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.

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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 Three Tees Hotel

01637 872055

Family run licensed hotel, off street parking. Situated in quiet Lusty Glaze area of Newquay. Short walk from Coast Path and town centre.

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The Village

01637 861005

A superb collection of two and four bedroom houses available for self-catering holidays, all with allocated parking spaces, individual surf storage and outside showers. Open plan living with en-suite bedrooms and balconies.

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Old Macdonalds Farm

01841 540829

Small family run Farm Park, B&B plus Campsite just ½ a mile from beautiful Porthcothan Bay, along the coast between Padstow and Newquay.

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Carnevas Holiday Park

01841 520230

Located in unspoilt countryside bordering the North Cornish coastline, a short distance from Padstow and wonderful beaches. Bar serving food available at certain times and shop.

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Penhalonga B&B

01841 521122

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

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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.

C-Bay Cafe

01637 830229

Dog friendly Cafe with beautiful views sitting on the Coast Path at West Pentire Head. Also offer Self-Catering Crantock Bay Apartments

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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.

Newquay Zoo

01803 697500

Get close to over1000 rare & endangered animals in 13 acres of tropical gardens. Run wild and release your inner animal.

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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.