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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 -

Padstow to St Ives - South West Coast Path Holidays

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Walk Reviews and Customer Feedback

Route: Padstow to St Ives Name: Paul and Linda (and Kora the labradoodle)! Walked on: 30th August 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"All highly efficient"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Easy to navigate"

Your Walking Routes

"Great cliff walks, stunning views and seals (plus exposure to hundreds of years of mining history!)"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Easy to follow maps and guidebook. The SWCP is generally clearly signposted."

Luggage transfers

"Seamless delivery"

Accommodation

"The accommodation was generally good. The only real weakness was the Driftwood Spars at St Agnes - a lovely building in a delightful cove but rather spoilt by a kitchen extractor unit through the flat roof just outside the bedroom windows (on constantly all day and evening and which sounded as though powered by a jet engine) and the 2 hour wait for the main courses to be served at the same hotel."

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Padstow to St Ives Name: Nathalie Walked on: 5th August 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Clear, efficient and easy communication."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Very useful information about the difficulty of the different stretches of the walking trail, a great help to choose our itinerary since this was our first time of the SW Coast Path."

Your Walking Routes

"That part of the walk through Hayle was less pleasant than walking along the beach or on the cliffs, but that's also what is interesting in the SW Coast Path: every stop, every village is different and has its own charm."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"We found the drawn maps of the guidebook somewhat confusing because not on scale and reference points are at times different in the guidebook and on the map and not always easy to find, particularly when leaving a place. The SW Coast path is most of the time well indicated though and the AZ Walkers map was very useful. We found it sometimes easier to just follow the path without referring to the guidebook. This was our first time on the SW Coast Path and I think we need some time to get used to the way things are marked and indicated. Next time, we will download the App other walkers have recommended."

Luggage transfers

"Excellent service, very reliable."

Accommodation

"Variable quality, but always very clean and comfortable. "

Overall experience

"We were delighted by this experience and hope to come back soon. We were really impressed by the quality of the service delivered by Encounter Walking Holidays and the fact that everythind went smoothly and that we had no problem at all during our holidays: we were always expected, our luggage was waiting for us, we received useful tips from Encounter Walking Holidays about restaurants, the need to book in advance and we found their suggestions very useful. "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SWCP Padstow to Penzance Name: Gaynor Waterman Walked on: 26th June 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Excellent service from Encounter as always. They were very helpful in suggesting different places to stay along the route from Padstow to Penzance. Every detail is covered including where to park etc"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Their website breaks down each section of the path into manageable chunks "

Your Walking Routes

"The length and difficulty of each day is given including places to stop en route, how to find accommodation, things to look out for etc"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"As above although we didn't buy the maps or guidebook from Encounter"

Luggage transfers

"Again excellent service, they were collected and were there when we arrived at our accommodation in the afternoon"

Accommodation

"We were disappointed with 1 of the B&B's we stayed at but we are aware there isn't always much choice in the small villages you stop at"

Overall experience

"My partner and I love walking the SWCP. We have completed nearly half in 3 years and are already planning our 2024 holiday with Encounter"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Padstow to St. Ives Name: Kathleen English Walked on: 22nd June 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"The staff was always very helpful and easy to reach."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"It helped to be able to read about other peoples trips and experience."

Your Walking Routes

"The recommended route was beautiful"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"We relied on our All Trails App, and Google and Apple Maps the most. We had the OS map and the guide books, but they weren't as helpful. Also, everyone accepted Apple Pay. I took too many British Pounds along. Taking a taxi was very expensive, and hard to book. The buses were much better."

Luggage transfers

"Our luggage was always waiting for us"

Accommodation

"I loved each one. I thought hostess at Perranporth was most accomadating."

