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.

White Horses B&B and APT

01872573425

Est: 1987, White-horses B & B & apartment is a 8 minute walk from the coast path, All rooms are en-suite with panoramic sea, countryside and Perranporth village views.

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Treago Farm Caravan & Camping Site

01637 830277

Small family run farm site, just off West Pentire Headland, with footpaths to Coast Path. Open from Easter to 1st Oct. Modern washroom facilities, laundry & well stocked shop and takeaway.

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Newperran Holiday Park

0333 370 0555

One of Cornwall's top rated caravan sites. Also glamping pods and touring pitches. Set in beautiful rolling fields, a short hop from Newquay beaches.

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St George's Country House Hotel

01872 572184

Ideal stop over for hikers.

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Perran View Holiday Park

01872 552 623

An ideal place to escape everyday life, with lots of sports activities for kids and a recharging dip in the pool and sauna for you.Just 2 miles from Perranporth beach, great for surfing, snorkeling or sailing. Range of self-catering options available.

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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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St Agnes Taxis

01872 553795

30 years' experience of transferring walkers across the North Coast of Cornwall. Travel in comfort to or from the start or end of your walk. Luggage transfer service available. 4 - 8 seater available.

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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.