Some friends and I are thinking of walking the seaside paths in Cornwall next spring. I have seen a planned (and I presume guided) walk of 7 days advertised for $2250,but I think we could do it ourselves for a lot less. Any suggestions or cautions?

I think your instincts are right. I think you could do it for a lot less. <BR> <BR>It seems to safe to assume that the tour offers SOMEthing of value, but maybe not enough to justify its additional expense. <BR> <BR>How many friends are involoved - - this may seem silly - - but in November you may find airfares low enough that one person could go over as a scouting trip for just a few days and come back with a whole lot more information than you can get through internet sources and the like. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

<BR>Check out: <BR>http://www.easycottages.com/cgi/start.pl?country=eng <BR> <BR>This site presents you with American plan (called 'self-catering' in Britain) accommodation and even lets you see interior shots. <BR> <BR>By going "self-catering" you can buy food in a supermarket and cook your own meals, which will be a lot cheaper than eating in restaurants. <BR> <BR>

Several years ago I spent a few weeks walking around Cornwall. There are many local shops that sell planned walking itineraries. We were interested in stone circles and iron age excavations and had no problems finding our way, I don't know what included in your walk, but that seems like a lot to spend. Enjoy Cornwall, it is a wonderful place.

That does seem very expensive. You can walk any of the Cornwall Coastal Path without the need of a guide, although there are a number of books for about £1.50 showing the best ones. Regarding accommodation, as mentioned you can stay in one place self catering for about £120.00 for the week if it is before Easter. Bed & Breakfast places, (rooms in private houses) cost about £15.00 to £20.00 per person night including breakfast. Hotels or Inns charge between £20.00 & £35.00 per person per night. There is plenty of accommodation available at www.destination-cornwall.co.uk or www.cornwall-online.co.uk <BR> <BR>Hope that helps. <BR> <BR>Andrew Taylor. Crumplehorn Inn & Mill <BR> http://www.crumplehorn-inn.co.uk <BR> a nice place to stay <BR>~

Margaret, <BR>If you are still weighing the idea of a planned walk and might be interested in a guided, small group (8-12 people) walking tour, I highly recommend a company based in Wiltshire called Footpath Holidays (http://www.footpath-holidays.com). I am leaving soon for my second holiday in Cornwall with this company and they do a fantastic job. Prices for their walking weeks are in the L500 range, and they have three different Cornwall trips. One benefit I have found of a small walking group-and granted, my experience has been with companies based in England with mostly English, German and American clients-is that even if you don't consider yourself a "group tour" kind of person, you meet very down-to-earth, interesting, friendly folk who really add to the experience. Have fun making your plans, Cornwall is a magical place.