everything was well done, but as it turns out, largely unnecessary because of Google maps. "

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

"The places comfortable and clean and owners friendly and helpful. "

Overall experience

"Fantastic trip! "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Route: St Ives to Penzance Name: Ann Walked on: 4th August 2019

We really enjoyed our recent walking holiday. Everything went very smoothly - accommodation was good and luggage transfers were efficient. The guidebook and notes sheets were extremely helpful. We really liked having the choice of accommodation were available. We will be booking to walk the next stage with you next year!

Hope this is helpful.

Company feedback - it would be nice to have the option to upgrade rooms when booking as we would have loved a bath sometimes and also a larger room - would have been happy to pay an upgrade.

Encounter Walking - Thanks Ann its fine look at differnt rooms when you ask for a quote just let us know and we can include rooms with baths and larger/seaview rooms as options to consider

Route: St Ives to Plymouth on the South West Coast Path Name: Jo Hansen Walked on: 4th August 2019

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Encounter Walking are extremely professional, they replied quickly to any emails "

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Easy to navigate and lots of useful information."

Your Walking Routes

"The walk was absolutely stunning, the villages along the way beautiful and the terrain was varied. I can’t stop telling people how it exceeded my expectations."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"All walking notes etc arrived so l could read them before l left. Excellent. Maps great."

Luggage transfers

"They were amazing. Very friendly the ones we met. A credit to the company."

Accommodation

"Great accomodation, great breakfasts and hosts friendly and happy to answer any questions. "

Overall experience

"A wonderful experience, the walk was amazing and will most definitely book another walking trip with them, thinking Coast to Coast or Plymouth to Poole in 2020."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Cornwall Coast trail Name: Elisabeth Walked on: 29th July 2019

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Very well organised, quick replies, everything worked out as planned."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Well structured"

Your Walking Routes

"Get the alpine club app for walking paths. Although the coast path was in general well marked, it did help us in some occasions, or to choose some deviations of the path."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"all well illustrated"

Luggage transfers

"worked perfectly and is well worth it."

Accommodation

Overall experience

"Great holidays!"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Newquay to Penzance Name: Njell Hoftun Walked on: 14th July 2019

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: St Ives - Lizard Name: Dominique Walked on: 10th July 2019

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Very professionnal and usefull from the very beginning and all through"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Usefull to plan and organize our trip"

Your Walking Routes

"Wonderfull landscapes"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Very complete and full of usefull tips!"

Luggage transfers

"Not any problem! What a pleasure to find our luggage in our roomat the arrival!"

Accommodation

"All perfect! Good welcome, comfort and friendly!"

Overall experience

"We just want to travel with you again and will certainly speak about you to our friends!!"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: South West Coast Path, St. Ives to Penzance Name: Torunn Bjøreid Walked on: 10th July 2019

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"All goes really smoothly. All staff are helpful and dedicated. Our 3rd walk with Encounter."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Very clear and informative"

Your Walking Routes

"Lovely walks. We had the relaxed alternative walk. Nothing too strenuous at any point. We had a couple of cattle encounters though... but no harm was done to anyone except some fear :)"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"All perfect. Very good notes and instructions and tips for meals / lunches."

Luggage transfers

"Worked like a charm - as always"

Accommodation

"Couldn't have been better. All places clean, pretty and with good beds + breakfast. Lovely hosts"

Overall experience

"We are thrilled :) And we will come back for another section next year. Thank you!"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: St Ives to Penzence Name: James McNeill Walked on: 4th July 2019

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: St Ives to Porchurno Name: Vidar Walked on: 3rd July 2019

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SW coast path Cornwal and St Michaels Way Name: Rosie and Tony Walked on: 1st July 2019

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Would have preferred to have hard copy information pack sent to an address in the UK. See email."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

 

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

 

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes