Walk - Perranporth to St Agnes
Walk information provided with help from Natural England. Map reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2024. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100022021.
Route Description
- Head for Droskyn Point on the west side of Perranporth and you will soon encounter the first relics of the mining industry. As you walk, take a look back at the cliffs below Droskyn as this area was once famous for smugglers.
As you approach Shag Rock, there are fine views of Perranporth’s three kilometres of golden sands behind you and the heavily mined Cligga Head in front. Walking towards Cligga, enjoy the feeling of remoteness. This path was once well used by miners to reach the mine adits that are still visible in the cliff side. You will see some vertical, black mineral veins in the greisenised granite of Cligga Quarry.
- As you exit the quarry you overlook Hanover Cove named for the wreck of the Hanover, driven onshore with a valuable cargo in 1763. When you have rounded the cove, take a look back for a view of the mine adits and the mineral-stained cliffs below Cligga.
- The path continues alongside an airfield that was used during the war, and you’ll see the old aircraft shelters are still in evidence today.
- The path drops steeply into Trevellas Cove situated at the bottom of a once heavily-mined valley. The last tin stream works in Cornwall is worth a visit and still produces small quantities of tin today.
The steep track out of this valley is known as ‘Blue Hills’ and is famous for its annual motor trails event, meant to test both man and machine. The path runs alongside and is quite a climb even on foot!
Once on the top of the cliffs, the village of St Agnes with its numerous engine house chimneys lies before you. The ore from these mines was once taken to the Trevaunance Cove harbour for export. All that remains of the harbour are the granite blocks at the foot of the cliffs. The Coast Path itself goes on to St Agnes Head which provides the sweeping valley setting for Ross Poldark’s family home, Nampara in the Poldark TV series.
- After dropping down in to Trevaunance Cove for refreshment you could take an equally rewarding walk back to Perranporth along the same path, or wander up to the centre of St Agnes, a vibrant town, full of Cornish charm.
Trevaunance Cove, Perranporth and Perran Sands are beaches which are dog-friendly throughout the year.
Nearby refreshments
Perranporth and Trevaunance Cove.
Near to the start of the walk in Perranporth the Watering Hole and at the end in St Agnes the Driftwood Spars Hotel, St Agnes Hotel and The Taphouse are recommended by users of www.doggiepubs.org.uk as serving good food and being dog-friendly.
