Itinerary
Join Nick and the team on the stunning Cornish trails for 4 days of guided and relaxed group running. We’ll transport your gear for you from one night to the next, we’ll cook our evening meals together and camp on the coast. It’s a Run-Camp-Run style event so the Run Weekends team will hop ahead to set up camp ready for you to arrive and rest the legs. (We provide the tents, just bring your run gear and sleeping bag).
ALL ABILITIES - No, you're not to slow. Many runners worry they will be too slow for Run Weekends. Not the case. We take it easy, run together, and there's a support vehicle if you want to skip a day or section.
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Your 4 days of guided running takes you from the very beginning of the famous Camel Trail where you’ll run west to pick up the beautiful South West Coast Path. There’s plenty of elevation when you hit the coast so prepare to get sweaty. We’ll take it slow, have plenty of stops for photos and food, and of course to let our lungs catch up on the hills.
Once you've met Nick and the team in Wenfordbridge, you'll run the combined distance of 100km all the way to Porthtowan, via Padstow and Newquay. Leave your car at the start and we’ll drop you back when your weekend concludes. We’ll pass over 20 of Cornwall's best beaches, and there's plenty of cute coffee and cake shops littered along the route, so we’re never to far from running fuel. We'll have vehicle support never too far away. If you want to hop in and skip a day, that's cool too. There's no pressure - we look after you. The route is exceptional, it runs through both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) - It’s s great place to spot otters, bats, dormice, kingfishers, little egrets, marsh orchids and marsh marigolds - and naturally once we hit the coast the ocean will bring even more delights.
Unzip your tent, gather to cook breakfast together, pack your day bag and load the rest of your gear into the truck, and head to the trails. Nick will lead you while the crew take your gear to the next night stop. Tents will be ready and waiting when you’re done for the day. Sea dips, camp fires, plus you’ll have all the necessary facilities at each campsite to feel as comfortable as possible.
Day 1 - Friday - 1st August
Wenfordbridge to Padstow - 28km
Your Run Weekend will kick off at 09:00 in Wenfordbridge. We start from the aptly named cafe 'A snails pace cafe'.Nick and the team will be on hand to welcome you anytime from 08:00. After a short briefing we'll load your overnight gear into the vehicles and pack our pack our day bags. With water and snacks in your bags we'll begin our 100km journey over the next 4 days. Today we'll complete the entire length of the snaking Camel Trail that tracks the Camel Estuary. It's flat, there's plenty of eateries on route, and we'll stop for ice creams and lunch midway. We'll pass through Poley's Bridge, Hellard Bridge, Nanstallon Halt, Polbrock Bridge, Penqueen Quarry and the Old Town Cove before reaching camp in Padstow. The remaining miles are all on the South West Coast Path.
Day 2 - Saturday - 2nd August
Padstow to Constantine Bay - 20km
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Wakey wakey! Your South West Coast Path journey begins on day 2 with 20 kilometres of some of the best bits of the path. All your meals are included in your Run Weekend and so we'll get stuck into a tasty breakfast to load up for the day ahead. Some mornings we'll cook together by camp, and others we'll head to nearby bakeries and restaurants for slightly more luxurious food. Once fed and watered, we'll pack our bags and lunches and meander our way along the coast to our campsite for the night. The team will have packed away our tents and will magically with your tents set up and ready for your arrival in Constantine Bay. We'll jump in the sea to recover our legs, explore the hidden coves, and cook a hearty dinner around a fire together in the evening. If we have the energy, we'll head to the pub before bed.
Day 3 - Sunday - 3rd August
Constantin Bay to Newquay - 24km
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A slightly earlier start today. We'll eat, pack and hit the trail by 09:00 so we have plenty of time in Newquay for paddle boarding or surfing once the run is complete (weather dependant). From Constantine Bay we'll pass one epic beach or view point after another. On a good day, you'll see Newquay in the distance almost all the way. The names of places on this route are a good indication of how picturesque this place is. We'll tick off Trayarnon Beach, Pepper Cove, Fox Cove, Wills Rock, Long Cove, Porthcothan Beach, Trescore Island, Bedruthan Steps. Mawgan Porth, Beacon Cove, the stunning Watergate Bay, and finally into Newquay. Your tents will be waiting. Shower and change, and we'll head to the beach for a surf or paddleboard before a huge BBQ dinner at sunset.
