In June, Liz and her daughter Emma from America set out on a self-guided hiking holiday of the South West Coast Path in Cornwall hiking one of the best sections of the path from St Ives to Penzance, keep reading to see what she had to say about her experience!
Q: What inspired you to do a mother-and-daughter hike?
A: We wanted to celebrate my daughter’s graduation and spend some amazing time together.
Q: Prior to the St Ives to Penzance section of the South West coast path, what was your hiking and backpacking experience?
A: I’ve done single-day long-distance hikes and climbed a few 3-4,000 foot mountains. I’m an avid day hiker.
Q: What was your motivation behind wanting to hike a section of the path, how did you find out about it?
A: I’ve always been fascinated by Cornwall and this seemed like an amazing way to get to see and really know the area.
Q: What pre-trip training did you do for the hike?
A: I started carrying a day pack on most of my day hikes and maintained my weekly mileage as much as possible.
Q: What kind of fears or concerns did you have before the hike?
A: I was a bit worried about getting lost, because I have no sense of direction!
Q: What were you most excited about before the hike?
A: Spending time with my daughter.
Q: What was the overall highlight of the hike for you?
A: Spending time with my daughter in such a beautiful, unspoiled setting. The weather was perfect and everything was magical.
Q: Let’s talk about packing! Did you have a favourite item? Anything you wish you hadn’t taken? Any advice for others packing for the hike?
A: I Loved my plastic water pouch which was much lighter than a bottle, and my granola bars. I wish I had thought about packing an extra pair of shoelaces just in case. We ate much less on the trail than anticipated, so after the first two days relied on our prepacked granola/protein bars instead of purchasing a lunch the night before.
Q: What’s next for you when it comes to hiking and adventure travel?
A: Hoping to do some hikes in Ireland and Scotland!
Q: Any general advice or words of encouragement for others planning on doing a section of the South West Coast Path?
A: Give yourself time to slow down and really absorb the beauty of where you are. Take lots of photos, and build in time for serendipitous adventures.
Has the wanderlust kicked in yet? I hope this how-she-did-it interview gives you some motivation for future adventures 🙂
XO
Emma – Vegan Adventure Holidays
