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In Search of Arthur: a walking tour
The quest for Arthur is a search for
our better selves
Location
Looe, in Cornwall, England, with excursions to Tintagel and Bodmin Moor
Dates
Saturday, May 3–Saturday, May 10 (7 nights)
Level of Difficulty
This trip features extensive coastal and inland walks. Participants should be capable of 2-3 hours of walking on mostly flat terrain with some hills. Alternative arrangements can be made for those unable to do the walks.
Works
Selected tales from Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur and more modern literary and film adaptations.
Program Description
King Arthur, Guinevere, and Sir Lancelot may never have existed, but their names conjure up a romantic image of gallant knights in shining armour, elegant ladies in medieval castles, heroic quests for the Holy Grail in a world of honour and romance, and the court of Camelot at the centre of a royal and mystical Britain. The epic story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table never fails to rouse the imaginations of readers everywhere. It will capture our hearts anew as we immerse ourselves in the legend and lore of Arthur. We will be based in the unspoiled fishing village of Looe with its quaint old buildings, twisting streets, smugglers taverns and Cornwall’s finest restaurants. We will discuss the most stirring tales from Sir Thomas Malory’s definitive classic Le Morte d’Arthur and some of the more literary and cinematic adaptations. We will spend a day at the iconic Tintagel Castle, the fabled birth place of Arthur the site of Merlin’s cave. We will spend another day exploring Bodmin Moor, an ancient granite moorland of outstanding natural beauty with Mark Camp, an experienced Cornish walking guide and life-long lover of Arthurian magic.
This trip is of special appeal to those who wish to explore the loveliness of Cornwall on foot.
Note: The trip starts in the morning of Saturday, May 3rd at London’s Gatwick Airport with time to allow those travelling from North America over night to transfer to Gatwick. The fee includes a return flight from Gatwick Airport to Plymouth (with a quick visit to the departure point of the Mayflower) and private transfer to and from Looe on the first and last day of the trip.
Discussion Leaders
Gary Schoepfel is a seasoned discussion leader with the Great Books Foundation, Harrison Middleton University, Classical Pursuits and beyond. He looks forward to exploring the most powerful and enduring legend of the Western world with other seekers on Arthur's own turf.
Mark Camp is a Blue Badge Guide who has lived in the Looe area for over 30 years. He loves to show people the coastal and inland treasures of Cornwall on foot. Mark will take us on a walk of the wild moorland, Bodmin Moor, and recount the many associations here with King Arthur.
Accommodation
Trehaven Manor Hotel, a small guesthouse in the beautiful fishing village of Looe with spectacular views over the ever-changing estuary, 7 nights
Fees
$3,950
Cdn
$450 Cdn – single supplement
Fees include
- readings
- accommodation
- discussions
- guided walks
- informal talks
- two meals each day
- excursions
- admissions
