The Saints Way

The Saints Way - Cornwall Coast to Coast from Padstow to Fowey Two or Three days walking along this hidden Pilgrim's Path through unvisited mid Cornwall Easy to Moderate Walking (what these grades mean) - 28 miles Coast to Coast or a 40 mile option using all sections ​ Sample everything that Cornwall has to offer on the Saints Way, the region's premier mid-distance footpath across the heart of the region. ​ Based upon ancient trade routes the path takes you through the complete spectrum of Cornish Landscapes, from tranquil harbours and ports, options to include rugged cliff top coastal paths, to inland tors and uplands as well as passing by the white peaks and dams of our own unique China Clay Country! ​ Also known as the Drover's Way, the route has been used as far back as the Bronze age by traders, drovers and pilgrims en route from Ireland and Wales to mainland Europe, anxious to find a way to avoid the long and dangerous sea passage around Lands End. ​ Animals driven along the route were "fat walked" by the drovers... encouraged to gorge and grow on route before being sold on to be sent to France from Fowey. Resurrected in 1986, the Saints Way is a well walked, signposted trail marked fully on the OS maps that follows public footpaths, quiet back lanes and leafy tracks that unlocks the atmosphere of the fascinating Celtic past and traditions of the region. ​ As a walking experience its ideal as you can relax in the superb facilities and restaurants of Padstow and Fowey, two of Cornwall's best loved harbour towns, at each end of the walk. In between you will discover the hidden places of Mid-Cornwall missed out by the majority of visitors, to give a truely peaceful and remote feel to your coast to coast adventure, something not always possible on the more popular long distance walks in other parts of Cornwall. ​ Your route takes you from the bustling harbour of Padstow on the North Coast, meandering inland following the tranquil Camel Estuary before heading for the hills and uplands of Central Cornwall. On the Saints Way interior you will be staying in remote country inn's, welcoming farmhouses and comfortable B&B's whilst there are very good hotel options in Padstow and Fowey for those who want a more luxurious start or finish. ​ With plenty to spot en route, the trail links the shrines, standing stones, holy wells and Neolithic sites of past ages with today's sleepy hamlets, stunning scenery, a modern day wind farm and you can fit in a visit at the end of the walk to the world famous Eden Project. The Saint's Way, or Forth an Syns in Cornish, ends after two or three magical and memorable days walking in the stunning natural port of Fowey deep in Daphne du'Maurier country on the South Coast. ​ A unique chance to encounter the full variety of Cornwall, experience its Celtic roots and its wonderful scenery, the Saints Way will take you away from the crowds and into the mysterious beauty of Cornwall past