Day 4 - Monday - 4th August
Newquay to Porthtowan - 28km
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Another beautiful day on the coast. By now our legs will be sore, but there's just one last push to complete the 100km concluding south in the cute town of Porthtowan. From Newquay we'll cross the Gannel River (shoes and socks off), and continue our frequent ups and downs of the coast path with the crystal blues of the Atlantic to our right. Stopping for the usual snacks, ice creams, and water top ups on route we'll pass through the large expanse of sand dunes of Perranporth, pop in to St Agnes for a pastry or pasty, and finish with fish and chips on the beach, drinks and a fire pit for the evening in Porthtowan. Your Run Weekend will come to a close around 16:00 but feel free to stay for sea dips and more drinks. You'll need to get back to your cars parked back at the start of the Camel Trail so we'll arrange transport for you as a group at 17:00. If you would like to journey back before or after this 17:00 shuttle you are responsible to make your own arrangements. We'll be sad to see you leave. Join us for 4 glorious days of running in Britain's sunny trail running capital. See you in Cornwall.
Highlights
- Bring your dog -
Dogs Welcome
There's not many events where we allow dogs due to safety, logistics, or distance. This Run Weekend however is DOG FRIENDLY. We love dogs.
Included
Accommodation
3 Nights Camping (Shared tents)
Bed Roll provided.
Bring your sleeping bags.
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Running
Day 1 - 28km
Day 2 - 20km
Day 3 - 24km
Day 4 - 28km
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Meals
3 x Breakfast
4 x Lunch
4 x Dinner
Some drinks
Travel
You'll be running to and from each night stop. We will transport your luggage for you. Your bus back to the start is at 17:00 on the final day. To travel back at an alternative time is your responsibility.
Activities
Paddleboarding or Surfing
(weather dependant)
Camp fires, outdoor cooking
100km Guided
Photos
Nick and the team will be taking photos throughout the weekend. You'll be sent these via a link post weekend.
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Not Included
Travel
You must make your own way to and from your Run Weekend location. 'Snails Pace Cafe' (Wenfordbridge)
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Travel Insurance. You must come prepared with appropriate travel insurance.
Extras
All drinks.
Additional food.
Snacks on run route.
Extra meals
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Kit
Sleeping bag REQUIRED
Run gear, beach clothes, spare socks, swimwear and towel. Warm coat and layers for evening. Any bags or bottles etc you may want for the runs.
Run Leader
Nick Butter
You'll be running with Nick.
Nick is very keen for every Run Weekend to be as inclusive as possible. Runners of all abilities, shapes and sizes, ages and genders, and from all walks of life are welcome. You're in good hands: Nick has travelled to every corner of the world, run over 1000 marathons, and has dreamt up Run Weekends because he want's to showcase the world through running, just as he has. We all run together, we look after each other, and enjoy the weekends as a group.
Getting to us
Meeting Point
'Snails Pace Cafe' - The Camel Trail Car Park. Wenford Bridge, St Breward, Bodmin PL30 3PN.
Arrival & Departure Times
Please arrive between 07:00 - 09:00 on 1st August.
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Your Run Weekend will conclude at 17:00 on 4th August. We'll drop you back to your cars were we started.
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Getting to 'Snails Pace Cafe'
Train - you can catch the train to Bodmin Parkway train station which is on the main line. From Bodmin Parkway you can then catch the steam train on the Bodmin and Wenford railway - please check the timetable before travelling as the steam trains run at different times throughout the week.
Bus: buses run to many of the nearby towns and villages. You can find information about timetables and tickets on the Traveline South West website.
Packing List
Suggestions:
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Sleeping Bag (MANDATORY)
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Running Shoes (Trail)
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Socks x 2 or 3
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Shorts x 2 or Running Leggings
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T-Shirt / Vest x 2
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Lightweight Waterproof / Windproof x 1
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Long Sleeve Breathable x 1
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Running Bag (2 litres minimum)​​
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Swimwear & towel​​
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Medical / Allergies Card
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Head Torch
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Hand Sanitizer & Sun Cream
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Foil Blanket & Whistle
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Warm Jumper
Optional
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Thick Layer
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Suncream
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Medical Kit - Blister plasters etc
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Watch & Charger
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£50 - £100 Emergency Cash
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Lightweight Battery Pack & Cable
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Sun Hat
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Extra casual evening outfit
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Extra snacks or drinks
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Painkillers / Anti Inflammatories
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Waterproof phone case
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Top Tip: Backup your phone before you come incase you drop it
Are you coming?
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