Walking Weekend
This thriving harbour town, full of history and known for its seafood, makes the perfect base for exploring some of Cornwall’s finest coastline.
SHELTERED BY THE beautiful Camel estuary, Padstow is centred on its harbour. Bustling with leisure craft and fishing boats, it’s surrounded by an attractive medley of historic buildings, including the 18th century Shipwrights pub.
Far older is St Petroc’s church, established by the missionary Saint Petroc (after whom Padstow is named) in the sixth century. Vikings destroyed St Petroc’s and its monastery in 981. A Norman church was later built there and the tower of the present 15th-century church dates from then. Nearby is 16th-century Prideaux Place, known to fans of Rosamunde Pilcher’s novels, 14 of which have been filmed there.
Whilst seafood gourmets associate Padstow with Rick Stein’s eateries, walkers have some of the finest coast path in Cornwall. Northwards, the path leads along the Camel estuary to Stepper Point and out along the clifftops. Take the ferry to Rock for more superb coastal walking. A lovely stretch is explored between secluded Port Quin and the fishing village of Port Isaac in Walk 2. For something different, follow the Camel Trail east beside the river (Walk 1) along the trackbed of the old London and South Western Railway, celebrated by Poet Laureate John Betjeman, who’s buried at St Enodoc near Rock.
The word is…
Cornwall is renowned for its se
