Walk - Portreath to Hayle

11.7 miles (18.8 km)

Portreath Hayle

Moderate - Moderate

After leaving Portreath the Coast Path follows the cliffs with some beautiful views of rocky coves, such as the wonderfully named Ralph’s Cupboard, apparently a favoured smugglers spot for stashing loot. After just a couple of steep climbs the Path soon levels and walking becomes fairly straightforward. As you follow the sheer cliffs, surrounded by brightly coloured spring and summertime flowers, such as blue sheep’s bit, primroses and yellow rattle, look down to the contrastingly raw, jagged reefs below.

Seals are a common sight around the waters of Godrevy and Gwithian and sunfish and basking sharks have been spotted from the North Cliffs. The dunes behind the spectacular beach which stretches from Godrevy Point to the entrance of the Hayle estuary are also rich with wildlife.

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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.

Sandbank House B&B

01736 752820

Nestled in the sand dunes, surrounded by conservation areas, with direct access to the coast road and A30, we are in an ideal location whatever your personal holiday passion.

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Nanterrow Farm

01209 712282

Found in the heart of a 100 acre farm, this charming late Georgian farmhouse sits within a traditional country garden in a quiet, traffic free valley.

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Sandbank Holidays

01736 752594

Nestled in the sand dunes of St Ives Bay, surrounded by National Trust conservation areas, with direct access to the coastal road and the A30, sandbank is an ideal location, whatever your personal holiday passion.

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St Ives Holidays

01736 794686

St Ives Holidays is one of the leading holiday cottage specialists in St Ives with nearly 250 cottages in and around the area.

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The Painters Cottage

01736 797626

Small friendly guest house set in historic former artist's residence with arts and crafts period features. Ideal for exploring West Cornwall and the South West Coast Path. One night stays, 4 full ensuite rooms. Evening meal available

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The Western Hotel

01736 795277

In the heart of St Ives with good breakfasts, comfy rooms and live music at night. Just steps away from the harbour, local art galleries and Coast Path. Baggage transfers.

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Cohort Hostel

01736 791664

Newly renovated hostel: Centre of St Ives & minutes from the coastal path. Dorms & private rooms, free WiFi, kitchen, TV room, lounge & bar.

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Tolroy Manor Holiday Park

01736 753 082

With an Old Cornish Manor at its heart, the Park is a haven for wildlife & nature and a charming base for your walking holiday. Stay in a cottage or house and eat out in our conservatory style restaurant. Just 1 mile from Hayle Towans beach

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Ayr Holiday Park

01736 795855

We offer luxury holiday caravans, s/c apartments, touring & camping pitches with amazing views and facilities. Less than half a mile from beaches, town centre & harbour. Town centre 10 minute walk from the park or a short bus/taxi ride.

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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

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.

Tideline Cafe

01209 844882

A SMALL CAFE SERVING BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, LUNCH AND CREAM TEAS

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Highlights

The views from the top of Western Hill down to the harbour of Portreath and to Western Cove and the cliff paths ahead.

The contorted rock strata of Greenbank Cove.

Crane Castle: standing on the site of an Iron Age cliff castle, almost entirely lost to erosion, you look out to Crane Islands and to the Path ahead along the Reskajaege Downs, which are covered in swathes of wildflowers and heather in spring and summer.

The overwhelming mass of cliff and sheer drop to the sea at Hell’s Mouth.

Seal spotting from Navax Point, which is covered in wild flowers, pink heather and gorse in the summer months.

The National Trust have brought in a small herd of Shetland ponies to graze at the Knavocks and help maintain the habitat favoured by small birds and butterflies.

Godrevy Island and octagonal lighthouse (now solar-powered) is three and a half miles across St Ives Bay, and is thought to have been the inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s novel `To The Lighthouse'. The island is covered in bright flowers in springtime.

Spotting the guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and cormorants from the North Cliffs.

The Red River which once carried the red iron oxide residue from the tin mines up the valley out to the sea at Gwithian.

Gwithian and Hayle Towans: the second largest dune system in Cornwall is home to hundreds of different species of plants, butterflies, moths and glow-worms. Apparently, St Gothian's Chapel has been buried three times under the shifting sands.

The 100 year-old swing bridge at the entrance to Hayle harbour.

The birds of Hayle Estuary.