Driving to West Cornwall is straight forward but journey times can be long and in July/ August heavy traffic can be an issue. Once you leave the motorway (M5), just follow the A30 all of the way to Penzance.
Rental Cars – In addition to a standard rental, one way rentals are also possible, allowing you to pick up a car from anywhere in the UK and return it locally. Europcar offer this service (offices in Penzance and Newquay airport) and although there is a one way charge, you don’t have to worry about the car or parking fees whilst on your walking holiday.
Parking – This can be difficult in St Ives, especially in the summer months and so we recommend leaving your vehicle in Penzance. The town is much more accessible once you have finished your walking holiday and we provide transfers from your car to the first B&B and then back to your car at the end.
Isles of Scilly car park charge approximately £6 per day and we find that our walkers enjoy the peace of mind, knowing that their car is safe. You must book this in advance and arrange times for drop off and collection (the car park is not staffed throughout the day and so if you do not arrange times, there won’t be anyone there to let you in or out).
Council car parks – The Harbour Car Park allows you to book week long tickets (£35), paying by phone.
Transfers – We will require an estimated time of arrival and will then wait for you to call us once you have finished parking. We aim to arrive at your car park within 15 minutes but unfortunately are not able to wait on site prior to your arrival. Return transfers will be to the vehicle but due to our busy schedules we are not able to wait outside locked car parks and will leave you either at the gates or a nearby cafe/pub in the case of the car park being unattended.
Journey times – For accurate driving times, use a journey planner. The following times are approximate and do not include rest breaks:
Heathrow/Gatwick – 5 hours
Central London – 5 hours 40 minutes
Bristol – 3 hours 15 minutes
Bath – 4 hours
Plymouth – 1 hour 45 minutes
Exeter – 2 hours
Dover – 7 hours
