Take a chance to enjoy a long walk through stunning Cornish countryside and follow the footsteps of some of Britain’s celebrated novelists. The gorgeous coast and countryside of Cornwall has inspired many an author, including Daphne Du Maurier, Winston Graham, Antonia Barber and Kenneth Graham. We take a look at some routes you can follow to experience the same scenic views that have long acted as a source of inspiration.
Gribbin Head near Polperro
The area of headland west of Fowey is famed for its association with Daphne du Maurier, who lived for many years at Menabilly at Gribbin Head and based her novel ‘Rebecca’ on the place. The 4.5-mile walk along the coastal path combines gorgeous scenery with glimpses of wildlife as you walk through a special part of Cornwall’s heritage.
Boscastle, Valency Valley and Fire Beacon Point
This challenging walk in North Cornwall gives you the chance to see some great coastal views, including the Boscastle Harbour, a wooded valley, the church of St Juliot and waterfalls. Closely associated with Thomas Hardy, this was where he met his first wife, which led to the novel ‘A Pair of Blue Eyes’.
Porthcurno and Penberth
Take a day trip to West Cornwall and enjoy a 3-mile cliff walk, high above the blue seas and sandy beaches. The area was immortalised in words by author Rosamunde Pilcher in ‘The Shell Seekers’.
Polzeath to Portreath
Along the North coast of Cornwall, you can enjoy a 2 and a half mile walk that shows off the best parts of Cornwall’s coast with rocky archways that have formed sea caves and sandy bays surrounded by woodland and a puffin island just offshore. Take in the spectacular views of Padstow and be sure to look for the plaque at Pentire Point which commemorates poet Laurence Binyon who wrote the poem ‘For the Fallen,’ as he sat on the cliffs and looked out to sea, published in 1914.
Sennen Cove and Land’s End
Enjoy a 3-mile walk through farmland above Sennen Cove and go on to the beaches and hidden caves at Land’s End. The lost land of Atlantis was once thought to lie offshore, and the whole area is connected to British legends like Arthur, which is written in the poetry of Alfred Lord Tennyson, describing it as where Arthur fought his last battle.
All of these walks are perfect for a daytime adventure when staying at our luxury Cornish cottages, making for a great family day out that even the dog can enjoy!