Cornwall Coast Path, 3rd; British Walking Guide: planning, places to stay, places to eat; includes 100 large-scale walking maps

Fully revised third edition of the second of Trailblazer's 11-title series of British Walking Guides. The Cornwall Coast Path is a 203-mile section of a National Trail around the south-western tip of Britain, with some of the best coastal walking in Europe. With constantly changing scenery, the footpath takes in secluded coves, tiny fishing villages, rocky headlands, bustling resorts, wooded estuaries and golden surf-washed beaches. It is an area rich in wildlife with seabirds, wild flowers, dolphins and seals. 12 town plans and 100 large-scale walking maps - at just under 1: 20,000 - showing route times, places to stay, places to eat, points of interest and much more.

Edith Schofield grew up in a remote corner of New Zealand, with a love of walking and the natural world. Often in England she has walked this trail many times.

Introduction

 

Cornwall and the sea are synonymous. Smugglers, wrecks, fishermen, storms and lighthouses have all characterized the Cornish coast. Also to be found are seals, surfers and sunbathers, all making the most of turquoise and ultramarine blue seas rippling in the sunlight. By walking the coast path you can absorb the atmosphere of the place and treat yourself to some of the best sights to be found in Cornwall. Enjoy not only the fresh seafood but the taste of the sea breeze on your lips, the salt spray on your face, the wind in your hair and the sound of gulls screaming and rolling off the cliffs; all of it at your own pace and in your own way.

 

      The coast path is highly versatile and can be adapted to everybody's needs. Whether you want to be completely independent, carrying all the basics of life - food, shelter and clothes - on your back, or whether you like to walk with the knowledge that your creature comforts - hot baths and warm, comfortable beds - will be waiting for you at the end of the day, there is accommodation available to suit everybody.

 

      All levels of fitness can be catered for and there is enormous flexibility in the distance you may want to cover each day. Six miles or twenty? Either extreme, as well as everything in between, is easily accommodated.

 

      As for rest stops: you'll be tempted time and time again. Explore quintessential Cornish fishing villages or take a quick break on the Isles of Scilly. Picnic on the cliff tops and keep your eyes open for dolphins or even a basking shark. There are plenty of ways to add a little extra to your days. Have a go at identifying some of Cornwall's profusion of wild flowers. Immerse yourself in contemporary art or literally touch history stretching as far back as 3500BC. For a little more action along the way try your hand at some surfing or simply take a swim to cool off on those hot summer days.

 

      All you need is the time, a little planning and the initiative to just get yourself down there to enjoy some of the finest coastal walking Britain has to offer.

 

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Excerpted from Cornwall Coast Path: Bude to Falmouth - Planning, Places to Stay, Places to Eat, 100 Large-Scale Walking Maps by Edith Schofield, Keith Carter
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