FALMOUTH, ENGLAND

The far west of Cornwall is a beautiful and compelling land, enriched by thousands of years of Celtic tradition. We shall see the contrast between the spectacular cliffs and granite moorlands of the Land’s End peninsula, and the softer, sub-tropical vegetation of the gardens, flower filled lanes and tranquil wooded valleys as we continue inland.

The far west of Cornwall is a beautiful and compelling land, enriched by thousands of years of Celtic tradition. We shall see the contrast between the spectacular cliffs and granite moorlands of the Land’s End peninsula, and the softer, sub-tropical vegetation of the gardens, flower filled lanes and tranquil wooded valleys as we continue inland.

We travel alongside the River Fal and some of its tributaries as we leave Falmouth. The river’s tree lined banks and creeks fringe the country road as we journey towards the market town of Helston. Peaceful villages and quiet farmland are glimpsed through curtains of trees before the rural landscape gives way to flat terrain with occasional views of the coastline, as we continue to Land’s End.

The granite mass of Land’s End tumbles into the sea at the end of the Cornish peninsula – the westernmost point on the mainland of England. To mariners of old, sighting Land’s End meant the end of long journeys and to 20th century voyagers it signalled Blue Riband Atlantic crossings. We will see why this rocky headland has been a symbol to travellers for centuries.

At Land’s End we will see this famous point of land has been developed into a popular tourist complex that even has an amusement park. Passing through the complex we will have time to walk down to the rocky plateau and viewing area on top of the 18 metre (60 foot) high granite cliffs of Land’s End. On a clear day, this blustery but majestic headland offers dramatic views of the coastal areas and wind eroded outcrops lying just off shore. We will have a great opportunity to photograph the popular signpost that marks the number of miles to New York and other well-known places.

Our return journey takes us via the sleepy village of Marazion. Lying off shore is a small granite island, rising out of the water like a giant sandcastle – St Michael’s Mount. The mount is connected to the coast by a stone footpath that is only accessible at low tide. From the shoreline we can photograph the island which is crowned by a castle and a cluster of other buildings hugging the rock’s peak.

TOUR NOTES: From the coach it is a walk of approximately 150 metres (500 feet) to the Land’s End signpost, where there is rough and uneven ground. A few steps will be encountered. We will have approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour at Land’s End. The itinerary could operate in a different order to that described.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2009 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON