Independent Walking
Brittany’ s Emerald Coast
T he Emerald coast is home to some of Brittany’ s most impressive coastlines, with dramatic rocky headlands jutting into the sea, enclosing picturesque coves of beautiful golden sand. Each day’ s walk changes character from the opulent villas of Dinard & the fabulous historic walled town of St Malo to the wild heathland & stunning 70m cliffs of the Frehel Peninsula. Your trail follows a beautiful path known as Chemin des Douaniers( Customs’ trail) which hugs the coastline passing through a number of pretty sea-side resorts such as Saint-Briac, Saint Lunaire, & Erquy. In between you’ ll discover sheltered beaches, tiny fishing ports, wild & scenic headlands as well as dramatic wooded coastlines which have a‘ lost world’ feel to them. Our 5- day walking holiday selects the best sections of this coastline & can be shortened or lengthened.
Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Arrive in St Malo by train or ferry. Explore the historic town of St Malo. A walk along the top of the old walls is a great way to see the town.
Possibility to book extra night at St Malo. Also option of booking a boat trip to Dinan & extra night in Dinan. Next day explore the beautiful historic walled town of Dinan &/ or walk along the picturesque Rance Estuary. Night in Dinan and transfer to Dinard to start coastal walk. Note the boat trips are only available on certain dates.
Day 2: Dinard- St Briac Take the regular short ferry trip across the mouth of the Rance estuary and reach the attractive seaside resort of Dinard. Your walk to St Briac is a succession of wonderful headlands and coves whilst also admiring the opulent villas built in the 19 th century. Further headlands bring you to the picturesque port at St Briac and then its wellpreserved historic centre. 17km, + 100m
Day 3: Beaussais- St Cast le Guildo You’ ll walk inland through the historic centre of Tregon to reach the ruins of Chateau Guildo keeping guard over the impressive tidal estuary of Arguenon. Now follow the coast along the Arguenon Bay past the mussel farms stretching across the bay with wonderful views of St Jacut peninsula and the island of Hebihens. This partially wooded section has a lost world feel, as you undulate along a rugged coastline. 18km, + 300m
Day 4: St Cast le Guildo- Cap Frehel Start by going around Point de St Cast for exceptional views before following a scenic section of coastline( easier than the previous day) with rocky headlands and small bays with great views towards the Frehel peninsula. You’ ll then pass around the secluded bay at Port St Jean, wonderfully remote and cut off. After you’ ll climb to the pretty hamlet of St Germain before descending to the bay at Port à la Duc. 15-18km, + 250m Optional extra day’ s walk and night at Point de la Latte.
Day 5: Cap Frehel- Sable d’ Or les Pins Cap Fréhel is one of the finest stretches of coastline in northern France. Your trail is varied featuring wild 70m high cliffs, the castle Forte de la Latte, golden beaches, pine forests and the 1920’ s resort of Sables d’ Or les Pins. There are a number of stunning viewpoints along the way. Possible to end holiday here. 18km, + 70m
Day 6: Sable d’ Or les Pins- Erquy You’ ll first walk around the beautiful golden sands and pine forest at the head of the estuary before walking around the peninsula of Erquy with cliffs, coves and golden sands. Both the peninsulas of Frehel and Erquy are classed as Grande site and managed for their great natural and historical value. The views are stunning throughout. Your walking holiday finishes at the pretty resort and port of Erquy sitting in a natural bay. 18km, + 300m
♦Beautiful historic towns such as St Malo.
♦A beautiful trail along an ever-changing section of Brittany’ s coastline
♦Dramatic cliffs and wonderful views from the Peninsulas of Frehel and Erquy
♦Beautiful golden beaches enclosed by rocky headlands. Tiny fishing ports, mussel farms and dramatic castles
♦Flexibility to add or remove walking days as required
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT Price:
At a Glance
Grade:
Profile:
See Price List
Independent Walking
Day 7: Departure Holiday ends after breakfast.
Dates: 1 April- 31 Oct
Price P / P See Price List or Web Site for details. Extra night available in Dinan with boat trip down the Rance
Walking Profile
Holiday Profile
5 days independent walking moving between guest houses with the option of adding or removing days. Moderate Walking on good paths with average distances of 18km & 200m of ascent. Some sections are easy, others ascend & descend regularly on steps.
Starts every day of week subject to availability. 6 nights: 5 days independent walking moving between guest houses. Option to add or remove days.
Accommodation
A mixture of styles with B & B’ s, small, friendly guest houses and family run hotels. Good hospitality and comfortable accommodation throughout. Example: Chateau de Beaussais— Manor house overlooking the estuary with comfortable rooms in adjoining cottages and large grounds.
What’ s included
What’ s not included
6 nights ' accommodation. 4 evening meals and 3 lunches included. Full walking notes and maps, 2 transfers during the walk and transfer from Erquy to Lamballe at end of holiday, transport of luggage between guest houses.
Travel to St Malo, 2 lunches & 2 evening meals, any excursions or entrance fees, travel insurance
contact @ highpointholidays. co. uk
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