Walk - Perranporth to Portreath

12.4 miles (20.0 km)

Perranporth Portreath

Challenging - Moderate to strenuous

Leave the bustling seaside resort of Perranporth behind as the Path passes through an ancient coastal mining district following rugged cliff tops. The mines along this stretch are home to bats, including the rare Greater Horseshoe bat. Not only do you pass many remnants of the mining industry, but you will also see some fascinating geology along the way, especially around Cligga Head.

The path can prove strenuous in places with some tiring ascents and descents, but there are also some more restful sections with level walking above high, sheer cliffs and fantastic views of your journey ahead. Look out for razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes nesting around St Agnes Head.

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.

Wavelength - luxury self-catering eco accommodation

Luxury self catering eco lodge. Sleeps 4 (2 bedrooms, 1 en-suite & family bathroom) with parking, countryside and sea views. Approx 0.5mile to SWCP at Wheal Coates

Trelawney

Situated in a quiet valley in the village of Porthtowan, this 3 bedroom holiday house provides the perfect place for a relaxing getaway, with easy access to coastal paths

Cambrose Touring Park

Small family run camping and touring site in sheltered Portreath Valley, close to Path and local beaches.

Camp Kovva

Peaceful off-grid camp site with eco shower blocks, Earth-friendly toilets & camp fire. A short walk from beach and local amenities. Email us directly to book.

Portreath Arms Hotel

The Portreath Arms is a family owned and run Bar, Restaurant and Hotel located in the centre of the village. The menu features good home cooked food with ever changing specials and daily locally caught fish dishes.

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.

Breakers Beach Cafe Ltd

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

Portreath Arms Hotel

The Portreath Arms is a family owned and run Bar, Restaurant and Hotel located in the centre of the village. The menu features good home cooked food with ever changing specials and daily locally caught fish dishes

Tideline Cafe

A SMALL CAFE SERVING BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, LUNCH AND CREAM TEAS. Also daily specials and afternoon teas.
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.

Koru Kayaking - St Agnes

Koru Kayaking offer 2 hour stunning guided Kayak Adventures along the St Agnes Coastline & Helford River and creeks. Tandem sit on top kayaks. All equipment provided.

St Agnes Taxis

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.

Interactive Elevation

Highlights

  • 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.
  • The mineral stripes in the granite rocks of Cligga Head. Look out for the copper staining in the rocks on the beach below.
  • Hanover Cove: named after the Hanover which was wrecked in a storm in 1763 losing some of its cargo of gold coins. Divers have recovered the ship’s bell, a musket and shot and many iron guns, however much of the treasure is said to be still buried under sand on board the wreck.
  • Seal spotting around Newdowns Head.
  • Spectacular views from St Agnes Head. This area is favoured by hang-gliders.
  • Looking out to Bawden Rocks (also known as Man and His Man) and watching the colonies of guillemots and razorbills and even puffins. You may also spot a few swimmers who attempt to swim out to the rocks in the summertime.
  • The remains of the dramatic cliff top tin mining buildings of Wheal Coates.
  • Chapel Porth, renowned for its great surf. At low tide the white sands stretch on to the next beach at Porthtowan.
  • Sally’s Bottom: note the contrasting Portugese granite steps leading down to the cove. Apparently ‘bottoms’ is a tin mining term.
  • The white Pepperpot daymark above Portreath harbour.

Shorter option

Walk to St Agnes (5.5 miles, 8.9 km) or Porthtowan (8.3 miles, 13.4 km).

Longer option

Due to lack of accommodation close to the Path, it is recommended that you stop at Portreath, however if you really want to continue there are a number of campsites around Gwithian (an additional 7.6 miles, 12.2 km).

Public transport

The nearest train stations are Truro and Redruth. You can then catch a bus from either of these towns to Perranporth or Portreath. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the bus stops, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Parking

Perranporth (Postcode for Sat Navs: TR6 0LG), Cligga Head, Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes Head, Chapel Porth, Porthtowan and Portreath.

Nearby Events

  • Lucy Daniel Guide - Walks & Tours For All

    Various Dates Available  |  Organised by Lucy Daniel Guide

    Join award-winning walker and guide Lucy Daniel for pre-organised or bespoke tours in Cornwall. Whether you're an individual looking for someone to join you on a walk to help you gain confidence, a family on holiday looking for a fascinating insight into local life, or even a group of friends looking for insights into local TV filming locations, Lucy is committed to providing memorable experiences for all.

  • Macmillan Mighty Hikes - Cornwall Coast

    31 August 2024  |  Organised by Threshold Sports on behalf of Macmillan

    Hike a full or half marathon Mighty Hike through the fishing port of Padstow, passing spectacular coastlines and beaches finishing in Newquay

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