Overall experience

"The walk was incredibly beautiful."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Padstow to St Ives Name: Helen Simmonds Walked on: 17th June 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Very helpful and friendly. They were able to plan a shorter last day for us so that we had plenty of time to explore Tate St Ives as we requested. They listened to all of our needs and accommodated them. Very prompt responses to all queries. "

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

"Jaw dropping scenery the whole way. Sandy beach after beach, turquoise sea and interesting rock formations. Plenty of wild flowers and bird life. We took longer than the suggested walking times on some days (eg Harlyn Bay to Mawgan Porth) so next time would ask for shorter days. The Towan sand dunes on a very hot day were quite a challenge and long. Some of the sign posts have fallen over but in spite of that we managed to find our way. "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Notes about refreshment stops were very helpful indeed. Info about buses was helpful. We were also glad of the taxi numbers on one day although several companies did not work on Sundays in the Padstow area when we needed to get back to our starting place. Really appreciated the advice about booking evening meals. In most places we reserved a table at the accommodation or nearby pub. Portreathe Arms pub was very good. "

Luggage transfers

"Excellent"

Accommodation

"We had a range of accommodation from simple bnbs to luxury spas. All were very clean and comfortable. We particularly loved the Bedruthan Hotel and Spa. Food here was superb and the dining room has a spectacular view. Driftwood Spars in Trevaunance Cove was a gem. Some places did not start breakfast until 8.00 and were then very relaxed. It was fine for us on our last day as we had time but not if you need to get off promptly."

Overall experience

"A really fantastic week of walking knowing that all the planning had been taken care of. "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Padstow - St Ives Name: Frans B Walked on: 9th June 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Options provided for splitting strenuous days, for lodgings and long-stay car park were spot-on and were exactly what we needed."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Incredible details about walks and effort required."

Your Walking Routes

"Ample options for refreshments and toilets along the way. We found the route Portreath-Gwithian-St Ives less interesting as you pass lots of agriculture and cross quite some built-up areas. But the beaches and the sea are bliss. The route is sign-posted quite well. We only lost our way once, but with the help of our GPS tracker app we found our way back in no time. "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Walking notes and itinerary are the most detailed we've ever had the pleasure of receiving. We did not use maps and guidebooks as I forgot to take them. However, we did not miss them at all. Again, our GPS tracker app proved a reliable companion. "

Luggage transfers

"We arranged our own luggage transfers as one member of our party does not walk and functioned as a taxi if needed."

Accommodation

"We stayed in excellent hotels although quite some beds are only 2 meters long with head and foot boards. For the average Dutch walker this might be a bit cramped."

Overall experience

"We had a fabulous time walking along the Cornwall coastline with its tropical blue sea, almost white sandy beaches, impressive cliffs. We encountered Manx Shearwater, Red-billed Chough and Rock Pipit, to name some of the more special coastal species. At this time of the year the number of flowers is overwhelming. We were lucky to have sunny days and a cool sea breeze during the whole walk, with around 20 degrees Celsius throughout. Hotel and restaurant staff are very friendly and helpful!"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Padstow to St Ives Name: Stephen Walked on: 7th June 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Emailed request and suggested itinery back quickly to view and agree. Easy efficient service"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Informative and easy to navigate "

Your Walking Routes

"Longish days but relatively easy as not too many ups and downs"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Great books with detailed route description and things to look out for"

Luggage transfers

"Efficient with no issues "

Accommodation

"Happy with all chosen accommodation. Varied, interesting and of a good quality. Breakfasts good."

Overall experience

"Excellent holiday"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Padstow to St Ives Name: Walking Wounded Ramblers Walked on: 3rd June 2023

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: Padstow to Lands End Name: Russell Brimelow Walked on: 3rd June 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"As always very good communications and very easy to get everything sorted. This was our 4th trip with Encounter and every time it has worked really well."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

"The SWCP is so varied and at times challenging. This time it was not so severe (although St Ives to Zennor was hard for 6 miles) and there were several long beach walking opportunities, so we could walk in the shallows barefoot!"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"All great - the notes are invaluable."

Luggage transfers

"As always it worked perfectly, even though I had knocked a wheel off my suitcase!"

Accommodation

"A nice variation, from YHA to gastropub!"

Overall experience

"Superb again"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: St. Ives to Padstow, Penzance Name: Pam Walked on: 11th May 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"They were terrific. And quick to respond when we needed them during our holiday."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"The website was the reason we chose Encounter."

