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.

Wavelength

01872 438301

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

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Driftwood Spars

01872 552428

Brewpub & B&B by the sea in Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes. Enjoy Cornish ales, homemade food, barista coffee & friendly service in a true coastal pub setting.

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The 19th Acre

07943 270183

The 19th Acre is on the National Trust coastal pathway between Porthtowan and Chapel Porth. We offer two comfy cottages called Swallows and Skylarks on a farm.

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Trelawney

01736 754242

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

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Eco Park, Porthtowan

01209891500

The Eco Park is a multi use campsite and venue for green weddings, live performances, workshops, conferences, festivals, and private celebrations.

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The Veg Patch Cabin

07506 312490

A small, rustic cabin with mezzanine bed in a quiet rural location, 0.9 miles from the Path, £75 per night. Single night stays welcome

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Droskyn Lookout

Droskyn Lookout is an up and coming vibrant youth hostel, cafe & wellness centre. Spectacular views and located right on the Coast Path

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Portreath Arms

01209 842259

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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Basset Arms

01209 643262

The Basset Arms is a cosy 18th-century inn in Portreath offering hearty food, local ales, and bedrooms - perfect for walkers on the South West Coast Path

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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.

NCI St Agnes Head

01872 552073

NCI St Agnes Head is situated on the coastal path between Trevaunance Cove snd Chapel Porth It is the Eyes of the coast looking out for vulnerable people and vessels on t

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Koru Kayaking - St Agnes

07794 321827

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.

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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.

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