Walk - Porthcothan to Newquay

10.3 miles (16.6 km)

Porthcothan Newquay

Moderate - Moderate

This stretch of coast, with its vicious rocks and wild seas, was once particularly hazardous for ships and responsible for many wrecks before the lighthouse was built at Trevose Head. The Coast Path leads you in and out of little coves and headlands with generally fairly easy walking, with some steep steps to climb in places.

Some of this stretch is quite populated, especially as you approach the busy holiday resort of Newquay, however you can also feel a sense of escape when looking out to sea from one of the many headlands, such as the windswept Park Head which also offers fantastic views of the famous Bedruthan Steps. Local legend, fed to the Victorian tourists who loved this area, told of the Cornish giant Bedruthan who used the stacks as stepping-stones to cross the bay. If you feel like a picnic break and the tide is out, you may be tempted to take the long flight of steps down to explore the stacks as well as the many pools and caves on the beach.

Dogs on the coastpath

Report a problem

Share this page:

There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

The Scarlet Hotel

Luxury boutique spa hotel and eco-sanctuary with cliff top sauna. Adult only/dog friendly..

Bedruthan Hotel & Spa

Perched on a rugged cliff in the Cornish village of Mawgan Porth, this 4-star dog friendly hotel offers a luxury spa, two on-site restaurants, a bakery, and a host of activities for the whole family.

Sun Haven Holiday Park

Nestled in 14 acres, our holiday park offers a serene walk through the River Menalhyl woodlands, leading to Mawgan Porth’s dog-friendly beach. Just cross the stream at the bottom of our park and enjoy a 15 minute stroll to see the sea.

Higher Pendeen Camping

Advanced bookings only - Award winning, rustic, family-run, friendly, off-grid and ecologically considerate back to basics site with five pitches and Bell Tents.

Waves Beachside Holiday Apartment

Beachside, pet friendly Holiday Accommodation with secure parking & Surfstore. Located on the stunning Southwest Coastpath in the heart of vibrant Watergate Bay, Cornwall

Coastal Valley Camp and Crafts

Gold award winning rustic family eco campsite. Woodfired Horsebox catering Food and Cocktail barn. Holistic yurt. Topped off with Platinium awarded toilet and showers

Porth Sands Penthouse

Porth Sands Penthouse is a beautiful romantic beach apartment, situated right on Porth Beach in Porth, Newquay, Cornwall, with stunning views across the bay

Macdonalds Farm

Family run campsite for walkers, couples & families. Meet animals, enjoy great food, and relax with live music on weekends in a welcoming coastal setting.

Porthcothan Retreats

Nestled among the idyllic Cornish coastline just off the South West Coast Path lies Porthcothan Retreats, 4 unique cabins each sleeps 2

Geckos Rest Bed & Breakfast

Stay a 5 minute walk from the path, town, beaches & bus station of Newquay. Enjoy comfy ensuite rooms and hearty breakfasts, we can also provide a packed breakfast.

Fairways Guest House

Ideally located, Fairways is just a 2 minute walk from the town centre and is a great choice for walking the South West coast path.

Just Walk Cornwall

We offer centre-based, self-guided walking holidays with comfortable accommodation, ideal for couples looking to explore the South West Coast Path.

Fistral Beach Hotel

Overlooking Newquay’s iconic Fistral Beach, exclusively for adults. The contemporary beachfront hotel is a much-loved destination for coastal getaways, wild Cornish adventures and romantic breaks. Includes spa facilities.

The Esplanade Hotel

Beach front Hotel ideal for couples and families, including sea view restaurant, pool and sauna and access to surf lessons on famous Fistral Beach.

Treyarnon Bay Holidays

We are a family run business on the South West Coastpath in North Cornwall. We have camping, caravans and cottages available.

YHA Treyarnon Bay

Just 50m from the sea and 10m from coastal footpath offering private rooms, bell tents, pods and pitch up. Licenced Bar and Cafe. Perfect place to rest your head.

Penhalonga B&B

01841 521122 / 07815 833158

Family run B&B, full English breakfast. Single nights. Call Liz

You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Fort Inn

Family friendly pub on fringe of bustling Newquay .

Load-A Waffle

Loaded sweet waffles, breakfast baps, coffees, pastries & whippy ice creams at the street food market at The Boathouse.

What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Visit Newquay Tourist Information Centre

Based in Newquay Library, need help planning your day, organising a journey home, or looking for a Cornish adventure? Mon–Sat 9–5pm. Left luggage service. Wheelchair hire. Bus routes & National Express tickets. Free maps, guides & leaflets. Happy to help

Path near Watergate Bay. Photographer Neil Johnson, Cheshire.

Sunsets Gate, Watergate Bay. Photographer Tomas Jackson, Liskeard.

Watergate Bay from Stem Point. Photographer Zoe Newsam, Portsmouth.

Peaceful Retreat. Overlooking Watergate Bay. Photographer Victor Osborne, Cornwall.

SWCP near Park Head (near Porthcothan) looking north-east. Photographer Andrew Besley.

Looking back to Bedruthan Steps. Photographer Jaap Gaasenbeek

Pendarves Island. Photographer Peter Wilson, Co. Londonderry, NI.

Watergate Bay at high tide Photographer Chris Lewis (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Huer's Hut, Newquay. Photographer Mike Mayor

Huers hut, Newquay. Photographer Amanda Brooks, Cornwall.

The Island, Towan Beach, Newquay. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton

The boat at Newquay. Photographer Lucy Bloomfield, Newport Pagnell.