Your Walking Routes

"We walked the beautiful Padstow to St. Ives portion, then took the train to Penzance for a final day. In Penzance we walked out and back to Saint Michael's Mount."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Notes, maps, and guidebooks were excellent, but we still ended up getting slightly lost a bit in a few spots. Although not mentioned in any of the notes or books, would recommend visiting the Morrab Subtropical Gardens when in Penzance which we stumbled on by accident and found delightful."

Luggage transfers

"Easy-peasy and always arrived within the specified window."

Accommodation

"Very happy with all but one of our accommodations. The Old Ship Hotel (delightful, right by the harbor), The Merrymoor Inn (great sea view), The Esplanade (gorgeous sea view), St. Agnes Hotel (charming), White Hart Hotel (historic and filled with atmosphere, never saw/heard the resident ghost, lol), 27 The Terrace (our favorite), The Longboat Inn (super convenient to train station) were all super clean and comfortable with excellent bed and bath linens, and friendly staff. Would recommend choosing the upgrade pick in Portreath as our standard accommodation was well below the quality of all other places we stayed."

Overall experience

"A magnificent and magical trip, which far exceeded all our expectations. Thank you Encounter for helping us plan this special adventure!"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Padstow - St Ives Name: Julie Law Walked on: 28th April 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Our third trip and everything went as clockwork!"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"I love looking at the 'next leg' to see what we have in store. The website is helpful and interesting"

Your Walking Routes

"All v good and easy to spot."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"All excellent as usual"

Luggage transfers

"Perfect - our luggage always arrived before us and was waiting for us at the end of the day"

Accommodation

"Everywhere was great but a special shout out to the Farmers Arms in Treyarnon (1.5 miles off the coast path but the YHA was full) - great atmosphere and fab food. Also the Portreath Arms Pub did fab food and we had a great room. Painters Cottage also excellent. White Hart Hotel needs an update but in its own way had charm - all we needed was a clean and comfortable bed for the night!"

Overall experience

"Next leg from St Ives to Penzance booked for August the day we returned home."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SW Coast Path - Padstow to St Ives Name: Anne Tonkin Walked on: 21st April 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"I really appreciated the helpful responsiveness and flexibility provided by several members of the Encounter team- over he planning and booking phase. Given the initial plan was delayed due to COVID and picked up 6-9 mos later, this flexibility supported my confidence in the groups ability to effectively support our walk. "

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Its ok although I found it a bit clunky and used this more as inspiration and a prompt to email inquiries and information seeking. I did choose Encounter purely on website reviews, especially by some Australian walkers who sounded like they had similiar expectations and ability levels to ours. Definitely a great decision!"

Your Walking Routes

"This is a stunningly beautiful walk with challenges but not too much. We started with 2 longish days (22ish kms) and the second was lots (and lots) of big/deep/straight up steps. We had done quite a bit of prep on top of our usual walking which we were thankful for. We definitely walked ourselves into being fit - 10km was a doddle by the end! We defintely appreciated the way our walk was structured each day and we did include a rest day in the middle to allow time for some personal exploration. The routes are clearly marked until they are not - which is quite often! (see next section)"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

" Itinerary and final updated itinerary was brilliant in detail re accommodation. Descriptions of the route were brief and didnt make sense until you were actually there - which came in handy! In some places the path is poorly marked (one section near Padstow was impossible to find and other walkers complained of being totally lost too. ) The maps provided are useless when you dont know where you are and dont have local wifi! After losing the path again in rain as we came into Newquay we set up our AllTrails app which plots where you are (even without wifi) on the trail and we could clearly see once we started to take the wrong pathway - this is strongly recommended and was a godsend. "

Luggage transfers

"Worked like clockwork every time - brilliant! "

Accommodation

"Everywhere we stayed was perfect - close to the track, small and friendly, clean, safe, reasonable food options, great breakfasts - we couldnt have chosen better for the price paid. This compared favourably with walkers we met who had gone with another company and were placed in accomodation that felt unsafe. "

Overall experience

"Highly recommend this walk for stunning coastal scenery, a good degree of challenge and access to local flora and natural landscapes. Highly recommend Encounter (already have friends who have booked through them too) as great support, flexibility to meet your needs and good value for money. This is a walk where the level of challenge requires you to concentrate on what you are doing (its not a stroll!) which we loved and you do need good gear. We walked one day in persistent showers which was fine and one day in pouring rain which was a bit miserable as the track was flowing to meet us but hot showers and few tales at the end made it all a wonderful memory."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Bude - St Ives Name: John Walked on: 4th September 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"superb planning, friendly knowledgeable staff helped ensure a holiday which met our requirements "

