The tour is a relaxed and informative talk about Porthleven Town, past and present.
We will begin our tour at the start of the Pier, by the Bickford Smith Institute. Working our way slowly around the harbour and up onto the cliff top Wrestling Fields, Breageside, we will talk about Porthleven past and present and look at many of the Harbourside buildings and note their history and significance. With tales of old Porthleven, new inventions, shipwrecks, smugglers, heroic deeds and tragedies there is plenty within Porthleven’s story to keep you entertained.
We will be walking a distance of approximately 1.5 miles at a gentle walking pace with plenty of standing. You should expect to be on your feet for two hours.
The walk has an uphill section towards the end as we head for the Wrestling Fields at the Cliff top and the final part of the walk along the cliff top Wrestling Fields is a shingle path which is uneven in places. We will be stopping frequently during the uphill and cliff top section to look at and discuss sights.
The emphasis is TALK this is not a tour designed for brisk exercise.
Wherever possible the tour will go ahead. We will only cancel in extreme weather and sea conditions if safety and / or the potential enjoyment of the tour will be severely compromised.
Please ensure that you wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Consider the need for:
Waterproofs, Drinks, snacks,
There are toilets near to the start of the tour (seasonal opening) and in the centre of the village (nearby at approximately halfway stage)
Late Arrivals: We need to leave at the time scheduled as there may be other tours after yours. It is unfair to hold back all of those arriving on time to wait for latecomers. Please leave ample time to get to us, and relax for a few minutes when you arrive! If circumstances arise that mean you are running late please call on 07660 672368 and we will endeavour to be as accommodating as possible.
Children: Are of course welcome but must be accompanied by an adult (18+) and whilst every effort will be made to be inclusive, consideration should be given as to the level of interest a child may retain on a two hour walking, talking, tour. It is the responsibility of accompanying adults to look after their children whilst on the tour. Specific “child friendly” and family tours can be arranged, please contact us directly.
Dogs: Dogs are very welcome but are the responsibility of the owner and must be kept on a leash throughout the tour.
Conduct: Please respect the rights of other members of the public and of workers around the dock and harbour area. It would be appreciated if we can please keep together as a group but also be conscious not to cause obstruction to others.
Please respect our town. Use available litter bins or please take all litter away with you
We ask that tour participants please respect other members of the tour and the tour leader and please, not use language that could be perceived as threatening or rude. Any participant causing a nuisance or disturbance will be asked to leave the tour and will not receive a refund.
Disabilities:
The final part of the walk is on uneven surface and may be unsuitable for those with mobility restrictions. Tours can be arranged to meet specific needs. Please call the 07760 627368 prior to booking to ensure that all individual requirements can be met.
Health and Safety: Whilst every care will be taken to ensure the safety of all participants it should be noted that Porthleven is a working port and each individual is ultimately responsible for their own safety whilst on the tour and whilst walking in all areas. Special care should be taken around roads, Pier and Harbour sides and cliff edge.
Sue F2024-04-25Can’t recommend this talk enough. As already mentioned you feel as if a friend is taking you for a walk and sharing so much information with you. We have regularly visited Porthleven but David pointed out things we had never noticed and so much more. He explained and confirmed things we had wondered about. Really worth doing and am sure everyone in the party will enjoy it.
Nev I2024-03-08An must-do for any trip to Porthleven David is incredibly knowledgeable and his tour is fascinating!! The tour is very immersive and Porthleven has a completely different feel to it once you’ve heard all the history and stories of those who lived here in the past. This tour should be an essential part of your trip. David is so friendly too. Thank you so much 😊
Natalie B2024-03-08Fun, professional, informative This is an exceptional 'tour'. Feels more Like a friend taking you for a walk. It feels easy and fluid but it is underpinned with an extraordinary amount of knowledge and endless genuine enthusiasm . David gave us an insight to the history of Porthleven with great respect, even honour to its people past and present. Fun, professional, informative. I highly recommend.
Emily A2024-03-08Short walk. Long history. If you’re going to stay in Porthleven for any amount of time, it is worth it to take this tour, simply to familiarize yourself with the village and gain a deeper appreciation for its history and culture. David is extremely personable and passionate about Porthleven. He gave a very comprehensive tour and answered all our questions.
Thomas S2024-03-08A deeper appreciation of Porthleven and Cornwall. David is a knowledgeable and passionate guide and storyteller. His enthusiasm never flagged and he knows how to situate his stories in the long history of Cornwall from the saints of the 5th century through to the present day. On our two trips to Porthleven he made such a difference to our understanding of what we were seeing. Thank you, David!
CandPTravellers2023-12-29Brilliant walking tour of Porthleven We were amazed at the extent of David's knowledge about Porthleven a village he clearly loves with a passion. This tour was fascinating from start to finish, David held our attention with historic facts, local anecdotes and personal insight. Through his tours, David is keeping Porthleven history alive. We strongly recommend this tour for anyone interested in Porthleven. Thank you David
Robert H2023-12-054 Hours Very Well Spent Despite it being bitterly cold David made the 4 hour tour (that flew by) with his knowledge. Great value for money but this tour and the one on the 12th Dec are free with any donations going to ‘The Foodbank’. Would recommend this tour to anyone that would like to learn more history and facts about this amazing place.
GloucestershireJess2023-10-24Fascinating afternoon Highly recommended. Really interesting to find out more about the history of the village and scratch beneath the surface of what you usually see as a visitor
Passport231379999332023-10-12Porthleven then and now An excellent tour. David was very knowledgeable and informative. We have strong family links to Porthleven and he was able to entertain us with stories of important historical facts and personal insights into days gone by in this lovely harbour town.
Pam J2023-09-27Fantastic experience The guided walk with David was really interesting and entertaining. He was good company and the pace of the tour was just right. It has made our stay in Porthleven even more enjoyable !