Isolation Photographer Chris Lewis (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Newquay harbour. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton.

Watergate Bay. Photographer Colin Milner.

Towan Head. Photographer Mike Mayor

Steps to Watergate. Photographer Victor Osborne (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Porthcothan Beach, near Newquay, from SWCP. SWCP Team photo.

Porthcothan. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton.

The cliffs at Porthcothan Bay. Photographer Andrew Trenoweth, Cornwall.

Trescore Islands Photographer Andrew Trenoweth (2013 Photo Competition entry)

Steps;Taken just above the beach at Trevone,Cornwall. Photographer Victor Osborne. (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Bedruthan Step Sunset Photographer Kingsley Scott (2013 Photo Competition entry)

Hiker resting at Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall. Photographer Richard Taylor.

Mawgan Porth Photographer Andrew Trenoweth (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Minnows Islands, near Trevose head. Photographer Mike Mayor

Bedruthan Thrift Photographer Clive Kingsley (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Bedruthan Steps Photographer Paolo Bartolini (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall. Photographer Russell Pike, Devon.

Up hill and down dale. Above Mawgan Porth. Photographer Victor Osborne, Cornwall.

Bedruthan steps Photographer Paolo Bartolini (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Queen Bess Rock. Photographer Jaap Gaasenbeek.

Towards Towan Head (Newquay) Photographer Andrew Ray (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Lusty Glaze beach. Photographer Neil Johnson, Cheshire.

Lost at Watergate Bay. Photographer Victor Osborne (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Huer's Hut, Newquay. Photographer Mike Mayor

Thrift carpets the cliffs over Lusty Glaze Photographer Mrs Julie Taylor (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Nice view. Looking down onto the beach and along the coast towards Padstow.Taken at Watergate Bay,Newquay. Photographer Victor Osborne. (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Beach Art at Park Head Photographer Andrew Trenoweth (2013 Photo Competition entry)

Walking the coast path at Bedruthan Steps. Photographer Junette Bennetts, Isle of Skye.

Griffins Point. Photographer Ted Forman.

Watergate Bay. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton

Between Porth Mear and Porthcothan, looking north towards Trevose Head Photographer Matt Whorlow, Saltash

Bedruthan Steps Photographer Karin Saunders

Bedruthen Steps Photographer Chris Davis (2013 Photo Competition entry)

Bedruthan Steps Photographer Andrew Trenoweth (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Looking down at Newquay Quay. Photographer Jan Peddie, Wirral.

Bedruthan Steps withThrift Photographer Clive Kingsley (2012 Photo Competition entry)

People climbing the steps at Bedruthan. Photographer Peter Reddick, Luxulyan.

Steps;Taken just above the beach at Trevone,Cornwall. Photographer Victor Osborne. (2012 Photo Competition entry)

Bedruthan steps Photographer Kingsley Scott (2012 Photo Competition entry)

View south from Fox Cove. Photographer Ted Forman.

Guarding the lobster pots on Newquay Pier. Photographer Christopher Gray, London.

Interactive Elevation

Newquay Coastal Erosion - February 2026 - The path near North Pier in Newquay is closed and diverted after a landslip. More details.
Whipsiderry Beach, Cornwall: Temporary Path Closure and Diversion - April 2021: Cornwall Council has temporarily closed part of the South West Coast Path between Whipsiderry Beach and Porth Beach near Newquay. This is for public safety reasons due to cliff instability. An alternative route is available. More details.

Highlights

Looking out to Trescore Islands and maybe seeing bottlenose dolphins.
Walking out to enjoy the fantastic views from Park Head: a prominent windswept greenstone headland which is the site of an Iron Age cliff castle. You may see oystercatchers from here.
The Bedruthan Steps, owned by the National Trust, are pillars of rock which rise from the sands of Bedruthan Beach. This was a popular holiday location during the Victorian period. One of the stacks is named The Samaritan after the cargo ship of the same name which was wrecked here in 1846, providing the locals with barrels of food and silks.
Griffin’s Point Iron Age cliff castle.
The 3 miles of sand at Watergate Bay, backed by huge cliffs alive with bird life.
The hillfort on Trevelgue Head with Iron Age earthworks still visible despite heavy erosion.
Barrowfields: this stretch was clearly important to our ancient ancestors as many barrows or tumuli have been identified here.
Enjoying refreshments at the end of your day and maybe watching the famous surfers of Fistral Beach.

Shorter option

Mawgan Porth (4.4 miles, 7.2 km).

Longer option

As Newquay is so busy in contrast to the earlier cliff walking you may be tempted to walk further and find somewhere quieter to stay around Pentire or Holywell.

Public transport

The easiest way to reach Newquay is by train, and buses runs hourly between Porthcothan and Newquay. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the train station and bus stop symbols, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Parking

Porthcothan (Postcode for Sat Navs: PL28 8LW), above Bedruthan Steps, Carnewas Point, Mawgan Porth, Watergate Beach and Newquay.

Section 16: Porthcothan to Newquay

Starts 180 miles (290 km) from Minehead

Ends 442 miles (711 km) to Poole

Previous section in South West Coast Path Padstow to Porthcothan

Next section in South West Coast Path Newquay to Perranporth

Local maps and publications

Nearby Walks

close

close

Find...

by place name
by map

Postcode, placename or click the icon to use current location

Latitude Longitude

Click/hold and drag the map to set the centre point of your search location under the red crosshair

Display results: from this location

close

Easy walks
Moderate walks
Challenging walks

Car park
Toilet
Place of interest
Photographs
Bus stop