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"very clear"

Your Walking Routes

"the Cornish coastal path is fantastic"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Detailed, accurate and provided all that we needed (and more) for a great holiday"

Luggage transfers

"worked perfectly"

Accommodation

"exactly as agreed/described"

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Padstow to St Ives Name: Estèbe Walked on: 24th July 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

"Walking from Hayle to St Ives, look out for the acorn sign when you embark on your walk along the estuary. At some point (and after about a mile's walk), the path veers to the left and follows the road. As the view seems nicer on the right hand side - across a stance of marshlands - you will want to go that way. Don't. We had to back up after a while, when we realised that we were going back to Hayle. "You are not the first ones to make that mistake, said the dog walkers we asked our way to. They all do." "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

Overall experience

"Newquay came as a shock, after 3 days of breathtaking nature. "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SWCP: Harlyn Bay - St. Ives Name: Henk Koster Walked on: 11th July 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Helpful staff, happy to accommodate our requests."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Hardly used."

Your Walking Routes

"3 days of 20 km was a bit strenuous for us, others may be in better shape... Beautiful scenery mostly, some smaller sections were less spectacular."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Excellent with a lot of detail."

Luggage transfers

"As expected (and hoped for) - always there when we arrived."

Accommodation

"Generally very good, a few rooms were very small so I had difficulty stowing my luggage. All hotels were (very) close to the SW Coast Path, which was very much appreciated (we've had occasionally other experiences elsewhere). Dining in The Bedruthan in Mawgan Porth was very expensive, but also very good (the hotel itself was good, room was smallish)."

Overall experience

"Very good. Requests in planning were dealt with swiftly."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SW Coastal Path St ives to Padstow Name: Michael Quinn Walked on: 18th June 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"very easy to plan, excellent info on website and from agency staff "

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"website one of very best in the business, for clarity, detail and photos "

Your Walking Routes

"between St. Ives and Padstow, the most beautiful coastal views I've seen anywhere "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"first class"

Luggage transfers

"no issues"

Accommodation

"for the price, very nice lodgings, with most better than average and a couple really excellent - St. Ives and Plymouth "

Overall experience

"cool, dry weather helped. Beautiful sea and coastal views loaded with historic features"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Gwithian to Padstow Name: David Gwyn-Jones Walked on: 4th June 2022

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: Padstow to St. Ives Cornwall Name: Jill Gradon Walked on: 4th June 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Everything was done very well.. Perhaps point out when a shared facility (ie. bathrooms) is to be used. We had overlooked this in Hayle and had a surprise but it all worked out very well "
 
 
We did explain on the quote and the booking confirmation that the accommodation in Hayle has shared bathroom facilities. There is no other accommodation in Hayle which accepts dogs. - Encounter Walking.

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Great. Easy to use and clear with good advice."

Your Walking Routes

"All walks were well directed and the notes were good and helpful. There were some short cuts that might have been advised but chatting with other walkers provided good advice. The route into Hayle was not clear and we ended up going a long way around and through a new housing construction area whereas a short cut across the fields(which we found out was a walking track) from the beach would have been much nicer."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"All very helpful. We had downloaded a walking app which was very helpful as some times the track was not clear. Would recommend this to others."

Luggage transfers

"Very good and worked well."

Accommodation

"Most accommodation was fabulous. The only disappointment was at Newquay (Great Western) where it was rambling and staff not very helpful. Toilet did not work but was eventually repaired."

Overall experience

"We had a great time and would certainly look to do another walking holiday with Encounter."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: padstow to st ives Name: keith alan drinkwater Walked on: 11th May 2022

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

"generally fine but hotel in hayle was a tad weird "

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Porthcothan to Portreath Name: Nick H Walked on: 4th May 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Our first time back (just the four of us this year) since 2019 due to lockdowns etc. Everything was as great as ever with you and your team."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Full of useful information and great back up from Damon and the team."

