Carbis Bay Holidays :: St Ives to Zennor Walk
-
/category_images_new/medium/2833.jpg
-
/category_images_new/medium/3620.jpg
-
/category_images_new/medium/3621.jpg
-
/category_images_new/medium/3622.jpg
-
/category_images_new/medium/3623.jpg
-
/category_images_new/medium/3624.jpg
-
/category_images_new/medium/3625.jpg
-
/category_images_new/medium/3626.jpg
The walk from St Ives to Zennor along the South West Coast Path is officially categorised as "severe", other helpful websites describe it as difficult or moderate. Having experienced it ourselves it is certainly not to be underestimated.
The best route is perhaps to go from the Tate Gallery, Porthmeor Beach having stocked up well with pasties in town and with plenty of water. The most important preparation is to make sure you have good walking footwear, the terrain is rough and rocky, and an O.S. map.
Locate the coastal path at the western end of Porthmeor Beach at Clodgy Point, after a steep ascent, there are some wonderful retrospective views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy lighthouse and beyond.
The path becomes more rugged and reaching Pen Enys headland the view back is superb. Trevega Cliff is occupied by a trig point (91 metres) and after this the view west to Pendeen lighthouse begins to improve.
Forward progress can be slower than the map suggests and from Mussel Point the view to Zennor and Gurnard's headlands helps boost your spirits. At least the end of the route is in sight although the toughest section is yet to be covered! From Tregerthen the path can only be described as spectacular dropping down to the shore before soaring upward again to the cliff tops.
Reaching Zennor point the temptation is to take the short cut over the headland but you are recommended to stay true to the coastal path before clambering up to the trig point to enjoy the view. With a kilometre remaining the path to Zennor village follows a valley, which leads to the village. You may be fortunate to see the many seals that frequent this part of the coastline.
Don't be in a rush to leave Zennor stay awhile and take at look at The Wayside Museum, also search out the mermaid at the church and research this fascinating legend. Alternatively just enjoy a bar snack and a pint in the Tinners Arms.
Walk back through the moorland ?, catch a taxi or even a local bus. The choice is yours.
If you do choose to walk back, be comforted it is less arduous than the coastal route. pick up the path that begins at the western end of the churchyard and make for Tremedda, the first of a number of farms that are passed on the outward leg of the route. Many of the small fields with their stone walls date from prehistoric times and they certainly add character to the landscape.
Reaching Tremedda continue to Tregerthen where the path maintains its almost straight line as it continues to Wicca where a farm track leads to nearby Boscubben. Stay with the track past the farm for about 50 metres and take the path over a stile on the right. At Trendrine you have to pass through the farmyard keeping the house on your right. Navigation is easy with Trevessa the next target across some more fields.
At Trevessa turn left on to the lane and then immediately right by Little Trevega to take a path that cuts across some fields to reach the lane again. Climb the stile into the lane, turn right, and after 200 metres turn left on the Tinners' Way to Trevalgan farm.
The path goes to the left of the farm with the Trowan, the next farmstead, in a straight line ahead. Continue in the same direction to reach a crossroads of paths (grid ref. 502405). You can shorten the walk here by turning left to reach the coastal path at Hellesveor Cliff. However you can continue ahead staying with the footpath for a further half kilometre to reach the outskirts of St Ives. You reach a road and this leads you down to Porthmeor Beach.
Distance 8 miles from St Ives to Zennor - allow 4 hours.
Distance 6 miles from Zennor to Zennor - allow 3 hours.
Grid reference: 454384.
Our thanks to Walking Britain for some of this text.
Other reference Official Guide to South West Coast Path.
More Information :
Click the links below to see more information.