South Cornwall Projects

In recent years, money raised from the South West Coast Path Association has helped fund many improvement and path repair projects in South Cornwall.

South Cornwall is a little overlooked by some passing through to head further west along the A30. What lies in wait for those that linger for longer are hidden creeks and coastal woodlands, sections of undisturbed paths where you won't pass a soul all day and fabulous beaches to take a dip at in their shallow waters. With places like St. Mawes and Fowey to explore, full of Naval history and stories, and Rame Head and Polperro full of smuggling legends and intrigue what's not to love.

Projects carried out along this stretch from Falmouth to the Edgecombe Estate on the Tamar river, looking over Plymouth Sound, have been very varied. Projects can come about due to a number of factors; storm damage, poor drainage, erosion (both natural and from thousands of feet!) and much needed repairs to and replacement of everything from signs to timber steps and kissing gates. As you'll see from the list below we and our partners have been very busy lately.

Particular projects that stand out are; Porthcurnick beach steps on the Roseland Penisula have been replaced after they became more and more difficult to use after storm damage and continued erosion between Fowey and Gribben Head required new steps made out of local Cornish chestnut to to allow for easy access along this well used route.

And between Polperro and Lansallos the Raphael Steps are now in better shape after new ones were installed, again using high quality hardwood to ensure they last as long as possible.

Future projects in this area that require further funding include new stiles along the stretch by Nare's Head and access paths to Gribben and Combe beaches need a complete overhaul of drainage, steps and slopes to reduce the rate of erosion and make them easier to use. Read about these and other Future Projects HERE. Other new projects are continually being considered by Coast Path local representative volunteers and Association staff with their local rangers on the ground.

We hope you will help us to continue to complete project work in this area, by donating towards south Cornwall projects, supporting us in other ways, or reporting any problems so that together we can ensure the South West Coast Path continues to be one of the world’s greatest walks.