Your Walking Routes

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Spot on and made the detailing of our daily schedules so easy."

Luggage transfers

"Totally hassle free."

Accommodation

"Just what you need at the end of each day."

Overall experience

"As with all the tours you've organised for us everything was made easy for us. Your professional team make the whole experience very enjoyable. As always we'll be back."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Padstow to St. Ives, then overland to Marazion Name: Daphne Hodgins Walked on: 30th April 2022

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: Padstow to St Ives; St Michael's Way; Penzance to Falmouth Name: M and J Walked on: 26th April 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"The lead time from enquiring to making a booking late last year was a bit protracted due to team being overwhelmed and COVID issues, which we understood. However it would have been helpful to have put a note on website to that effect to manage expectations- at the time, the website stated 3-day response time which clearly wasn't realistic. However once booking was underway we had great, personal communications with Damon and the team"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Excellent, and used all the information about each day's walking when planning our trip."

Your Walking Routes

"Overall we found the walks strenuous with all the coastal ups and downs (with the exception of the St Michael's Way) and the scenery is spectacular for the most part. Newquay was a bit overwhelming, and the arrival in Hayle is via a construction site so a bit of an anti-climax. The section of the path just before the approach to Perranporth Beach is narrow ,with sheer drops to the sea, so it's scary if you don't have a great head for heights! The short section from Hayle to St Ives was pretty dull so could easily be skipped. We found the section from Padstow to St Ives to be fairly busy with walkers (in particular the first day with lots of local dog walkers) however the following week's walk from Penzance to Falmouth in contrast was quieter with more rugged scenery and unspoilt villages. The St Michael's Way is a really beautiful walk in early May and highly recommend. We found the walking signage to be haphazard and it seemed sparse when leaving settlements. We also ended up on a wild goose chase following signs walking through the dunes on approach to Hayle. Also there was confusion on approach to Mullion Cove where there seemed to be conflicting National Trust walking posts which we mistook for the "official" acorn signs, and we ended up having to back track, putting an extra mile onto our day. A final point not directly relating to the walks but we found the local bus services to be unreliable. "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"The notes, maps and guidebooks were perfect and we appreciated the direct instructions we were given relating to routes affected by tides. We met other walkers who had booked with other walking companies but they didn't get this level of detail or service! The back up notes we received for the St Michael's Way were crystal clear."

Luggage transfers

"n/a"

Accommodation

"All of the B&Bs and Guesthouses were outstanding, especially Caerthillian Guest House where Austin was a wonderful host, and breakfasts at Chy an Mor in Penzance were a highlight. We had a fantastic meal at Portreath Arms. The other places were OK, apart from our accommodation in Hayle. At best it was clean, but really was sub-standard when compared to other establishments. Our room in Newquay faced onto the main road and was noisy."

Overall experience

"This was a real adventure for us and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience in a stunning landscape. Thanks to Encounter for all the planning to help make this a truly memorable walk for us. "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SW Coast Path, Padstow to Plymouth Name: Debra Reef Walked on: 24th April 2022

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? No

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SW Coast Path - Padstow to Plymouth Name: Diane Winger Walked on: 24th April 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

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: Padstow to St Ives Name: Robert and Laura Walked on: 14th October 2021

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"No surprises and some helpful tips in the material received prior, esp the need for a map case - it rained."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Didn't really use it"

Your Walking Routes

"After the first day, we only used the Coastal path book, the ordinance survey maps were surplus to requirements, but nice to have. 2 nights in Padstow was a good start as it gave us a chance to pick up a few supplies that we had forgotten, e.g. a knee brace from the pharmacy and an extra pair of walking trousers. The route is great. Usually open path and lovely of cliffs and beaches. Nice mix of shorter days and longer ones. We are both 70, one with a slightly dodgy knee, so very manageable."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Everything that was required. However, we did sometimes get lost leaving town. Suggest asking the way when checking out."

Luggage transfers

"Perfect"

Accommodation

"All good. Some were eccentric - the B&B in Hayle, but v welcoming and would stay again. The ones with baths were a treat."

Overall experience

"A very enjoyable trip. It was autumn, so some rain. Perfect walking temperature. "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes