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.

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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.

Presingoll Farm Caravan & Camping Site

01872 552333

Family owned and run caravan and camping site. Pleasantly situated overlooking the beautiful North Cornish coast. Ideally located for the South West Coast Path.

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Perran View Holiday Park

01872 552623

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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Rosehill Lodges

01209 891920

Rosehill Lodges offer 10 luxury, self-catering eco-lodges with hot-tubs – 6 of which welcome dogs. A haven for relaxation, wildlife and stunning coastal walks.

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Surf's Up in Perranporth

07860155724

Modern, fully equipped self catering accommodation beside Perranporth beach, sleeping 4. With parking, Wi-Fi and within walking distance of the town centre.

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Cliff House B&B

01209 843847

Situated directly on the Coast Path, Cliff House in Portreath offers cosy accommodation. Rooms are bright & airy and provide everything you'll need for a comfortable stay.

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Portreath Arms Hotel

01209 842259

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.

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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.

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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Tideline Cafe

01209 844882

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

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Portreath Arms

01209 842259

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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.

SUP in a Bag

07949196011

Paddle Boarding Tours and Lessons. Enjoy the stunning back drop, learn and explore, spot starfish, seals and occasionally dolphins.

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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 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.