Route 1: Mermaids and seals between Zennor and Saint-Ives — Running around Land's End

This Tour allows you to discover the beautiful coast between Zennor and St Ives. This is the longest in the Collection, it is quite technical but you have the opportunity to take a break by the water in the town of St Ives, renowned for its artists.

You begin your journey in the small village of Zennor, known for the legend of the mermaid who seduced Mathew Trewella, an altar boy from the parish. The two lovers fled and were never seen again. As you leave the village you pass Pendour Cove where you could hear Mathew singing on the breeze.

You follow the coastal path to St Ives. Be sure to stop to try and spot the colony of seals that call Seal Island home at mile four. At 6.5 kilometers you pass a stone circle recently erected by the owner of the neighboring campsite. Then you begin your descent towards the city. You can take a short detour to discover the rock of Man's Head and enjoy a beautiful view of St Ives and its Porthmeor beach.

In St Ives, take a break at the harbor level to soak up the lively atmosphere of the town. This is the perfect place to enjoy a Cornish pasty, the favorite meal of miners (but watch out for the thieving seagulls!).

On leaving St Ives you take the coastal path for about four kilometers before heading inland. You thus discover the prehistoric fields. These are networks of small fields of irregular shapes, separated by dry stone walls.

Back in Zennor, sit around the fire at the Tinners Arms for a bite to eat or a drink. The pub was built in 1271 to house the masons responsible for building the church. It was one of D.H. Lawrence's favorite pubs, and it's easy to see why!

If you don't feel like going through the town of St Ives, you can take the return route around mile 8.

To get to the start by bus, take line 16A from Penzance bus station towards St Ives and get off at the Zennor Turn stop. By car, park at the Zennor village car park (paying).