Walk - Porthcothan to Newquay

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.

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.

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

Porthcothan, Carnewas Point, Mawgan Porth, Watergate Beach and Newquay.

Bre-Pen Farm Shop at Mawgan Porth is a Taste of the West member and specialises in selling local and own meat and vegetables, free-range eggs, home made cakes and jams. There is also a tearoom for cream teas and light snacks.

Newquay has numerous restaurants, shops, pubs and cafes to choose from. Establishments that serve local produce include Taste of the West members, The Headland Hotel on Fistral Beach which serves locally sourced fresh produce in their Sand brasserie or restaurant, and Morris Pasties in town has an award winning Cornish pasty selection.