The 12 Days of Women Embrace Cornwall

Sharon Mackay
Nov 11
5 min read

By Women Embrace Adventure

Day 1 — Welcome to Cornwall!

We met at a castle, wide-eyed and keen, ready to chase the magic where land meets the green. From St Ives to Falmouth, our footsteps would roam — each trail and each tide soon making Cornwall our home.

Our first evening took us down the hill to St Ives, a seaside town as quaint as they come. Dinner at Host was the perfect way to break the ice — delicious food, laughter, and that wonderful hum of new friendships forming. The walk back up to our castle? Let’s just say it was our first “training hike!”

Day 2 — Cows, Cliffs, and Cape Cornwall

The air buzzed with excitement as we drove toward our first hike. Nervous energy filled the bus, and laughter rolled as our “Cornish traffic jam” of escaped cows blocked the way!

Our trail from Morvah to Cape Cornwall delivered it all — rolling countryside, sea views, curious farmers, and seals basking below. Over stiles and through hedgerows, we found our rhythm and fell in love with Cornwall’s wild heart.

Dinner at Porthmeor Beach was a dream — sunset, surf, and seafood. The climb home was steep, but with ice cream in hand, it was well worth every step.

Day 3 — The Eden Project

A day of wonder! We explored the incredible Eden Project — vast futuristic domes filled with plants from across the globe. Once a barren clay pit, now a symbol of renewal and hope.

We wandered through rainforests and Mediterranean groves, marvelling at the ingenuity that turned ruin into life. And yes, we might have spotted one of our own flying above the gardens on the zip line — soaring like a true adventurer!

Day 4 — Fal River and Trelissick Gardens

We followed the Fal River through peaceful woodland and across rolling parklands toward Trelissick House. Sailboats glided on the estuary as we soaked in the views.

Morning tea in the stately dining room made us feel like royalty — cream teas, cakes, and laughter. A little retail therapy at the National Trust shop didn’t go astray either! And in the courtyard, we found Rapunzel herself, peeking from her tower.

Day 5 — St Ives to Zennor: Wind, Rain, and Magic

Our St Ives to Zennor hike tested us — and we loved it! The weather unleashed everything Cornwall had to offer: driving rain, gusting winds, and waves crashing far below.

We zipped up and powered on through mud, puddles, and cliff-edge drama. When the wind proved too fierce, we turned inland along the old Coffin Path, crossing granite stiles and passing through myth-laden fields tied to the Mermaid of Zennor.

Our reward? Warmth and comfort at the Tinners Arms, where locals shared smiles over Sunday roast and pints by the fire.

Day 6 — Helford and Frenchman’s Creek

We wandered through the storybook village of Helford, past thatched cottages and woodland lanes brushed in shades of green.

Steve, our ever-patient guide, delighted us with tales of otters — and yes, we learned “spraint” is the scientific word for otter poo (and it might have found its way into someone’s pocket!).

We soaked up the sunshine over a drink at the Shipwrights Arms, overlooking the river that inspired Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek.

Day 7 — Port Isaac and the Faulty Towers Feast

Port Isaac stole our hearts with its postcard charm and history steeped in fishing and film. We wandered narrow lanes, admired the harbour, and half-expected to hear the Fisherman’s Friends singing on the wind.

That evening, we checked into St Michael’s Resort in Falmouth — swish, seaside luxury! The spa was divine, our feet eternally grateful.

Dinner that night? A comedy of errors worthy of “Faulty Towers.” Service went sideways, food was forgotten, and laughter flowed freely. The best kind of chaos!

Day 8 — Storm Amy and Plan D: The Day of Castles

When Cornwall issued a Yellow Storm Warning, we did what WEA women do best — adapt!

With ferries cancelled and roads flooding, we swapped hikes for history. Pendennis Castle stood ready, built by Henry VIII to defend the coast. We roamed its battlements, imagined cannon fire, and braved the gales.

Later, Carne Brea Castle beckoned through the mist. A former chapel turned restaurant, it welcomed us with Middle Eastern tapas, laughter echoing through stone halls. Plan D? Delightful!

Day 9 — St Agnes and Chapel Porth

Back in boots and waterproofs, we set out for the dramatic cliffs of St Agnes. The rain eased just enough to reveal blue skies and sweeping coastal views.

We learned of Cornwall’s mining past — the grit and courage of those who carved tin from rock. Then came the sweetest discovery of all: hedgehog ice cream at the café by Chapel Porth Beach!

Later, at the Victory Inn, we shared drinks with Jess’s lovely Cornish family. It was one of those heartfelt moments that connect worlds.

Day 10 — The Lizard and Kynance Cove

To the southernmost tip of Britain we went — The Lizard, a landscape like no other. Rare serpentine rock, vibrant flora, and only fourteen wild junipers left in the world.

At Kynance Cove, turquoise waters met white sands in a scene so perfect it almost felt painted. We were blessed to witness something truly magical — a mother Atlantic grey seal birthing her pup on the rocks below. A memory we’ll never forget.

Day 11 — Bodmin Moor and the Mystery Stones

Rain, mist, and mystery — our day on Bodmin Moor had it all. Ancient Bronze Age stones stood silent, their purpose long lost to time. Some crawled through the “fertility stone,” others opted for photos instead!

The rain returned, the paths turned to rivers, but spirits stayed high. Cream teas and steaming scones in a seaside garden revived us — especially when served from the biggest teapot we’d ever seen.

Day 12 — Farewell Cornwall, Hello River Cottage

Crossing the Tamar, we left Cornwall behind, but celebration awaited at River Cottage. Sunshine, rolling fields, and a kitchen garden feast — canapés, cocktails, and laughter to match.

Pigs, pumpkins, and petits fours rounded out our journey in perfect WEA style — good food, great company, and gratitude for the road travelled.