My interests (apart from sharing my enthusiasms with others) include botany, ornithology, archaeology, geology and mineralogy, industrial heritage (hard rock mining), the sea (and its creatures) - and our climate (the weather!)

I’ve even been called an "environmental philosopher" by some friends - something I never really intended, but which just "happened" - along with my profession, in an organic sort of way. However, I try to adopt a rather "un-serious" approach as a guide, for I know from experience that humour, coupled with local knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm, is what really holds a group happily together and allows them to get the best out of their shared experiences...

All these interests may sound like a lot of “ology’s”, (please don't be put off) but very simply, it means that I enjoy observing the physical landscape and the people, plants and creatures that inhabit it. It is also very interesting to see how people over time have adapted to take advantage of their particular surroundings. Furthermore, I obtain great pleasure in sharing these places/wildlife/history/culture and observations with others. I believe that sharing beauty is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

Cornwall itself is composed of several quite distinctive regions. Each of these has its own unique character, peculiar geology, soils, wildlife and orientation. Consequently, we find that a great range of different habitats have evolved over time - and these habitats each have their own little range of flora and fauna - often unique to that particular area.

It is these different terrains which have endowed Cornwall with a wonderful variety of landscapes - from the high granite moors, to the sharply indented coastline with its spectacular cliffs up to 700 feet high, sand dunes, secret coves and beaches - to the deep and ancient woodland of the tidal estuaries - to the patchwork of old Celtic fields - to the sudden and secretive "Coombes" - narrow but very steep wooded valleys, wherein lie many enchanting and magical places.

All of these individual areas have their own special charm and when you consider the actual extent of the coastline and all the different faces which Cornwall presents to the sun, wind and sea, it is little wonder that awe and surprise often greet walkers around every bend along the ancient footpaths which criss-cross Cornwall and follow much of the coastline. It's hardly surprising too, that we have explored the best of them - and wherever you may be, it is not uncommon to experience several changes of weather and overall atmosphere during a single day of walking.

Cornwall really is quite distinct from the rest of England - in so many ways - and for all these reasons, we like to think that we will take you to those parts of Cornwall which you may never see if you came here by yourself. We also like to think that we will show you particular places and wildlife which you might not see, unless you had a local guide. We will definitely share with you our knowledge of Cornwall’s Nature and her great historical pageant - down through the centuries and millennia - and indeed, back into Prehistoric times and beyond - into the mists of geological time - long before "manlike creatures" even began to evolve.

As you will see from our Cornwall brochure which we can email you, we will open your eyes to some elements of Natural History which you might not already know about - but, we will always keep in mind that you are on holiday and therefore maintain a light-heartedness and sense of humour - because after all, when you are on holiday, you will probably want to unwind and relax - and this could also mean that you might not want to think too hard at all!

Each group of mixed individuals and couples is different and we therefore always try to remain flexible in our approach, so that we can respond to each person's wishes in a way which easily fits in with the rest of the group.
This means that we can usually cater for those who might like to "stride out" a bit further one day, as well as for those who prefer to take things a little more gently. On a typical day, we might cover between 5 and 9 miles (average 7), but at a pace which will give us time to observe many things along the way.
In particular, we'd like you to have the opportunity to really "feel" Cornwalls' true spirit. Some days we may walk further, or even less - it all depends on the general consensus of the group and what there is to see on that one unique day. Another possibility might mean that we could divert from our plan for the day and drop someone off at someplace they might particularly want to see (where the rest of us won’t necessarily be walking) and pick them up again after we have completed our walk for the day.

Our flexibility is the key to our success - for although we will have an itinerary "in mind" for each day, we are always ready to respond to the vagueness of the weather and to requests for a change of plan. Cornwall, being surrounded by the ocean on three sides, does have an incredibly variable number of "micro climates" on any given day... so on the rare odd day that the weather prohibits us from any serious walking/exploring, there are always many other options, such as visiting museums, art galleries, country houses and gardens - and if you are feeling adventurous, even going underground - down an old tin mine!
With the knowledge gained from a lifetime’s exploration of Cornwall, we can always come up with a good plan for every day - trust us!

Over the past 22 years, as well as conducting our normal weekly programmes for individuals, couples and families - we have hosted many specialist organisations, such as America’s Connecticut Audubon Society, The National Geographic Society of Washington D.C. Sihler Reisen of Germany, Ventures Inc. of North Carolina, The Sierra Club of San Francisco, The Appalachian Mountain Club of New England, Global Express of Seattle, 5th Dimension Outdoor Club of Calgary, The “Chicks with Sticks” of Calgary also, The Wilderness Society of Georgia, Hotelplan of Switzerland, Naturkontakt of Bavaria, Paddington of Holland - and here in Britain, Saga Holidays.

Wherever you may live, we are sure that you would more than appreciate the unique nature of Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly ... and we shall look forward to welcoming you to our "home patch" - when it will be our great pleasure to share with you some of Cornwall’s most spectacular and enchanting places, wildlife and history.

Please contact us if you would like to receive our beautifully illustrated colour "electronic brochure" by email - which is very detailed and fully illustrated.

Yours sincerely, Martin Hunt.