Walk - Newquay to Perranporth

12.6 miles (20.2 km)

Newquay Perranporth

Challenging - Moderate to strenuous

After leaving Newquay harbour, keeping a lookout for the Kittiwake colony on the cliffs out to Towan Head, the Path crosses the famous Fistral Beach. The route across the River Gannel varies depending on the season, tide and weather conditions and therefore you will need to plan ahead. Either way there is plenty to see, including beautiful salt marsh plants and many species of wading birds enjoying the worms and crabs.

The West Pentire headland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its breathtaking seasonal wildflowers such as the June poppies and corn marigold flowers in the arable fields overlooking Crantock Beach.

Fantastic views of the seabirds around the offshore twin pyramids of Carter’s Rocks await around the next headland as you approach the dunes of Holywell and Perran Sands. Walking across the dunes can be quite tiring, but if the tide is right out you can walk to Perranporth across 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.

Griffin Newquay

01637874067

The Griffin is a family run pub, hotel and restaurant in central Newquay next to Towan and Great Western Beach and the South West Coast Path

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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.

Bowgie Inn Ltd

01637 830363

With unrivalled sea views, lots of seating inside & out, The Bowgie Inn & the surrounding area is the perfect place to explore all year round!

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Sprout Health Foods

01637875845

Sprout is an independent health food shop and courtyard cafe located just off the high street in central Newquay. Pop in and say hello.

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Breakers Beach Cafe Ltd

01872 552166

Cosy cafe on the beach at St Agnes. Hot drinks, Cornish pasties, sandwiches, cakes, chips & ice cream

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Highlights

The tiny white Huer’s hut overlooking Newquay Bay. The Huer was a lookout who had the important job of alerting the fishermen when shoals of pilchards were spotted in the bay.

Crossing the River Gannel: you have a number of options including taking the summer ferry, using one of the tidal bridges southeast of Pentire or following the main road and taking the alternative route through Trevemper.

The birds who enjoy the sandy haven of the Gannel Estuary. Thousands of birds travel here to find winter shelter, including ringed plover, greenshank, dunlin, curlew and teal.

Crantock Beach backed by a grassy plateau called Rushy Green.

Fantastic views from Pentire Point west. This area is owned by the National Trust who are keen to encourage wild flowers and grasses.

The hidden beach of Porth Joke.

Holywell Beach dunes, home to hundreds of different insects. You may also see dolphins from here.

Penhale Point with Iron Age defences still visible. Fantastic views here stretch to St Agnes Head, Godrevy Point and St Ives beyond.

Looking south from Ligger Point over the 2 mile stretch of golden sands of Perran Beach.

The view across the sands of Perran Beach from Droskyn Point with its natural rock arch. This is a good place to watch the surfers of Perranporth.

The Millennium sundial located on the point of the Droskyn mine overlooking Perren Bay. The dial shows ‘Cornish times’ which are 20 minutes behind GMT.